The “Central provinces” of Panama include the provinces of Coclé, Veraguas, Herrera and Los Santos, situated to the west of Panama City, along the Pan-American Highway.

Their main attraction is their culture. A region of quaint little towns, history and strong religious beliefs, their relative isolation from Panama City during the colonial period contributed to the strength of their Hispanic traditions.

The city of Penonome, capital of the Coclé province, can serve as a center from which visitors can discover some interesting sites, including the town of La Pintada, known for the famous “Sombrero Pintado” hats, which are an important element of the“Montuno”, Panama’s national costume for men.

The Posada del Cerro La Vieja, has opened the door to an ecotourist paradise: the mountains of Northern Coclé. The hotel has fifteen double rooms and is located in Cerro la Vieja, 29 kilometers from Penonome. Tours can be organized to Río Zarati or to Puerto Frio, high enough to see both oceans on a clear day. Also offered is an expedition to the Atlantic coast across the jungle, which takes three days, Call (507) 264-5378 (507) 983- 8900.

Other attractions are the archaeological museums of Sitio Conte and El Caño, where skeletal remains and tools dating from the pre-Columbian period are displayed. The museums are located between Penonome and the town of Natá, which boasts the oldest Catholic church of the Western Hemisphere.

The Azuero Peninsula is next along the route, comprising the provinces of Herrera and Los Santos. Turn off the Panamerican Highway at the town of Divisa and you enter a region famous for its festive spirit, which year after year attracts thousands of city folk during the famous, pre-Lenten Carnival celebrations. It is said that the“Pollera”, the country’s national dress, originated in Azuero.

Herrera province has a desert, Sarigua National Park, a 8,000-hectare arid coastal plain. The region is also known for its fine pottery, which can be found along the streets of Chitre and Las Tablas. Small, but interesting museums in these towns cover everything from the pre-Columbian period to the role of both provinces in Panama’s independence struggle.

Leaving the peninsula and striking westward once again, brings the traveller to Veraguas, the only province with coasts on both oceans. From its capital city, Santiago, visitors can venture out to the Gulf of Montijo, and from there, to the fishing meccas of Leones, Cebaco, Gobernadores and Coiba, on the Pacific. The province also offers majestic mountain scenery.

The mountain town of San Francisco de la Montaña, is proud custodian of an 18th century baroque church, which has remained virtually intact since construction.