Welcome to
Herrera
Republic of Panama
Introduction
Head of Province: Chitre
Population: 102,465 inhabitants (2000 census)
Surface: 2,340 km2
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.
 Exploring by car
It is very easy to go to Herrera if you drive on your own. From Panama city take
the Panamerican Highway westbound, cross the bridge over the Panama Canal,
subsequently take the Panama-Chorrera Highway. When you get off it continue on
the Panamerican Highway. You have drive across the province of
Cocle and as soon as you reach the crossing of Divisa (there is a
"honorary" police stop to briefly visually inspect cars), you make a left turn
here and you are in Herrera!. The crossing of Divisa is 215 kms. from Panama
city. On this road you continue all the way to Chitre and even the province of
Los Santos.
If you are coming from the province of Chiriqui
you must travel eastbound on the Panamerican Highway (no way to get lost),
travel across the province of Veraguas on
the same highway until you reach Divisa. There you make a right turn and
continue as described above.
 By Public Transport - Bus Terminals
There are plenty of ways to go to Herrera with public transport. The most
popular (and cheapest) is perhaps the regular scheduled buses leaving from the
Albrook Terminal in Panama. Alternatively you can fly to the head of the
province, Chitre. The trip on an air-conditioned bus from Panama (express)
takes about 4 hours to Chitre and costs around $6.00 per person.
Needless to say, you can travel to Herrera from any place in the country.
 Cruises, Boat trips, To the Islands
No cruises or boat trips here either.
 Hotels, Pensions, Bed & Breakfast
| name | town | phone |
| Hong Kong | Chitre | 996-4483 |
| Versalles | Chitre | 996-4422 |
| Rex | Chitre | 996-2408 |
| Santa Rita | Chitre | 996-4610 |
| El Prado | Chitre | 996-4620 |
| Hawaii | Chitre | 996-3524 |
 Coastal Areas - Beaches
Although Herrera does not have much of a coastal area it does have a few beaches
that are mostly frequented by the locals so do not expect much facilities, it
is not suited for "external" tourism.
- Playa Monagre. From here you can even walk (long walk) to El Rompio beach in Los Santos.
- Playa El Agallito (Chitre)
 Sports
 Villas and Resorts in the Area
No known resorts in the area.
 Recommended side-trips
Sarigua National Park
is an arid coastal plain encompassing 8,000 hectares. It was declared a
national park on Oct. 2nd, 1984. Sarigua is a semi-desertic plain caused by
deforestation and salinization (salt filtrating into the soild due to the
marine plain (Albinas). This park is also important because it was the source
of pre-columbine archeological findings dating 11,000 years back. To go to
Sarigua you have to ride on your own car or hire a taxi.
The Sarigua Natl. Park is located some 10 kms. from Chitre, 53 kms. from Divisa
on the Panamerican Highway and 234 kms. from Panama city.
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.
 Local Events
 Related Articles
And some links of interest:
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