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CONTACT US AT wanconm@gmail.com, gdianaraquel@gmail.com or U.S. 760 516 1460, U.S. 760 704 7592 WhatsApp Panama 507 6673 3375, 507 6949 5824

THINGS TO DO AROUND TONOSÍ (under renovation) (see maps)

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 and white-faced 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, 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, Playa Ostional and many, many more. (Note: Playa Ostional is only accessible via our project in Bucaro.) 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(taverns) 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.

CONTACT US AT wanconm@gmail.com, gdianaraquel@gmail.com or U.S. 760 516 1460, U.S. 760 704 7592 WhatsApp Panama 507 6673 3375, 507 6949 5824

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