El Valle de Anton (Anton Valley)
Panama´s Hidden Paradise Escape
Team Experience
El Valle de Anton is simply stunning. Having spent a lot of time in the hills and rivers of Costa Rica, I experienced a little nostalgia as we drove into town. My first escape from Panama City brought me into a valley with green hills and luscious vegetation on every side, fresh air, and a small community feel. I fell in love instantly and all the stress of the city melted away within minutes.
We arrived to El Valle de Anton just as the sun was setting behind the hills, so I did not get to see much of the city upon arrival. We got situated into our hotel rooms and immediately hit the rooftop lounge area to enjoy the cool evening air each of us enjoying our own hammocks. In fact, since I was technically still on business, I spent a couple hours working on my laptop while curled up in my hammock. I found it very relaxing and actually very productive.
I ventured out to get a quick dinner before it got too late before settling back into my hammock haven for a couple more productive hours. I honestly could have slept out there were it not so chilly. The temperature in El Valle is really pleasant during the day, however once that sun went down it was pretty chilly and I made my way into my room.
As an early riser, I woke up with the sun around 5:45am and ventured outside. The Anton Valley was spectacular with a mist resting at about halfway up the valley and leaving everything kind of shimmery. After a quick breakfast, we headed just a short distance away to the trail-head for the hike we chose to explore, India Dormida (named after the ridge-line in the shape of an Indian woman lying on her back). We had the choice of remaining in town of El Valle to visit the Nispero Zoo and the market, but I was so thankful the group I was with was adventurous enough to wander off the beaten path so to speak. The hike is maybe moderate with a bit of slightly challenging terrain in a couple places, but the payoff is well worth it. The views were incredible!!!! I am not sure if it was the windy ridge, the phenomenal views at the top, or the hike itself that took my breath away….Anton Valley is absolutely breathtaking!! Great photos too!!
After we traversed the ridge-line for about 20 minutes or so, we descended back into the jungle. Our guide pointed out a lot of the flora and fauna, as well as kept a keen eye out for small critters such as Poisonous Frogs and the super cool Dead Leaf Mantis which he had captured once on his blackberry phone camera. We also traversed a couple of beautiful waterfalls, and had the opportunity to go for a swim, but I myself detest being cold and wet, so I passed on taking a waterfall shower. We also had our first encounter with a giant petroglyph that seemed to mark the path we needed to follow. These petroglyphs are a sense of pride for the natives here in the Valle de Anton and many of their artisan works depict the symbols found on these rocks.
The end of the trail brought us to the Piedra Pintada (painted rock) which stands as the trail-head from the other side. This is the famous petroglyph that most bus tours to Anton Valley take you to as it is really close to the street and easily accessed by all. Depending on who you ask, there are several explanations or legends behind each scene, but really nobody knows their true meaning….however everyone is willing to make something up. There are a few vendors selling fruit and other munchies on this side of the trail-head which is only a short walk to where we originally parked and started on the other side of the ridge. The homes in this part of Valle de Anton are humble, but the gardens of each were absolutely some of the most beautiful I have ever seen.
Back in the town, we had a bit of time to check out the small Anton Valley market and buy a couple of souvenirs before getting back on the road in time to get to Santa Catalina before sunset. It is nothing amazing, but like all markets, there were a couple of things I only saw there in El Valle de Anton that I had not seen in the larger markets in Panama City. You really only need maybe 15 minutes to get through the entire handicrafts market in El Valle de Anton, but the fruit might slow you up a bit if you are a fruit nut like myself.
All in all, I think El Valle de Anton is a must see destination in Panama. You vistit Anton Valley it as a one day adventure, or you can do it on the Tropical Safari 7 day tour, either way I would not want anyone to miss out on this Panamanian treasure.