Isla Cañas

Península de Azuero


Isla Cañas is one of a handful of places that olive ridley sea turtles nest in high numbers (the others are two beaches on the Pacific side of Costa Rica and two beaches in Orissa on the Bay of Bengal in India). Endangered species including the hawksbill, loggerhead sea, leatherback and green turtle nest here too. The turtles nest from July through early November, though peak months are usually September and October.

Bring a mosquito net and lots of insect repellent, long pants, a windbreaker or bug jacket and mosquito coils if you have them.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Península de Azuero attractions

1. Museo Belisario Porras

24.24 MILES

South of the main square is the former home of three-time president Belisario Porras, during whose administration the Panama Canal opened. The museum…

2. Iglesia Santa Librada

24.27 MILES

The walls and base of the pulpit in this baroque-style church on Parque Belisario Porras are original, as are the painted faces of cherubs on the ornate…

3. Refugio de Vida Silvestre Isla Iguana

26.14 MILES

This 53-hectare reserve is centered on a deserted island ringed by corals. The water is shallow enough for snorkeling and, as elsewhere in the Pacific,…

5. Museo Casa de Manuel F Zárate

28.12 MILES

Set in the former residence of Manuel F Zárate, the folklorist devoted to conserving the traditions of the Azuero region, this museum is a good…