The Azuero Peninsula, cradle of Panamanian folkloric tradition, is one of those increasingly rare places of wild natural beauty. Here time slows down and slips into the relaxed pace of a bygone era.

Jutting out into the Pacific, it is a land of cowboys and cattle, pristine beaches and colonial towns with tranquil plazas. Fishermen in their shallow-draft pangas troll the waters off Azuero’s “Tuna Coast,” known internationally for its sports fishing.

Azuero, made up of the Herrera, Los Santos and Veraguas provinces, celebrates over 700 festivals a year, the largest drawing thousands of visitors. Spanish colonial traditions, indigenous and African cultures blend during Carnival celebrations as colorful floats, dance and music fill the streets.

In addition to reforestation efforts across the peninsula, the coastline is spotted with islands designated as wildlife refuges including Isla Iguana and Isla Cañas. Some of the best surfing beaches may also be found on the Peninsula including the famed Venado Beach.