The Mysterious Petroglyphs in Anton Valley, Panama

Modern life. Isn’t it absolutely amazing the things that we humans have achieved in the last few thousand years? If you think about it, the evolution that has occurred since the wheel was first invented is astounding! And we are all connected; every recent achievement has had a door opened by a previous achievement. Every story that is being told today has a preface that was written yesterday. This is but one reason that ancient art, cave paintings, and carvings are so fascinating to us in the modern world. These gifts from ancient civilizations help us construct the timeline of where we were, where we are, and where we are going. One such gift is Piedra Pintada, the giant Painted Rock located in a far corner of Panama’s Anton Valley, or El Valle de Anton.

Where are the Piedra Pintada Petroglyphs Located in Panama?

You’ll find the Piedra Pintada Petroglyphs in the province of Veraguas, approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) west of Panama City, near the town of Penonomé. It’s an easy day trip from Panama City, making it a convenient and enriching experience for travelers looking to explore a bit of the country’s cultural heritage.

How do I Get From Panama City to Anton Valley & the Piedra Pintada?

Driving directly there is of course an option, and Google Maps says it’s about a 3-hour drive from Panama City. But for a variety of reasons, that’s not always an accurate measurement. In addition to that, while the region itself is relatively crime-free, unfortunately, car break-ins in the parking lot are somewhat common. So the easiest and most stress-free way to get there is just to take the bus leaving the Albrook neighborhood of Panama City, bound for Anton Valley. Once there it’s easy to take a cab to the site.

Exploring Ideas: What Could The Ancient Petroglyphs Mean?

Piedra Pintada is a giant rock, the largest of the petroglyphs and carvings found in the Valle de Anton dating back from the Pre-Columbian era possibly as many as 8000 years ago. The mystery of the stories they told way back then is still here in the form of relics for us (and future generations) to discover and try to decipher.

Because the rock is so ancient, it is hard to say exactly what the message is, but everyone has their own theory. In the archaeological world, many believe that the paintings are mainly artistic and religious in nature, while historians believe it might be a harvest calendar indicating tidal swings and the moon’s influence. Still others think it is a rendering of the surrounding topography: mountains, rivers, and trails, making it a “trade map” of sorts. There are even communities of people who believe some of the carvings depict UFOs and alien life. And for a small donation of a few dollars, any of the local children will happily tell you their own Fable Of The Piedra Pintada! Although entertaining, if archaeologists and historians have not yet been able to crack the code of the petroglyphs at La Piedra Pintada, we think it’s unlikely that a 7-year-old will.

Whatever it is, one thing is very clear: the Piedra Pintada in Panama has international attention, and everybody’s got a theory on it!

Discovering El Valle

The main rock is dubbed Piedra Pintada, but there are many others nearby that also bear markings. Along the trails are numerous other rocks just waiting to be interpreted. Piedra Pintada is the size of a small house, roughly 10 feet high and 19 feet long, so it is a hard one to miss! In fact, the entrance near Piedra Pintada is even wheelchair accessible! El Valle de Anton itself is quite accessible by bus or car, so it’s possible to make it a quick stop to “check the box” on your Bucket List. Or you could easily take the better part of a day here, hiking and exploring the entire Anton Valley. If you’d rather stick to the straight and narrow, many trails are well-marked and easy to find, and the level of difficulty is low. If you are more adventurous, you may want to hire a guide and explore the mystical India Dormida rock formation, shrouded in local legends and offering awe-inspiring views of the entire Anton Valley.

El Valle de Anton: A Nature Lover’s Paradise

Many people visit because of Piedra Pintada and the petroglyphs, but actually, El Valle is quite the hidden gem for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. With its lush rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, this tranquil town offers tons of opportunities for outdoor exploration.

As you already know, one of the highlights of Anton Valley is its extensive network of hiking trails that cater to all levels of fitness and expertise. From gentle strolls through enchanting cloud forests to challenging treks up towering peaks, there is a trail in El Valle for every adventurer. The Cerro Gaital trail is particularly popular, rewarding hikers with gorgeous panoramic vistas of the surrounding valleys and the Pacific Ocean.

Beyond hiking, Anton Valley offers plenty of other activities to make your day complete. Explore the fascinating El Nispero Zoo and Botanical Garden, home to rare orchids and colorful wildlife. And don’t miss the chance to soak in the rejuvenating waters of the El Macho waterfall or indulge in the therapeutic mud baths of the volcanic hot springs.

Anton Valley truly captures the essence of Panama’s natural beauty. So, lace up your hiking boots, embrace the serenity of this enchanting town, and immerse yourself in a day of adventure and wonder. Want the full experience of El Valle de Anton? Check out our one-day tour from Panama City.

Central America’s Extraordinary Time Capsule: Piedra Pintada and Anton Valley

It’s no secret that ancient civilizations the world over have left us some fantastic finds and that Central America is the lucky recipient of many such gifts. Were they leaving time capsules for future generations? Or were they just making maps and calendars? Who really knows why the Piedra Pintada petroglyphs exist?

Maybe what truly fascinates us is that we can’t possibly know what the ancient people’s true intention was… we can only look with new eyes as we discover more and more of what was left behind many hundreds and sometimes thousands of years ago.

Perhaps it’s OK not to know, and just to speculate. To explore the various options with the limited understanding we have, knowing that indeed our understanding is limited, and to let the questions hang in the air. From beyond the grave, the ancients know the answers to the questions we now have… they wrote the preface of our story for us, and we can physically go there and be with it now.

Did they do that on purpose, or was it just a happy accident? Either way, the gift of the Piedra Pintada in Panama is truly one of the best time capsules ever.