Getting to Buenaventura from Panama City

Buenaventura is on the Pacific coast at El Chirú, Coclé, about 1 hour 40 minutes' drive west of Panama City on the Pan-American Highway.

The Laguna buildings at Buenaventura, seen across the laguna

The drive

Follow Google Maps to Laguna building 500 in Buenaventura. Most of the drive is on the Pan-American Highway (Interamericana), heading west out of the city.

Stop at Quesos Chela on the way. We always do. It is just before the big hill (Cerro Campana). Order more than one empanada: cheese, chicken or beef, and the newer plantita empanadas. Get a chicha to drink, or a duro de leche agria (frozen buttermilk) for the rest of the drive. The people selling fruit outside have good fruit too.

At the resort entrance

Buenaventura has a staffed main entrance. The staff will ask for identification. Before you arrive, send us the names and IDs of each driver, and we will tell the office that you are coming.

Parking

The apartment has one parking space for guests, marked "512". The other "512" space holds our 4x4. Our guests can rent it at 33% off, for a minimum of 2 days. Ask us when you book. If you bring more than one car, park the others in the visitor spaces. There are plenty.

Check-in and checkout

  • Check-in: from 4:00 pm to midnight. If you need a different time, ask us and we will try to arrange it.
  • Checkout: before 10:00 am.

We send the arrival instructions and access codes by email, or in the Airbnb app if you booked there, before you arrive.

Questions

How far is Buenaventura from Panama City?

About 1 hour 40 minutes by car, west on the Pan-American Highway. The distance depends on where in the city you start.

Do I need ID to enter Buenaventura?

Yes. Every driver shows identification at the main entrance. Send us each driver's name and ID before you arrive so the office expects you.