Discover Guanico Beach: A Hidden Gem in Panama
Guanico Beach is a quiet paradise on Panama’s Pacific coast, offering stunning beaches, world-class surf, and an authentic local experience. Whether you're a surfer, a digital nomad, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, this guide Guanico Beach Travel Guide covers where to stay, surf, eat, and explore in Playa Guanico !
🏠 Where to Stay: Experience the Best of Guanico at La Chantin
For an unforgettable stay, we recommend La Chantin, a charming surf retreat that blends comfort and community vibes.
Accommodations at La Chantin :
Tipi La Ceiba – A cozy tipi-style cabin surrounded by nature, for families or friend traveling (until 4 peoples).
Tipi La Marinera – Another unique tipi-style room for a couple or solo traveler.
Cabaña Ostional – A comfortable cabana for a more private stay & A/C.
Why Stay at La Chantin?
Prime location near the beach and surf spots.
Beautiful shared spaces, including a fully-equipped communal kitchen.
Chill social area with hammocks, a surfskate ramp, and a pool table.
Fast WiFi for remote workers & digital nomads.
🏄♀️ Surfing in Guanico Beach: The Best Waves for Every Level
Guanico Beach is a surf haven, known for its consistent waves, sand-bottom breaks, and variety of surf spots. Here’s where to catch the best waves:
Main Surf Spots in Guanico:
🌊 Playa Guanico – Sand-bottom, ideal for all levels.
Beginner-friendly waves: Right side of the beach (in front of The Break Café).
Advanced surfers: Try the left peak near the main entrance.
Best Conditions: Works best at high tide with a 250-600kj power swell.
Longboard & SUP friendly: Mid-tide / high-tide is better for smoother rides.
Low tide waves: Only work with power above 80kj.
Other Surf Spots Nearby:
The Point at La Ceiba – Great during big swells. ⚠️ Only Advanced surfers
Cambutal Surf Spots:
Jungle Spot 4:11 – Right point break, deep water, rocky bottom, shortboard-friendly.
Short Circuit (Summer Spot) – A long, perfect right-hand wave, rock bottom, ideal for experienced surfers.
Distance: ~45 min drive (4x4 recommended).
Surf Lessons & Surf Trips:
Take a surf lesson with Robertito, a local expert who knows these breaks better than anyone. (~ from $30 per person)
Boat trips with Artemio – Explore secret spots along the coast for the ultimate surf adventure. (~ from $25 per person, min 4 people)
🍴 Where to Eat in Guanico Beach: Best Restaurants & Cafés
From local Panamanian flavors to fresh seafood and delicious pastries, Guanico offers a surprising variety of dining options.
Best Local Eats:
🐟 Donde Roberto (El Joron) - (local prices ~$6 to $10 a meal) – Famous for its fresh fried fish, ceviche, and $1 national beers.
🥐 La Fleka – ($2,50 for a chocolate croissant) - Don’t miss the Saturday morning croissants and pastries right on the beach.
🍕 Sunday Night Pizza Night – With la Fleka, ~$12 the Pizza (for 2) - Reservation required!
🍔 Guanico Café (Near Guanico Store) - ~$5 – Affordable traditional lunches and burgers in the afternoon.
Beachfront Cafés & Restaurants:
☕ The Break Café (higher prices ~$3/6 for a smoothie, ~$10 for lunch) – Smoothies, coffee, and light meals with an ocean view.
🌅 Surfcamp Guanico & Las Palmeras (~ $6 to $12 for lunch, dinner) - Beachside spots offering lunch and dinner.
🎯 Activities Beyond Surfing: Explore Guanico Beach Travel Guide !
While surfing is the highlight, there are plenty of other experiences to enjoy:
Must-Try Activities:
🏇 Horseback Riding with Jaime ($20 by person) – Ride along the beach, rivers, and mountains with a local guide.
🏞️ Hike to Marinera Bay (free) – Easy 30-minute walk to a beautiful, secluded beach where turtles nest.
🎨 Spanish Lessons with Helena (from $10 per person) – Fun and interactive lessons for all levels.
🎣 Fishing Trips with Artemio (~ $200 the trip) – Catch your own dinner on a traditional fishing tour.
🏴☠️ Surf Trips by Boat (~ $25 per person) – Explore hidden breaks and see the coast from the ocean.
🖋️ Tattoo Souvenir with Sandra – Get inked by a talented Swiss tattoo artist.
💆 Spa Treatments with Claudia ( from $30 ) – Professional massage therapy for
ultimate relaxation.
🛹 Surfskate at La Chantin ( from $10) - Enjoy the wave bank during the flat days !
Note: Prices available upon request. Reservations required for most activities.
🚘 How to Get to Guanico Beach ?
By Car 🚗
From Panama City: ~6 hours (Use Waze: “Playa Guanico”).
From Playa Venao: ~1 hour.
From Chitré: ~2 hours.
By Bus 🚌
Daily Buses: Guanico ➝ Tonosí at 6:30 AM ($2.50).
Return: Tonosí ➝ Guanico at ~10:00 AM.
Other option: Guanico ➝ Las Tablas (6:30 AM) & return (12:40 PM) ($5).
From Panama City: Take an early bus from Albrook to Las Tablas (6/7 AM, $10), then transfer to the Las Tablas ➝ Guanico bus at 12:40 PM.
Alternative: Take a bus from Las Tablas to Tonosí (every two hours) & a taxi to Guanico ($12).
🚨 No ATMs or gas stations in Guanico! Closest options are in Tonosí (Banco Nacional, gas stations, hospital, pharmacy, and small stores).
Final Tips for Visiting Guanico Beach
✅ Bring cash – no ATMs in Guanico!
✅ Pack surf essentials – reef-safe sunscreen, wax, and a good board.
✅ Respect the ocean – waves can change quickly.
✅ Support local businesses – try local food, lessons, and tours for the best experience.
Plan Your Stay in Guanico Beach 🌊🌴
For reservations at La Chantin, book directly through our website or on Airbnb.
Contact us for more details on surf lessons, activities, and the best local recommendations!
📩 Email us: labellevaguecorp@gmail.com
📍 Location: Playa Guanico, Panama
🌐 Website: surf-guanico.com
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