As the sun rises over the Pacific Ocean, the sky glows with an array of colors, changing slowly from pink, purple, and orange to a dazzling blue. Palm trees sway gently in the morning breeze as ocean waves tumble over miles of undeveloped beach.
This is Las Lajas, one of the longest stretches of beach in Panama and one of the quietest. A place where pelicans often outnumber the people, and baby sea turtles clamber for the safety of the water.
Las Lajas is a six-hour drive from Panama City. The quicker option is to hop a flight from Panama City to David—which takes around an hour—and from there it’s a one-hour drive to Las Lajas.
If you’re planning a visit or move here, you’ll want your own transportation especially if you plan on regular trips to the beach which is a little over four miles from the downtown area.
The center of town offers a hardware store, several small grocery stores, a handful of restaurants, and a school. Neighborhoods stretch out off the main road. Houses on tree-lined streets are painted a rainbow of colors.
Life in Las Lajas is quiet but friendly. This is a place where people know their neighbors and dogs stroll across the street without fear of oncoming traffic.
If you’re looking for a laidback lifestyle in a picturesque setting, Las Lajas may be just the place for you.
The expat community here is thriving—among them are a good number of Canadian snowbirds. The cost of living here is generally much lower than the U.S. or Canada. House prices in Las Lajas are slightly higher (especially on the beach) than in some other Panama towns owing to supply and demand but the day-to-day cost of living is a bargain.
Las Lajas is famed for its beach where you can enjoy boogie boarding, surfing, paddle boarding, swimming, whale watching, snorkeling, or fishing. Back on dry land, as the sun sets, head to one of the local resorts for a cocktail. For a less formal happy hour, check out Johnny Fiestas, right on the beach, with beautiful views and $1 beers.
Speaking Spanish is a definite advantage here, but not to worry if you don’t, in Las Lajas you will be able to make do without great language skills. A small town has many advantages, but one of the most important for expats may be that time slows down. Everyone is laidback and looking to make new friends. This gives non-Spanish speakers the opportunity to practice what Spanish they do know and learn along the way.
Residents of Las Lajas will tell you they have found paradise. The question, “Is it right for you?”
This really depends on your priorities and how you choose to live your life.
Locals love having the beach to themselves and living away from hustle and bustle. Trips to the city of David—which offers malls and a movie theater—are a chance to mingle, without having to give up the quiet solitude of home. For basic needs, everything is close at hand in town or just up the street in the town of San Felix. Commercialism is close, but not on your doorstep.
Quiet strolls on the beach or sitting on a bench watching the sunset light up the sky are the things that make life here a dream for locals. If a quiet life by the beach is your ideal, Las Lajas may be your perfect patch of paradise…
Sincerely,
Rebecca Concepcion
Contributor, Panama Letter
