Getting Here.
Find Us.
Guanico Beach Resort is tucked away on Panama’s stunning Pacific coast, surrounded by jungle, surf, and serenity. Just a short drive from the main southern routes, the journey here is part of the experience—wildly scenic, soul-soothing, and full of natural beauty.
Location:
Guanico Beach Camp
Playa Guanico Abajo, Tonosí District, Los Santos Province, Panama
GPS Coordinates:
Latitude: 7.274331
Longitude: -80.416288
From Panama City
By Car
Distance: ~350 km (217 miles)
Travel Time: About 5.5 to 6.5 hours by car
Take the Pan-American Highway (Route 1) heading west out of the city.
You'll pass through Divisa, Chitré, Las Tablas, and Tonosí, before reaching Playa Guanico Abajo.
You'll pass through Divisa, Chitré as you drive toward Las Tablas, then continue south following signs to Tonosí.
From Tonosí, head west to Playa Guanico Abajo.
Look for signs to Guanico Beach Resort as you near the coastline.
The final stretch includes a picturesque unpaved road—take your time, enjoy the ride, and let the landscape guide you in.
Rental Car Options
Budget, Alamo, Hertz, Thrifty, Dollar at Tocumen Intl. Airport (PTY)
Rates from as low as ~$41/day for economy cars; automatic and full-size also available.
Ideal if you want freedom to explore beyond Guanico.
Routes Car Rentals (Skyscanner) –
Airport pickup, flexible booking, cancel anytime (no extra fees). Includes SUVs, compacts, vans—starting at ~$41/day
Local Rentals in Tonosí (via Expedia)
Economical options.
Pickup in Tonosí town after bus or shuttle arrival
Shuttle & Private Transfer Services
Venao Tours & Transfers
Custom transport for groups or solo travelers based in Playa Venao.
Website: venaotours.com
Email: venaotours@gmail.com
Whatsapp: +507 6274 3222
Panama Roadrunner (Panama City / Tocumen Airport → Guanico)
Reliable, comfortable vans tailored for small groups or solo travelers (~5–6 h,). Includes helpful pickup/drop-off and luggage assistance—ask us for their contact info. panamaroadrunner.tumblr.com
Layback Travel Bus + Taxi Combo
Margaritas: Take the scenic Albrook Terminal → Las Tablas coach (approx. 4 h); then a coaster bus to Tonosí (~50 min); finish with a short taxi ride to Guanico (~30 min)
Direct Minibus from Las Tablas
Take a bus from Panama City to Las Tablas from the Albrook bus terminal (schedules can be found online). The bus trip should take about four and a half hours. In Las Tablas, either catch the 1:30 p.m. bus to Playa Venao or take a taxi.
From Pedasí
By Car
Distance: ~70 km (43 miles)
Travel Time: About 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on road conditions and weather.
Follow signs toward Tonosí, then continue to Playa Guanico Abajo.
This route involves some paved road and a final stretch of unsealed, rural road, especially after passing through Tonosí, so driving with caution (and ideally with a vehicle that has decent clearance) is recommended.
The final stretch is along a rustic coastal road—slow down, take it in, and enjoy the views. Monkeys, tropical birds, and ocean glimpses are all part of the welcome.
By Shuttle
PedaCab Shuttle Co.
Shared and private transport between Pedasí, Playa Venao, and surrounding areas.
Email: pedacabshuttle@gmail.com
Whatsapp: +507 6542 1101
Tonosí Travel Services
Local taxi and custom ride coordination from Las Tablas or Tonosí to Guanico.
WhatsApp: +507 6203 4499
Rental Car Options
Local Rentals in Tonosí (via Expedia)
Pickup in Tonosí town after bus or shuttle arrival.
From Playa Venao
By Car
Distance: ~50 km (31 miles)
Travel Time: Around 1 to 1.5 hours
Follow signs toward Tonosí, then continue to Playa Guanico Abajo.
This route involves some paved road and a final stretch of unsealed, rural road, especially after passing through Tonosí, so driving with caution (and ideally with a vehicle that has decent clearance) is recommended.
The final stretch is along a rustic coastal road—slow down, take it in, and enjoy the views. Monkeys, tropical birds, and ocean glimpses are all part of the welcome.
By Shuttle
PedaCab Shuttle Co.
Shared and private transport between Pedasí, Playa Venao, and surrounding areas.
Email: pedacabshuttle@gmail.com
Whatsapp: +507 6542 1101
Tonosí Travel Services
Local taxi and custom ride coordination from Las Tablas or Tonosí to Guanico.
WhatsApp: +507 6203 4499
Venao Tours & Transfers
Custom transport for groups or solo travelers based in Playa Venao.
Website: venaotours.com
Email: venaotours@gmail.com
Whatsapp: +507 6274 3222
If renting transportation or using transfer services, please contact these providers directly to inquire about availability, rates, and reservations.
Advance booking is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.
If you need assistance or recommendations based on your itinerary, please feel free to reach out to us.
Which Option Is Best for You?
Want ease and comfort? Choose a private shuttle—perfect if traveling with surfboards or in a group.
On a budget but flexible? Try the coach‑minibus combo—economical and scenic.
Planning your own adventures around Panama? Opt for a rental car, especially if booking in peak season or traveling far.
Need Assistance?
Tips for Traveling with Surf Gear
Bringing your own board? We love that. Here’s how to make sure it gets to Guanico safe, sound, and ready to ride:
If You’re Taking a Shuttle or Private Transfer with your board:
Let your driver know in advance that you’re traveling with a surfboard—they’ll usually bring a roof rack or padded space.
Bring tie-down straps or a soft travel rack just in case.
Use a well-padded travel board bag, ideally with room for fins, leash, and a wetsuit or towel to add extra cushion.
If You’re Taking Buses or Colectivos with your board:
Long-distance buses (e.g., from Albrook to Las Tablas) may allow surfboards in the undercarriage. Arrive early to request a spot—space is first come, first served.
Smaller minibuses or taxis from Las Tablas or Tonosí may not be equipped for boards. In that case:
Share a taxi with friends and secure your board to the roof or inside diagonally.
Keep your board in a sock or soft case if space is tight, and protect the nose and tail with clothing or towels.
If You’re Renting a Car with your board:
Choose a vehicle with a roof rack or enough interior length (like a small SUV or wagon).
If no rack is available, bring portable soft racks and padding to avoid dings or scratches.
Pro tip: Always double-check your board bag after long hauls for any pressure dings, especially if it traveled under other luggage. And if you need wax, leash, or fin keys—we’ve got extras waiting at the surf shop.
