Introduction to the Azuero Peninsula

The Azuero is a large peninsula located in the south of Panama.  Culti

The peninsula is essentially divided into two regions: east and west.

The eastern Azuero is best known for their Carnival celebrations that take place annually in Las Tablas. Other highlights in the region include Pedasi, a small but culturally rich fishing town, and the growing surf towns of Playa Venao and Cambutal.

The western Azuero, known for farming, beaches, and beautiful sunsets, is also developing quickly. The western coastline stretches along 70 km of pristine beach and is home to several towns including Mariato, Torio and Morrillio. These areas have also become popular pacific surf destinations. Further down the coast is Punta Duarte, offering some truly breathtaking ocean views.

Cerro Hoya National Park
Named after the peninsula’s highest peak, Cerro Hoya national park protects a wide range of plants and animals. More than 95 species of birds have been identified in the park, among them are the great green macaw and Azuero parakeet, a bird endemic to the area.

The mountains are believed to have the same geological origin as Coiba, forming with the Galapagos about 80 million years ago, and then slowly drifting towards Panama. Today the park is accessible from both the east and west of the Azuero. Walking paths are not well maintained or marked. For this reason, it is highly recommended to use a knowledgeable guide when embarking on a novice stroll or advanced hike.

For Cerro Hoya guided tours leaving from the Eastern Azuero contact:
 Sansara Surf & Yoga resort (Cambutal)
 +507 6309-1697

For Cerro Hoya guided tours leaving from the Western Azuero contact:
Heliconia B&B (Palmilla, just past Mariato)
+507 6676-0220

Eastern Azuero Accommodations

Pedasi

Pedasito Hotel
A small boutique hotel in the heart of town with rooms ranging from $60 - $120/night
+507 995-2745
Pedasitohotel.com

Playa Venao

El Sitio
A 14 room hotel right on the surf break with rooms ranging from $90 - $170/night
+507 832-1010
Elsitiohotel.com

Cambutal

Sansara Surf & Yoga Resort
A new surf & yoga resort on the beach, with 11 private cabins. Contact for rates.
+ 507 6309-1697
Sansararesort.com

GETTING THERE
The Eastern Azuero peninsula connects to the Pan-American Highway in Divisa and runs south along the eastern side of the peninsula.  In Divisa (approximately 3 hours from Coronado) head south, keeping left on to the over pass heading towards Chitre & Las Tablas. This road continues into the town of Las Tablas.

To get to Pedasi, drive through Las Tablas until you reach a park on the right, just after the police station. Make a left at the park and continue on this road following the coast for approximately 40km. After passing through the small towns of Santo Domingo, Guarare and Pocri you will reach Pedasi. 

To get to Playa Venao, drive through Pedasi continuing on the main road for about 30 minutes until you reach Venao. If you continue past Playa Venao in approximately 1 hour you will reach Cambutal. However, if you do not wish to stop in Pedasi or Venao there is a more direct route to Cambutal from Las Tablas driving through the mountain town of Tonosi. 

Western Azuero Accommodations

Palmilla (8 km past Mariato)

Heliconia Bed & Breakfast
This eco-lodge is located on 8 hectares of botanical gardens. Rooms range from $50 - $80 /night.
+507 6676-0220
Hotelheliconiapanama.com

Melana (10 km past Mariato)

Hostel Familiar Iguana Verde
rooms ranging from $10 - $40 /night
+507 6863-6228

Morrillo

Villa Vento Surf Hostel
Dorm rooms available for $15/night, and private rooms starting at $45/night.
+507 6151-8048
Villaventosurfhostels.com

Punta Duarte

Camino Del Sol Eco Lodge
A modern resort overlooking the ocean with 4 rooms & 2 bungalows. Rooms range from $130 - $190/night
+507 6810-7122
Caminodelsol.com.pa/

Punta Duarte Gardens
The hotel offers 5 spacious rooms ranging from $85 - $148/night.
+507 6152-7817
Puntaduarte.com

GETTING THERE
The Western Azuero connects to the Pan-American just east of Santiago. Approximately 5km before Santiago there is a green sign for Atalaya, at this sign head south by making a left (coming from Coronado) there is a fruit stand & fonda on the corner. Continuing on this road for about 1 hour you will pass through the small towns of Ponuga, Tebario, and Mariato. In Mariato there are two mini supers a gas station and ATM. Continue on this road to reach Torio (7km), Morrillo (15km) and Punta Duerte (20km).