The Archipelago of Las Perlas consists of 90 islands and approximately 130 small barren islands or keys, counting among them the El Rey , San José, Pedro Gonzalez, Pacheca, Taboga, Chapera, Viveros, Contadora Islands, among others. Some of them have spring water, abundant wild life, with typical fauna and flora of the tropical rain forests, islands of volcanic origin with lush vegetation that includes many fruit and trees and other species.
San Telmo Island just at the south of Isla del Rey, a marvelous wild life; Pacheca and Pachequilla Islands are a refugee for marine poultry in extinction , this place is a paradise for the lovers of nature
The marine life, with an abundant and varied fauna is attraction for both foreigners and locals, with transparent water beaches of turquoise color, white and fine sands, giving opportunity to great events, such as sporting tournaments and fishing competitions
HISTORY
In September of 1513, after an exploration trip, Vasco Núñez de Balboa, found out, through the natives, of the existence of a new sea and islands rich in pearls, and organized an expedition arriving at its borders and calling it the "Southern Sea".
On August 10, 1515, an expedition ordered by the then governor of Santa Maria of Darién, Pedrarias Davila and headed by Gaspar de Morales and Francisco Pizarro, returned informing that had left totally depopulated the islands, finishing the Indians that lived there, after robbing them of their wealth.
In 1518 began a repopulation of the islands, this time using black slaves for pearl fishing and land cultivation. This brought changes in the culture and customs of the time, changes that culminated with the slave rebellion led by Felipillo and the Cimarrones, for whom the gulf's islands became an excellent and safe refugee.
The XVII century was of great activity and action because with the conquest of Peru, Panama became a key point in the transfer of gold and other wealth to Spain, which brought as a consequence the proliferation of pirate activity. Among the pirate groups that acted in the islands were English, Dutch, Portuguese and French, attacking the Spanish fleets and ships of the time.
