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The SARIGUA NATIONAL PARK is better known as the Sarigua Desert. It is 8,000 hectares of arid coastal region. Many areas are treeless but there are areas of deciduous forest, typical of the dry tropical species found on the Pacific coast. The park contains several of the most important archaeological sites in the country. To visit the park, use the same procedure as with the other parks in the country, call ANAM at 500-0855. A guide is necessary. Sarigua desert shows to what degree the slash- and-burn style of agriculture endangers future generations.
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LA ARENA village on the road into Chitré has become a pottery center reproducing many pree-columbian designs influenced by the ancient Monagrillo culture discovered nearby. In CHITRE a visit to the Herrera Museum, on Manuel María Correa Street and Arjona Avenue is worthwhile. The museum (996-0077) is open from 8:30 to 12 a.m and from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. It has a large collection of prehistoric remains found in Sarigua and spectacular ceramics from Monagrillo and Macaracas cultures as well as precious gold ornaments excavated in the region. Moreover, there is a replica of the Indian Cacique Antatara's tomb elaborated from Spaniard Gaspar de Espinoza's chronicles written in 1519. There are also exhibits telling the history of the province, of folkloric music and dances and an ecological corner. You can stay in Chitré and drive from there to neighboring towns.
