El Valle de Anton
Only 1 hour and 45 minutes from Panama City on the Panamerican Highway, we find El Valle de Anton, a beautiful place visited by people from all over the world attracted by the natural beauty and stunning mountain scenery.
The town lies in a valley of 18.3 km, surrounded by breathtaking mountains and hills.
This magical place rises 600 meters above sea level, with an eternal spring climate (temperatures range around 18 C – 64 F), which attracts as a vacation place, for resting or as a home.
According to geologists, El Valle was once the crater or caldera of a volcano, which is why you are surrounded by hills and volcanic rocks.
We find a large number of species of flora characteristic of the hilly rain forest, home to a highly visible wildlife and endemic species in danger of extinction such as the Golden Frog (Atelopus zeteki), unique in the world. The presence of a large number of orchids and the identification of relict flora as Zamia (living fossil flora of Panama), denote the high bio-diversity and ecological importance of the area.
Attractions El Valle
The Golden Frog
This is a species of amphibians whose scientific name is Atelopus Zetek. Unique in the world, they have been studied by prestigious universities in different countries. You can see them in the Interpretive Trail La Zamia, on the grounds of the Hotel Campestre.
La Piedra Pintada (The Painted Stone)
In the district of La Pintada, just minutes from the village and the nearby hillside of La India Dormida, is found the oldest footprints of the first inhabitants of the region (the indigenous). Hieroglyphics carved in stone representing roads, anthropomorphic images and other symbols whose meaning and message have not yet been deciphered in various archaeological surveys conducted by local and foreigners.
Church of San Jose
We see the Church of San Jose. Next to the church, simple but of beautiful architecture, is located in the Museum. The museum is divided into 5 rooms, which presents the historical chronicle of the Valleros (Valley people). Open only on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Craft Market
It is the main local activity of El Valle, especially on Sundays. The market sells all kinds of local products and of surrounding areas such as vegetables, fruits, ornamental plants, flowers and orchids, among it the flower of the Holy Spirit. Also sold the famous soap stone carvings, pottery, bowls, weaved baskets, wooden furniture, carved and painted gourds, bamboo cages and ornaments made of acorns.
La Zamia Trail
The interpretive trail La Zamia, is an interesting place because of the variety of species and beautiful landscapes of water and mountains. In this path you will see the famous “Zamia” living fossil flora of Panama, found in only two countries in the Americas. The trail is located in the grounds of the Hotel Campestre.
Square Trees
The square trees belong to the genre Quararible family of Bombacacea. Its peculiarity is that the configuration of its trunk is totally square at its base. They are also unique in the world and can be viewed on the path.
Canopy Adventure
The Canopy Adventure is located in El Valle de Anton. This opportunity allows an ecotourism venture into tropical forest allowing visitors to climb with the latest technologies from Canopy. Cross an amazing waterfall as you descend in the tropical jungle. To reach the canopy you need to do a hike in the mountains for approximately 20 minutes to reach the top.
La India Dormida
Beautiful mountain that juts into the mountains and resembles the silhouette of a sleeping Indian. This mountain has inspired poets and writers to immortalize a legend that explains the colonial form. Access paths allow you to reach the top.
Chorro El Macho
El Macho (The Male) is a dramatic drop of water from the Yellow Creek at a height of 35 meters. Below the waterfall forms a natural pool that according to legend, is haunted. At present it is considered a haven for its lush green vegetation and the natural beauty it possesses.
El Nispero
An exciting zoo and greenhouse for plants and flowers located about 5 minutes from the main road, near the town center. In the nursery there are over 200 species of orchids, plus a variety of exotic plants and flowers and local and foreign species of birds and mammals.
i...@panamatravelgroup.com
+507-202-1111 (Panama) | 1-786-539-4731 (USA)
El Valle de Anton (Anton Valley) is well known for its golden frogs, square trees and Sunday morning market. It is located within an inactive volcano crater. There are many spectacular passages formed by flowers, rocks and forest. The climate is another benefit this place has to offer. It has a temperature between 20 and 26 Celsius degrees. Its climate is quite different from the hot and humid weather from the city.
The crater is approximately 600 meters above the sea level. It is surrounded by mountains and hills, which are from 800 meters to 1000 meters high. They are inviting places for hikers to explore.
At the foothills of Cerro Gaital, behind the hotel, the square trees can be found. In front of the hotel, there are golden frogs kept in captivity. this is probably the only place where they can be seen, since they are an endangered species. Wild orchids and other unusual flowers abound in El Valle, but they might be small and you will probably need to look for them.
Along with the natural beauties that you will find here, there are quality facilities for tourism, places to eat and lodging.
The best time to go to El Valle de Anton is between January and April, which is the dry season in Panama. During the dry season you will enjoy cooler weather and better hiking conditions. If what you want to see is impressive waterfalls and fuller rivers, the rainy season will suit you better. Days are warm but nights are cool, so you might also need a jacket when you come.
The Anton Valley is 125 kilometers from Panama City. It takes only 45 minutes from Royal Decameron Hotel.
i...@panamatravelgroup.com
+507-202-1111 (Panama) | 1-786-539-4731 (USA)
Famous for its beautiful accessible beaches and tropical weather, Panama also offers its visitors the opportunity of easily enjoying a mountain environment with a year-round spring climate.
Beautiful gardens and ponds abound at El Valle
From Panama City, a mere 1 hour and 45 minute drive up and down the mountains of the Cocle province will take you to El Valle de Anton. Nestled in the crater of a long-dormant volcano, El Valle stands 1,900 feet (600 meters) above sea level.
The sight of picturesque mountains, cozy cottages, abundant greenery and colorful flowers serves as the scenery for multiple activities to please all preferences. Book a room on any of the multiple hotels and bed & breakfasts, and prepare to enjoy. Who knows, maybe you will even be tempted to purchase some real estate in El Valle so you can enjoy it all year round!
El Valle possesses several sites of petroglyphs, the most famous being the Piedra Pintada (painted stone). At the local museum you can also learn about El Valle and Panama’s history, pre-colonial art, religious art, pictorial art, 19th and 20th Century ethnology, ceramics, and geology.
Petro glyphs found in El Valle
This famous little market buzzes with activity every Sunday. Here you can purchase plants, fruits, legumes, and all sorts of arts and crafts that will make for excellent mementos of your time in Panama.
The beauty of El Valle´s mountains and rivers make the perfect excuse to go hiking. Go explore and try to find specimens of the famous square shaped trees or the “living fossil” plants. Visit the El Nispero Zoo and the Frogs and Amphibians Conservation Center to see the abundant biodiversity of the region.
El Valle’s group of mountains called India Dormida (The Sleeping Indian) is named after an indigenous legend and hosts three beautiful waterfalls. If you don’t want to climb to take a refreshing sip, in other locations you can find waterfalls like the famous El Macho and Las Mozas. Cerro Gaital is another option for hiking, famous for its great bird watching. If you are tired after all the walking, make sure to stop by the hot springs site to relax.
El Valle Waterfall
If you prefer more extreme adventures, several providers in El Valle offer the opportunity to go mountain climbing with varying degrees of difficulty and challenge. Canopy Adventure is also an exhilarating “extreme sports” option which allows you to hang from safety cables and glide through the tree tops.
i...@panamatravelgroup.com
+507-202-1111 (Panama) | 1-786-539-4731 (USA)
