Veraguas Province, Province on Panama's Pacific and Caribbean coasts, Panama
Veraguas is a province in central Panama that reaches both the Caribbean coast to the north and the Pacific shore to the south. Mountains divide the territory into two climate zones, with forests in the interior and sandy beaches along both coasts.
Christopher Columbus reached this coast in 1502 during his fourth voyage and named the region after Chief Veragua. The province was established in 1560 and grew into an agricultural center during the colonial period.
The Ngäbe-Buglé live in highland communities and weave colorful bags sold at markets in Santiago. Fishermen bring daily catch to Pacific beaches where families mend nets beside wooden boats pulled onto the sand.
Santiago de Veraguas sits on the Pan-American Highway and offers buses to beaches and mountain villages plus lodging for travelers. Roads to remote coasts can become difficult during rain, so it helps to plan extra time.
Coiba National Park offshore contains coral reefs that shelter more than 760 fish species and rank among the largest in the eastern Pacific. The island served as a penal colony until 2004, which helped keep its forests nearly untouched.
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