El Valle de Anton is more commonly called El Valle, which means ‘The Valley’. El Valle is a beautiful scenic town that is nestled amidst mountains, peaks, vegetation, and rivers. It is a central town located in Cocle Province and is just a few hours from Panama City. This sleepy highland village with its fresh cool breeze and the natural sanctuary is a popular attraction for nationals and tourists as well. It is one of the most picturesque towns where you will feel in tune with nature.
Most of the wealthy families in Panama own holiday homes in El Valle for a quick getaway amidst the fresh air. The town has also become a popular retirement abode for foreigners, with more than two hundred of them living here. The panoramic landscapes and calmness that this town offers makes it the perfect retirement hub. Unlike other places in Panama, El Valle is elevated, and as such, much cooler. It is actually seated on the craters of an extinct volcano! This makes El Valle one out of the two inhabited volcano centers in the world.
El Nispero Zoo And Botanical Garden
The El Nispero Zoo is located at the base of the Cerro Gaital National Park and was initially started as a breeding center for amphibians that were on the brink of extinction. The famous exhibit here is that of the Golden Frog, which is endemic to Panama. However, the frogs were recently moved to Panama City for better treatment and protection. In addition to this, the forest is also home to jaguars, capuchin monkeys, tapis, and more than forty species of birds. You can take a stroll in the beautiful botanical gardens and enjoy the refreshing air.
India Dormida
La India Dormida means ‘The Sleeping Indian Girl’, and it is one of the best hikes for watching the sunrise in Anton Valley. The entire hike takes about an hour and is the best way to start your morning. The name, ‘La Dormida’, has its origins in a local legend. Luca, the daughter of a tribal chief, died of despair after she was unable to be with the man she loves. You can hear the entire story from the locals; they would gladly share it with you.
The trail loops around the edges of the mountains and along the way you will cross small rovers, waterfalls, and wooden bridges. The main viewpoint is at the top of the head of the Indian. The sights from there are magnificent and breathtaking; you will be speechless! If you want to watch the sun break through the blue sky, you would have to be there at the start of the trail by 4:30 at least.
Chorro Macho
Chorro el Macho is the most popular waterfall in the area with a fall of 35 meters. It is just thirty minutes away from the town center on foot (2 km). It is the most easily accessible waterfall from the valley, and as such, it is a popular spot for locals and tourists for taking a quick dip in the natural pool of the waterfall. This pool is surrounded by the rainforest, which you can explore on a few hiking trails. If you take a walk on the hanging bridges, you can spot colorful birds and get a better view of the lagoon.
There is a zipline near the waterfall, which is highly recommended. A thrilling and spectacular whoosh across will provide you the best sights of the waterfall and forests. You can also take a canopy tour into the rainforest, accompanied by a guide. This is a small, yet incredibly beautiful spot that you must not miss!
Cerro Gaital
Cerro Gaital is one of the three hills protected by the Cerro Gaital National Park. It is considered one of the most challenging hikes in Panama. If you decide to hike here, it is best to do it in the dry season as you would otherwise find it very muddy and slippery. Make sure you wear proper shoes and comfortable clothing. The first phase of the trail goes through a dense, mossy forest, after which there is mainly thick shrubbery. You will then reach the base of the summit where you will have to climb up the rocks. This is the hardest part of the hike and you must be very careful. Once you reach the top, you can take in the breathtaking views and be proud of your achievement!
Hot springs
Butterfly Haven
El Mariposario or Butterfly Haven is a beautiful piece of paradise where you can walk among two hundred species of colorful tropical butterflies. You will have a guided tour through the entire farm and also shown videos that explain the life cycles and facts about these wonderful creatures.
Square - Trunk Trees
These is a peculiar kind of tree found near Hotel Campestre. After a half-hour hike, you will find a grove of these trees that are the pride of the locals. On the way, you will have to cross a suspension bridge that is scary, but thrilling.
El Valle Market
The Sunday market is the best shopping stop in the valley. You can buy everything from fruits and orchids to handicrafts by the Kuna Indians. You can choose from skillfully made ceramics, trays, baskets, and jewelry.
Also, Look Out For:
Apart from the above list of things to do, if you are planning for a longer stay, you can check these out as well:
- Hot Springs: Experience a bath in thermal water and enjoy the relaxing experience.
- Aprovaca: Visit beautiful gardens and greenhouses to see more than a hundred species of native orchids.
- Museum el Valle: Visit this collection of Pre-Columbian artifacts, craftworks, and paintings.
- Petroglyphs: A collection of inscriptions on faces of rocks that have still not been decoded. It is believed to have been the maps of ancient traders.
Getting There
El Valle lies around 25 km away from the Interamericana. There are regular buses to El Valle from Panama City and the travel time is around two and a half hours for $5 USD.
Getting Around
You can explore the valley by renting bikes or horses if you want a change from the regular locomotive. The routes are scenic and would be ideal for biking. Most of the hotels offer bike rentals. If you want to go on a horse, you have to visit the Hotel Campestre. A guide can be arranged if you inform early.
Stay
As the valley is a tourist magnet, you don’t have to worry about good stays. You will find a lot of accommodations catering to all kinds of budgets. You can also check for beautiful villas with splendid views if you are traveling in a group.
The Golden Frog Inn, Caracoral Boutique Hotel and Spa, Los Mandarinos Boutique Hotel and Spas
If you are looking for a luxury resort kind of stay, then these are the best places to check out.
Bodhi Hostel
If you are planning to have a long or budget stay here, this hostel is the best option. You will be provided with all the basic amenities and the staff here are very welcoming.
Food
You don’t have to search long for food as you will find really good eateries everywhere.
La Casa de Lourdes
This restaurant is one of the best, not just in El Valle, but in Panama as well. It was created by Lourdes Fábrega de Ward, a reputed Panamanian chef. The restaurant is set in the patio of a beautiful villa surrounded by well-kept gardens. It serves international cuisine and is especially famous for its desserts and curries.
Don Quijote
A favorite of the locals and visitors as well, this Spanish restaurant is famous for its grilled menu. You must try out their pulpo a la gallega, paellas and meat ribs. It is a simple, yet welcoming place with a charming fountain at its center.
Restaurante Massiel
Hands down, it is the best Panamanian restaurant in town. Make sure to try out their meatballs, seafood, grilled chicken, and shredded pork. The place is comparatively cheaper than other restaurants and so you can try new dishes without worrying about the budget.
What’s Nearby?
