Las Tablas, Panama

Capital City

With a population of just 9,255, Las Tablas is a sleepy provincial capital that offers little to the average expat. The yearly carnival is the town's main draw, splitting the city into rival factions in an intense display of Panamanian folk culture. However, the bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the town's origins tied to the salvaging of a shipwrecked Spanish vessel. Overall, Las Tablas caters primarily to those seeking an immersive experience in traditional Panamanian life, rather than modern comforts.