One of the favorite meals to eat in Panama is sancocho.  While there are many recipes for sancocho, here is a simple one for you to enjoy.

1 entire chicken, cut into pieces
3 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon of minced cilantro
1 teaspoon dried oregano
3 garlic-minced cloves
3 teaspoons olive oil
1 large chopped onion
2 large carrots chopped
2 corncobs cut into quarters
3 lbs yucca/cassava chopped
4 cups chicken stock

Rinse the chicken.
In a bowl, mix the salt, pepper, cilantro, oregano, garlic, and olive oil. Rub the mix on chicken and allow marinading for 10 minutes.
Heat a pot over medium heat.  Place chicken in pot
Heat a large pot over medium heat. Place the chicken in the pot, place a lid on it, and allow it to simmer for 7 minutes.
Add onion and chicken stock. Allow soup to boil and simmer until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
Add the carrots, corncob and yucca.
Bring pot to gentle simmer and cook until the carrots, corn and yucca are cooked thoroughly (approximately 10 minutes).
Serve with rice and enjoy.

Residents of Guarare are very proud of their traditions and rejoice in celebrating each year, the famous “Festival de la Mejorana”, with music presentations, competitions, folkloric dances, singing of “Decimas” (rhythmic singing), Panamanian style bull fights (the bull does not get killed or injured), an ox drawn wagons parade, and many other folkloric expressions. This festival was first proposed by the Professor Manuel F. Zarate and promoted by colleagues in 1949, and has been celebrated ever since. Another example of their love for their traditions is the grand variety of handicrafts created by residents of Guarare. At Guarare, one can find beautiful very fine embroidery and weavings. Some of the best “Fondas” (typical small Panamanian cuisine restaurants) in the country are found in Guarare serving the best: “Sancocho” (Panamanian typical chicken soup), “Tortillas”, pork and salads.

Lodging options are limited to: Hotel Eida (Tel: 994-5411) and Hotel La Mejorana (Tel: 994-5794).