National Parks, Rums and a Lot of History
It is the smallest province of Panama, located in the northern sector of the Azuero Peninsula, between Veraguas and Los Santos. It is known as “the land where no one is a foreigner”. The residents are incredibly friendly and happy.
Herrera stands out for having exported its culture throughout Panama. Nature lovers find a large number of activities to do in Herrera since you can visit mangrove areas full of fauna, the only desert in the country and towns with artisan traditions that are of national and international recognition.
You can also enjoy the Chitre City, a mix of traditional and modern activities and Architecture.
Discover Sarigua, the Driest Place in Panama
This National Park is located in the most arid region of the country, and forms a landscape that can’t be seen anywhere else in Panama. This natural destination is not a desert, the aridity due to soil salinity and human intervention is described as “albino”.
You can visit La Mula Archaeological Site where there is evidence of the oldest village in Panama dating back between 1500 to 5000 years BC. Here you will find remains of ceramics, arrowheads and stone instruments.
Live the Culture of Rum at Hacienda San Isidro
Pese is a charming town, the birthplace where emblematic brands of Panamanian liquors are produced. This hacienda has its doors open for you to visit and learn about its history that dates back to 1908, when Don Jose Varela Blanco established the mill to process sugar cane.
This tour takes you to know more than a century of tradition in the production of liquors, their process and even tasting the different types of rums they offer.
Learn about Traditions and Culture at the Herrera Museum
This museum located in Chitre, offers a sample of pre-Hispanic times, religious art, customs and traditions. Even how the ancient indigenous settlers lived and were buried. The architecture is neoclassical in style and is more than 100 years old. It was previously a residence and then the Post and Telegraph office.
The Museum has 7 exhibition rooms, the most relevant being the Ethnographic Room with works of art from the Herrera culture and the Archeology Room with pre-Columbian objects.
Learn the Pottery Tradition in La Arena Town
When leaving Chitre on the way to Divisa or vice versa you will find along the road houses made of “quincha” that are still maintained over time, and where the crafts made with the pottery technique stand out. This artisan display is located in La Arena, recognized for its great potters who create works with clay such as pots, vases and other decorations that are the pride of Herrera’s culture and that you can purchase at a good price.
Visit the San Juan Bautista Cathedral in Chitre
One of the most important cathedrals in all of Panama is that of San Juan Bautista de Chitre. Visiting this valuable religious site that is part of the city’s Old Town, is like traveling back in time more than 100 years.
When you are inside you realize why this church is one of the most beautiful. The imposing architecture, its finishes, paintings and frescoes, as well as its altar, make you feel how life was like in colonial times.
We invite you to also visit these places:
▪️El Montuoso Forest Reserve, a natural Eden full of exuberant fauna.
▪️Historic Town of Parita, where you feel the colonial legacy in every corner.
▪️Town of Ocu, a place where peasant traditions stand out.
