10 Things to See and Do on the Azuero Peninsula
Acting as a repository for the country’s traditions, farming and folkore, the Azuero Peninsula is Panama’s heartland. Besides a rich history, best visible in the architecture and celebrations that are central to the region, it is also a favourite destination for surfers and nature lovers. Discover the 10 best things to see and do in the Azuero Peninsula and make the most of your stay in this undiscovered region.
Uncover the charms of Pedasí
Pedasí is a picturesque little town in the Azuero Peninsula, with tiled floors and Spanish colonial architecture. One of the best ways to unveil its beauty is by bicycle, cycling from the town center all the way to neighbouring villages. The charming Pedasí is a great base to explore the region’s beaches and nature, and is becoming an increasingly popular destination.
Take a boat to Isla Iguana
Only 8 kilometers off the coast of Pedasí lies Isla Iguana. With turquoise water, white sand beaches, mangroves and an exciting underwater life to discover on a snorkelling tour, it is a perfect day trip (though not the cheapest one). Make sure you visit both Playa El Ciral and Playita El Faro, two of the most beautiful beaches of the Azuero Peninsula.
Spend a night at Villa Camilla Boutique Hotel
Boutique Hotel, Hotel, Villa
Spend a night at Villa Camilla Boutique Hotel
Villa Camilla is a seven-room inn built by French designer Gilles Saint-Gilles. With a magnificent stone-paved courtyard, a circular fountain and tile floors, the house functions as a private boutique hotel where meals are casually served by the pool. Though the charm and elegance of the place come at a cost, it is definitely a treat worth the detour for travellers looking for a luxury experience in the Azuero Peninsula.
Villa Camila, Pedasí, Panama | © Courtesy of Kiwi Collection
Beach hop by the Pacific
The Azuero Peninsula is surrounded by beaches that are great for both surfing and relaxing. Some of the best ones around the area of Pedasí include the long golden-sand beach of Playa del Toro, Playa El Lagarto, famous for its fantastic body boarding breaks and Playa Arenal, where you can get a boat ride to Isla Iguana.
Explore the natural marvels of Combutal
Surrounded by one of the peninsula’s few coastal forests, Playa Combutal is also close to the Cerro Haya National Park. Perfect for surfing, kayaking, horseback riding and to see baby turtles, it is also one of the most untouched areas of Panama and home to the endangered scarlet macaws.
Surf and beach party in Playa Venao
Playa Venao is one of Panama’s hippest beach towns. Besides being one of the country’s best surfing spots, the beach village has developed a really cool vibe with lots of hostels and venues where the action continues long after sunset.
Celebrate Carnival in Las Tablas
The most awaited celebration of the year, Carnival in Las Tablas is the biggest party of the year. With an explosion of colours, costumes, and four days of non-stop parades, it is the most impressive display of Panamanian culture that brings together people from all walks of life and all ethnic groups.
Spend a day in Chitré
Chitré is the capital of Herrera, a province that forms part of the peninsula, known for its beautiful plazas, churches, parks, bakeries, and for the Museum de la Herrera, an anthropology museum. Discover the city by foot and get to meet the locals to get a sense of the slow pace of life and relaxing lifestyle that is so unique to the area.
Visit the Catedral de San Juan Bautista
Chitré’s Cathedral of San Juan Bautista is a beautiful testimony of Spanish colonial architecture in the Azuero Peninsula. With frescoes and statues, the church is dedicated to the town’s patron saint and hosts religious celebrations all year round. A must-see when visiting Chitré.
Sarigua National Park
Park
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.