At Veraguas Province all Visitors can find this route where they can connect with the magic of nature and the simplicity of people who guard jealously their culture and natural resources. A route that is intimately linked to the most famous Visitor on the Veraguas Pacific coast, the sea turtles.
This District is located west of the Azuero peninsula, just two hours away from Santiago City and six hours from Capital City.
The coastal areas of the Mariato district are distributed in between: the Montijo Golf Wetland (Ramsar site), the special coastal zone, the Veraguas South Zone and
Cerro Hoya National Park (PN).
A Route to Conserve Fauna and its Nature
Local organizations for environmental conservation for the proper use of natural and cultural resources created the Eco Tortuga Route. An rural community ecotourism experience like few others in Panama, where tourist can be in contact with sea turtles, and all the natural environment that surrounds this area.
Turtles nesting:
One of the main objectives of this route is the protection of sea turtles that migrate to the beaches of this Veraguas sector. Here, the Lora, Verde, Carey and Canal / Baula turtle species arrive every year on the shores of Mariato and its surroundings to nest and lay their eggs. This important event of nature that results in the birth of thousands of hatchlings (baby turtles) can be seen live throughout the year, especially during August and October, which are the peak months.
Newborn Release:
This is an intimate and unforgettable experience that every Visitor must experience even once in their life. And thanks to this event that captures the attention of the scientific and tourist community, it seeks to create ecological awareness in society. Several organizations ensure that the thousands of hatchlings (baby turtles) make it to the coasts and begin their life cycle. The good thing is that anyone can be part of this activity either as a volunteer or through a tourist “tour”, and be part of a vital event for the balance of nature.
Impressive Fauna and Flora
Besides protecting sea turtles, this route was also created to preserve the natural benefits of a region that has a complex ecosystem such as mangroves, humid and mountainous forests. Together with semi-extensive agriculture make Mariato and its coasts a destination with unique characteristics to enjoy community ecotourism, a quiet environment and conscious use of natural resources.
Tourist Activities
There are lodging services, food, transfers, guides, crafts and cultural events. However, in addition to the sighting of sea turtles, the Visitor can carry out a series of activities that are also a natural adventure:
• Kayak among the impressive mangroves
• Visit an agro-tourist farm
• Swim in beautiful beaches
• Walk along nature trails, either through the forests or mangroves.
• Discover six waterfalls
In each place or activity, you can feel the tranquility and peace of a community that has learned to live in balance with its natural environment.
