El Valle de Anton is a town in central Panama. It's in the crater of an extinct volcano, surrounded by mountains and cloud forest. To the north, Cerro Gaital National Park protects 3 hills: Cerro Gaital, Cerro Pajita and Cerro Caracoral. Its trails have ocean views and the park is home to hundreds of species of native birds, including the red-legged honeycreeper, the bay-headed tanager and the blue-crowned motmot. ― Google
Dry Season (December to April): Best weather for hiking and sightseeing — sunny and cool.
Green Season (May to November): Lush landscapes, vibrant flowers, and flowing waterfalls — just expect occasional afternoon rains.
Weekdays are quieter — weekends can be busy with visitors from Panama City.
By Car from Panama City: ~2 to 2.5 hours. Take the Pan-American Highway west to Las Uvas, then turn north into the valley.
By Bus: From Albrook Terminal, take a bus to San Carlos or Las Uvas, then a minivan to El Valle.
Road Conditions: Mostly paved, but some roads in town are rough or gravel.
La India Dormida Trail: A scenic hike to the top of a mountain shaped like a sleeping woman, with waterfalls and panoramic views.
Cerro Cara Iguana and Cerro La Silla: Great viewpoints over the crater.
El Macho Waterfall: One of Panama’s tallest waterfalls, with swimming and ziplining nearby.
Square Trees Trail: Easy hike through a forest of naturally square-trunked trees.
Butterfly Haven: Walk among hundreds of butterflies.
Nispero Zoo: Small zoo and botanical garden with local and exotic animals.
Amphibian Conservation Center: Learn about Panama’s endangered golden frog.
Hot Springs (Pozos Termales): Mud baths and mineral pools for relaxing after a hike.
Public Market: Open daily — best on Sundays. Buy fresh fruit, vegetables, and handmade crafts like molas and carved wood.
Orchid Center: Small botanical center with over 100 types of orchids, best seen in the rainy season.
La India Dormida Trail: A scenic hike to the top of a mountain shaped like a sleeping woman, with waterfalls and panoramic views.
Cerro Cara Iguana and Cerro La Silla: Great viewpoints over the crater.
El Macho Waterfall: One of Panama’s tallest waterfalls, with swimming and ziplining nearby.
Square Trees Trail: Easy hike through a forest of naturally square-trunked trees.
Butterfly Haven: Walk among hundreds of butterflies.
Nispero Zoo: Small zoo and botanical garden with local and exotic animals.
Amphibian Conservation Center: Learn about Panama’s endangered golden frog.
Hot Springs (Pozos Termales): Mud baths and mineral pools for relaxing after a hike.
Public Market: Open daily — best on Sundays. Buy fresh fruit, vegetables, and handmade crafts like molas and carved wood.
Orchid Center: Small botanical center with over 100 types of orchids, best seen in the rainy season.
Hostels and small inns near the market or main road — basic but friendly.
Garden-style lodges with pools, mountain views, and breakfast included.
Boutique spa resorts with full amenities, perfect for romantic or wellness-focused stays.
Panamanian Cuisine: Try sancocho (chicken soup), arroz con pollo, and fresh fried fish.
International Options: Italian, Colombian, and vegetarian-friendly restaurants are available.
Bakeries & Cafés: Great places for local coffee, fresh pastries, and casual breakfasts.
Craft Brewery: Try locally made beer and burgers in a garden setting.
El Valle sits in the crater of a dormant volcano — one of the world’s largest inhabited calderas.
The town has a relaxed, mountain vibe with a strong sense of community.
Locals speak Spanish, but English is commonly spoken in hotels and tourist businesses.
Many homes have flower gardens, and birds and butterflies are abundant.
The town is also popular among retirees and weekend travelers from Panama City.
Bring cash — few places accept cards, and the local ATM may not always work.
Nights can be cool — pack a light jacket.
Bring hiking shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, and a swimsuit.
Cell service and Wi-Fi can be spotty in some areas.
Perfect destination for nature lovers, families, couples, or solo travelers looking to relax or explore.