10 Things to Do in Monumento a los Héroes de la Independencia (Monument to the Heroes of Independence) Chitré Panama
The Monumento a los Héroes de la Independencia (Monument to the Heroes of Independence) in Chitré, Panama, is an important national monument that honors the heroes of Panama’s independence from Spain in 1821. The monument stands tall in the center of Chitré, a small city in the Herrera province of Panama. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike, and there are plenty of activities to do and sights to see in the area. Here are 10 things to do in and around the Monumento a los Héroes de la Independencia.
1. Visit the Monumento a los Héroes de la Independencia: The Monumento a los Héroes de la Independencia is a grand, imposing structure that stands in the center of Chitré. It was designed by renowned Panamanian architect Roberto Lewis and was inaugurated in 1921 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Panama’s independence. The monument is composed of a large central column, which is surrounded by four smaller columns. Each column is decorated with a mural depicting a scene from Panama’s history.
2. Explore the Museo de la Independencia: Located just a few steps away from the Monumento a los Héroes de la Independencia is the Museo de la Independencia. This museum is dedicated to the history of Panama’s independence and contains a variety of artifacts, documents, and photographs that tell the story of Panama’s struggle for independence. There is also a small library and a cafe on the premises.
3. Visit the Plaza de la Independencia: Located directly in front of the Monumento a los Héroes de la Independencia is the Plaza de la Independencia. This large public square is a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike. The plaza is lined with trees and benches and is a great place to take a break from sightseeing and enjoy the peace and quiet.
4. Take a Tour of Chitré: Chitré is a small but charming city located in the Herrera province of Panama. There are a variety of interesting sights to see in the city, including the Cathedral of Our Lady of Chitré, the Plaza de la Independencia, and the Museo de la Independencia. Many local tour companies offer guided tours of the city, which are a great way to get to know Chitré and its history.
5. Visit the Parque Nacional Omar Torrijos: Located just outside of Chitré is the Parque Nacional Omar Torrijos, a large national park that is home to a variety of wildlife and plants. The park is a great place to explore and take in the beauty of Panama’s nature. There are a variety of trails and activities to enjoy in the park, including hiking, bird watching, and camping.
6. Go Shopping in Chitré: Chitré is home to a variety of shops and markets, so it’s a great place to go shopping. The city’s main market is located in the Plaza de la Independencia and is a great place to find souvenirs, local crafts, and fresh produce. There are also a number of shops and boutiques located throughout the city.
7. Enjoy Local Cuisine: Chitré is home to a variety of restaurants and cafes that serve up delicious local cuisine. Popular dishes include arroz con pollo (rice with chicken), carne asada (grilled beef), and ceviche (seafood marinated in lime juice). There are also a number of international restaurants located in the city.
8. Visit the Beach: Chitré is just a short drive away from some of Panama’s most beautiful beaches. Playa El Palmar is one of the most popular beaches in the area, and it’s a great place to relax and soak up the sun. There are also a number of other beaches located nearby, including Playa El Arenal and Playa El Bajo.
9. Take a Day Trip to Las Tablas: Las Tablas is a small city located just a few miles away from Chitré. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike, and it’s a great place to spend a day exploring. Las Tablas is known for its colorful colonial architecture, lively festivals, and delicious local cuisine.
10. Explore the Surrounding Area: Chitré is located in the Herrera province of Panama, and there are a variety of interesting sights to explore in the surrounding area. The Los Santos province is home to the beautiful Isla Iguana, which is a great place to go snorkeling and swimming. The Herrera province also has a number of small towns and villages that are worth exploring.
Visiting the Monumento a los Héroes de la Independencia in Chitré is a great way to learn about Panama’s history and culture. There are plenty of activities to do and sights to see in the area, so be sure to take the time to explore and enjoy all that Chitré has to offer.