Things To Do
in Chitré
Chitré is the commercial and cultural hub of Panama’s Azuero Peninsula and the capital of Herrera province, known for its relaxed small-city atmosphere and lively traditions. The town combines a tidy colonial-era downtown with colorful local shops, a central plaza, and easy access to nearby Pacific beaches and rural landscapes. Chitré is an excellent base for experiencing Panamanian folkloric culture, vibrant festivals, and artisanal crafts.
Visitors will find practical services, regional museums, and a friendly community that makes exploring the surrounding countryside straightforward.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Upon arrival in Chitré, take some time to settle into your accommodation and freshen up after your journey. Enjoy a traditional Panamanian breakfast at a local café, where you can savor the flavors of eggs, rice, and plantains. With a full stomach, explore nearby parks to admire the local flora and fauna.
Visit the local artisan market to pick up unique handicrafts and souvenirs, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Chitré. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the local restaurants, sampling the traditional dish of sancocho. Spend your afternoon learning about the town's history at the Museo de la Nacionalidad.
As the sun sets, head to a local bar for a refreshing drink, mingling with residents and enjoying live music. Savor dinner at a popular eatery, indulging in fresh seafood and tropical fruits. Conclude your first day with a scenic walk along the town's streets, soaking in the lively atmosphere.
Set out early for a day trip to the Azuero Peninsula, famous for its beautiful landscapes and rich culture. Stop by a local bakery on the way to grab fresh bread and coffee for breakfast. Upon arrival, take in the spectacular views that the peninsula has to offer.
Visit the charming town of Las Tablas, known for its vibrant festivals and colorful streets. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, where you can taste a plate of tamales—a regional delicacy. Spend the afternoon exploring local shops and learning about the traditions of the area.
Return to Chitré and unwind at your accommodation. Opt for a cozy dinner at a local grill to sample Panamanian meats cooked to perfection. Enjoy the evening by sharing stories with fellow travelers or catching a local performance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Coffee (cafeteria) | $1.50-3 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (bar) | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $3-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong local culture and traditions with lively festivals
- Good access to Pacific beaches and outdoor activities
- Affordable food and accommodations compared with Panama City
- Limited nightlife and fewer high-end amenities than larger cities
- Some services and specialized healthcare require travel to bigger centers
- Rainy season can make rural roads and trails difficult to access
- "Hola, ¿cómo está?" - Hello, how are you?
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "La cuenta, por favor." - The bill, please.
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Muchas gracias" - Thank you very much
- "Disculpe / Perdón" - Excuse me / Sorry
Places to Visit in Chitré
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic town-square scenes, colonial-style facades and daily street life offer portrait and architectural opportunities, especially in golden hour light.
Vibrant storefronts, local markets and produce stalls provide candid street-photography moments and cultural details.
Short drives to nearby Pacific beaches deliver dramatic skies, surf action and coastal fishing boats at dawn and dusk.
Otherworldly dry plains, scrubby trees and wide horizons create striking landscape and birding photos, especially in softer light.
When festivals are on, capture polleras, folkloric dances and parades—these events are some of the most photogenic cultural experiences in the region.
Food in Chitré
Chitré Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional chicken and root-vegetable soup popular across Panama; find it in family-run fondas and market stalls for a comforting midday meal.
Must-Try!
Seasoned rice with chicken, often prepared with local spices and vegetables; commonly served in casual restaurants and at family gatherings.
Fried or baked snacks made with yuca or corn and filled with cheese, meat or fish; available at street stalls and morning markets.
Grilled fish, ceviche and fried seafood platters available at coastal eateries and some Chitré restaurants—best when purchased near fishing villages.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A typical municipal market where you can buy fresh produce, local cheeses, prepared foods, and small stalls serving breakfast and lunch; an excellent spot to sample street snacks and chat with vendors.
On market days and weekends the plazas fill with vendors selling sweets, frituras, and regional specialties—try local baked goods and freshly made empanadas.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly handshake and eye contact are common; use polite Spanish forms (usted) with elders and when in formal situations.
Dress is generally casual but modest at religious sites; respect for local traditions during festivals is important—ask before photographing people in traditional dress.
The Azuero Peninsula is culturally proud and traditional—show respect for elders, local customs and artisanal crafts; bargaining is acceptable in markets but be fair.
Safety
Tipping in Chitré
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping around 10% is customary in restaurants when service is good; small tips for taxi drivers, bellhops and guides are appreciated but not mandatory. Check bills—some tourist spots include a service charge.
Panama uses the Balboa and the US dollar interchangeably (US dollar bills are used). Major cards are accepted at larger restaurants and shops in Chitré; smaller establishments and markets prefer cash.
ATMs are available in town but can run low during holidays—withdraw cash in larger centers if you plan excursions, and keep small bills for markets and taxis.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect sunny days, lower humidity and more reliable beach weather—this is peak travel season, so book accommodations early for festivals and holidays.
Frequent afternoon showers and higher humidity characterize this period; mornings can still be pleasant and prices are lower, but some dirt roads and trails may be muddy or impassable after heavy rains.
During Carnival and local patron-saint festivals the town becomes lively with parades and events—expect crowds, louder nights and limited lodging availability.
Chitré at Night
Hiking in Chitré
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A nearby protected area characterized by dry-forest landscapes, salt flats and archaeological interest—good for short hikes, birdwatching and unique photography.
Part of the Azuero Peninsula’s forested highlands and national park areas—offers biodiversity, primary forests and more challenging hikes for experienced trekkers; access and trail conditions vary, so go with a guide.
Coastal walking routes and cliffside trails provide scenic views, surf overlooks and opportunities to combine hiking with beach time.
Local farms and ranches often have informal trails for horseback riding and walking through the countryside—these are best explored with local guides or hosts.
Airports
How to reach Chitré by plane.
Panama City’s main international airport and the primary gateway for international arrivals; expect a drive of roughly 4–5 hours to Chitré depending on traffic.
Located in Panama City, handles domestic flights and some regional services—useful if combining domestic connections with ground travel to Chitré.
The airport in David (Chiriquí) serves domestic and some international flights and can be a western access point to the Azuero Peninsula, with a multi-hour drive to Chitré depending on route and traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents in Chitré identify as mestizo and form the core of local cultural life, commerce and festivals.
Panama’s diverse population includes Afro-Panamanians and indigenous groups in the broader region; cultural influences are present in music, food and craft traditions.
Surrounding Herrera province is largely rural with farming, cattle ranching and artisanal activities shaping daily life and local economies.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is widely followed in regional Panama with local leagues and community games drawing interest—watching or attending a local match offers cultural insight.
Soccer is popular across all ages and commonly played in schoolyards and community fields.
Along the Pacific coast near Chitré, surfing is increasingly popular, attracting regional and international surfers to beaches within 1–2 hours.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chitré.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but less varied than in big cities—look for egg, cheese and vegetable dishes, rice and bean plates, and ask fondas to adapt meals. Markets sell fresh fruit, salads and plant-based sides.
Vegan choices require more planning; bring staples (nuts, bars) for excursions and politely request vegetable-based preparations—communicate clearly since many sauces contain animal broth.
Corn-based foods and fresh grilled proteins are often gluten-free, but cross-contamination can happen in street kitchens—ask about ingredients and prefer simple preparations.
Carry a translated note describing your allergy in Spanish and be cautious with street food; hospital and clinics can advise in emergencies.