A contrast to the lush greenery found elsewhere in Panama, this expansive peninsula jutting into the Pacific Ocean is a semi-arid zone (partly due to devastating deforestation for cattle ranching). What sets it apart even more is its string of colonial-era towns and villages preserving exquisite whitewashed churches ringed by structures in quintessential Spanish style. Life there generally revolves on a slow hub and many folkloric traditions remain strongly embedded in local culture. Several communities are known as centers of craft—the manufacture of
pollera dresses and straw hats is centered on Azuero, and it also hosts the majority of the nation's folkloric festivals.
The region also has several interesting museums, including one in Villa de los Santos. This little town in Los Santos Province merits a visit to see the Church of San Anastacio, built in the 1700s, and the small history museum, where Panama's Declaration of Independence was signed in 1821. There are good beaches 7 mi/11 km northeast of the town. There's also fabulous surfing on remote beaches, and a series of coastal wetland habitats that are prime sites for birding.
Isla Cana is Panama's only arribada site—a place where olive ridley turtles come ashore en masse (several thousand individuals may make their way ashore on any one night) to lay their eggs in the sands. It is remote and accommodations are basic. Adhere to local regulations while viewing nesting turtles (rules include no flashlights, which can scare off the turtles). Azuero Peninsula is 150 mi/240 km southwest of Panama City.
