More than 347 fish species in the waters of Isla Iguana and a festival held in Guararé since 1949: in Panama’s Los Santos Province, protected natural areas meet places rich in cultural history. Plan your trip around the discoveries that interest you most—from island and coastal nature to churches, festivals, and regional cuisine.

Island Nature and Coast

Isla Iguana in Pedasí is a protected area with distinctive island landscapes and high biodiversity. The Refugio de Vida Silvestre Isla Iguana protects 53 hectares of tropical dry forest and more than 40 hectares of coral reef. Its waters are home to more than 347 fish species; humpback whales also visit to give birth and nurse their young. Visitors can snorkel and dive in the Refugio. Both its terrestrial habitats and coral reef are among the protected area’s distinctive features.

Beyond the island, the coast offers a range of nature and activity experiences. Los Santos has more than 200 kilometers of coastline and dozens of beaches open to visitors. Humpback whales can be spotted in the Pacific, and horseback riding is also possible on beaches and in rural hill country. Near Cambutal, hiking trails lead to waterfalls. The province has a predominantly tropical climate, lies in Panama’s Arco Seco, and is one of the country’s regions with the most sunny days per year.

Turtles and the Trip to Isla Cañas

The Refugio de Vida Silvestre Isla Cañas is a nesting area for olive ridley, green, hawksbill, and leatherback turtles. On Isla Cañas, visitors can watch sea turtles lay their eggs. The protected area also promotes research and the observation of coastal marine flora and fauna. In Guánico, Tonosí, the Reserva La Marinera protects a marine area to safeguard the endangered olive ridley turtle.

From Puerto Cañas, you can reach Isla Cañas with an approximately ten-minute boat ride through a mangrove landscape. Check locally before your visit to find out whether boats are available and how departures are arranged.

Festivals, Churches, and Museums

The Festival Nacional de La Mejorana has been held in Guararé since 1949. Its established program includes competitions for camisillas, hats, and violin. The Casa Museo Manuel F. Zárate offers another way to explore the region, with exhibitions showcasing its history and traditions.

The Catholic Iglesia San Atanasio stands in La Villa de Los Santos. Founded in 1569, the church is in the Mudéjar style and was declared National Historic Heritage in 1938. La Villa also preserves the Corpus Christi celebrations, with folkloric dances such as the Diablicos sucios and Diablos limpios. In Las Tablas, the Iglesia Santa Librada was built in the 18th century and is an important cultural and religious symbol. The Museo Belisario Porras presents Panama’s political history through a tribute to Belisario Porras; its exhibits include his cenotaph and a portrait.

Regional Cuisine and Fincas

Agrotourism fincas in Los Santos give visitors the chance to take part in agricultural activities and tour cultivated areas. These include Laurel, Pamel, Z Ranch, El Espinal, El Recreo, CapriDovi, and Visión Verde. Confirm arrangements with each one before your trip. Orígenes offers tastings of typical dishes, local products, and traditional recipes from Santeño cuisine; check in advance for its current operating arrangements. The fincas focus on agriculture and cultivated areas, while Orígenes focuses on cuisine, products, and recipes.

Planning Your Trip

After the turnoff at Divisa, the drive takes about one hour to Pedasí and two hours to Tonosí. Traffic and road conditions can affect travel time. A bus from the Gran Terminal de Albrook to Macaracas and Tonosí takes about five hours and twenty minutes; travel times and availability may change. These times refer to different modes of transport and starting points, so they are not a direct comparison of the same route. Check travel times and availability before your trip.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Pedasí, Las Tablas, Tonosí, Cambutal, Cañas, Agua Buena, Isla de Cañas, Mariabé, San José.

For the main travel overview: Panama.