Discover Azuero Peninsula: the Folkloric path

Visit the idyllic Peninsula de Azuero with its year-round dry weather and laid-back lifestyle. Dive into the authentic culture of this region, which feels isolated from modern Panama, explore its colorful traditions, tasty specialties, abundant wildlife, and natural beauties, including the Sarigua dessert.

EcoCircuitos’ Azuero program starts just after a short, direct flight from Panama City, with first-hand experience of the rich culture and diverse wildlife of the Peninsula. Experience the manufacturing process of producing Panamanian rum and have a taste of the local liquors Seco and rum. See the extraction of salt from the Pacific Ocean; visit the production of handmade clay pottery, and learn how the famous La Arena bread is baked. The basic program will furthermore take you on a boat ride to the idyllic island of Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge, with its mangrove forests, pristine white-sanded beaches, crystal waters, and colorful coral reefs. Also check our Folkloric path for a more in deep experience.

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  Surfcamp in Playa Venao resort hotel

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Keep on exploring the facets of charming Azuero with joining our various extension tours: Surf on laid-back Playa Venao, watch the large variety of birds at Playa Aguillito, the nesting turtles of pristine Isla Canas or join adventurous canopy zipline tours over the treetops of the forest.

This is an ideal program for a StopOver in Panama. Contact us for more information: annie@ecocircuitos.com

El Otro Lado: a Portobello spot

By Raffaele Capomolla

Recently the EcoCircuitos Team visited the historically very important town of Portobelo, which was discovered by Christofer Columbus in 1502, and founded by the Spanish explorer Francisco Verlarde in 1597. Portobelo was a very important silver-exporting port, which also explains why the Spanish built those defensive fortifications which still are very well preserved. In 1688 Portobelo was captured by Sir Henry Morgan, who had a fleet of 9 ships and 460 buccaneers. Once you stand in front of those impressive cannons of the 16^th century you start to imagine how the Spanish fought against the pirates who were trying to steal their treasures.

Portobelo has a great potential to become a touristic attraction due to its History and the well-preserved ruins and forts which were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, named Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama. There is certainly still a great deal of work to be done, but the Fundation ‘Bahìa de Portobelo’ is working hard in implementing their strategy of sustainable, cultural, social and economic development.

The EcoCircuitos Team also had the chance to visit the beautiful luxury accommodation  ‘El otro lado’, which is located in an exceptional enclave of the Portobelo bay. Couples, Families but also solo travelers looking for a high class retreat in a tropical rainforest can find there a natural sense of tranquility, combined with authenticity, luxury and comfort.

For more information visit http://www.ecocircuitos.com and contact us at info@ecocircuitos.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Best Beaches near Panama City

Panama is blessed with its unique beaches in both the Pacific and the Atlantic. This amazing country has two long coasts and many islands that are ideal for family beach combing, surfing, kite surfing or other water sports.

Some of my favorite beaches I listed below:

1.  Veracruz Beach:  It is at only 20 minutes from the City and this spot is great for those interested in Stand up Paddle or kayaking the bay of Panama.  There are several rentals for SUP.  Don’t miss it.
2. Punta Chame:  if you like kite surfing, this is your spot.  A great mountain backdrop and very long beach.  There are also schools in the area for kite surfing.
3.  Coronado and Serena beach:  this is a little bay ideal for surfing.  It is located close to condominiums and has easy access during the day.
4. El Palmar and Rio Mar:  both beaches are ideal for surfers.  Some small hotels and restaurants in the area and close to Rio Mar more beachfront condominiums.  I love to go there during the weekday.
5. Playa Langosta: in Colon on the Atlantic side this beach is on the road to Portobello and at only 1.5 hours from the city.  It is very very crowed during the weekends.
6. Isla Grande:  Also in Colon Province a little farther from Portobello this is a small fishing town, this beach is great for swimming and also for surfing on a shallow reef.