Description
El Valle Explorer is an excellent day trip from Panama City. The tour begins around 7:00 a.m. with a two-hour drive to the famous Panamanian valley, located within the crater of an extinct volcano. Anton Valley is the second-largest inhabited volcanic crater in the world; it is surrounded by mountains and features its own microclimate, characterized by a cloud forest.
The first stop is the Chorro El Macho trail, which leads, after a hike of about 20 minutes, to a beautiful 35-meter-high waterfall. You can swim in the natural pool at the base, provided you can handle the cold water temperature. The second activity involves visiting pre-Columbian indigenous petroglyphs images created by carving into the rock surface.
The tour includes a visit to an exhibit featuring the golden frog, a species that is virtually extinct in its natural habitat. This small frog is highly toxic; according to various studies, its skin contains enough toxins to kill over 1,000 mice. Visiting this site supports conservation efforts. Right next to the exhibit is the square trees trail, which offers a third hiking option.
Another stop on the El Valle Explorer tour is the Butterfly Haven, which houses nearly 250 butterflies in an enclosed space. The gardens also attract hummingbirds and other birds. The El Valle de Anton market is the most famous craft market in Panama, where you can find hand-painted artisanal goods that make excellent souvenirs. There is also a section dedicated to fruits and vegetables. The tour includes a lunch stop at a local restaurant (the cost of the meal is not included).
The Sunday version of El Valle Explorer focuses more on exploration, while the Wednesday tours include a hike along the famous La India Dormida trail. The ascent to the summit can take anywhere from forty-five minutes to an hour and a half, depending on an individual’s physical fitness and pace. From the peak, there are spectacular views of the valley, which lies about 900 meters (3,000 feet) below. Although it is not a long hike—around 3.5 kilometers—it includes steep sections that require a good level of physical fitness.
While this excursion is scheduled as a group activity on Wednesdays or Sundays, other dates are available; please let us know if you are interested. We also offer private day trips from Panama City to Anton Valley. For private excursions, it is possible to include a visit to a Pacific Ocean beach or the Laguna de San Carlos.
Includes:
- Transportation
- Bilingual Guide
- Entrance Fees
Does not include:
- Lunch
- Drinks
Available: Wednesdays and Sundays.
Time: 9 hours.
What to bring? comfortable clothes, walking shoes, rain jacket or waterproof bag (green season), sunscreen, hat, ID, cash, water bottle, and camera. Those who want to swim in the waterfall can bring bathing suits and towels.
Important information: El Valle Explorer runs on Wednesdays (Hiking version) and Sundays (Explorer version). Please inquire for other dates before booking. A minimum of two people are necessary for conducting this tour. Children pay the same rate as adults. Infants under two years are free of cost.