El Valle, Panama

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Not far from Panama City, El Valle makes a great stop along the Pan-American highway on our way to the coast. Explore the village, shop in the handicraft market or climb the India Dormida rock formation. Other options available include biking and horseback riding.

A little village in an extinct volcanic crater, El Valle is a pleasantly cool mountain town nestled in the crater of a huge extinct volcano. The town is mostly known for its very colourful handicraft market, but there are also a plethora of amazing walking trails in the area, perfect for enjoying the cool climate and varied wildlife of the region. The surrounding forest is filled with a variety of birds and animals, and several spectacular waterfalls. If you are lucky you might even spot the area’s rare golden frog. This is also a good opportunity for shopping, as the market offers an assortment of crafts unique to the indigenous people of Panama, as well as the local fruit and vegetable trade.