Sightseers can take in Chitré [1]’s few landmarks in a couple of hours. The best way to do this is on foot, if the heat’s bearable. Soaking up the street life on the way is at least as interesting as seeing the landmarks.
To get a quick overview of Chitré, start at the cathedral [2], then head west past Parque Union (the church plaza) on Calle Melitón Martín. Turn right on Avenida Julio Arjona and walk north one block, to the Museo de Herrera [3]. After visiting the museum, head east down Calle Manuel María Correa, a busy shopping [4] street.
Finish the tour by wandering up and down Avenida Herrera, another shopping street. There may be a vendor or two selling Panama hats here. The tour ends back at the cathedral. That’s pretty much downtown Chitré.
The ceramic shops of La Arena [5], the historic towns of Monagrillo [6] and Parita [7], and the natural attractions of Playa El Agallito [8], Parque Nacional Sarigua [9], and the Refugio de Vida Silvestre Cenegón del Mangle [10] are all outside of Chitré. They’re accessible by car or bus.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/panama/the-azuero-peninsula/chitre
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/panama/the-azuero-peninsula/chitre/sights/la-catedral-de-san-juan-bautista
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/panama/the-azuero-peninsula/chitre/sights/museo-de-herrera
[4] http://www.moon.com/destinations/panama/the-azuero-peninsula/chitre/shopping
[5] http://www.moon.com/destinations/panama/the-azuero-peninsula/chitre/sights/la-arena
[6] http://www.moon.com/destinations/panama/the-azuero-peninsula/chitre/sights/monagrillo
[7] http://www.moon.com/destinations/panama/the-azuero-peninsula/chitre/sights/parita
[8] http://www.moon.com/destinations/panama/the-azuero-peninsula/chitre/sights/playa-el-agallito
[9] http://www.moon.com/destinations/panama/the-azuero-peninsula/chitre/sights/parque-nacional-sarigua
[10] http://www.moon.com/destinations/panama/the-azuero-peninsula/chitre/sights/cenegon-del-mangle