El Valle de Anton: Your Guide to Top 5 Outdoor Adventures
El Valle de Anton, often just referred to as El Valle, it’s almost Panama’s hidden gem. You see, set inside the crater of an extinct volcano, this mountain town presents an experience totally unlike anything else in the country. And if you are like your friend and myself, and you adore outdoor activities, it’s basically heaven on earth. We went there last spring, that was, like, a complete unplanned excursion and we actually extended our stay because there were just so many incredible things to do! Very, very unlike my usual city trips. Very quickly, it turned out to be, a breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively. Prepare yourself, though, because the crisp mountain air and those lush green landscapes are calling your name. Here’s the story on the five amazing outdoor adventures that totally made our visit unforgettable, and should, to be honest, make yours too; if you love nature as much as I do!
1. Hike to La India Dormida (Sleeping Indian)
La India Dormida, or the Sleeping Indian, might be the most iconic hike in El Valle. You see, the name actually comes from a legend of a young indigenous princess who, heartbroken, it’s almost took her own life and whose profile can still, to be honest, be seen in the shape of the mountains. Anyway, the trail offers you stunning views and very varied terrain, so, bring decent hiking shoes! Very unlike your standard walk in the park, that climb gets steep at times, yet that views from the top are totally worth it. I mean, that we took something like a million photos up there. Very unlike us because we barely even pose. And you know, pack water and snacks! You are gonna need them, that I promise you that. You could be, spending around three to four hours there, depending on your pace. It feels a bit magical there. I still daydream about being up there now and then!
2. Chase Waterfalls at Chorro El Macho
Chorro El Macho actually ranks as one of Panama’s tallest waterfalls. So, visiting this spot is, I think, completely obligatory. Typically, that journey to the falls actually goes through a very, very lush forest, just a little dripping with tropical greenery. Anyway, you get to really feel like you are very deep in the jungle! As a matter of fact, if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, they apparently have these, like, hanging bridges and zip-lining tours you could be adding to your visit, but personally I decided not to go because of my crippling fear of heights. Actually, at the base of the waterfall, is that you can take a dip in the cool, clear water. A bit cold. But extremely invigorating! Very quickly, the entrance fee for the park tends to be a few bucks, and, you see, that trail tends to be reasonably easy, even if a little muddy, sometimes. Anyway, I wore my hiking boots and I’m very happy I did!
3. Explore the El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center
Now, if you adore nature, but want a more relaxed activity, anyway, the El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center (EVACC) typically gives you an excellent option. Clearly, this center, you see, is dedicated to conserving Panama’s endangered amphibians, in short, some pretty amazing frogs! Basically, what they do here is that they actually protect and study these great creatures. Often, what happens here is that, they share information with the public, like you, to raise awareness about the danger these cute creatures are actually facing. At the end of the day, they showcase several species of frogs that can only be seen in Panama, yet, I guess, sadly some are practically extinct now. We actually found it a very, very educational and fascinating experience. So too, it’s almost great for families. Often what happens, after viewing some cute frogs you will become environmentally conscious. Okay. Maybe. Well hopefully.
4. Visit the El Valle Market
I am telling you this, even though this one doesn’t necessarily have to do with extreme sports or whatnot, you are, I think, seriously missing out if you don’t actually make a visit to the El Valle Market. Seriously, this very lively market teems, literally teems, with local crafts, flowers, produce, and just a bit of everything under the sun! Often, what happens is that it presents an excellent place for you to pick up some souvenirs or to just get a taste of local life. I, in fact, bought a handmade molas, or rather 5. As a matter of fact, it represents traditional textile art created by the Kuna people. Naturally, make sure that you haggle politely, it’s part of the game! Apparently, some of that vendors may very well also offer guided tours. Still, that will actually depend on the season and demand, I think. Typically, they do, anyway, offer that option.
5. Relax at the Pozos Termales (Hot Springs)
After several days of hiking, so, we badly needed a bit of relaxation, as a matter of fact that hot springs offered just that. At the end of the day, it actually feels nice to simply just sink into those warm, mineral-rich waters and to simply let your sore muscles, it’s almost relax. In a way, these springs, you see, are heated by the volcanic activity in that area, anyway so they actually have that slightly sulphuric smell, basically nothing too overpowering. Also, you might want to take off your jewelry, especially your silver one because of it could change its colour! Basically, some of the locals may tell you the mud has very beneficial properties, that are believed to actually improve your skin condition. That mud does wash off alright! Naturally, for us, that hot springs became that ideal way for us, basically, to unwind and recharge before traveling back to reality! You are, I think, going to need that too. So, just visit!