Chitré: Heartbeat of Panama's Azuero Peninsula

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [pohr fah-vohr/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pehr-dohn/loh see-ehn-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah vehr ehl meh-noo, pohr fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gahr, pohr fah-vohr]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prahr...]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes rebajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs reh-bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [lahs dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [seys]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah ...)]

Chitré, the capital of the Herrera Province in Panama, was founded on October 19, 1848. It was established by a group of settlers led by Juan Elias Mora. The city was strategically located near the La Villa River, which provided essential resources and facilitated trade and communication with other regions.

During the colonial period, Chitré became an important hub for Spanish settlers. The city’s architecture and urban layout reflect Spanish colonial influence, which can still be seen in many of its historic buildings and churches, such as the Parroquia San Juan Bautista. The colonial era also saw the establishment of Chitré as a center for agricultural and cattle farming activities.

Chitré played a significant role in Panama’s journey towards independence from Spain, which was achieved on November 28, 1821. The city’s residents were actively involved in nationalist movements that sought to establish a distinct Panamanian identity. The celebrations of national holidays in Chitré are particularly vibrant, showcasing traditional music, dance, and attire that reflect the city’s patriotic spirit.

Throughout the 20th century, Chitré experienced significant economic growth, becoming a commercial and industrial hub in the Azuero Peninsula. The city’s economy diversified with the introduction of manufacturing, retail, and service industries. Chitré’s central location and well-developed infrastructure, including the Chitré Airport, have made it a key economic center in Panama.

Chitré is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant festivals. One of the most significant is the Festival de la Mejorana, celebrated in nearby Guararé, which showcases traditional Panamanian folk music, dances, and attire. The city also celebrates Carnival with grand parades, elaborate costumes, and lively music, attracting visitors from all over the country and beyond.

Chitré is home to several historic landmarks that offer a glimpse into its past. The Museo de Herrera, located in a colonial-era building, houses artifacts and exhibits related to the region’s history and culture. The Parroquia San Juan Bautista, with its impressive baroque architecture, stands as a testament to the city’s colonial heritage and religious significance.

Chitre is located in the Herrera Province of Panama. The nearest international airport is Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, approximately 250 kilometers away. From Panama City, you can take a domestic flight to Chitre's Alonso Valderrama Airport, which is a short 45-minute journey. Alternatively, you can travel by bus or car; the drive from Panama City to Chitre takes around 3.5 to 4 hours via the Pan-American Highway.

Chitre is a relatively small city, and many attractions are accessible on foot. For longer distances, taxis are readily available and reasonably priced. Public buses operate within the city and connect to nearby towns. For greater flexibility, car rentals are also an option, allowing you to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.

The official currency in Panama is the Balboa (PAB), which is pegged to the U.S. Dollar (USD), and both are used interchangeably. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are available throughout Chitre, but it is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in rural areas where card payment may not be accepted.

Chitre is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any place, it is essential to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. While Chitre does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Chitre has local police stations and medical facilities, including the Gustavo Nelson Collado Hospital. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in the city for minor health issues, where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and modestly. Light, breathable clothing is recommended due to the tropical climate. Avoid overly revealing clothing, especially in religious or formal settings. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress modestly and behave respectfully. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Avoid loud conversations and eating on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'buenos días' or 'buenas tardes'. A handshake is common when meeting someone for the first time. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Chitre like a local, visit the central market (Mercado Público de Chitre) where you can buy fresh produce and local goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and traditions. Don't miss the annual Azuero International Fair, a significant cultural event showcasing local crafts, food, and entertainment. For a unique experience, take a trip to nearby La Arena, known for its traditional pottery and artisanal bread.