How to Get to Coronado, Playa Blanca, Buenaventura, San Carlos & Nearby Areas from Río Hato Airport

The Scarlett Martínez International Airport (Río Hato – RIH) is one of the most convenient gateways to Panama’s Pacific Coast, especially for travelers, homebuyers, and investors heading to beach communities such as Playa Blanca, Buenaventura, Coronado, San Carlos, and surrounding areas.

In this guide, United Country Panama explains how to get from Río Hato Airport to the main residential and resort areas along the Pacific Coast, including travel times, transportation options, and local recommendations.

Where Is Río Hato Airport Located?

Río Hato International Airport is located in the province of Coclé, directly off the Pan-American Highway, making it a strategic access point to multiple coastal communities.

📍 Approximate distances from Río Hato Airport:

• Playa Blanca: ~6 miles (10 km)

• Buenaventura: ~7 miles (12 km)

• Farallón: ~5 miles (8 km)

• Coronado: ~16 miles (25 km)

• San Carlos: ~22 miles (35 km)

• Gorgona / Río Mar: ~19–22 miles (30–35 km)

• Punta Chame: ~40 miles (65 km)

How to Get to Playa Blanca from Río Hato Airport

🚗 Rental Car (Fastest Option)

• Travel time: 10–15 minutes

• Route: Direct access from the airport

• Ideal for visitors, property buyers, and vacation homeowners

🚕 Taxi or Private Transfer

• Travel time: 15 minutes

• Estimated cost: USD $20–$30

Playa Blanca is one of the closest beach destinations to the airport and a major tourism hub.

How to Get to Buenaventura

Buenaventura is one of Panama’s most exclusive gated communities, featuring a marina, golf course, luxury residences, and resort amenities.

🚗 Rental Car

• Travel time: 15–20 minutes

• Route: Pan-American Highway + signed entrance

🚕 Private Transfer

• Estimated cost: USD $25–$40

👉 A top destination for high-end buyers and lifestyle investors.

How to Get to Farallón

Farallón is adjacent to Playa Blanca and continues to grow as a residential and resort area.

• Travel time: 10 minutes

• Ideal for condos, vacation rentals, and full-time living

How to Get to Coronado

Coronado is the main residential hub of the Pacific Coast, offering supermarkets, medical facilities, schools, banks, and year-round services.

🚗 Rental Car

• Travel time: 25–30 minutes

• Route: Pan-American Highway (eastbound)

🚕 Taxi or Private Transfer

• Estimated cost: USD $30–$50

How to Get to San Carlos

San Carlos is known for its quiet beaches, residential developments, and growing real estate market.

🚗 Rental Car

• Travel time: 35–40 minutes

🚕 Private Transfer

• Estimated cost: USD $50–$70

How to Get to Gorgona and Río Mar

These communities are popular for:

• Full-time coastal living

• Beachfront condominiums

• Long-term investment properties

• Travel time: 30–35 minutes

• Route: Pan-American Highway (eastbound)

How to Get to Punta Chame

Punta Chame is well known for:

• Kiteboarding and water sports

• Large beachfront lots

• Development and land investment opportunities

• Travel time: 1–1.25 hours

• Route: Pan-American Highway + secondary coastal road

Best Transportation Option

👉 United Country Panama Recommendation:
If you plan to visit multiple areas, tour properties, or explore investment opportunities, renting a car offers the greatest flexibility and efficiency.

Why Río Hato Airport Is Important for Real Estate Buyers

The airport has significantly boosted real estate demand along the Pacific Coast, including:

• Playa Blanca & Farallón (resort living)

• Buenaventura (luxury and lifestyle)

• Coronado (retirement and permanent living)

• San Carlos & Gorgona (residential growth)

• Punta Chame (land and development)

Key advantages:

• Less traffic than Panama City

• Faster access to beach communities

• Growing interest from international buyers

Real Estate Opportunities on Panama’s Pacific Coast

At United Country Panama, we specialize in:

• Beach homes and condominiums

• Titled land and development parcels

• Rural and agricultural properties near the coast

• Lifestyle, retirement, and investment properties

👉 Planning to visit or invest in Panama’s Pacific Coast?
Contact United Country Panama for expert guidance and vetted property opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to fly into Río Hato or Tocumen Airport?
If your destination is the Pacific Coast, Río Hato is significantly more convenient.

Can I visit multiple beach communities in one trip?
Yes — especially with a rental car.

Are these areas suitable for full-time living?
Yes. Coronado, Buenaventura, Gorgona, and San Carlos all offer year-round services and infrastructure.