Experience paradise on the Pacific Coast of Panama with a family beach adventure in Cambutal! Situated along the renowned Azuero Peninsula, Cambutal is an enchanting fishing village with a unique mixture of cowboys, surfers, and fishermen, making for a small community that is diverse and friendly. With its laid-back atmosphere and breathtaking ocean views, Cambutal provides the perfect escape for families looking to relax and reconnect.
Why you should visit Cambutal, Panama
Cambutal Panama is a perfect destination for family-friendly vacations. Located at the end of the Azuero Peninsula road, Cambutal’s beautiful, pristine black-sand beaches offer plenty of opportunities for relaxation and adventure. With quality surf breaks, lush forests, and interesting shorelines, Cambutal also offers amazing chances to enjoy nature.
Whether you’re wanting to play in the Pacific Ocean or explore the area’s stunning mangroves, Cambutal gives you plenty to explore– all while avoiding the touristy feel of more developed destinations. Cambutal is a paradise that appeals to both young and old alike. It boasts lovely accommodations suitable for families, it is safe and friendly as well as close to Cerro Hoya National Park. This park is the last habitat for endangered scarlet macaws.
Other activities to enjoy include deep sea fishing, exploring nearby waterfalls for some cliff jumping, supporting local sea turtle releases, and spa experiences. So whether you’re looking for rest and relaxation or an unforgettable adventure with your loved ones, Cambutal should certainly be on your list!
How to get to Cambutal Panama
If you’re looking for a place off the beaten path, head to Cambutal Panama! Located on a remote strip of beach along the Pacific Ocean, this quaint fishing village takes a little extra effort to get to.
First, you fly into Tocumen International Airport in Panama City and then rent a car to make the four-hour drive south down the Pan-American Highway. After passing through Santiago and La Receria, venture off onto gravel roads until you reach the sea. Finally, follow the signs to arrive at the town of Cambutal.
If you’d rather avoid renting a car, there are several options for hotel transfers or guided tours between Panama City and Cambutal. This allows you to enjoy the ride as you take in views of lush mountains and stunning beaches. However you choose to get there, one thing’s for sure: Cambutal is well worth visiting!
What to do in Cambutal Panama
Cambutal is located on the Pacific Ocean coast, meaning that top activities are deep-sea fishing and surfing. Deep-sea fishing is one of the most popular activities; anglers can deep-sea fish for Mahi Mahi and Snapper. Surfers can take advantage of some of the best breaks like Shiloh Beach or nearby Pez de Oro Beach has waves that are more suited for beginners. Boogie boarding is also popular in Cambutal – it’s a great way to cool off after yoga or a hike.
Of course, there is plenty to do for non-surfers as well:
- Beach exploring and finding hidden gems like the caves at La Cuchilla and coves along the shoreline
- Hiking in Cerro Hoya National Park
- Playing with local kids who come down to enjoy the shores every day!
- Enjoy wellness facilities such as Breath Spa offers massages and yoga
- Relax and enjoy sunsets in front of Hotel Playa Cambutal
- Ride the black sand beaches on horseback
- Kayak or SUP in Luna Negra Bay
- Take a local boat ride or go fishing
Where to stay and how much it will cost
If you’re looking for a fun and family-friendly stay, we recommend Hotel Playa Cambutal. We really enjoyed the on-site pool, the beachfront restaurant with local cuisine, and the comfortable rooms. This hotel is run by a local family, so the vibe was perfect for us to settle into and relax but also had other kids to play with.
Even better, you won’t have to break the bank to stay here since rooms start at around $110 US per night. Whether you stay in a premium room with access to the pool or a standard room with simple amenities, Hotel Playa Cambutal is sure to please any family looking for an affordable beach vacation.
The best time of year to go
Everyone has their favourite time of year to take a trip. Whether your ideal holiday involves hiking in the great outdoors, relaxing on the beach, or exploring historic cities, there’s no right or wrong time to go. However, it’s important to keep in mind seasonal trends when deciding when to embark on your adventure.
For example, off-season months can be great times to visit Panama. November often offers budget-friendly prices while still having good warm weather. This is the tail end of the rainy season and waves are bigger but not as well shaped or consistent.
On the other hand, those looking for optimal weather and everything to be open should consider visiting between January and April. During peak season you have to be sure to book ahead and be prepared for higher prices. Waves are ideal due to offshore winds.
Read more about Cambutal Surf Conditions.
Additional tips for your family trip
Planning a family trip to Playa Cambutal? We’ve got you covered! Here are some helpful tips to make your experience as perfect as possible.
- First, take time to soak in the beautiful surroundings: Playa Cambutal has spectacular sunsets and our kids loved free time to just play in the waves at the beach.
- Speaking of beaches, remember to bring all the essentials for an epic beach day — plenty of reef-safe sunblock, hats, swimsuits, and boogie boards. Stay hydrated with insulated water bottles.
- For dinners out in Cambutal’s charming village, there’s not a lot of selection but enough to give you good variety. We really enjoyed the veggie food at;
- Hotel Playa Cambutal’s Restaurant
- Sansara’s Buddha Bar offers super nourishing and tasty eats too.
- La Casita Cafe is a charming cafe
- Breathe offers healthy, vegan, and vegetarian dishes with amazing teas, smoothies, and other warm/cold brews.
- There are a handful of authentic Panamanian restaurants offering up consistent, pork, chicken, or fish dishes with patacones and rice.
- Finally, we recommend giving Cambutal at least 4-5 nights. We say this because slow travel is so much more enjoyable, especially with kids. It takes a day to get here and a day to leave so ensure you stay long enough to soak it all in.
Our Cambutal family beach adventure was the most locally immersive part of our trip. We loved that the kids got to play with local kids, run wild on the beaches, and the slow pace of this off-the-beaten-path fishing village.
Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, this charming beach destination offers endless possibilities for quality time with your loved ones. We would certainly recommend exploring Cambutal, Panama, and creating family travel memories that will last a lifetime!