The Sarigua National Park is located in the coastal area of Parita Bay, in the province of Herrera. It is located in the Puerto Limon district in Parita, the most arid region of the country. Sarigua forms a landscape, that is not known anywhere else in Panama.
The Driest Place in Panama
This unique destination in the country is not a desert, however the aridity caused by other elements such as soil salinity and human intervention gives it the characteristics of a desert, which is why it is called “albino”.
Sarigua is located within the premontane dry forest zone, with a great marine preponderance; It has a tropical savannah climate, showing two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season, with an average temperature of 41 °C during the day and 19 °C at night; during the dry season, its temperature can reach up to 45 °C.
Ecosystem and Preserved Ancient History
This unique tourist destination covers 8,000 hectares (80 square km). With an age of more than 11,000 years of human occupation, it makes it one of the oldest areas in Panama.
The Sarigua National Park has been a protected area since 1984, with the aim of preserving the existing ecosystems, the coastal zones, the marine and cultural environment of the area, such as the La Mula Archaeological Site.
The word Sarigua originates from the indigenous word and means “salt and water”, motivated by the entrance of the sea and the classification of the soil when the tide goes out.
La Mula Archaeological Site
In 1984, archaeologist Richard Cooke carried out studies that show the presence of pre-Columbian human settlements in Sarigua, in an area that covers almost ten hectares. That is why it is considered the oldest village in the country, dating back from 1,500 to 5,000 years before Christ. In this site called “La Mula”, there are remains of ceramics, arrowheads and stone tools.
Important archaeological remains have been discovered in Sarigua, which correspond to a human settlement of fishermen and which is 11,000 years old; which makes it, within the Panamanian isthmus, the oldest inhabited enclave known to date. Also there is the oldest farming village in the country, dating from 1,500 to 5,000 years.
Recovery Process
Thanks to the shrimp farms, Sarigua has been recovering vegetation, as they have helped curb salty dust and prevent deforestation, a project that began in 1997.
Those who visit this fascinating destination can find species of animals such as lizards, armadillos and coyotes. You can also see cattle, belonging to nearby farms that sometimes escape and reach the park.
How to get there?
Upon reaching the province of Herrera, you must enter Parita, through the street that goes to Limon and Sarigua, which is signposted, continue along it until you find the sign that indicates the Sarigua National Park, take the left hand path , which is usually kept in fairly good condition.
Panama is so diverse in its nature as it has such an arid and different destination that a music video of renowned singer Julio Iglesias was even recorded here. Discovering it and learning about its ancient history is part of enjoying Panama.
