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With a cool micro-climate, beautiful hiking trails, and simple access from Panama City, the sleepy mountain town El Valle de Anton is one of Panama’s best spots for an easy eco-tourism getaway. Here’s a quick guide on what to do, see, eat, and drink. 

Golden Frog In El Valle de Anton, PanamaIn The Guide

 + 5 TRAVEL TIPS
 + GETTING THERE
 + WHERE TO STAY
 + HIKING & THINGS TO DO
 + ARTISANAL EXPERIENCES
 + WHERE TO EAT
 + CAFES & COFFEE
 + BARS & NIGHTLIFE
 + OTHER RESOURCES


El Valle de Anton is a small town located in a luscious green valley of an inactive volcano crater – it’s the largest inhabited crater in the world! But the volcano has sat dormant for thousands of years and now is a favorite weekend getaway for Panamanians and visitors looking to escape the city.

The proximity of El Valle from Panama City is one of its biggest perks, and you don’t even need a car to get there! You can take a bus from the Albrook Terminal for just $4.25 and be directly in the center of town in 2.5 hours, making it a possible option for even just the day. But if you want to get to know this relaxing mountain town I recommend staying for two or three nights.

The spring-like climate, fresh air, and beautiful hiking trails are perfect for outdoor lovers. The most popular hike in town is trekking to the top of La India Dormida, a natural formation on the edge of the volcano crater that resembles a sleeping Indian. Along the way are a few small waterfalls you can swim in and petroglyphs dating back from pre-Colombian times. Once you reach the top, there is a stunning view of the valley and town below.

After a day of hiking you can relax in the thermal waters, visit the town’s first microbrewery for a craft beer, see the endangered Golden Frog at the Nispero Zoo or simply relax in a hammock with a good book. Here’s a quick guide I’ve put together on all there is to do and see in El Valle de Anton, Panama.


5 Travel Tips

El Valle de Anton

1) Arrive early to avoid traffic: I left Panama City at 4 pm on a weekday which in hind site wasn’t the best idea because of traffic. Best to either leave at 6:30 am, 10 am, or 2 pm to avoid city traffic. Once you’re outside the city, it’s smooth sailing.

2) Bring a poncho or rain jacket during rainy season: I hated ponchos but decided to buy one at the last minute before a hike in case it rained, and this $5 investment saved my life and camera. During the rainy season (April – December), you never know when a thunderstorm is going to break out.

3) Small town life: There aren’t huge tourist attractions, crazy parties, or tons of people around. El Valle is the type of place to disconnect and enjoy the fact that there aren’t endless entertainment options like in the city.

4) Cash only: Like most small towns in Panama, El Valle is a cash-only kind of place. There are a few restaurants that take cards and luckily some ATMs in town, but you’re better off bringing lots of small bills (1’s, 5’s, and 10’s).

5) It can be chilly: El Valle has a unique spring-like microclimate so the evenings can be a little chilly. Just be sure to pack a light sweater and jeans for the nights.


Getting There

By Bus

As I mentioned before, El Valle is one of the easiest places to access outside of Panama City without a car. The bus goes by at least every hour starting at 6:30 am with the last bus departing at 7:00 pm. First get to the Albrook Bus Terminal, which is accessible via taking the metro or a bus, Uber, or taxi ride. Once at the terminal find window 22, which will say El Valle de Antón. Let the person at the counter know you are going to El Valle, and the ticket cost is $4.25 (cash only). Once you have your ticket, you can pass through the doors on your right and go through the turnstile. The cost of going through the turnstile is .10 cents, and you can pay this with a RapiPass metro card or give someone .10 cents to swipe you through. You will then need to walk to station 53 (this sometimes changes so be sure to ask someone which station the bus is leaving from) and wait for the bus to arrive.

My 4:00 pm bus arrived at 4:05 pm, so they do arrive on time, and we left by 4:10 pm. Once you’re on the bus, you can let the driver know which hotel or hostel you are staying at in El Valle and they are usually helpful with letting you know where to get off. The journey is approximately 2.5 hours with little traffic or 3 hours if you leave at 4 pm rush hour as I did.

By Car

Take the Interamerican Highway outside of Panama City for approximately 90km and take a right at the Delta Gas Station a little past San Carlos. From here El Valle is about 28 km. If you have Waze or Google Maps on your phone that works well for arriving at most of the hotels and hostels within El Valle.


Where To Stay

Whether you want to stay in a hostel, somewhere luxurious, or somewhere in between – El Valle has an option for you.


Hiking & Things To Do

La India Dormida: Along the edge of the volcano crater lies a formation known as La India Dormida (The Sleeping Indian) which resembles the silhouette of a sleeping Indian woman. This is one of the most popular hikes in El Valle, but it can be difficult as you have to climb over rocks and the incline is steep in places. Along the hike are ancient pre-Colombian petroglyphs, a small waterfall you can swim in and two larger waterfalls on the way up. There is a killer view overlooking the valley once you reach the top.

Hot Springs: Visit El Valle Resort for a day of relaxing in natural hot springs. The day pass is just $10 and includes use of the pools all day, kayak use, showers, and bathrooms.

El Macho Waterfall: Walk across the suspension rope bridge for a fantastic view of Chorro El Macho, the largest waterfall within El Valle. You won’t be able to swim in the falls, but there is a natural swimming on the trail that allows swimming. $5 entrance fee.

Las Mozas Waterfalls: Walk along the Anton River to the smaller Las Mozas Waterfalls where you can then go swimming. $1 entrance fee.

Caminando El Valle: This tour company can take you to some of the hard to access waterfalls and swimming holes like the beautiful pozo azul. Book a tour with them here.

The Golden Frog Hike: Stop by The Golden Frog Inn and have one of the staff members show you the entry of the path. This is an easier hike to do, and it has a beautiful view of the town at the end.

Cerro Cariguana: A steep hike up the volcano crater that offers the best view to see the sunset. Be sure to bring a flashlight for the way down!

Las Cruces: This is one of the few overlooks that you can drive or walk up for a phenomenal view of the valley.

Cerro La Gaital: An adventure through the cloud forrest. Recommended to go with a guide on this one.

El Nispero Zoo: This is more of an animal rescue center rather than a zoo, but it makes an entertaining way to spend the day. It’s also home to the new Amphibian Conservation Center of El Valle, which is dedicated to studying the bacteria that has been wiping out the Golden Frog. Entrance fee is $5.

Bike The Town: Bikes are the how the locals get around, and it is a neat way to see the town! They are available to rent by the hour, half-day, or day at the Bodhi Hostel & Lounge.

Butterfly Haven (Mariposario): Immerse yourself in hundreds of magical butterflies at the Butterfly Haven (Mariposario). The $5 entrance includes a guided explanation of the butterfly process from the egg to caterpillar, to chrysalis and finally butterfly.

Orchids Center: View over 150 species of colorful local orchids at the Orchids Center. You may be surprised to find that Panamanian orchids are very tiny! The orchids center also has the onsite Orquidea Hostel for $12/night where the proceeds from your stay go directly to benefit the running of the center. $2 entrance fee.

Beach day: Want a break from the cool, mountain climate? Take a day trip to El Palmar beach! From the main town in El Valle, you will want to catch the San Carlos bus, which goes by approximately every 30 minutes. The bus costs $1.80 and takes 40 minutes to arrive in El Palmar (be sure to tell the driver this is where you need to get off). Spend the day at the beach and then when you’re ready, hop on the San Carlos or El Valle bus that is returning to El Valle for $1.80.


Artisanal Experiences

El Valle Market: El Valle is famous for the market located in the center of town. During the week it’s mostly fresh fruits and vegetables and on the weekend’s vendors come in to sell local handmade goods.

Alchemia Artisanal Soaps: Vivi is a local entrepreneur in El Valle that has started an all natural soap & skin care business called Alchemia. My visit to her “laboratory” and learning about the soap making process was so interesting! Plus she is such a sweet lady that makes you feel welcome in her home. Vivi’s house is located at the end of the street VETS in on (off the main road in the center of town but just ask a local, and they will point you in the right direction). At the end of the street, there are some gates you go through and the house is right there. Vivi’s number is +507 6722-0999 if you want to give her a call before you go.


Where To Eat

From local “fondas” to fine dining, I was able to find an array of delicious dining options in El Valle. However, this is a weekend getaway so if you’re there during the week be sure to eat out before 7 pm or a lot of places will be closed! (Links will pull restaurant up on Google Maps).

($$) Volcancito’s Tacobar: Located at The Golden Frog Inn, you’ll find street style Mexican inspired food. Perfect spot for cocktails during sunset.

($$$$) La Casa de Lourdes: I had an amazing dinner here. The restaurant is located in a beautiful old mansion overlooking a luxurious swimming pool. The entrees are going to be the most expensive in the area, but the setting of the place and quality of the food is worth it. You can visit here for lunch or dinner.

($$) Okey Okey: Local spot for pizza and Italian dishes with live music in the evening.

($$) La Divina Comedia: 100% Italian pasta, pizzas, and Italian coffee on the main street.

($) Camino del Inka: If you’re on a budget then Camino del Inka is one of the best value lunches in town! Be sure to ask for their lunch special of the day and for just $4.80 you get protein (pork, chicken, or fish), rice, beans, and a salad.

($$$) Casa Florencia: Trip Advisor reviews rave as this being one of the best restaurants in El Valle. I didn’t get a chance to try it myself but apparently, this is the spot to go for authentic Italian cuisine.


Cafes & Coffee

Bodhi Hostel & Lounge: Enjoy a cappuccino – complete with latte art, a natural fruit smoothie, ice cream, or homemade greek yogurt bowl from the Bodhi Hostel. There’s plenty of sitting areas so bring a laptop or book and let the creative spaces inspire you. Bodhi also has a selection of creative cocktails under $4 including gin & tonics, passion fruit mojitos, and more!

Pausa Café: Lovely café with outdoor seating to take a pause and enjoy an Italian gelato, coffee, paella, salads, and more.

Panadería y Refresqueria La Compañía: A new bakery in town with traditional baked goods.

Cano Panadería: You’ll find a selection of basic bread, rolls, and pastries.


Bars

Let’s just say you don’t go to El Valle for the nightlife (unless it’s the annual Valle Bash). There are a few local watering holes to have a beer and some of the local expats organize a happy hour once a week, but besides that this is a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Bar & Cantina Gaital: This classic cantina is the way to go for a very local experience. Beers will run you just $1, and there might be an old man talking to himself in the corner. (Currently closed due to COVID).

O’Pedros Irish Pub: A classic Irish pub situated on the beautiful Mandarinos Hotel property. They serve traditional pub grub, cocktails, and can always be counted on to have sports streaming on one of their many TVs.

Bodhi Hostel: Craving a craft cocktail? Bodhi has a selection of creative cocktails under $4 including gin & tonics, passion fruit mojitos, and more!

Volcancito’s Tacobar: Located at The Golden Frog Inn, you’ll find street style Mexican inspired food. Perfect spot for cocktails during sunset.


Other Resources

Camara de Turismo El Valle de Antón

El Valle de Antón Information Page

Bodhi Hostel & Lounge



Experience Panama



Author

I'm Joey, a guy from Louisville, Kentucky that packed up and studied abroad in Panamá at the age of 20 and haven't moved back since. What started as a semester trip to Panamá has turned into 10+ years of living in Latin America and becoming a full-time travel blogger. I now rotate between living in Panama City, Bogotá, and Lima. Follow me on Instagram @joeybonura for more updates on my life abroad!

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