Why should you visit El Valle de Anton?
Good question! Until recently I had never heard of the small town of El Valle de Anton (Anton’s Valley in English).
But, now that I have visited, explored the area and met some very friendly locals, I can tell you that El Valle de Anton is a cute town definitely worth taking the time to visit!
So, let me share with you the highlights of this pretty little town.
Tip: although El Valle de Anton has enough to offer to spend several days, a day trip from Panama City is a good option to see the highlights.
Things to Do in El Valle de Anton, Panama
1. El Valle’s Market
A main landmark in this small town is El Valle’s public market, which is open seven days a week, although it is sometimes referred to as El Valle’s Sunday Market.
This colorful market offers a nice selection of handicrafts sold directly by the local artisans. You will see most artisans on Sunday and that is also why the market attracts the most visitors on this day.
The indigenous people walk in from the surrounding mountains to sell their wares. These include framed molas (Panama’s most famous native handicraft, part of the traditional dress of Kuna Indians of Panama), colorfully painted trays carved from local hardwoods, figurines carved from soapstone, and Panama hats.
Next to the artisan stalls, you’ll find stands selling local fruits, vegetables, and plants.
2. Zip-lining & Chorro El Macho waterfall
This is a must-do when in El Valle de Anton!
Located just outside of town you’ll find Canopy Adventure.
After a short, easy hike through the beautiful rainforest, you reach the first zip-line. If you are anything like me, looking down and seeing how fast that zip-line goes will probably get you both excited and nervous, but trust me, the staff are great and the experience is amazing!
Soaring through the treetops, you experience a wealth of natural beauty. The steepest of the zip-lines whisks you right past the amazing Chorro El Macho, the largest waterfall in the region.
It’s a memorable experience for both thrill-seekers and nature lovers!
Even if zip-lining is absolutely not for you, a visit is still more than worthwhile. You can skip the adrenaline rush and instead enjoy a nice hike through the beautiful forest, check out the waterfall, and end your walk at the chilly (or let’s say “refreshing”) natural pool.
And, this area is great for bird watching as well.
Visit Canopy Adventure’s website for more information.
Also Read: What is Ecotourism?
3. Butterfly Haven
The Butterfly Haven in El Valle de Anton is great for nature lovers, families, and anyone with an interest in ecology.
This attraction offers a short but lovely insight into the various butterflies found in the region.
The tour takes under an hour so you can easily combine it with other activities. Centrally located, you can walk to Butterfly Haven from El Valle’s main street.
4. El Valle’s Public Hot Springs & Mud Bath
Bathe in hot thermal water pools at the village’s thermal springs and indulge in a therapeutic volcanic mud bath with volcanic healing clay, which is said to be extremely good for the skin.
Don’t expect too much, the facilities are basic and it can get crowded at times but it’s worth checking out while visiting El Valle de Anton.
The natural surroundings are, like anywhere else in this area, beautiful.
You can find the location of the hot springs here on Google Maps.
5. Hiking Around El Valle de Anton: La India Dormida and the Cloud Forests
The good hiking trails around Anton Valley are a reason for many to visit this part of Panama.
There are two main hikes with mountain scenery around El Valle de Anton.
The first is a hike to the top of La India Dormida (the sleeping Indian woman). You can see this mountain from the town center and if you look closely you can see it: it looks exactly like a sleeping woman.
La India Dormida comes with an interesting legend: Flor del Aire, daughter of Urraca, the most successful Chief in Panama fighting against the Conquistadores, fell in love with one of the Spanish soldiers.
Yavari, one of the strongest fighters of her tribe, vied for her affection. When she did not return his love, in despair, he jumped to his death from a mountain top before the Princess’ eyes. In sorrow Princess Flor del Aire left her home.
She crossed mountains and valleys bitterly weeping over her fate. Above the beaches of the Caribbean she fell dead looking back at the beloved mountains where she was born. The mountains were so touched by this sad love story they decided to form the shape of the Princess, and that is how the India Dormida arose.
The hike takes around 3 hours and has spectacular views of the valley. To cool off at the end you can take a swim in a beautiful natural pool.
The second hike is a nature hike in the cloud forests of Gaital National Monument nature preserve.
The Gaital National Park covers 335 hectares (827 acres) on the northern edge of El Valle de Anton. The Spanish name of the park is Monumento Natural Cerro Gaital.
The peak of Cerro Gaital rises more than 1,200m (3,500 feet) above sea level. On a clear day, one can see both oceans: the Pacific and The Caribbean.
The hike up and back takes two to three hours, depending on how much bird-watching you do.
Tip: Planning to go hiking alone? Then read this article with safety tips for solo hiking.
6. The Square Tree Forest
A unique and lesser-known spot near El Valle is The Square Tree Forest (Arboles Cuadrados).
This area is home to a peculiar phenomenon where trees grow with perfectly square trunks instead of the usual circular shape. Though there isn’t a clear scientific explanation for this oddity, it’s a fascinating place to visit and makes for some great photos!
It’s a nice area for a walk and if you’re lucky you might spot sloths here as well.
You can find the Square Tree Forest’s location here on Google Maps.
7. El Valle’s Spa at Caracoral Hotel
In need of some relaxation? Then visit the Spa at Caracoral Boutique Hotel. Somewhat pricey but they offer a good selection of massages and other treatments.
Professional, friendly staff and a lovely property. The surroundings are peaceful with a beautiful outdoor thermal swimming pool.
Address: Av los Millonarios, El Valle de Antón, Panama
And if you are looking for where to stay in El Valle de Anton, Caracoral Boutique Hotel is a good option. Another hotel I really enjoyed is The Golden Frog Inn.
Enjoy Visiting El Valle de Anton!
I hope this guide has given you a good idea of the best things to do in Anton Valley. Whether you’re zip-lining past waterfalls, exploring square-shaped trees, or relaxing in thermal pools, there’s something for everyone in this picturesque town.
I’ll end this article with some information about El Valle de Anton, its unique location, and other useful information.
About El Valle de Anton
El Valle de Anton, often referred to simply as El Valle or in English, Anton’s Valley, has a geologically unique setting: it is nestled in the second largest volcano crater in the world.
The five-by-three-mile crater was created when a volcano blew up five million years ago. Initially a crater lake, the valley was gradually populated by indigenous tribes from the surrounding mountains.
With a population of around 8,000, this small, picturesque town, just two hours from Panama City, is a great getaway from the hustle and heat of the city.
You can book day trips to El Valle de Anton from Panama City online.
Some of the people who own properties in the heart of El Valle de Anton are wealthy people from Panama City who use the area as their vacation or weekend home.
Popular activities in the area include cycling, hiking, horseback riding, and birdwatching (El Valle is home to around 500 species of birds).
The rich volcanic soil makes this area extremely green and filled with wildlife. It is home to the famous near-extinct Golden Frog.
With an almost perfect year-round spring climate, any time of the year is therefore a good time to visit El Valle de Anton!
Also Read:
- Fun Facts About Panama You Probably Didn’t Know
- How to Spend 3 Days in Panama City & Casco Viejo
- How to Find the Cheapest Flights to Anywhere in the World
- The Best Caribbean Islands to Visit – Including Islands in Panama
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