La Peninsula de Azuero or the Azuero Peninsula is situated in southern Panama and is surrounded on three sides by the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Monjito, and the Gulf of Panama. It is divided into two regions, both of which are hubs for tourism. Panamanians proudly call Azuero the soul of their country. It is a land steeped in history and traditions dating back to the Pre-Columbian indigenous era, which was then replaced by Spanish society.
Azuero boasts of beautiful coastline, scenic hills, and rich cultural land. While the west is home to wild forests and alluring beaches, the colonial towns lie east. The sheer number of beaches in this area make them deserted; people are spread out along the coast so you will enjoy your own space to relax. If you love surfing, then Azuero is a place you would definitely not want to miss.
The peninsula maintains a dry climate for most of the year.
Iglesia San Atanasio
A church built in the eighteenth century stands proudly to date as an exemplary structure of baroque-style architecture. Most of the church is in its original form, including the main altar and arch which bears a carving, 1733; the other six altars are all original as well. You can find intricately carved wooden depictions of saints, cherubs, and flowers. The lifesize statue of Christ that stands in this church is paraded all over town on Good Friday.
Isla Canas
Isla Canas is one of the three places in the world that is home to a large number of Olive Ridley turtles. You can find other endangered species like loggerhead, leatherback, hawksbill, and green turtles. Isla Canas is not really an island, but a large portion of the land is cut off from the mainland by a mangrove estuary. During the breeding season between July and November, you will be lucky to watch the turtles come on to the beach at night to lay their eggs. There are no stays here so you will have to put up with any locals offering a room.
Playa Venao
It is one of the hippest places on the peninsula and is hands down the best spot for surfing. It does not matter if you are a pro or beginner, you will find the waves suitable for you. In this grey sand curvy beach, life continues even after sundown. The place is becoming popular with a number of hostels that attract entertainment-seeking tourists who party on the beaches till daybreak. You will find beach bars, cafés, and restaurants by the beachside or hammocks to sip a drink and take in the surroundings.
Isla Iguana
Often titled as the most ‘Caribbean’ island you will find in Panama, Isla Iguana is immensely beautiful with powdery white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and exquisite coral reefs. It is 8 km from the village of Pedasi and is ideal for a day trip to complete your Caribbean experience. The tour and services are pretty pricey, but it will be worth every penny. The snorkeling expedition in Isla Iguana is unmatched and a must-have experience. Here, there live more than sixty species of birds and the famous black iguana, after which the island is named. If you visit between June and October, you can spot the migrating humpback whales. The reefs are also home to a large variety of fish, eels, and turtles.
Pedasi
Pedasi is a small fishing village that has some of the best beaches in the region. This makes the village one of the best places to try seafood. You can also go along on short fishing tours, where the locals will show you the techniques they use. The best way to explore the picturesque colonial town is by biking. Playa El Toro and Playa El Lagarto are other popular beaches here after Playa Venao.
Chitre
Chitre is one of the oldest towns in Panama that still bears a strong flavor of the past. You can take a tour around town and relish the sights of colonial red-tiled villas that will take you back to another century. Chitre is the largest city in Azuero and you can find a lot of restaurants, shops, and other facilities here. The people of Chitre are a unique kind of their own; they are warm and friendly and live up to their city’s motto, ‘la ciudad donde nadie es forastero’, which means ‘the city where no one is a stranger’.
Parque Nacional Sarigua is an important historical site close to Chitre, which begun in 1984. A major portion of the site has yet to be excavated. Most of Sarigua is closed to the public because the land has completely dried up due to topsoil erosion and heavy rainfall.
Varela Hermanos
Varela Hermanos is the largest distillery in Panama that specializes in the production of ‘seco’, the most popular native drink. Seco is an alcoholic drink made from sugarcane. There are four different tours available here for which you have to book ahead. Tastings included!
Carnaval
Carnaval is the most colorful and amazing celebration in all of Panama, and it is best celebrated in Las Tablas, Azuero. This festival kicks off four days before Ash Wednesday and has a different theme for each day of the festive season. The town is divided into two groups, the upper and lower street, with each having a queen. The queens are introduced on Saturday night and crowned on Sunday. The masquerade takes place on Monday and there is a don polleros for the townswomen on Tuesday. Throughout the carnival, people dress up in festive wear, each trying to outdo the other. The Carnaval is, in short, four days of dressing up, dancing, drinking, and parading all over town! It is a vibrant and impressive display of culture that brings the entire nation together.
Festival de la Majorana
A colorful and breathtaking event, this festival takes place in late September in the Guarare district. Dance groups from all over the country, and even from other Latin American countries, come here annually for this fiesta. You can witness a fusion of folk dances at these parades. Devil dances are very common and thousands flock here to witness the performances. The music, costumes, and dances display the rich culture of these ethnic groups.
Stay and Food
Once you come to the peninsula, you will not find a shortage of places to stay. All kinds of accommodations for all budgets are easily available. Here are some places for you to check out. Food options are also plenty for you to explore and enjoy!
Villa Camilla Boutique Hotel
This luxury seven-room stay was built by a French designer. The tiled floors, charming fountain, and courtyard offer a lavish stay.
Casa de Camco
One of the favorites stays in Pedasi, this seven-room stay has uniquely themed rooms and is very hospitable.
Hotel Playa Cambutal
An incredibly beautiful stay, surrounded by lush green gardens, has an amazing in-house restaurant.
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