Its whale and turtle time at Isla Iguana off the Azuero Peninsula

Article and photos by: Patricia Puentes C.

An enthusiastic group launches a boat for their marine adventure.

Panama has numerous islands in both oceans. Some are being sold to build tourism or residential projects. Others, which posses a great diversity in their flora and fauna, have become nature parks, protected by the National Environment Agency (ANAM). Isla Iguana is one of those places.

This small island located in Los Santos province, off the Azuero Peninsula, , two miles away from Playa del Arenal, in Pedasi, was declared a Wild Life Refuge in 1981. Iguana is ideal for observing Frigate Birds or "Tijeretas" nesting. You can also see the migratory birds which visit the island to feed and rest in "Bosque Seco", famous for its flora and fauna.

A trail into the forest.

Whales can be spotted between August and September, while turtles come between September and December to its beaches to deposit their eggs. Its crystalline waters are inhabited by more than 726 different species of fish and around the island are 40 hectares of coral reef. Making it one of the best places for scuba diving in Panama.

The best time to visit Isla Iguana is between May and December, because from January until April, the north tradewinds make sailing difficult.

To get to Isla Iguana hire a car and drive for at least five hours from Panama City along the Panamerican highway to Pedasí, province of Herrera, then you should catch a boat from "Playa El Arenal". The maximum capacity for these vessels is 8 people. Remember to bring your own life jacket, as they are scarce in these boats. The round trip costs between $40 and $45 per person. Take everything you need with you, there are no restaurants or facilities on the island. However, you are allowed to camp in "Playa El Cirial".

A beach where turtles lay their eggs.

An officer of the ANAM will serve as a guide, explain regulations, answer your questions and charge you for the entrance to the island: $2.00 for residents and $10.00 for foreigners.

You are not allowed to bring any pets and if you wish to film, you need to obtain a special permit. It is also prohibited to remove any object from land or sea.

For more details visit the web page: www.islaiguana.com

Drums, “fiddles” and song at

The famous Mejorana festival

The street parade is a spectacle not to be missed.

The "Mejorana Festival" in Guararé, Los Santos province, is a celebration of the spirit of all the traditions of Panama. This festival will take place from September 23 to 27 and coincides with the patron saint festivities of "Virgen de Las Mercedes".

The "mejoranera" is the musical instrument from which the festival takes its name. It is a type of guitar, smaller than the Spanish one and usually manufactured in the workshops of the town. It only has four strings.

Dayana Carolina Herrera Castillero,
queen of the 57th Festival of
La Mejorana.

The first organizers of the festival selected the name "mejoranera" because of its wide use in the music, singing and dancing of the province.

Mejoraneros, drummers, accordionists, artisans, "décimas" (singing poetry) singer and folkloric groups from all parts of the country will take part in this four-day festival.

Competitions include one for the written "décima", dedicated to Professor Manuel F. Zarate, creator of the Mejorana Festival, and another is for the sung "décima".

Of all activities during the festival, the Parade of the Carriages is the most spectacular, because all the folkloric groups, tunas (folkloric dancers and musicians), and floats of all the traditional, commercial and governmental intities.

To travel to Guararé, take a bus from Panama Terminal to Las Tablas. There you can find accommodation, but Guararé has various hotels. Make your reservation on time, because during the time of the festival few rooms are available.