Playa Blanca Panama
Close to El Valle Panama is Grand Playa Blanca Panama, a four-star resort and spa located in a tropical setting on the Pacific coast, less than an hour and a half from Panama City.
Translated, Playa Blanca means “white beach” and the area boasts what could arguably be the best unspoiled beaches in the country.
This is a fabulous beachfront hotel resort with 220 guest rooms, gorgeous suites and all the amenities including a swim-up bar, a quiet pool, several Jacuzzis, mini-golf, and a games area.
Many travellers to Playa Blanca Panama choose this resort for its wonderful accommodations, natural beauty, and outdoor activities. On the priority list for many tourists is a hike to the nearby waterfall or participation in a canopy tour or rainforest jungle trail hike (paved for easier walking).
Playa Blanca Panama resort offers refreshing drinks, a swimming pool in a beautiful setting, and a handy snack bar for those who aren’t ready for a formal meal. Watch out for the “friendly” native birds. They seem to have a knack for finding the visitor with accessible snacks. Even toucans are known for coming right to the outdoor tables.
The Pacific coast beach at Playa Blanca Panama is a favorite among visitors. Because it is so close to Panama City and equally close to the virgin rainforests of El Valle, the beach is attracting more and more visitors each year. This stretch of sand is recommended in many tourist guidebooks, for good reason, according to reports from satisfied visitors.
At times the surf is good for body surfing or surfboards, though the waves can be a bit inconsistent. Most people come to simply relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
El Valle Panama
Although Panama is a small country the landscape is quite diverse. Within Panama’s borders you will find Caribbean and Pacific beaches, cloud forests, lush rainforests, cosmopolitan cities, historic ruins, and unique canals and waterways.
The El Valle area of Panama is another unique destination. Just two hours from Panama City, El Valle de Anton, as it is formally called, is very picturesque. It is situated in a large (15 square mile) 5 million year old, dormant volcanic crater.
Visitors come to El Valle to enjoy the town’s beautiful homes, the panoramic views, and the local open air marketplace where Indian artisans display their handicrafts including hand decorated wood and soap stone carvings plus handmade indigenous clothing and hats.
Nearby attractions include bird watching in the cloud forests of Gaital National Monument, nearby waterfalls and thermal hot pools, pre-Colombian petroglyphs, rainforest canopy tours and a hiking trail up to the top of “Sleeping Indian Woman Mountain.”
Because El Valle is a village in the mountains, the atmosphere is a bit cooler than at lower elevations. This is a still a refreshing spot that draws many visitors .
As is the case with many locations in Panama, the Pacific coast and the El Valle area offer more than enough animal and plant life for the nature enthusiast. Add to this the beauty of the beach, the proximity of the Panama Canal and excellent weather and you might say that this side of Panama is paradise.
Whether its beach activity, water sports, fishing or nature hiking you crave, they are all available on the Pacific coast of Panama. Full-service resorts like Grand Playa Blanca Panama provide the best in dining and overnight accommodations, with an excellent golf course available for good measure.
Playa Blanca Part of Caravan Panama Tours
A visit to Playa Blanca beach is included as part of our Caravan Panama Tours. These fully escorted 8-day tours are exceptionally priced starting at just $1,295. They are also all inclusive Panama vacations and includes a two night stay at Grand Playa Blanca Resort.
Visit Panama Tours Reservations to check tour availability and be sure to check out our Panama travel tips page.
To book your tour call Caravan toll free at 1-800-CARAVAN (227-2826).
