Veraguas

Veraguas Province

Veraguas is located in between Cocle province to the East and Chiriqui to the West, a portion of the province is taken up by the politically autonomous province of Ngobe Bugle. It is centrally located towards the west of Panama City. The province is divided into twelve districts and the provincial capital is Santiago de Verguas. The province includes the World Heritage site of Isla Coiba and the world famous surfing beaches in Santa Catalina, on the Pacific Coast.

Veraguas has access to both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The world renowned Santa Catalina beach is a playground for the surfers, with super breaking waves seldom below the 5ft mark, there a several other superb natural breaking beaches for the surfer to explore. This area is also famous for the scuba diving and snorkeling, with terrific coral reefs and marine life. This is also the ideal location for sports fishing, with a chance to hook the prized black marlin and sail fish.

Scuba Diving off the Coiba Island is a rare and special treat, enhanced by the Indo Pacific current. The actual Coiba National park consists of 38 islands in total and surrounding marine waters and some of the Pacific coastline. The Coiba Island, once a penal colony, has been left untouched for many years. The Island separated from the mainland, thousands of years ago and has resulted in endemic species developing on the island. These endemic species include the Coiba Island Howler Monkey, Coiba Aguti, Coiba spinetail and many more. It is one of the remaining places in Central America where the Scarlet Macaw can still be found in large numbers in the wild. The area was declared a World Heritage Site in July of 2005.

Santiago de Veraguas is a small but vibrant provincial capital, serving as the centre for trade and administration of the province. Every year on July 25th the celebration of the history and culture of the town takes form in the parades and walks in honor of the city’s patron saint apostle Santiago.

Atalaya is an important religious town where thousands undertake pilgrimage to celebrate the Cristo de Atalaya or Jesus of Nazareth. Many devout Christians will drive or walk there to seek spiritual guidance and blessing. Veraguas has something for all tourists and residents alike from the beaches to the tropical jungles. A definite must to experience the hospitality and generous natures of the locals in the province.

Click here for more on Veraguas