Current Road conditions: David / Santiago?

[Taylor]

Anyone traveled the David / Santiago highway recently?  If so, could you please provide information and tips?

Thanks!!

[Keith Woolford]

We went to Las Lajas for lunch today. No construction stoppages and light to medium traffic.

[Don Presley]

I went through the Sona route a couple of weeks ago. No need to go 10 or 15 minutes past the checkpoint to turn in. Take the very First right turn, about 10 feet after going through the checkpoint, and enjoy a beautiful drive. Yes, the first part has switchbacks, unlike going up and down the mountain between David and Boquete, but it is beautiful. At one point you go right near the coast with beautiful views. About 40 minutes from Santiago, you go through Veraguas (I think that is the name), a full town with restaurants and bathrooms. That alone is helpful during the last grueling hour before Santiago on the main road. I am not sure I should encourage all this,,,,it might encourage more traffic! Oh well, we must share the good. 

[Suzi Arkebauer]

Thanks for info about road just after checkpoint. It looked iffy on the GPS. Glad to know it's ok

[Chuck Thomas]

Panamanian friends of mine who drive up from Panama City on a regular basis are recommending the Sona detour as well. They said it actually saved time with all the traffic and construction. I would suspect it also saves wear and tear on the car front end as well as the passengers.

[Suzi Arkebauer]

The area from the passport stop to Santiago is awful. Detour through Sona. About 10 to 15 minutes past passport control is a little church on the right. Turn right on the next road. The road looks a little iffy but turns into a really nice road. A little longer but worth the time. Beautiful views. (Turnoff near the new dam)