Pedasí, Los Santos
Pedasí () is a town and corregimiento situated on the south-eastern tip of the Azuero Peninsula on Panama’s Pacific coast. It is the capital of Pedasí District in Los Santos Province. Its population as of 1990 was 1,494; its population as of 2000 was 1,830. It had a population of 2,410 as of 2010. As of 1 July 2020 the population had grown to 4696. It is principally a fishing village. Pedasí's town has two banks, a handful of restaurants, mini - supermarkets and small shops. The town is equipped with telephone and Internet service. Pedasí is known for lively annual carnivals, pristine beaches, and activities such as sport fishing, diving and surfing, as well as its proximity to several of Panama's national parks and preserves. Pedasí town consists mainly of a central road (Avenida Central), a plaza (city center). About two blocks away are several nicely maintained civic buildings, surrounded by quiet, residential blocks. With its quaint architecture and neatly laid-out streets, Pedasí is one of the main attractions of the Los Santos region. Geography Pedasi is located at the South Eastern tip of the Azuero Peninsula on Panama's Pacific coast. Transportation By car from Panama City, Pedasí is a smooth, roughly five-hour drive on well maintained roads. Pedasí is served by the Capt. J. Montenegro Airport , via charter or private flights. Bus and private shuttle services to Pedasi are also available daily. Government Former Panamanian President Mireya Moscoso Rodríguez de Arias, Panama's first female president, is a Pedasí native. She made it an objective during her term to better the town in which she was born, giving Pedasí improved infrastructure. There is a bust and plaque in the main plaza in her honor. Attractions Pedasí town is a little more than three kilometers from the coast, where there are several sandy beaches. Nearby beaches El Arenal (Bajadero) Playa El Toro Playa La Garita Playa El Lagarto Playa El Lanchón Playa El Cascajal Playa Los Destiladeros Puerto Escondido Playa Los Panamaes Playa la Miel Punta Chumico Playa Venao Surfing There are several breaks on Pedasí's beaches, the most famous local surfer's attraction is Playa Venao at from the town. In 2011 and 2012 Playa Venao hosted two World Surfing Championships ISA and boosted a world recognition of the entire area as a top notch Surfing spot, the locals claim there are always waves breaking and closing out in the beautiful bay of Playa Venao. Other more moderate breaks exist, which range from small for beginners, to overhead with the right swell. Playa El Toro has a left and right rock bottom point break for surfing (only one or two times per year with big swell), and Playa El Lagarto has left and right beach breaks (30 yards length for the better). Playa Los Destiladeros also has several breaks for surfing. Kitesurfing is possible during the dry season, January to April, particularly at Playa Arenal. Sport fishing Pelagic game fish are abundant because the continental shelf drops sharply relatively