Cambutal lies at the end of a long, determined drive south through the Azuero Peninsula - past cattle fields, sugarcane farms, and sleepy villages - until the road simply runs out against the Pacific.

It was the wildcard pick of our Panama trip, a destination far beyond the usual stops, and one that most travellers, rushing through whirlwind itineraries, would never quite reach.

And like so many of our best travel decisions, it wasn’t entirely planned.

Emily had stumbled across a lovely little A-frame cabin on the beach almost by accident - a quiet discovery that somehow made the decision feel easy. But there was more to it too: that constant pull toward places like Cambutal, places on the cusp of being known, where the stories still feel real and the future still feels unwritten.

Not just because it makes for better trips, but because there’s something quietly wonderful about meeting a place before the crowds and expectations arrive.

In the case of this sleepy little beachside village, for a long time, there was little here beyond the waves and the fishermen who knew their moods but over the past few years, word has quietly spread. Amongst a small but discerning group, Cambutal has carved out a reputation as a fantastic surf destination for those chasing consistency and uncrowded lineups, and as a slow, salt-bleached corner of the world where yoga, wellness retreats, and the simple pleasure of stillness slow the rhythm of the days.

The beaches here - wild, endless, and streaked with black volcanic sands - remain gloriously empty for long stretches of the day. The waves roll in heavy and predictable. Driftwood beach restaurants lean crookedly against the palms, hammocks sway lazily in the breeze. And sunsets, when they come, seem to swallow the whole world in gold and fire.

No crowds, no developed sea fronts; just an empty stretch of sand, a dusty road, and the constant hum of the Pacific.

And yet, Cambutal hasn’t stood entirely still: a co-working space has opened its doors just back from the beach, there’s a surprisingly good shop that stocks everything from almond butter to authentic Greek yoghurt, a new coffee spot that wouldn’t look out of place further along the coast and a Neapolitan pizza restaurant that will satisfy even the fussiest of Italian tastes.

Tourism has arrived, but carefully, almost reluctantly - and there's a sense that the the guardians of Cambutal (the early surf pioneers, along with a handful of conscious locals) are holding firm, determined to let the place grow gently and sustainably, rather than allowing it to tumble into becoming just another overbuilt traveller hub.

And so, for those who don’t chase waves, a quiet question remains - is it even worth the effort?

The answer, after two glorious windswept and sun-kissed days of very little but aboslutely everything we needed, is an unequivocal yes.

It’s worth every damn mile.

In this short guide, we’ve shared our favourite places to eat, drink, stay and hang out, plus advice on how exactly to get to Cambutal.

The Cambutal Essentials

Vibe / A super chilled and under-the-radar beach destination that attracts discerning surfers and yogis
Beaches / Long, black sand and very quiet
Surf / Mostly one for the advanced surfers
Eat / Don’t miss La Tierra de Mis Sueños
Other / Also possible to hike, horse ride and go whale spotting (in the right season)
Stay / We loved staying in this little A-frame, but for barefoot luxury - and surf & yoga retreats - consider Sansara Surf & Yoga Resort

Five Delightful Things to Do in Cambutal

Surf the Pacific Waves

For many travellers, Cambutal begins - and sometimes ends - with the surf.

Facing squarely into the Pacific Ocean, this remote stretch of coastline is blessed with powerful, consistent swells that roll in almost year-round.

The best conditions usually fall between April and October, which is helpfully outwith Panama peak November to March tourism season, and it’s the variety of waves that make Cambutal a surfer’s haven. Indeed, serious surfers based in Playa Venao often head out here in their 4x4s on day or weekend trips.

Spots like 411, a faster right-hand wave best left to more confident surfers, and El Ciruelo, a steady left-hand point offer the kind of empty, uncrowded rides that are fast disappearing elsewhere in Central America. Other highlights include Dinosaurios, with its powerful peaks offering both rights and lefts suited for intermediate to advanced surfers, and Corto Circuito, a rock-bottom point with a challenging peak that’s perfect for those with more experience.

Beginners shouldn’t be put off entirely though; at mid-tide, softer white water can sometimes be found near the main Playa Cambutal, and several surf camps - including Sansara Surf & Yoga Resort and El Ranchito - offer one-off lessons and longer, multi-day surf camps tailored for those just starting out (or those looking to improve).

Board rentals are easy to arrange through hotels, other accommodation, and the new supermarket. Do note that most of these waves are located a short distance from Cambutal, some requiring a 4WD to access (particularly in the rainy season). If you don’t have your own vehicle, several of the surf-focussed businesses also operate surf trips that take you out to various breaks over the course of either a half or full day - expect to pay around $60 and $100 respecitively for two people.

Wander Along Untamed Beaches

Even if you never set foot on a surfboard, Cambutal’s beaches are enough of a reason to linger.

The coastline here feels wild, untouched and vast, offering a chance to escape and experience something simpler. Whether it’s a stretch of black sand to walk along in silence, hidden tide pools to explore, or a sunrise to watch with a beer in hand, each beach in and around Cambutal has its own special charm.

There’s no rush here, no crowds, no real beach infrastructure, no music drifting from nearby bars - just you and the natural beauty of the place.

It’s a stark contrast to the more known and popular Playa Venao.

Playa Cambutal

This beach may not shout ‘paradise’ at first glance, but its beauty lies in its contrasts. The dark slate and brown sands, initially unassuming, are framed by lush green palms and rolling hills, creating a scene that’s unexpectedly stunning. The area remains largely untouched, with little development - and what exists has been carefully integrated into the landscape, almost hidden among the foliage.

You’ll often have the place and the driftwood all to yourself, especially during the weekdays, but our favourite moment to explore was in the early morning at low tide, as the village woke up to walk and run when the sand stretches out like a mirror, reflecting the soft light of the sun and casting a serene, almost magical glow over the coast.

Golden hour shop-bought beers on the sand were a close second.

Find Playa Cambutal here on Google Maps. By the way, Hotel Cambutal offer a free beer if you bring back a full bag of trash - you’ve just got to sign out a bag from their reception first!

Playa Los Buzos

A short distance down the coast, Playa Los Buzos opens into a shallow bay where colourful boats rock gently in the water and fisherman sit resting in the shade with a cold beer, unwinding after a busy morning at sea. Whilst still peaceful, it’s feels less intimate than Playa Cambutal due to the visible presence of the harbour, boats lining the shore, and a few houses bordering the sand rather than hidden among the palms.

It’s not built-up by any means, there’s just a more open, community, working beach vibe here. You can reach it either by walking along Playa Cambutal or along the dusty road - find it here on Google Maps

Playa Guanico Abajo

Around a 30 - 40 minute drive from Cambutal, Playa Guanico Abajo’s quiet stretch of undeveloped burnt-brown sand was one of the beaches recommended to us by our Airbnb host. Unfortunately, we couldn’t access it due to the need for a 4WD, but its rave reviews amongst those willing to make the extra effort means it more than deserves a mention here. It’s a popular spot for experienced surfers seeking pristine waves, but even those without a board enjoy the chilled vibes, the simple seafood shacks and the epic sunrises. Find it here on Google Maps

Ride Horses Along the Shore

There’s something quite magical about riding a horse along a deserted beach under the warmth of setting sun, and Cambutal allows you to experience just that.

We were actually really keen to do this activity, but upon discovering you could only walk on your ride - rather than trot, canter or gallop - put us off a tad. We have no doubt that it would still be a super enjoyable activity, particularly if you’re a beginner or more focussed on experiencing the area or having a memorable experience, but it’s something to bear in mind if you’re an advanced rider.

Various hotels and local companies can arrange horse riding experiences including Hotel Playa Cambutal, Sansara and Azuero Adventures. Prices seem to vary depending upon the number in your group, but expect to pay around $40-50 per person for a sunset ride.

All the horses we saw seemed to be well looked-after and in very good condition, but please do please enquire about this.

Another couple of nature-based experiences to consider in Cambutal are humpback whale spotting and sea turtle nesting. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the right time of year for either of these activities during our January visit, but if the dates of your trip align with the seasons they’re definitely worth considering.

Whales

Between July and October, Cambutal’s quiet ocean becomes a highway for migrating humpback whales, and small boat tours offer the chance to watch them breach, slap their tails, and cruise through the deep blue waters just offshore. Several hotels in the village are able to arrange this experience (e.g. Hotel Playa Cambutal) but tour companies like Azuero Adventures also offer them in the correct season.

Turtles

From late July through to December, the beaches around Cambutal become occasional nesting grounds for endangered sea turtles. Although there’s no large-scale conservation programme operating here - and sightings aren't guaranteed - some local tour companies (Azuero Adventures again) quietly organise small night-time walks for visitors interested in seeing these ancient creatures from a respectful distance. We do have to reiterate that we have not done this experience, so cannot gaurantee that there’s no funny business going on; if you join one of these tours we’d love to hear from you in the comments.

Stretch and Breathe with Oceanfront Yoga

Surfers will appreciate the relief of stretching out sore limbs after long days on the waves, while those staying firmly planted on the sand will find that yoga offers the perfect way to connect with the surroundings and unwind. Whether you're looking for a full retreat to escape the hustle and bustle of home or just a short session with the Pacific as your backdrop, Cambutal has several businesses offering yoga classes to suit your needs.

La Colectiva | More than just a yoga studio, La Colectiva is the heartbeat of Cambutal’s wellness scene whilst also catering to digital nomads and those working remotely. The stunning cowork space stands out, but the yoga offerings are equally impressive. You can drop in for a class, buy a block of 10, or opt for an unlimited monthly pass if you're staying longer. Find out more on their website.

Sansara | This is the village’s foremost barefoot luxury accommodation, offering a full body holisitic experience with a focus on yoga and surf retreats. They have quite a rigid schedule of week-long retreats - of which previous guests speak very highly - but if you chose to stay here outwith these dates, they also run daily yoga classes held in their beautifully designed yoga shala overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

It’s important to note that as far as we’re aware, the drop-in classes are not available to non-guests.

Sansara has thirteen stunning cabanas and been featured in the Architectural Digest, but it’s not in any backpacker’s budget - check prices and availability here.

Hike to Hidden Waterfalls

Beyond the beaches, Cambutal’s hills rise up in soft, green folds, hiding trails that lead to cool rivers and hidden waterfalls. The best-known, El Salto, can be reached after a short but muddy hike through farmland and shallow riverbeds. It’s not a technical trek, but after rains, the path turns slippery and it’s easy to lose your way, so joining a guided hike through your accommodation is usually a good idea (and at many times of the year, deemed essential according to our Airbnb host).

Those who make the climb are rewarded with a small but beautiful cascade tumbling into a natural pool - a perfect spot for cooling off before the sticky walk back down.

Expect to pay around $50 per person to join a tour to El Salto.

Longer hikes up into the hills are also possible for those wanting sweeping views over the coast, though trails are often faint and rarely signposted, giving them the feeling of real discovery.

Where to Stay in Cambutal

Cambutal isn’t a place that encourages rushing (oh how we wish we had a week there), and the accommodations reflect that slow rhythm.

Forget cookie-cutter resorts and sprawling beachfront developments. Instead, you'll find surf houses just steps from the beach, eco-lodges hidden among the palms, and small boutique stays that feel part of the landscape itself. This isn’t about over-the-top luxury but thoughtful simplicity, inviting you to slow down and savour your surroundings.

That said, it’s worth noting that local guesthouses appear to be a rarity here, and the area has somewhat skipped over that step in its tourism development, which is a bit of a shame. Also, there aren’t any hostels big or small.

Sansara Surf & Yoga Resort | We mentioned Sansara earlier, but as Cambutal’s most luxurious boutique accommodation, it would be crazy not to include it again. Set just back from the sand of Playa Los Buzos, they offer thirteen gorgeous cabañas blending traditional design with tropical elegance. Each features natural wood accents, airy spaces, and a private patio just steps from the Pacific - some even with their own private plunge pool! The interiors are simple yet stylish, with comfortable beds, organic bath products, and a serene, rustic-chic atmosphere. Sansara hosts daily yoga classes and themed retreats for surf fitness and meditation, making it an ideal spot to reconnect and rejuvenate.

Wave House Cambutal | This is the Airbnb that first led us to Cambutal. A simple A-frame with impeccable contemporary styling within, it’s larger than it seems from the outside offering a fairly decent kitchen, a glorious outside shower and - best of all - it’s just steps from the beach. We loved it. Owned and run by an Italian expat who followed the waves and never left, it’s actually one of several properties set within the gardens, all of which look fabulous. Find all the listings here.

Hotel Playa Cambutal | A stalwart of the Cambutal accommodation scene (it’s been open for more than a decade), the highly-rated Hotel Playa Cambutal offers one of the village’s more traditional options. Located right on the beach, there are ten simple but comfortable rooms, a pool and various activities. It also has pretty decent restaurant, as we discuss in the next section. The hotel may not offer the vibe some travellers are looking for though, but is solid Plan B.

The Hill | Hidden in the jungle canopy yet only a short walk from Cambutal Beach, this accommodation offers a quiet, adult-only retreat that blends into its lush surroundings. The rooms have a luxurious feel, though they lean more minimalistic and modern than traditional luxury. Each one is thoughtfully designed, with a sleek aesthetic that focuses on clean lines and simplicity. The true highlight, however, are the views from the private terraces of each room and the open-concept living areas - whether you’re looking out over the ocean, the mountains, or the garden.

Luna Negra | If you’re looking for an entire property for your stay be sure to take a look at the one-bedroom and two-bedroom beachfront homes offered by Luna Negra. Each is modern, tastefully decorated and thoughtfully designed and offers everything you’d need for a longer stay. They both offer the perfect place to relax and unwind (hammock not compulsory but highly recommended) with the sand literally at your door.

Where to Eat in Cambutal

La Tierra de Mis Sueños | Right on the beach, this was once a failing local restaurant until it was taken over by an ex-chef from France who lives in a boat (although you wouldn’t know it unless you met him - the set-up is quintessentially Central America). There’s no menu, just a short verbal list of what was caught this day, but the two-course meal we had was exceptional in its simplicity, with little foodie twists that elevated without making it ‘fancy’. A great spot, and prices also very reasonable. Closed Mondays.

Hotel Playa Cambutal | We ended up here one night simply because everywhere else was closed on a Monday, and despite the ‘resort-vibe’ initially putting us off, we had a really excellent meal. The menu is diverse - with everything from sushi (which we can HIGHLY recommend) to tacos, and catch of the day - catering to local and international tastes. The wine was decent and the pours were obnoxiously large, and we immediately regretted not sampling one of their maracuya cocktails.

Pizzeria Madera | If you’ve been travelling for a while or just really love Neapolitan pizza (which we’re basically assuming includes all of you!), get yourself to this great little pizza restaurant. The prices are pretty high but so is the quality. Be sure to check opening hours as they are really quite limited (currently Thursday, Friday, Saturday 4-9pm)

We unfortunately didn’t make it here as 1) it was the start of our Panama road trip so pizza wasn’t yet a big craving and 2) it wasn't open on our days.

Kambute | Cambutal’s first (and only) coffee shop opened in 2025 and whilst it’s not going to live up to the standards of those who are quite particular about their cup - their flat white is most definitely not a flat white - the cold brew was decent and it’s got a really great vibe and lovely staff. They also have a scrummy looking breakfast / brunch menu, and alternative milks are available. Open 7.30am - 4.30pm, making it a perfect post-surf spot. Closed on Mondays.

Local | Perhaps the best supermarket in the middle of nowhere that a hungry, foodie gringo could ever ask for. It only opened a year ago and offers cheeses, wines, healthy foods, fresh bread, artisanal beers - and a suggestion box for improvements. The vast majority is imported from the US, but they do stock a variety of local produce and goods made in the area. One thing to note is the fresh fruit and veg levels can be low the further you visit from Tuesday and Friday, when the truck makes deliveries. Prices are surprisingly good for the extent and type of products, and card payments accepted.

The supermarket also has signs outside for local events and activities, and was setting up surfboard rental on the day we departed.

If you're here for the long term, note that there are also passing trucks with fruit/veg/fish, but we don't know the days.

As we only had a few days here, and such a nice accommodation to eat + hang out at, we unfortunately weren’t able to make it to any local-run restaurants in Los Buzos, which would probably be a good shout for pescado frito & patacones or ceviche. We only dropped by Mekomo’s for a beer, but our host said they do good (non-veggie) burgers.

If you have find any new or old favourite restaurants in Cambutal, then do let us know in the comments.

How To Get To Cambutal

Our main concern for Cambutal was whether we’d actually be able to make it in our rental car.

We had opted for a standard SUV for our Panama road trip, rather than a 4x4, but reports about some of the off-beat roads in the Golfo Azuero had us doubting its suitability.

Our route started in Playa Venao (60km away), but if you’re driving from Panama City note that you should set your GPS to go to Tonosi via Las Tablas.

Thankfully, the road from the town of Tonosi to Cambutal (30km, 20-35 minutes) really wasn't as bad as expected: mostly paved with two lanes marked, it was an enjoyable and scenic ride through beautiful hills and cowboy country.

The potholes, though massive and numerous, were easy to avoid 90% of the time. That said, the crater-like appearance of a few does mean you’ve really got to pay attention, and there will be times when it’s better to wait to for an oncoming vehicle to pass so that you can safely cross the line and spare the impact on your tires.

So, we can confirm that you do not need a 4x4to reach Cambutal in dry season, but you do need to drive suitably, slowly, and sensibly; if you’re not sure, keep an eye on local vehicles ahead to see the line they take. The exception to this are the serious surfers heading to Cambutal for a day trip or stay, as some of the breaks beyond Cambutal are only accessible with a 4x4.

As for rainy season, we can’t really comment unfortunately, but it’s probably worth considering upgrading.

Want to know more about driving or a do a road trip? Read our Panama Road Trip Essentials guide

Public Transport

From Panama City | This journey should take 6 - 8 hours depending upon how well departures line up and allowing for any delays, and you have a couple of options on route, both of which begin at Panama City's Albrook Station:

· 7am direct bus to Tonosi, and from there a taxi for around $18 USD. We’re fairly certain you can also take a minibus from Tonosi to Cambutal but don’t know their frequency or price.

· Jump one on of the hourly departures to Las Tablas (we recommend still going early-ish to make it to Cambutal well before dark) which cost around $10 per person. Once you arrive into Las Tablas, you’ll then need to jump in a taxi to the town’s correct bus station - found here on Google Maps. From here the most straighforward option is one of the frequent minibuses to Tonosi ($5 per person), altough we believe there may be a direct one to Cambutal at 2pm - if anyone can confirm this, that would be great.

From Playa Venao | As far as we are aware, to reach Cambutal to Venao you’ll need to hop on one of the passing minibuses to Tonosi (the same ones as above) and then travel onwards from there.

If you’re planning on arriving in Cambutal by bus (from whichever destination), we suggest sending a message in advance to your accommodation to get a better idea. Once you’ve done the journey, we’d also love if your shared more about the experience in the comments to help out other travellers like you!

Travel Tips for Cambutal

· Cambutal effectively runs along one dusty road, which takes you through the local village with the school and a shop, past some accommodations and the pizza place, past the Local and more accommodations, and then into Los Buzos beach. A big part of your day will be deciding to walk along this to get supplies or have lunch, or to go along the beach instead.

· Although you could absolutely buy all your groceries from the excellent shop mentioned above and the fruit/veg trucks, if you’re here for a while, we’d recommend stocking up on some basic supplies in Tonosi where your dollars will go a little further. There’s also a handful of shops in the village of Cambutal proper if you need fruit and veg.

· While you’re in Tonosi, be sure to get out enough cash from the ATMs. You can pay by card in some of the restaurants in Cambutal, but there’s no ATM here as yet.

· Arrive with a full tank of fuel, or as near as damn it, especially if you're planning on lots of surf trips. There is one super new gas station in Cambutal (a clear sign of the village’s development and trajectory) but the prices were significantly more expensive than those found closer to the main highway.

· We don’t tend to get bitten much when we travel, but our legs got destroyed by sandflies come dusk in Cambutal. Don’t board your flight without throwing in at least one bottle of a sustainable plant-based bug spray (we’ve used Incognito for years and love it).

· Most accommodations will provide drinking water but we highly recommend bring a refillable filter water bottle with you - we have used Water-to-Go bottles for years and highly recommend them (use ‘ADR15’ at checkout for a wee discount). Alternatively, find out how they work in this explainer post.

· There aren’t really any street lights in Cambutal, so if heading out after dark (or when you know you’ll be walking back after the sun has set) be sure to have a headtorch or phone with you. Stick to the sides and make sure the trucks and jeeps have plenty room. Also, always give the drivers a wave during the day as they're usually really considerate!

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