Azuero West Coast Guide

The western Azuero peninsula, also know as Panama’s Sunset Coast is located in the province of Veraguas.  The Azuero west coast is one of Panama’s most beautiful coastal areas, one hour south of the city of Santiago! The landscape is far more dramatic, than the much more developed eastern Azuero. Lush mountains decent to scenic deserted beaches. Plenty of wildlife inhabits the area. The land is sparsely populated, and most locals are involved with cattle ranching or agriculture. A growing number of European and American expats have made the coastal area south of Torio their home. Several residential developments are sprouting up along the coast. Fishing off the western Azuero is fantastic! Tuna, dorado [mahi-mahi], wahoo, sailfish, marlin and many other game fish are plentiful. Dolphins and whales also regularly visit the waters. Sea turtles come to shore to lay their eggs. The residents of the fishing village of Malena are devoted to their protection and conservation.

An asphalt road was completed some time ago, and slowly travelers are discovering the hidden treasures of the western Azuero peninsula. Pristine beaches, rivers, waterfalls & mountains greet the visitor. Cerro Hoya National Park is located at the south western end of the Azuero peninsula. Covered with virgin rain forest it is home to many endangered species and wildlife. A new small hotel, the Heliconia Bed & Breakfast opened up north of Malena. Heliconia B&B is run by a dutch biologist couple, devoted to nature preservation and reforestation. The lodge provides much needed accommodations in a yet remote location. A couple more places to stay & restaurants are available in Torio, which is within walking distance of a wide and shallow beach. Just a few miles offshore is Cebaco island and a further out Coiba Island National Park, which used to be a penal colony under Noriega, but now is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

Panama External Links