Things To Do
in Las Tablas
Las Tablas is the cultural heart of Panama's Los Santos province on the Azuero Peninsula. It sits along the Pacific coast and serves as a gateway to pristine beaches, wildlife reserves, and colonial-era charm. The town buzzes with music, markets, and colorful crafts, reflecting Afro-Panamanian and mestizo heritage.
A visit here blends traditional rhythms with delicious regional cuisine and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Las Tablas and settle into your family-run guesthouse where the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and traditional corn tortillas awaits you. Meet your local host, exchange warm Panamanian greetings, and take a short stroll to explore the pastel-colored colonial façades lining the central plaza. Feel the pulse of town life as vendors display handcrafted goods and musicians practice horns for evening rehearsals.
Join a guided walking tour through neighborhood streets and learn about Las Tablas’s rich history of Carnival and folk traditions from a local guide. Stop by a community center to meet artisans crafting mola-inspired textiles and chicheras making traditional corn beer. Discuss daily life in Los Santos province as you savor snacks of guava pastries and tropical fruit juices under the shade of a ceiba tree.
Gather at a family home for a welcome dinner featuring fresh seafood ceviche, plantains, and signature dishes like sancocho de pescado. Enjoy live melodies on the violin and guitar as neighbors share stories of past Carnivals. Unwind beneath the starry sky with a cup of stewed cacao and reflect on the vibrant rhythms you experienced today.
Rise early to visit the bustling municipal market as fishmongers call out the freshest catches and mothers haggle for spices. Sample tamarind juice and homemade queso blanco before exploring stalls of colorful fresh produce and handmade baskets. Witness the choreographed energy of vendors arranging goods and learn how seasonal rhythms shape daily routines in Las Tablas.
Enter a small workshop where master artisans demonstrate the ancient art of weaving jipijapa palm hats and macramé décor. Try your hand at knotting patterns under the patient guidance of a local expert, discovering the meanings behind each motif and color choice. Conclude with a refreshing break of coconut water served in hollowed-out shells beneath rustic wooden beams.
Attend a private showing of straw embroidery at a community hall illuminated by oil lamps, listening to lore passed down through generations. Share home-baked empanadas and sweet rosquillas with fellow travelers and artisans while discussing the region’s cultural pulse. Wander back to your lodging by moonlight, carrying a handcrafted souvenir that embodies local tradition.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $2-4 |
| 🚕Taxi ride or local transport | $1-5 |
| 🧺Groceries (bread, eggs, fruit) | $3-6 |
| 🍹Nightlife drink | $3-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly locals and rich cultural traditions
- Proximity to beaches and nature
- Good value for money
- Limited upscale dining and international amenities
- Smaller town infrastructure for some services
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Hablas inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
Places to Visit in Las Tablas
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful colonial architecture and lively street scenes, especially during festivals.
Coastal panoramas, white-sand beaches, and abundant seabird life during the right seasons.
Expansive skies and dramatic sunsets provide wide-angle seascapes.
Food in Las Tablas
Las Tablas Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Hearty chicken soup with corn, plantains, yuca, and local seasonings.
Must-Try!
Yuca croquettes filled with beef or cheese, perfect as a snack.
Freshly fried fish served with rice, plantains, and lime.
Shredded beef simmered with peppers, onions, and tomatoes, served with rice.
Sweet corn and milk drink seasoned with cinnamon.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central market offering fresh seafood, produce, and local snacks.
Grab empanadas, patacones, and fresh fruit from street vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake or nod with a warm greeting is common; maintain eye contact.
Dress modestly in churches and respectful spaces; remove hats indoors and avoid loud behavior in quiet areas.
Ask permission before taking photos of people or private property.
Safety
Tipping in Las Tablas
Ensure a smooth experience
Tip 10-15% in restaurants if service isn’t included; small tips for guides, taxi drivers, and hotel staff are appreciated.
Cash in USD is widely accepted; many places also take cards; ATMs are common in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Sunny days with less rain, ideal for beach trips and outdoor markets; humidity remains high.
Afternoons bring rain showers; mornings are often clearer and the landscape turns lush and vibrant.
Las Tablas at Night
Hiking in Las Tablas
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal trail network around Isla Iguana offering seabird viewing, beaches, and scenic viewpoints.
Coastal and rural hiking routes near Pedasí with ocean views and forested sections.
Airports
How to reach Las Tablas by plane.
Panama City’s international gateway; accessible by road or short domestic connections from Panama City to the region.
David, Chiriquí; serves regional and some international flights; convenient for travelers heading toward the Azuero Peninsula via road transfer.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Afro-Panamanian and mestizo communities with strong cultural traditions.
Active in surrounding areas, contributing to local markets and cuisine.
Domestic travelers and international visitors exploring the Azuero Peninsula.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Panama; local leagues and impromptu games are common.
A beloved pastime with strong youth participation and local tournaments.
Common in gyms and community centers; occasional events are held locally.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Las Tablas.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes feature beans, plantains, rice, and corn; ask for meat or fish to be omitted and opt for veggie sides.