 Head of Province: Chitre
Population: 102,465 inhabitants (2000 census)
Surface: 2,340 km 2
Coastal Area: Approx. 25kms on the Pacific Ocean (Parita Bay)
Major Islands: None.
Herrera borders on the North with Cocle, South with Los Santos, North/Northeast with Veraguas and East with the Pacific Ocean (Parita Bay). The Santa Maria river acts as a border with Cocle while the La Villa river performs the same function on the border with Los Santos. It is located on the Azuero Pensinsula, place that shares with Los Santos and part of Veraguas.
The most important towns in Herrera are Chitre, Parita, Ocu, Las Minas, Los Pozos and Santa Maria in that order more or less. It is a very lively place during the yearly carnivals. Herrera, like the other central provinces, is best known for its artisanal products, in particular clay pottery. These can be found in many places along the road such as the one depicted here in the town of La Arena.
 While there not only enjoy the artisanal artifacts but sample the local food and pastries. In Chitre you could also stop to visit the colonial church at the town square.
Sarigua National Park.
This is Panama's "desert." Though not a desert in strict ecological terms [Sarigua receives more than a meter of rain each year], the salt pans, the wind-blown sand, and cacti all evoke the image of "death valley." In fact, Sarigua is a lesson in the peril of poor land management. Over-grazing, loss of topsoil, and erosion all combine to create 8,000 hectares of devastation. If you want to study the biology of drought-stressed vegetation this is the place! Parkinsonia ("palo verde"), Opuntia ("prickly pear cactus") Sesuvium ("ice plant") Gossypum ("wild cotton") are the obvious vegetation [where there is vegetation]. Bring sunscreen and wear a broad-brimmed hat.
In addition to the ecological considerations, Sarigua is, according to Dr. Richard Cooke of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, the most important Pre-Columbian site in the Republic of Panama. Dating back 11,000 years based on shell mounds and pottery fragments, Sarigua offers an unparalleled archeological opportunity. An on-site museum displays representative artifacts. Contact Dr. Richard Cooke @stri.edu for more information.
While you are at Sarigua, it is worthwhile to make a side trip to Playa Agallito to visit the mangroves. Rhizophora ("red mangrove"), Avicennia ("black mangrove") and Conocarpus ("button mangrove") are the main primary producers here.
The Herrera Museum located on the city of Chitre exhibits archeological pieces found in Azuero and presents the ethnic composition of the region.
If you have some spare time and care about a typical town of the Azuero region, then why not give the town of Parita a short visit? here you can still see some old houses (as they are gradually being replaced by modern constructions) and even a short stop at the church of Santo Domingo of Parita. These are just a few hundred meters off the Azuero road to Chitre (coming from Divisa).
La Villa de Los Santos . If you are staying in Chitre or any nearby town (not that far really) you can go across the Rio La Villa (La Villa river) and visit the town of La Villa in Los Santos . Possibly even go farther to the town of Las Tablas. |
