The Azuero Peninsula

 

The Azuero Peninsula, located in the south-west of Panama, is a land of traditions and folklore. Several cultures have met in this "heartland" of Panama to give birth to one of the most distinctive places in the country.

 

In Azuero it is common to observe small towns with Spanish architecture, where people still gather in the square around century old churches. The largest town centers are located in Pedasi, Las Tablas, and Chitre. Each town offers the convenience of basic services with added entertainment and night life.

 

In all the small villages situated along the peninsula you can buy unique handmade crafts such as clay pottery, ceramics, paper mache carnival masks, leather and wood furniture, and embroidered clothes.

 

The best assets the Azuero Peninsula has to offer travelers are its deserted, long and narrow sandy beaches, surrounded by soft hills and green pastures. Due to the scarcity of rainfall during the year, the east coast of Azuero is called "arco seco" or "dry arc", and it is perfect for those who like constant good weather. If you are a surf lover, you will certainly enjoy the big waves of Venao, Cambutal and Lagarto beaches, among others.

 

The best place for scuba diving and snorkeling is the National Wildlife Refuge of Isla Iguana, south of Pedasi. This spectacular tropical island lies in the biggest coral reef off the Gulf of Panama. Isla Iguana is also the nesting ground of five different species of turtles. Other fauna includes red throated frigates, many other native marine birds, and between June and November you will be able to observe humpback whales.

 

Above all, the Azuero Peninsula is known for its festivals. This area has some of largest and most popular in the country, from all-night bacchanals to sober religious rituals. The most prominent is Carnaval, held during the four days leading up to Ash Wednesday (February/March). Outside of Brazil, no Latin American country is more passionate about Carnaval than Panama, and no part of Panama is more enthusiastic about it than the Azuero Peninsula.

 

Additionally, two islands in the Azuero Peninsula have been declared National Reserves. They are about 20 minutes by boat from the mainland, offering adventure and abundant beauty.

 

Isla Iguana National Park and Reserve
With a surface of 53 hectares (130 acres), this reserve includes 9 Kilometers of beaches that are used by five different kinds of turtles for nesting between April and September. The park also includes a white sand island called Iguana and one of the largest coral reefs of the Panamanian Gulf at 16 hectares (40 acres). This island is the habitat of many seabirds and marine species. This park is visited every year by two kinds of whales, yubatas and humpbacks, which migrate from the cold waters of the polar areas to warmer waters in the tropics where they can mate.

 

Isla Cañas National Park and Reserve
A small, thin, balmy green island running parallel to the southernmost coast in Panama (the Azuero peninsula), Isla Canas is a gorgeous, islolated paradise. Its primary claim to tourist fame is its vast stretch of golden beach that doubles as sea-turtle nesting grounds in September and October. During the peak of the season, there are hundreds of enormous turtles and thousands of eggs, enough so that the local people collect them to eat and to sell. Thankfully, due to the island's status as a national wildlife refuge regulations have been implimented to limit the numbers.

 

At our Pedasi beachfront villas you can explore all of these Panamanian natural wonders and more. Reservations for Azueros Villa Rental's beautiful vacation houses can be made HERE