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ESCAPE TO PANAMÁ |
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THINGS TO DO AROUND TONOSÍ (see maps) |
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---Contact Escape to Panama--- |
EXPLORE THE
ESTUARIES:
People say it is like exploring the Amazon jungle,
so try not to get lost. You can find a boat for hire by going to the Isla de Cañas
(behind which are located the mangroves and estuary), the town of Cañas or
the fishing village of Bucaro (see Maps). It is a day long
adventure to explore the estuary and mangroves, the Isla de Cañas, it's village and beaches, the
Tonosí river and the fishing village of Bucaro. You
will see a variety of
flora, birds and sometimes alligators. It would be a good idea to
take something to drink and eat with you for the boat. There are
restaurants in each of the three towns. You may want to bring sun
protection and footwear that can be used in the water. Most boats do
not have a roof. Your best bet for a boat with shade is to go to
Bucaro. You may also
want to bring a bathing suit and towel because you will be visiting some
very beautiful and empty beaches.
BEACH
EXPLORATION: There
are miles and miles of beautiful, empty beaches in the coastal area around
Tonosi to explore and enjoy. There are blow holes,
natural stone arches and doors, numerous small islands,
beach caves, rocky cliffs, tide pools, some of which are
great for soaking in the solar heated water, coral reefs and
tropical fish (snorkeling depends on sea conditions and the
individual's experience). You are likely to encounter families of
howler monkeys, incredible views from the high points, estuaries and
more. If you are looking for calm water to go swimming, try the east
end of Playa Venado, the beach in front of Playita Resort, Circuela, or
the end of the road in Bucaro.
SEA TURTLES: The
season to see sea turtles laying eggs (arribada) is August, September and
October and the best place to go is Isla de Cañas. You would be wise
to call ANAM (tel 995 8180) or the Isla de Cañas (tel 995 8002,
995 8004) ahead of time to get the scoop. The turtles usually
come up late at night or in the early morning so you might want to go to
Isla de Cañas in the evening, get a room, enjoy the beach and go out late
to see the turtles and maybe explore the estuary in the morning.
DIVING/SNORKELING: The
diving and snorkeling depends a great deal on the season and ocean swell.
The dry season (December-May) is best. The best days are those with
small waves. So if it is no good for surfing, it is probably good
for diving/snorkeling. The area has a lot of rocky shoreline broken
up by sandy beaches. These rocky shores are good diving/snorkeling
areas in the right conditions. Also there is Isla Iguana not far
offshore with coral reef in shallow water. You can get a boat from
the beach near Pedasi or Pocri. For serious scuba divers, there are
the islands of Fraille Sur and Norte about eight kilometers off the coast
from Playa Venado. You can get a boat in Ciruela or Bucaro. In
addition, there are a number of open water shallow reefs. See marine
charts for their location.
FISHING:
You can fish in the open ocean, in the estuaries or in the
rivers. The best bet for a boat to go fishing in the ocean or the
Tonosi river would be Bucaro. For fishing in the estuary, you can
find a boat in either Bucaro, Canas or the Isla de Canas. Bucaro is
a fishing village and it will be easy to find someone that can set you up
with bait, etc and take you to the best spots to fish.
HORSEBACK RIDING:
Tonosi is cowboy country. Horses are still a major
form of transportation and work. Every farm has them. Wherever
you are just ask around and you can usually find someone to rent you some
horses and even to show you around the area. And, yes, you can go
horseback riding on the beach!
SURFING:
There are numerous surf spots around the area. The
best is probably Playa Venado, but there is also 4/11 by Cambutal, Guanico
Abajo, and many, many more. Surf is typically in the 3-6 foot range
but can be double overhead or more. The best season for size is
August, September, October. The best season for shape is the dry
season, January through April,
when the winds blow offshore almost continually.
CARNIVALS
& FIESTAS:
The Los Santos area is famous for its' carnivals and fiestas.
The population of Las Tablas swells to four times it's size during the
four days preceding Ash Wednesday. Tonosi has it's own carnival
which although smaller, is not less festive. Although the town is
small, it's population swells enormously. During the day there are
mojaderas, where trucks spray water on the a long chain of people as they
dance in the street. At night, the jardins overflow with dancing
people and the musica tipical of the region. Panamanians always have
an excuse and they love to party so it should come as no surprise that
they have a multitude of excuses to have festivals, Carnaval is just one
of many. One of my favorites is the folkloric festival called the
Mejorana in Guarare. The one pictured here is the Day of the
Campesino in Tonosi.