El Valle de Antón walking tour & city guide
A village inside a volcanic crater.
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El Valle de Antón sits inside the crater of an extinct volcano, two hours from Panama City. Its cool climate, waterfalls and hiking trails make it a favorite weekend escape.
The crater
Trails lead to La India Dormida, a ridge that looks like a sleeping woman, and to El Chorro Macho waterfall. Hot springs and mud baths are popular too.
The market
The Sunday market sells fruit, flowers, plants and handicrafts such as soapstone carvings and woven baskets.
Why it is special
El Valle de Antón sits inside one of the largest inhabited volcanic craters in the world, about two hours from Panama City, at around 600 meters altitude, so it is noticeably cooler than the capital. The valley is famous for its square trees, hot springs and the Panamanian golden frog, a national symbol that is now critically endangered. The El Nispero zoo and the El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center work to protect it. The Sunday market draws crowds from the city.
Top sights in El Valle de Antón
- 1
La India Dormida
A hiking trail on a ridge.
- 2
El Chorro Macho
A forest waterfall.
- 3
El Valle Market
Crafts and produce.
- 4
Thermal pools
Hot springs and mud baths.
- 5
Piedra Pintada
Pre-Columbian petroglyphs.
Food markets & where to eat in El Valle de Antón
El Valle Market
Local food and fruit.
Main avenue
Cafés and bakeries.
Roadside stalls
Fresh fruit.
Food to try in El Valle de Antón
Tamales
Panamanian style.
Fresh fruit juices
From the market.
Hojaldres
Fried dough for breakfast.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to El Valle de Antón
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in El Valle de AntónCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in El Valle de Antón.
- eSIM for PanamaStay online from the moment you land.
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