In the Pedasí District, travel interests range from the waves of Playa Venao to protected coastal and island landscapes.

Surfing and turtle conservation at Playa Venao

Playa Venao is in the Pedasí District and, thanks to its varied waves, is suitable for surfing almost year-round. There are surf schools at Playa Venao where you can book lessons. Visitors can also take part in turtle conservation campaigns there: they care for nesting turtles, protect relocated eggs, or accompany newly hatched turtles on their way to the sea. Confirm campaign dates before your trip.

Coastal and island landscapes

The Pablo Barrios Wildlife Refuge protects more than 15 hectares of coastal marine area, including beaches, mangroves, dunes, and wetlands. The Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge offers a different landscape: it protects a 58.5-hectare island with tropical dry forest, surrounded by more than 40 hectares of coral reefs made up of 17 reef-building coral species. The waters around Isla Iguana are home to more than 347 fish species; they are also an important nesting site for seabirds.

Nature and culture in Los Santos

Sea turtle conservation also plays a role in the wider destination of Los Santos. The Isla Cañas Wildlife Refuge is a nesting ground for olive ridley, green, hawksbill, and leatherback turtles. Visitors can watch sea turtles lay their eggs there. From Puerto Cañas, an approximately ten-minute boat ride through a mangrove landscape leads to the island; confirm departures and availability locally.

Los Santos also offers cultural attractions. The National Festival of La Mejorana in Guararé has been held since 1949; its program includes competitions for camisillas, hats, and violin. La Villa de Los Santos is home to Iglesia San Atanasio, a Catholic church founded in 1569 in the Mudéjar style, which was declared National Historic Heritage in 1938. Corpus Christi celebrations there include folkloric dances such as the Diablicos sucios and Diablos limpios. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the event dates in advance.

Getting there and choosing your focus

For guidance around the wider destination of Los Santos: after the turnoff at Divisa, the drive takes about one hour to Pedasí and about two hours to Tonosí. Traffic and road conditions may affect travel time.

When choosing a hotel, the first consideration is what you want to focus on during your stay: surf lessons and campaigns at Playa Venao, the different habitats of the protected areas, or cultural attractions in the wider Los Santos region. Travel times to Pedasí and the dates of campaigns, boat trips, and events are separate planning considerations.

Discover more destinations: Pedasí District, Las Escobas Del Venado, Las Tablas.

Back to the wider travel guide: Los Santos.