Things to see and do in Anton Valley?

The Anton Valley Panama is one of the most spectacular natural spots in Panama, an ideal place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city and routine. The valley was formed on the caldera of a dormant volcano, fertile ground where it has grown lush vegetation, so it is one of the favorite places of the inhabitants of Panama City for a day trip as it is only a couple of hours drive. Although the Anton Valley is not completely unspoilt, it is very well preserved and does not attract large crowds of tourists.

In this post we tell you about all the activities you can do in the valley, the best hiking routes and the best landscapes. We’ve also prepared some suggestions for accommodation and restaurants where you can sample the local food, and other travel tips to help you get the most out of your experience. Are you ready to embark on your journey? Then let’s get started.

What are the best places to see in the Anton Valley?

1. Excursions in the Anton Valley

There are a myriad of hikes in the valley to suit all levels, from 1-hour walks to days-long hikes up steep slopes. Here are some of the best-known:

• Cerro Gaital Route: This route is one of the most demanding in the country, but it is also the one with the best views of the valley. The route runs through lush jungle with steep slopes where climbing is sometimes necessary. It is therefore recommended for more experienced hikers. The hike takes 2 hours and from the top you can see the whole valley if the clouds don’t cover it.
• Sleeping India: is a route that runs over several hills that look like a sleeping woman. Along the way you’ll also come across caves and paintings from pre-Columbian times. The entrance fee is US$2.5.
• The Chorro las mozas waterfall: is a little more remote, but if you have time it’s a good place to take a dip and see the waterfall.
• The Chorro el Macho Waterfall: this is the most famous hike in the valley. The trail runs through the jungle and borders a 70-metre high waterfall. Along the way you will see different species of frogs. The entrance fee is €5.

2. El Nispero Zoo

This zoo specialises in amphibians and there you can see species native to the area such as golden frogs and many other animals. The golden frog is an endangered species that can only be seen in this centre in captivity, where the reason for its disappearance is also being studied.

The zoo is open daily from 7am to 5pm and admission is $5. It can be reached on foot from town and by car. There is a car park at the entrance.

3. Aprovaca Orchid Centre

In this garden you can appreciate more than 140 different species of orchids, the national flower of Panama. Many of them are native to the area and there are others in danger of extinction that are protected in greenhouses. There you will learn about this flower and its variants: the vanilla orchid, the slipper orchid and many other tropical species. Entrance to the park costs €2 and it is also possible to stay in a hostel on the grounds.

4. The thermal wells of the Anton Valley

In the village of Anton Valley there are volcanic hot springs where you can bathe for $3. The wells are public and open daily from 8am to 5pm. They also offer beauty treatments and massages, with mud baths being one of the most common.

Although it’s a bit of a touristy place, it’s worth a visit to rest after a hard day’s hiking. It’s also an ideal family activity.

5. Butterfly Haven

The Butterfly Haven is another must-see on your trip to the Anton Valley. There you will learn a lot about these insects and see different species living freely in the greenhouses.

Open from 10am to 3pm and admission is $5 for adults and $1.50 for children. It’s definitely the ideal family activity.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

What to see around Anton Valley?

1. Panama City

The Anton Valley of Panama is fairly isolated and the closest surrounding area is the capital, Panama City, which is one of the country’s most striking cities for its stark contrasts of modern buildings and skyscrapers versus more humble neighbourhoods where it is often recommended not to go because of their danger. Tourists tend to stay there for two to three days to explore the surrounding area, as the city is relatively easy to see. If you’re on the road, you’re likely to pass through before or after seeing the valley.

In Panama City, don’t miss the colonial centre, the Metropolitan Natural Park, the seafood market and the Calzada de Amador. It’s best to stick to the tourist areas and avoid going out at night.

What to see in 1 day in  the Anton Valley?

The great thing about the Anton Valley is that you can visit it in one day or spend a week discovering its trails. As it is very well connected to the capital, there is the possibility of getting there and back in the same day by public or private transport.

If you’d rather spend more days in the area, there’s plenty of accommodation to stay in and activities to keep you entertained. And we’re not just talking about hiking. As we’ve seen before, the valley offers a myriad of activities to do, such as hot springs, zoos, swimming in waterfall pools, craft markets…

Where and what to eat in the Anton Valley?

In the Anton Valley the gastronomy is a bit different from the rest of the traditional Panamanian cuisine, even so, and despite its isolated location, in the area there are several restaurants to choose from. Here’s a list of some of the best:

• La casa Lourdes: is one of the best known restaurants in the area. It specialises in Latin cuisine with a touch of fusion. But the best thing is the atmosphere, as it is located in a beautiful courtyard with a fountain. Meals cost between €20 and €25.
• Restaurante Camino Del Inka: is a simple restaurant specialising in seafood. The product is of the best quality and the dishes are delicious. The best place to try some typical Panamanian dishes.
• Volcancito’s: This is a cosy restaurant specialising in tacos. You can eat very well for less than 20€.

Where to stay in the Anton Valley Panama?

The best places to stay in Panama are away from the big cities, as they tend to be the places with the highest crime rates. If you’re visiting the Anton Valley, depending on how long you’ll be there, you can choose to stay in the capital or directly around the valley. The latter option is more convenient, but you will also be dependent on a private vehicle for total freedom of movement. Below we mention some accommodation in the valley and we also leave you this post where you can check accommodation throughout the country: The best hotels and accommodation in Panama

• Hostal La Casa de Juan: This hostel is the best option to experience the valley in its purest form and meet people. It is only 1,3km from the valley and they put at the disposal of the client bicycles to make excursions. Facilities include a garden, lounge, barbecue and parking. Private rooms cost around €45 and beds in shared rooms cost €14. American breakfast is available for €3.
• Bed and Breakfast El Angel Panama: It’s a good option if you’re travelling as a family as they have private rooms and the price is moderate, between €60 and €100 a night. They have a shared kitchen, lounge and garden and offer breakfast for €4.
• The Golden Frog Inn: is a cosy hotel in the heart of the Anton Valley. Rooms are en-suite and all guests have access to the garden and swimming pool. The price per night for a double room is 130€ and they also offer family rooms. Breakfast is included in the price.

How to get to the Anton Valley?

Getting to the Anton Valley is very easy as it is very close to the capital and very well connected. In fact, it’s a common day trip from Panama City. There are two options for getting there:

• Private car: This is the easiest option as you won’t be dependent on public transport timetables. The valley is 140km away and it takes 2 hours to get there. You can rent a car at Panama City airport itself.
• Bus: Buses leave from the Albrook shopping centre every half hour until 3pm. The ticket costs $4.5. Once there, you can take other buses to visit villages in the area.

What should I consider before travelling to the Anton Valley?

• No visa is required to enter Panama, but a passport valid for at least 6 months is required.
• The country is not the safest, so avoid going out at night and keep an eye on your belongings.
• The official language in Panama is Spanish although there are more than 19 languages.
• Vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, MMR, tetanus-diphtheria, typhoid fever are recommended, but not compulsory if travelling from Spain.
• There are two currencies in Panama, the dollar and the balboas.
• It’s best to change money before you start your trip, as there are shops and restaurants that don’t accept credit cards.
• The weather is warm all year round, but May to December is the rainy season.
• Tap water is safe to drink in most parts of the country.
• Brace yourself for medical emergencies: travel insured.

How to prepare what to see on your trip to the Anton Valley Panama?

Sign up or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers.
• Create your own itinerary and add suggestions from the app to it.
• Add the stops you’re most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
• Organise your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can take inspiration from the routes presented in the post).
• Check out the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
• Make any modifications you need to make and you’re all set for your trip.
• Share your experience. Upload photos of places you visited on your trip to the app and recommend other travellers what to see in Anton Valley Panama.

Frequently asked questions about a trip to the Anton Valley Panama