Santa Clara, Panama

Santa Clara - A brief History

A hidden jewel in Panama

NOTE: Must Click play below for video clip - 63 seconds

John`s Comments
Santa Clara, Panama is just over an hour west of Panama City and you can drive to the beach off the Pan-American Highway (Expressway). Santa Clara for the tourist has some pleasant accommodations & restaurants but it is mainly the beautiful white-sand beach, and with not too many people. During the week, the only signs of life you may see are a few fishing boats. The road from the highway (4 miles) to the beach is quite driveable.

John`s Recollections
Would I return. Yes for sure, and likely for a few days longer. The beach & accommodation will provide that incentive, yet it was an early morning fish harvest that helped to remind one of how the country really is. THIS IS PANAMA , a country of beautiful scenery, beaches and people but it still at times has very basic values showing others that life can be lived without the frills.

The settlement is a small fishing village with tourist lodgings and Panamanians' weekend homes. It is located just off the Inter- American Highway, 11 km norhwest of the El Valle turnoff and 100 km northwest of Panama City. The closest town is the beach resort Farallon. Santa Clara`s stretch of white sand beach is relatively uncrowded, and there are more locals and fewer tourists in Santa Clara than at other nearby beaches.

Panama, Santa Clara - Our Video Clip Commentary
The drive from Panama City was quite scenic with an extinct volcano and small towns along the way. Santa Clara was suggested as having a great beach that was close to the city. We were not disappointed as the drive from the Pan-America highway to the beach yielded a small public park Video Clip with beach access and even overnight hammocks for those that wished to sleep outdoors. We however chose the rustic accommodation Video Clip next door, that provided comfortable lodging with restaurant facilities Video Clip . Swimming and/or walking on the beach Video Clip allowed ourselves to enjoy nature without normal North American type distractions. Development of the beach area is limited, but one of the activities that should be enjoyed is watching the early morning fish harvest Video Clip . If you get close you may even be asked to participate.

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