Las Tablas

The Carnival Capital

Just over three hours drive from Panama City, the city of Las Tablas is located in the province of Los Santos situated in the Azuero Peninsula. A faster route would be a 35-minute flight from Chitre plus a 15-minute drive by car. This provincial capital was founded during the late 16th century, by Spanish explorer Jacinto Barahona.

Las Tablas is famous for its carnivals, folklore and Spanish traditions. Its Carnival is considered one of the best in Panama. It is during this February event that Las Tablas’ two famous streets, the High street and the Low Street, try to outdo each other with their fabulous day and night parades. Everything starts with the selection of the parade Queen and her attendants, who will reign over the daily parade and official activities. Showcasing a true spectacle of beauty and extravagance, these queens parade around the capital. Their exquisite and glamorous costumes are the result of year-round fundraising for the construction of the floats and the costumes. These parades span over 5 days, and rival the world famous Brazilian carnivals in Rio de Janeiro.

Historic structures in Las Tablas include the Santa Librada Church and the Museum Belisario Porras among others. Proximity to both the coastal areas and the nearby mountainous regions also create the impression that the Las Tablas is more than just carnival capital. Water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving and deep sea fishing are available for afficionados while hiking is more popular for the adventurous visitor seeking cool climatic conditions, whilst viewing a huge amount of bird species and natural wildlife.

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