Panama Azuero Peninsula and Pacific coast

Panamanians refer to the Azuero Peninsula as the ‘heartland’ of their country, with its mix of indigenous heritage, vibrant contemporary Spanish-inspired culture and cattle-raising. The region certainly sits slap bang in the centre of the country, on the Pacific side, and as such is often overlooked by those visiting the capital, canal or highlands of the west.

The Azuero has a rich history dating back to pre-Columbian indigenous groups, as testified by the many artifacts and ceremonial sites uncovered by archaeologists. Pottery discovered here is among the most intricate of all pre-Columbian craft, with brightly coloured bird and reptile designs. The indians did not survive the Spanish invasion though, and nowadays there is a distinctly Hispanic tradition, which is best observed in the region’s festivals and colonial architecture. The city of Chitre, the peninsula’s largest, hosts a number of important and popular fiestas, notably at Carnival. The historic villages of Parita and Las Minas are worth a visit, as is the Sarigua National Park, which has an important archaeological site but which is now almost a desert following the decimation of its forests.

The Pacific coast tends to be drier than other parts of the country, but its remote beaches are some of the best in Panama.

The Azuero Peninsula can be added to any Panama holiday or makes a great cultural addition when visiting neighboring countries. For an example itinerary see the Panama's Cultural Heartland - The Azuero Peninsula extension to our Signature Panama: Canal, Wildlife and Beach holiday.