El Valle de Anton, Panama: travel guide
Mountain town inside an extinct volcanic crater with waterfalls
Mountain town set inside a lush extinct volcanic crater, popular for waterfalls, the India Dormida hike, a handicraft market and hot springs.
About El Valle de Anton
El Valle de Antón is a mountain town sitting inside the huge crater of an extinct volcano, a couple of hours from Panama City. The surrounding rim of green peaks gives it a cool climate and a quiet mood that many city dwellers visit for at weekends.
The handicraft market is a popular stop, and Chorro El Macho and Chorro Las Mozas are among the waterfalls worth a walk. The hike up India Dormida follows a ridge shaped like a sleeping woman, with views across the valley, and the thermal pools of El Valle are a relaxing end to a day outdoors. A small museum in town covers local history and archaeology.
El Valle suits walkers, families and those wanting a break from the heat of the coast. It is green and pleasant year-round, and the drier months from December to April are the best for hiking.
- Country
- Panama
- Currency
- USD
- Time zone
- America/Panama
Last updated
Top places to visit in El Valle de Anton
Chorro El Macho
Waterfall · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A 35 m waterfall in private rainforest reserve near El Valle, with a hanging bridge and swimming hole.
India Dormida
Viewpoint · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Ridge hike over the "Sleeping Indian" mountain with waterfalls, petroglyphs and crater views.
El Nispero Zoo & Botanical Garden
Wildlife · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Family zoo and nursery famous for breeding the endangered golden frog, the national symbol of Panama.
Mercado de Artesanias El Valle
Market · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Open-air handicraft market known for soapstone carvings, molas, hats and orchids.
Piedra Pintada
Heritage · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A large boulder covered in pre-Columbian petroglyphs at the foot of a small waterfall.
Museo de El Valle
Museum · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Little parish museum of local history, petroglyphs and religious art beside the church.
Pozos Termales de El Valle
Nature · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Small thermal spring complex with warm pools and volcanic-mud face masks.
Chorro Las Mozas
Waterfall · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Riverside cascade and natural pools popular for a cool swim near town.
Things to do
- India Dormida Guided Hike Adventure · 4 h · from USD 30 per person
- Canopy Adventure Zipline Adventure · 2.5 h · from USD 65 per person
- Horseback Riding El Valle Adventure · 3 h · from USD 40 per person
- El Nispero Golden Frog Visit Nature · 2 h · from USD 5 per person
- Hot Springs & Mud Bath Tour · 1.5 h · from USD 10 per person
Day trips and tours
- El Valle Nature Day 7 h · from USD 55
Where to stay in El Valle de Anton
- El Valle town centre about USD 100 per night
Walkable town near the market, waterfalls and trailheads.
Hotels
- Canopy Lodge 4-star · USD 190 to USD 340 per night
- Los Mandarinos Boutique Spa Hotel 4-star · USD 150 to USD 280 per night
- Bodhi Hostel & Lounge 2-star · USD 15 to USD 60 per night
- Hotel Campestre 3-star · USD 100 to USD 170 per night
Where to eat
- La Casa de Lourdes Panamanian, Fine dining · about USD 40 per person
- Restaurante Los Camisones Panamanian, Grill · about USD 20 per person
- Pizzeria Napoli El Valle Pizza, Italian · about USD 12 per person
- Bruschetta Restaurante Italian · about USD 18 per person
Getting to El Valle de Anton
Nearest airport: Panama City (PAC), about 75 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Bicycle
- Taxi
- Walking
More in Panama
Frequently asked questions about El Valle de Anton
- What are the main places to visit in El Valle de Anton?
- Places covered in our El Valle de Anton guide include Chorro El Macho, India Dormida, El Nispero Zoo & Botanical Garden, Mercado de Artesanias El Valle, Piedra Pintada.
- Where should I stay in El Valle de Anton?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in El Valle de Anton: El Valle town centre.
- How do I get around El Valle de Anton?
- Ways to get around El Valle de Anton covered in our guide: Bicycle, Taxi, Walking.