La Pintada, Panama Travel Guide

City Town in Coclé province, central Panama

La Pintada acts as a gateway into Coclé’s hills: river swims, weekend markets and artisan stalls, plus nearby trails through tropical foothills and coffee farms.

Costs
Budget traveler: $25-45 per day
Basic guesthouses and street food keep daily costs low.
Safety
Generally safe with usual caution
Mostly safe; petty theft can occur near markets.
Best Time
December-April (dry season)
Dry season eases hiking and road travel.
Local Time
8:11 AM
GMT-5
Weather
Partly Cloudy 75°F
Partly Cloudy
Population
1,917
Infrastructure & Convenience
Local buses link to Penonomé; sparse English and limited services.
Popularity
Attracts mostly domestic visitors and craft shoppers.
Known For
local crafts, riverside scenery, rural markets, coffee farms, horseback riding, country festivals, traditional churches, hiking
Coordinates: 8.59616°N, -80.44693°W.

Why Visit La Pintada, Panama? #

Set in Coclé’s agricultural lowlands, La Pintada draws travelers who want rural Panamanian life, artisanal crafts and low-key nature rather than big-city sights. Local artisans sell handwoven textiles and pottery that reflect traditional techniques, while family-run fondas serve sancocho and fresh ceviche. Nearby river valleys and forested ridges provide peaceful hikes and a chance to see everyday village festivals and market life up close.

Best Things to Do in La Pintada, Panama

All Attractions ›

La Pintada, Panama Bucket List

Don't Miss
  • La Pintada central plaza - Bustling plaza where locals shop, meet, and enjoy roadside food stalls.
  • La Pintada pottery workshops - Small artisan studios producing traditional pottery and painted ceramics for sale.
  • Local weekly market - Market with fresh produce, local cheeses, and Panamanian street snacks every week.
Hidden Gems
  • Río La Pintada riverside - Quiet riverside spots for picnics and cooling off away from the road.
  • Street murals on Calle Central - Colorful murals depicting regional life and folklore scattered along the main street.
  • Family-run fonda - Simple eatery serving hearty cocidos and home-style Panamanian specialties at lunchtime.
Day Trips
  • Penonomé - Provincial capital with colonial architecture, weekly markets, and provincial museums nearby.
  • El Valle de Antón - Volcanic caldera town offering botanical trails, markets, and a shaded waterfall day trip.

Best Time to Visit La Pintada, Panama #

Visit La Pintada during the dry season (December-April) for sunny, low-humidity days and easier travel on rural roads. The rainy season (May-November) turns the landscape vivid but brings frequent heavy showers.

Dry Season
December - April · 24 - 33°C (75 - 91°F)
Sun-drenched days, lower humidity and easy hiking - ideal for exploring nearby trails and rivers without the slog of afternoon tropical downpours.
Rainy Season
May - November · 23 - 31°C (73 - 88°F)
Frequent heavy rains, lush green countryside and fewer tourists; expect muddy roads but dramatic waterfalls and cooler afternoons.
Hot Season
March - April · 26 - 34°C (79 - 93°F)
Peak heat before rains arrive - bright, dry and sweaty; best for early-morning outings and quick dips, less pleasant midday without shade.

Best Time to Visit La Pintada, Panama #

Climate

La Pintada, Panama's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2189 mm/year), wettest in October with a pronounced dry season.

Best Time to Visit
FebruaryJanuaryMarch
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
38°
Warmest Month
18°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).

89 Excellent

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
23° 30°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

42 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
11.6h daylight

February

February is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C. The driest month with just 8 mm.

93 Ideal

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
23° 31°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

8 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
11.7h daylight

March

March is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Light rainfall.

83 Excellent

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
24° 32°
72%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

25 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

April

April is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

32°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
24° 32°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

77 mm
Rainfall
1.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.2h daylight

May

May is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (276 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

33°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
24° 32°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

276 mm
Rainfall
1.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
12.4h daylight

June

June is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (301 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
23° 31°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

301 mm
Rainfall
0.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
12.5h daylight

July

July is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (178 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

57 Acceptable

Comfort

32°
Feels Like Hot
27°C
Temperature
24° 31°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

178 mm
Rainfall
0.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
12.4h daylight

August

August is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (320 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
23° 31°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

320 mm
Rainfall
0.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
12.3h daylight

September

September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (204 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 30°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

204 mm
Rainfall
0.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
12.1h daylight

October

October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (413 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

57 Acceptable

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 30°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

413 mm
Rainfall
0.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.8h daylight

November

November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (253 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

65 Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 30°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

253 mm
Rainfall
1.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.6
UV Index
Very High
11.6h daylight

December

December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Regular rainfall (92 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

77 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 30°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

92 mm
Rainfall
1.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.7
UV Index
Very High
11.5h daylight

How to Get to La Pintada, Panama

By Air
By Train & Bus

How to Get Around La Pintada, Panama #

La Pintada is compact and easy to walk around - most shops and eateries are within a short stroll. Local colectivos and small intercity buses link the town with Penonomé and other Coclé towns; schedules can be irregular so check departure times in advance. Taxis are available but limited, and hiring a car makes exploring the surrounding countryside much easier. Bring cash for buses and informal fares; buses are inexpensive (typically well under a few dollars for regional trips).

Where to Stay in La Pintada, Panama #

Budget
Penonomé / Coclé - $15-45/night
La Pintada is a small town with only a handful of simple guesthouses; many travellers stay in Penonomé for budget options.
Mid-Range
Penonomé / Antón - $50-100/night
Mid-range hotels are in Penonomé and the coastal towns; expect clean, practical hotels with basic amenities.
Luxury
Panama City (for luxury) - $150+/night
La Pintada has no luxury hotels; travellers seeking high-end service must travel to Panama City (1.5-2.5 hours).

Where to Eat in La Pintada, Panama #

Nightlife in La Pintada, Panama #

Nightlife in La Pintada is low-key. Expect a few bars and family-run fondas where locals gather in the evenings rather than formal clubs or live-music venues. Weekends are the liveliest time, but if you want more evening options you’ll have to travel to a larger nearby town.

Shopping in La Pintada, Panama #

Shopping is basic: small convenience stores, bakeries and a handful of local stalls sell produce and everyday goods. You’ll find local artisans and street vendors on busier market days offering simple crafts and regional foods. For a wider selection of shops or specialty goods, plan a trip to a larger town like Penonomé.

Nearby Cities #