Playa El Aquilito- Seven kilometers from the city of Chitre is Playa El Aguilito, one of the most fantastic places to watch birds in the whole province. Migrating birds, some traveling thousands of kilometers from Alaska, descend on this single beach every year to help themselves to generous portions of plankton and shrimp. If you’re hungry, you can make your way here too!

Ceramics- Near Chitre is the village of La Arena which is a mecca for pre-Colombian ceramic replicas. Head over to Ceramica Calderon –one of the best places to buy these exquisite pieces of art at a low cost. The owner has been a professional ceramic potter for more than 50 years, so be sure to take a look at his impressive kilns.

Parita- Take a stroll through the historic streets of Parita; population 3,900. The town was founded in 1558, though most of the buildings near the city center date from the 18th century, and it’s definitely worth checking out Parita’s artisans. There is the famous mask maker Darido Lopez and a couple of brothers who own the only workshop in the country that specializes in restoring altars.

Filed under: Herrera on June 10th, 2008