San Carlos

Travel Guide

A calm lake surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
A lake surrounded by lush greenery and a mountain.
A resort with a swimming pool, beach, palm trees, and a view of the ocean.
A mountainous landscape with a lake, a village, and a prominent cliff.
A mountainous landscape with a prominent peak and a lake.

Where to stay in San Carlos

Find the best San Carlos areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about San Carlos
Learn more about San Carlos

Costa Esmeralda

While there might not be top attractions in Costa Esmeralda, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Playa El Palmar and Teta Beach.

Bay View Hotel

Bay View Hotel

3 out of 5
Calle 1ra San Carlos
$70 nightly
The price is $77 total per night from Nov 9 to Nov 10
$77 total
Nov 9 - Nov 10
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in San Carlos. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and a business center. Popular attractions Playa El Palmar and La Ensenada ...
6.6/10 (106 reviews)
"It’s a fairly cheap place; it’s right on the beach; and it’s just a few minutes off the pan-American highway. If you are traveling through and need a cheap convenient place to rest your head, this is it. The staff is kind and genuinely want to help you. Breakfast (patacones, fried Panamanian tortilla, ..."

Reviewed on Aug 31, 2026

Bay View Hotel
San Carlos Beach Inn

San Carlos Beach Inn

3 out of 5
calle mendoza San Carlos Provincia de Panamá
$28 nightly
The price is $31 total per night from Nov 9 to Nov 10
$31 total
Nov 9 - Nov 10
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in San Carlos. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Playa El Palmar and La Ensenada ...
San Carlos Beach Inn
San Carlos Surf Resort & Eco Lodge

San Carlos Surf Resort & Eco Lodge

2 out of 5
Boca del rio calle playa, San Carlos San Carlos panama oeste
$105 nightly
The price is $115 total per night from Dec 2 to Dec 3
$115 total
Dec 2 - Dec 3
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach B&B in San Carlos. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Playa El Palmar and La Ensenada Beach are ...
7.8/10 Good! (10 reviews)
"The location was nice and the staff very helpful. The room was large and had air conditioning. There was no TV in the room if that matters to you. Breakfast was included. The only negative thing I have to say about the place is the beds are EXTREMELY hard."

Reviewed on Sep 10, 2026

San Carlos Surf Resort & Eco Lodge
See all 842 properties in San Carlos
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Riomar Luxurious Beachfront Aptartment, 3 bedroom

Riomar Luxurious Beachfront Aptartment, 3 bedroom

San Carlos Provincia de Panamá Oeste
Stay at this apartment in San Carlos. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Playa El Palmar and La Ensenada Beach are ...
Riomar Luxurious Beachfront Aptartment, 3 bedroom
Beach House with Ocean View - Rooftop Jacuzzi & Pool - Concierge Service

Beach House with Ocean View - Rooftop Jacuzzi & Pool - Concierge Service

San Carlos Panamá Oeste
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in San Carlos. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions La Ensenada Beach ...
10/10 Exceptional! (45 reviews)
"Exceeded expectations"

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2026

Beach House with Ocean View - Rooftop Jacuzzi & Pool - Concierge Service
Rio Mar Premier Beachfront Community - Beach-Pools-Spas-Surf-Mountains

Rio Mar Premier Beachfront Community - Beach-Pools-Spas-Surf-Mountains

Riomar San Carlos District
Book a stay at this beach condo in San Carlos. Enjoy a beach locale, a fitness center, and a garden. Popular attractions Playa El Palmar and La Ensenada Beach ...
10/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
"High-rise condo with expansive ocean views. Guard gated property. Five swimming pools. Direct beach access. The unit was very clean and had nice furnishings. The Host was quick to respond and always concerned to make our stay carefree. I have stayed in several condo projects in the area, and this ..."

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2026

Rio Mar Premier Beachfront Community - Beach-Pools-Spas-Surf-Mountains
See all properties in San Carlos
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular San Carlos attractions

Playa El Palmar

8.2/10 (23 reviews)
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Playa El Palmar during your trip to San Carlos? Stroll along the beaches or seek out the surfing spots.
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Things to do

Antón Valley Tours from Riu Playa Blanca, Rio hato

Antón Valley Tours from Riu Playa Blanca, Rio hato

$36
per adult
Antón Valley Tours from Riu Playa Blanca, Rio hato
Anton Valley

Valle De Anton Rainfall Hot Springs and Nature Private Tour

$95
per adult
Valle De Anton Rainfall Hot Springs and Nature Private Tour
White Sand

Private Beach Day in Santa Clara Pacific Ocean

$125
per adult
Private Beach Day in Santa Clara Pacific Ocean
India Dormida Hike: Panoramic Views & Local Stories

India Dormida Full Trail: Private Hike & Epic Views

$120
per adult
India Dormida Full Trail: Private Hike & Epic Views
Sunset Valle de Anton

Cara Iguana Sunset Hike — Panoramic Views in El Valle de Antón

$110
per adult
Cara Iguana Sunset Hike — Panoramic Views in El Valle de Antón
Day Pass Hiking Tour – Antón Valley from Panama City

Anton Hiking Adventure from Panama City

$195
per adult
Anton Hiking Adventure from Panama City
See all activities in San Carlos

Frequently asked questions

Is San Carlos worth visiting?
San Carlos is worth visiting for its beautiful beaches, including Playa El Palmar and La Ensenada Beach, perfect for relaxation and water activities. Travelers can also enjoy a diverse food scene, with delicious options featuring Asian and Italian cuisine.
When is the best time to visit San Carlos?
The best time to visit San Carlos is from August through December. For travelers seeking a more relaxed experience with potentially fewer crowds and better value, consider planning your trip during the quieter months of February through May.
What is San Carlos known for?
San Carlos is known for its beautiful beaches, such as Playa El Palmar and La Ensenada Beach, offering travelers places to relax by the water. This city in Panama also features an Asian food culture, providing diverse culinary options for those exploring the area.
What is a good itinerary length for San Carlos?
A good itinerary length for San Carlos is two to three days to enjoy its beaches, such as Playa El Palmar and La Ensenada Beach. An extended stay of four to five days allows for more relaxed beach time and exploring the local dining options, which include Asian, Italian, and Latin American cuisine.
What are the top things to do in and around San Carlos?
In San Carlos, travelers can enjoy the natural beauty of its beaches, including Playa El Palmar and La Ensenada Beach.
What cuisines can you find in San Carlos?
In San Carlos you can find Mediterranean cuisine, with dishes like hummus, falafel, gyros, and kebabs. Travelers can also enjoy Asian options such as Chinese, Japanese, and Thai food, along with Italian pasta and pizza, Latin American choices like Mexican tacos, and North American dishes. French and Spanish European flavors are also available.
Can I book a refundable hotel in San Carlos?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in San Carlos by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to San Carlos with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your San Carlos trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in San Carlos?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in San Carlos can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my San Carlos trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your San Carlos trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my San Carlos trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your San Carlos trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to San Carlos?
If it's your first trip to San Carlos, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my San Carlos hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your San Carlos hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near San Carlos

A beach with waves, a boat in the distance, and a forested hillside.

Rio Hato

A waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff surrounded by dense green foliage.

El Espino

A beach with a wooden structure and white curtains.

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