El Valle de Antón

A charming mountain town nestled in the crater of an extinct volcano, famous for its cool climate, hot springs, and lush cloud forest surroundings. Visitors come for hiking trails, waterfalls, a colorful handicraft market, and encounters with the rare golden frog.

Things to do

• Hike La India Dormida — Trek the 'Sleeping Indian' ridgeline for panoramic crater views, petroglyphs, and small waterfalls along the way.
• El Chorro Macho waterfall — Visit this 35-meter cascade set in a private reserve, with an optional canopy zipline and a chilly natural swimming pool nearby.
• El Níspero Zoo and Botanical Garden — See the endangered Panamanian golden frog at its conservation center alongside native birds and lush plant collections.
• Soak in Los Pozos Termales — Relax in mineral hot springs and slather on the therapeutic volcanic mud baths fed by the extinct volcano.
• Browse the Mercado de Artesanías — Shop handwoven baskets, Ngäbe-Buglé molas, and fresh produce at the town's famous Sunday-peak handicraft market.
• Climb to Cerro Gaital viewpoint — Take the cloud-forest trail up the crater's highest peak for sweeping views and abundant birdlife.
• See the square trees at Los Cuadrados — Walk a short forest trail to view the rare trees with unusual square-shaped trunks.

Food to try

• Sancocho de gallina — Panama's beloved chicken-and-yam soup seasoned with culantro, perfect for the town's cool highland climate.
• Fresh strawberries and fruit — Buy locally grown strawberries, often served con crema, from stalls at the artisan market.
• Tortillas de maíz and hojaldras — Enjoy thick fried corn tortillas or puffy fried dough for a classic Panamanian countryside breakfast.
• Carimañolas and empanadas — Snack on fried yuca fritters stuffed with seasoned meat, sold by vendors around town.
• Locally roasted coffee — Sip coffee grown in the surrounding highlands at one of the town's cafes or from market vendors.

Local customs & good to know

• Visit on Sunday for the full market — The handicraft and produce market is busiest and best stocked on Sunday mornings, though smaller stalls open daily.
• Pack layers for the cool climate — At around 600 meters in a crater, El Valle is noticeably cooler and often misty, so bring a light jacket and rain gear.
• Respect the golden frog's protected status — The Panamanian golden frog is critically endangered and only seen in conservation centers, so never seek to touch or remove wildlife.
• Cash is handy — Many market vendors and small eateries prefer cash in balboas or US dollars, so carry small bills.

Nearby

• Cerro Gaital Natural Monument — 2 km
• La India Dormida — 2 km
• El Macho Waterfall — 3 km
• Playa Blanca (Central Pacific Coast) — 20 km