Soná – Mangroves, Coast and Traditions

Mangroves and nature experiences around Coiba

Mangrove areas shape the landscape along Soná’s Pacific coast. They are part of the Humedal del Golfo de Montijo wetland, which is designated as a Ramsar site, and also lie within the buffer zone of Parque Nacional Coiba. Those interested in nature and coastal areas will find two distinctive points of interest here: the designated wetland and the national park’s buffer zone.

Parque Nacional Coiba is considered the most important tourist destination accessible from Soná; the park offers opportunities for recreation and ecotourism. From the Pacific coast of Veraguas Province near Santa Catalina, the national park is about an hour away by boat. This estimate refers to access from Santa Catalina. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it interesting for travellers who want to combine nature experiences with a visit to an internationally recognised protected area.

In the area around Soná, Granito de Oro in Parque Nacional Coiba is a visitor stop for sunbathing, snorkelling and diving. The island has coral formations and is home to sea turtles and colourful fish. The Coiba area offers a range of activities, including spending time by the water, snorkelling and diving. Which one shapes your stay depends on how you would like to spend your days.

Coastal destinations and active days

Santa Catalina offers a different coastal experience. Santa Catalina Beach is located in the village, at the end of the paved road; Santa Catalina is considered one of the best surfing beaches in Central America. If you are particularly interested in the sport, you can include Santa Catalina in your travel plans. Bahía Honda is suitable for relaxation because of its calm, deep waters. The contrast between Santa Catalina’s reputation for surfing and Bahía Honda’s calm waters invites you to consider before your trip what kind of coastal experience you would like to prioritise.

For hiking, Rancho Don Chicho in the Corregimiento of Quebrada de Oro, Distrito de Soná, is another option. This makes coastal experiences and a hiking activity options for different interests. No information is provided here about the route’s length or difficulty, so plan your hike based on the information you need for your specific visit.

In the district capital of Soná, the public transport operators UTRANSUR, LA SAN CRISTOBAL and SAN ISIDRO, as well as the COOTRAJOHT taxi service, operate from Monday to Sunday. These services serve all the communities in the Distrito de Soná. If you would like to visit different communities within the district, these transport operators and the taxi service are the listed public transport options.

Festivals, pilgrimage and local culture

The San Isidro Labrador patron saint festival takes place every year on 15 May and brings together communities from across the Distrito de Soná. The date can help you plan your trip around an annual festival. The Paseo Folclórico y de la Pollera also takes place every year: on 5 November, it proceeds along the main streets of the Distrito de Soná with floats, folk groups and Pollera performances.

El Grito de la Mujer Sonaeña is commemorated every year on 8 November. The day remembers 71 women who signed an accession document. Together with the festivals in May and November, this date highlights another aspect of local tradition. The Feria Soná showcases national and international exhibitors and brings together arts and crafts, tourism, industry and agriculture. It therefore covers several subject areas rather than focusing on a single type of exhibition.

Religious sites are also part of Soná’s cultural landscape. Since its establishment, the Santuario San José de la Montaña has been the destination of an ongoing pilgrimage. Nearby, the mausoleum of Father José Félix Guembe stands beside the Santuario San José; a marble statue in his likeness stands above his coffin. The pilgrimage and the mausoleum are distinct points of interest for travellers interested in religious traditions and local history.

More destinations: Santa Fe.

For the broader travel overview: Veraguas.