Day 1
Transfer Panama City/Pedasi

This morning you will be greeted in the lobby of your hotel by your interpretive guide for the exciting journey up the Pan-American Highway on your way to the Azuero Peninsula.  Along the way we will make several stops to enjoy some of the attractions of the area.

Our first stop will be at the town of La Pintada, famous for the traditional sombrero pintado, worn by the men in the Azuero Peninsula and countrywide.  Here we will learn the process of making the real “Panama” hat.  These tightly woven straw hats have dark brown patterns woven into them, hence their name, sombrero pintado which translates to "painted hat."

Our next stop will be the Town of Nata de los Caballeros founded in 1522 during the early colonial period.  This community's first European inhabitants were Spanish noblemen sent to conquer this rich plain inhabited by a progressive, native culture. The main legacy of this colonial town is the Santiago Apostol Minor Basilica, the second oldest church in the Western Hemisphere, declared a National Monument in 1941. When we reach the historical town of Parita founded in 1556, we’ll stop to see Iglesia Santo Domingo de Guzmán, built a century later.  It is a simple but attractive church filled with ornately carved woodwork.

After an exiting first day we finally arrive to Pedesi , where we’ll settle in the seaside villas that will be our home away from home for the next few days.

Meals Included: L,D

Day 2
 Isla Iguana Nature Reserve

This morning we visit the National Wildlife Refuge of Isla Iguana.  Surrounding this spectacular tropical island is the largest coral reef of the Gulf of Panama, where we will be able to swim and snorkel in the warm turquoise waters.  Isla Iguana is also the nesting site, or rookery, of Magnificent Frigates, Brown, and Blue-footed Boobies.  In the evening, season permitting, we will visit Isla Canas, a remote sanctuary for five of the world’s six sea turtle species, specifically the Olive Ridley.  After sundown, we venture out onto the beach to witness the breathtaking ritual of sea turtle nesting. 

Meals Included: B,L,D

Day 3
Province of Herrera

This morning we will head toward the town of Chitre to visit the studio of a famous local devil-mask (diablico) maker. The traditional Panamenian diablico is used mainly during the festivities of Corpus Christy and Festival de la Mejorana.  The diablico bears some resemblance to the Chinese New Year dragon mask and also to those used in the Peruvian highlands

After enjoying our lunch, will head to the town of Pesé and visit the “Villa Varela.”  Here we will learn the process of sugar cane liquor, Varela Hermanos is famous nationwide because of their rum and also Seco Herrerano.

Meals Included: B,L,D

Day 4
Folklore of the Interior

This morning we disembark for a day of cultural immersion into what is considered the folkloric cradle of Panama. In the small towns of Guarare and La Enea we will visit the homes of some of the most well known pollera makers in Panama. The pollera is the national female dress of Panama, considered by many as one of the most beautiful costumes in the world, and a matter of pride for Panamanians.

Lunch will be a traditional matanza barbecue of the region, serving the authentic Panamanian cuisine of the countryside.  At the matanza we will have the opportunity to meet some of the other artisans of the region who will teach us about the process of making drums, the traditional sandals worn by men called cutarras, and the devil masks used during the celebration of Corpus Christy.  As a closure to our visit to Azuero, dancers dressed in the polleras and traditional costumes of celebrations will perform the folkloric ballet. 

Meals Included: B,L,D

Day 5
Transfer Pedasi/Panama City

Today we head back to Panama City via the Pan-American Highway, and as we did on the way to Azuero, we will stop along the way and enjoy more of this region of Panama.

Our first stop will be Sarigua National Park.  This protected area spreads over a very fragile ecosystem known as albino.  The area was deforested and devastated by the colonizing action of settlers.  Today this National Park is used as an example of how fragile nature can be when its natural resources are mismanaged.

Our second and final stop will be at the Humedal Las Macanas.  These wetland consist of 2,000 hectares of fertile land, and is an area of multiple uses.  We will see how proper management allows for a positive relation between conservation and agriculture in a fragile ecosystem.

Meals Included: B,L

The Azuero Peninsula is home to the relatives of some of Panama’s oldest Spanish ancestors.  On a visit to this region, one can learn about the customs and traditions that have greatly influenced the heritage, art, and culture of this country.