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Located in central Panama, the Azuero peninsula encompasses the provinces of Herrera, Los Santos and a portion of Veraguas, but, since most of the population of the region resides in the first two, the name generally refers to Herrera and Los Santos.
Azuero is part of the "Dry Arch" - the driest part of the Republic, which comprises the western half of the Gulf of Panama. Small hills covered with semi-arid savanna vegetation are the typical landscape of the region, although its rivers and coastal marshlands are always green, harboring great potential for eco tourism and bird watching. Two national protected forests, El Montuoso Natural Reserve and Cerro Hoya National Park, are also found in this part of the country.
Azuero is cattle country. Except for the picturesque towns that dot the landscape, a great part of the land is devoted to cattle grazing and farming.
Folklore is by far the greatest tourist attraction of the area. There are over 600 folklore or religious festivals each year, as even the smallest community devotes a day to its own patron saint. The most important festivals in Azuero are Carnivals (Feb/March), the Ocú International Fair (Ocú, province of Herrera, in January), the Azuero International Fair (April/May), the Pollera National Festival (honoring Panama's beautiful female costume, in July), and La Mejorana folklore festival in Guararé (September).
Most lodging facilities are found in the town of Chitré, the peninsula's largest town, which can be used as a base for exploration of Azuero's beaches, islands and cool highlands. The region has a good system of roads and excellent communications with Panama City.
