null: Chame

Chame Panama

Chame is a quiet coastal district in Panamá Province that feels much more local than its busier neighbour, Coronado. Sitting between mangroves, beaches, and low rolling hills, it suits travellers who enjoy nature, everyday culture, and an unhurried pace. It’s about an hour and a half by car from Panama City along the Pan-American Highway, making it an easy weekend break or a relaxed stop on a longer Pacific coast trip. The main attraction is the coastline, especially Malibu and Playa Teta, popular with surfers and bodyboarders thanks to their reliable waves. Early mornings are ideal for getting into the water, strolling along the sand, or watching local fishermen bring in their catch. Compared with the central Pacific resort towns, Chame’s beaches feel more low-key and less crowded, with wide open sands, simple seaside kiosks, and a laid-back, local atmosphere instead of big resorts and nightlife. Further inland, rural Chame offers a snapshot of traditional Panamanian life. The landscape is dotted with small villages, cattle farms, and tropical greenery, and you’ll often find roadside stalls selling fresh fruit, homemade sweets, and typical snacks. More active visitors can head into the nearby hills for easy hikes and viewpoints, or arrange boat trips through the mangroves to spot birds and other wildlife. It’s a good place to link up with local guides who can introduce you to lesser-known parts of the area. Facilities in Chame are simple but sufficient for independent travellers: there are small hotels, guesthouses, and holiday rentals, plus local restaurants serving Panamanian favourites like rice and beans, fried fish, and patacones. If you’re after bigger supermarkets, banks, or a wider choice of places to eat, Coronado is less than a 20-minute drive away. Chame may not have the polished feel of major tourist centres, but its appeal lies in its straightforward charm, welcoming residents, and easy access to both the sea and the countryside.

Recommended airport

Scarlett Martínez International Airport (RIH)

Nearby destinations