Playa Venao

Playa Venao is located on the southeastern coast of the Azuero peninsula. This region juts out from the main body of Panama into the mighty Pacific Ocean. For surfers, waves are aplenty as the water quickly deepens not far from shore. Locals say the surf is year round. The tides swing considerably and locals do not agree on a favored tide for the best surf. It is a fierce debate and more likely a matter of preference. 

Low tide, marea baja

There are many places to stay in Playa Venao and there are more coming. We stayed at Eco Venao Reforestation Resort. The resort is 140 acres of an active reforestation project. Guests can hike, horseback ride, enjoy the beach or waterfalls. The price is affordable with different style dormitory rooms, cabañas and houses. There is a yummy restaurant frequented by locals, a spa and a tiendita of local products and food from the Azuero. Bikes, surf and standup paddle boards can all be rented for cheap at the front desk or at locations throughout town.

Map of reforestation project area including the resort lodging.

If you do not surf the beach has many activities from swimming, tide pooling to snorkeling on calmer days. Resting and reading a book is also nice. The breeze keeps you cool as does the water.

The surf was tame at the western end

Our shelter for the day

Extreme low tide pooling

The Azuero has been heavily logged since the Spanish conquest. Most recently in the 20th century, the land was cleared for cattle farming due to America's love of fast food hamburgers. The region is now referred to as the dry zone. Ten years prior, Eco Venao was a cattle farm. The Panama government is giving incentives to land owners for reforestation efforts. Eco-tourism is on the rise, as well as, efforts to teach local farmers in sustainability practices. The Azuero Earth Project educates children and local communities about preservation and protection of the earth's ecosystems. www.azueroearthproject.org

The Dry Zone, once lush and verdant

Reforestation Efforts

Playa Venao is about a 5 hour drive from Panama City. The drive begins on the Pan American highway through the countryside into the Azuero Peninsula. There are mountains, rivers and ocean to enjoy. The roads are decent and easy to navigate. We spent 3 nights at Eco Venao before heading to our next surf destination, which will remain a secret as it was remote and barely known.

For more information about Eco Venao visit  www.ecovenao.com