Puerto Mutis

Puerto Mutis, a tiny community twenty minutes south of Santiago, Veraguas, hopes for same activity in the near future, as a consequence of the recent designation of Coiba National Park as a "World Heritage Site" by UNESCO.

A sleepy community of fishermen on the banks of the San Pablo river, Puerto Mutis is the main port of entry to the "world" of Isla Coiba and its satellite islands, which comprise one of the most diverse natural refuges for thousands of bird, amphibian and marine species in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

The recent designation of Coiba National Park as a World Heritage Site will prompt an increase of eco and adventure tourists, divers, photographers, filming crews and scientists to Puerto Mutis, the residents of which are being coached in tourism and other trades by the Spanish Cooperation Agency. As a result, many fishermen are now becoming tour operators specializing in Coiba, which is approximately 2 hours away.

Puerto Mutis: the gate to the Coiba National Park.

Located in an area rich in mangrove forests, Puerto Mutis provides much of the fresh seafood served in the restaurants of Santiago. A number of quaint eateries operate in town, offering the popular fried fish and patacones (fried, green plantain medallions) among other dishes.

Part of the district of Montijo, a well-known folklore bastion of the Veraguas province, Puerto Mutis has more history than meets the eye. Back in the old days, prior to the construction of the first roads, Puerto Mutis was the only port of entry to the provincial capital of Santiago.