Expats Discover the Town of Pedasí as a Retirement Destination

Expats began discovering the town of Pedasí as a possible retirement destination a few years ago, and now the secret is out. Pedasí is in the province of Los Santos, situated on the south-eastern tip of the Azuero Peninsula on Panama’s Pacific coast. It is a four-hour drive coming from Panama City.

Back on our February 2020 tour, we visited Pedasí, and as always, we stayed overnight in Pedasí. Three of the eight guests on that tour decided that Pedasí was the place in Panama they would move to. We have been back to Pedasí with our groups many times since then, and even more guests have decided to move there.

Pedasí is a small, sleepy town with a permanent population of around 3,000 and a rural feel. This charming village is surrounded by green pastures and miles of unspoiled beach with little development and a short couple-minute drive to the beach.

Known as the “Tuna Coast” of Panama, fishing is the primary source of income for locals here. With that being said, the waters are filled with a variety of different fish. Sportfishing becomes a hobby here, as you are almost guaranteed to have a nice catch every day.

Another great attraction that has been rising in popularity among travelers is surfing. Surfers around the world come to enjoy the waves at Playa Venao, a 30-minute drive away, a surfing beach. In fact, in 2011 and 2012, more than 200 surfers competed in the waves of Playa Venao for the World Surfing Championships, making this one of the best-surfing destinations in Central America.

Isla Iguana Island offers beautiful white-sand beaches, ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, beachcombing, swimming, and relaxing. Visitors can also enjoy the beaches and the coral reefs. El Arenal beach is the starting point for a 20-minute boat ride to the wildlife refuge, and it’s just five minutes away from the town.

Retirement in Pedasí

Pedasí is located in the so-called “Dry Arch,” the driest region of Panama, with less rainfall than the rest of the country. Ocean breezes keep daytime temperatures between 80°F and 90°F, while nights are almost exclusively cool and pleasant.

The town offers all the basic amenities for everyday living. You can find some grocery stores, gas stations, and a public library. For major shopping events, the town of Chitré, about an hour away, has most things, and the City of Santiago is 1.5 hours away with all city amenities. The Minsa-Capsi hospital offers a wide range of services with specialists in many fields.

Another big reason why many expats move in Pedasí is the safety. The crime levels are lower than in the rest of the country. Locals and expats are helping each other, and expats are always welcome, as well as their businesses.

Currently, only a few hundred expats are living in the Pedasí area. These expats come from various countries around the world. The expat population continues to grow as more families and retirees, including North Americans, seek a simpler life. The town’s rural ambiance may not be for everyone, but resident expats love the unique feel.

Lifestyle in Pedasí

Pedasí is a paradise for ocean lovers. Scuba, snorkel, windsurfing, and deep-sea fishing are among the activities you can do here.

The lifestyle is very comfortable and relaxing. Locals and expats usually blend to enjoy holidays and special events, with expats getting to know their Panamanian neighbors and making new friends.
There are many great local restaurants in and around Pedasí. The expat-owned Smiley’s restaurant is a great place where expats gather to hang out and socialize and sometimes enjoy a good game of Bingo. Volunteer programs are also plentiful in Pedasí, with many volunteer opportunities to apply your skills to help the locals.If you want to go shopping, Las Tablas and Chitré are less than an hour away.

For a typical day, it starts with a cup of great Panama coffee and a pastry from a local bakery, followed by a bike ride to the beach and a long walk, relaxing at the cool breezes in the afternoon, and a lively chat with friends in one of the famous restaurants during the evening.

Real Estate in Pedasí

Of course, when you move here, finding a rental is your best option. Try it out for six months to a year before committing to buying something. Rentals can range from as little as $400 for a Panama-style home to $1,000 or more a month for more luxurious, North American-style homes.

If you decide to buy later, you will find many affordable areas in and around Pedasí. With a growing number of expats moving to Pedasí, new homes in all styles are being constructed, and real estate availability is greater.

It’s more than a tour . . it’s an experience.