Chitre is the capital of the Herrera Province and the town is a mosaic of colonial and commercial influences. You can find the streets bustling with shops, markets, and activity as well as streets lined with red-tiled Spanish villas that are perfect for a short walk. The town has retained its colonial flavors in spite of having been commercialized.
Though you might not find a lot of places to explore in Chitre, it is the perfect place to stay and explore the surrounding towns and villages. The people of Chitre are extremely warm and welcoming, and they live up to the motto of their city – the place where no one is a stranger. The locals would gladly engage you with tales of the town and give you suggestions on the best places to visit in and around Chitre.
Sarigua National Park
Sarigua National Park is a scary reminder of how humans have destroyed land and nature. All that is visible there are the remains of the land after slash and burn agriculture. The topsoil has eroded completely and you can see the dry and cracked land. Though you cannot spot life in the dry terrains, you can walk to the shoreline where more than one hundred and sixty birds visit each year. Some of the birds are native, while most are migratory. You can spot them in the thin fringes of mangrove forests and lagoons by the edge of the park.
San Juan Bautista Church
It is a beautiful colonial church that was built in the eighteenth century by Spaniards. The church is famous for its simple yet charming look. It has an interior of mahogany and fine, thin gold. The altars, statues, beams, and ceilings are all wooden, and the windows are of beautiful stained glass. There are colorful frescoes as well. The moment you step in here from the busy streets, you will immediately find a serene and peaceful setting.
Museo de Herrera
The San Juan Cathedral and this museum are the main attractions of Chitre. A two-story colonial building is the setting of the museum. On the first floor, you will see exhibits related to natural history. On the second floor, you will see items of cultural significance, some of which were excavated at the nearby sites in Parita, like pottery. You can find the replicas of gold ornaments that were unearthed from the tombs of chieftains. The original pieces are on display at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. in the U.S.
La Arena
A small village near Chitre, La Arena is lauded for its fine pottery. You will find rows of vendors hawking prices and products, and eagerly inviting you to buy. Every possible ceramic item, including mugs, cups, bowls, plates, ashtrays, and pots of all colors, sizes, and designs can be found here. Most of the works reflect indigenous craft and culture. As you walk around the village, you are sure to spot people making clay and pots. Some might even invite you to try your hand at pottery!
Apart from pottery, the village is also famous for its panaderias, which are bakeries that specialize in all kinds of bread. The bread made here is sent out and enjoyed in all parts of Panama. You can also find delicious pastries and cookies here, which you must try!
Villa de Los Santos
A small town south of Chitre, this town holds an important place in Panamanian history. It was in this village in 1821 the first voices were raised for Panama’s freedom from the Spaniards. Every year on November 10, the entire town is out on the streets, celebrating the beginning of the revolution. The atmosphere is so wild, you would not hesitate to jump in.
The town is also home to a national treasure, the Iglesia San Atanasio. This church was built in the 18th century and displays beautiful baroque techniques of architecture. All six altars of the church are the original ones. The main altar is covered with golden leaves. You can marvel at the intricate wooden carvings of the statues, cherubs, and fruits.
The Museo de la Nacionalidad is now situated at the house where the Declaration of Independence for Panama was signed in 1821. The building with its yellow, white and blue-colored exterior, is very charming. The museum houses some pre-Colombian artifacts, but mainly has a collection of images and photographs that honor the role played by Los Santos in the revolution. An interesting fact about this museum is its dynamic history; it was once a jail, then a school, a government office, and now, it is a museum.
Parita
Parita is a tiny village that visitors stumble upon by chance and fall in love with it at first sight. On walking through the streets of Parita, you can easily imagine what Panama must have looked like centuries ago when it was colonized by the Spanish. You can witness typical Spanish architecture here. The houses are narrow and tall with red-tiled roofs; flowers and creepers adorn the front walls of houses, giving it a very aesthetic charm.
One of Panama’s renowned mask makers, Dario Lopez, is from Parita. His masks are extremely colorful and scary as well. They have been used in folk dances and theatres. Iglesia Santo Domingo de Guzman is a quaint and charming church that forms the center of the town. Unlike most churches, the bell tower is directly above the entrance instead of in the corner. Traditional Spanish wooden craftsmanship is found inside the church.
Holy Week
The Holy Week or the Carnaval, as it is more popularly known, kicks off four days before Ash Wednesday. You can witness the locals dressed up in festive costumes, out on the streets all day. The celebrations are filled with blaring music, dances, and parades. There are reenactments from the Bible and crowded masses. People throw colors and spray water on each other – it doesn’t matter if you are a local or visitor so be prepared. The Carnaval is the most impressive display of Panamanian culture and tradition that you must not miss!
Stay
You will find plenty of accommodations, but if you are planning to visit during the Carnaval, it is best to book in advance. Some highly rated places are:
- Casa Los Pinos
- Cubita Boutique Resort and Spa
- Gran Hotel Azuero
Food
You will not find a lack of good eateries in this region. However, here are a few favorites for you to try.
Restaurante El Meson de Rex
This restaurant specializes in Panamanian cuisine and has an extensive menu. From tacos to steak and sandwiches to seafood, you can have it all. Make sure to try their native breakfasts, which are a set of yucca or tortillas with eggs and coffee.
Ceviches Tio Caiman
This place is located close to the center of town and specializes in citrus-cured seafood with a Caribbean flavor.
Mare Bonita
An absolute favorite of locals and visitors, this restaurant bar has a dynamic menu that serves Thai one week and hamburgers the next.
What’s Nearby?
