Raúl E. Jiménez E.
rejimeneze@hotmail.com
Located two hours away from Panama City, in the central mountain ranges, there is a Panamanian paradise surrounded by breathtaking natural wonders. This is El Valle de Antón, which gives all Visitors beautiful views of blue mountains and green meadows, sprinkle by mountain rivers and flower beds. For a local Visitor is a place to get away from the stress of Capital City. For a foreign Visitor is an experience for the senses, where landscape and people mix together in a natural sublime way.
Geologically, El Valle de Antón is one of three volcanic systems in Panama. It has a population of 4,000 that lives where it used to be a volcano crater thousands of years ago, later a lake that turned into Las Mozas waterfalls. The thermal waters that flows out in various sites, proof of the past volcanic activity, is a natural amenity that people can enjoy in various public and private thermal ponds.
An early morning walk on the streets will show the kind welcome locals give to Visitors coming from all over the world. Tourists will enjoy the Artisans Market, where you can enjoy fresh fruits from the area. At Nispero zoo there is a garden with tropical and coniferous plants for sale. A visit to El Macho waterfall or the pool built with stones will refresh the visitor’s soul, plus the glorious vegetation, water and fresh air. A visit to El Valle Museum and the church next to it will complete the experience at this ecological Panamanian spot.
The Vallero day is complemented with cool nights, where temperature falls to 18°F. On those nights is recommended to use a light jacket to enjoy a barbecue along with a glass of wine. On dry season, El Valle has cold breezes and open skies at night to watch the stars surrounded by the mountains, that are beautifully lighted when there is a full moon.
In El Valle Visitors will find hotels and hostals of all types. From the very luxurious to the very basic and simple ones. Also, tourists will find great restaurants with local and international cuisine. There is a great number of foreigners who have fall in love with the views and surrounding beauties and decided to stay in El Valle and have opened restaurants with cuisine from their home countries.
Visiting Panama always starts at the modern Panama City, a place that has it all. But crossing the bridge over the Panama Canal there is El Valle de Antón that sits quietly waiting for the foreign tourist visit. A refuge for those who seek tranquility, wonderful places and beautiful surrounding nature. Welcome!
