Santa Fé, Veraguas

Santa Fé is the name of the capital of the Santa Fé district in the province of Veraguas in Panamá. It has a population of 2800 and lies at an altitude of about 1000 m, in the centre of an old crater. It lies close to the continental divide and just 30 km from the Mosquito Coast at the Gulf of Mexico, but is more easily accessible from the Pacific coast to the South.

Santa Fé is known throughout Panamá for its orchids. There is an orchid exposition every August. The mayor of Santa Fe until 2009, Senora Albertina de castrellon is apart of the group of orchids, which is made up of locals who have a passion for orchids and gardening. The mayor's house is the house of orchida and a tourist spot that isn't quite known. The cool air and pristine forests make the surrounding crater rims ideal for hiking and birding. In addition to the hiking and birding that can be done in Santa Fe, there are many waterfalls or Choros that tourists can go to. From the center of Santa Fe there are signs and roads that lead you to the different waterfalls.

The Artisan Market in the Cabecera de Santa Fe makes and sells classic Panamá hats that are more durable and cheaper than hats found elsewhere in Panamá. In addition to the hats the artisan market also sells handmade indigenous style dresses for women and girls. These dresses are characterized by bright colors and geometric patterns.

History

The area to the north of Santa Fé was a gold mining region from the beginning of Spanish colonisation (and has remained so to this day). In 1557, the Spanish crown authorised the conquest of Veraguas. Captain Francisco Vázquez founded several towns, including Santa Fé in 1558. The now much bigger town of Santiago was founded in the mid 17th century by the inhabitants of Santa Fé and Montijo as a base for further colonisation.