el valle de anton, panama, panama golden toads el valle de anton birdwatching
Best known for its golden toad and Sunday Market, El Valle de Anton is a quiet, idyllic mountain community nestled in the crater of an extinct volcano. Its multitude and diversity of activities and attractions make El Valle de Anton appealing and worth a visit, whether you're looking to enjoy the outdoors, relax, or explore someplace new.
Visitors can see the beautiful Flower of the Holy Spirit (El Espíritu Santo), Panama’s national flower, between July and October.
The lush, verdant forest that surrounds El Valle is home to an extraordinary number of tropical bird species, making El Valle one of Panama’s most desirable and frequented destinations for birders. Over 350 different species have been documented, including five toucan, six parrot, and twenty-five hummingbird species. Non-birders will enjoy the “El Macho” waterfall and ziplining, Cerro Gaital and Sleeping Indian hiking trails, Nispero Nursery, and other attractions.
El Valle’s grid-like network of residential streets makes it easy to find what you’re looking for and get around. Its compactness places everything within walking distance. The streets are lined with private residences, hostels, and hotels, many of which have beautifully manicured grounds.
In many respects, El Valle is a diminutive version of Boquete. It is smaller, quieter, and less diverse but no less appealing. Just 1.5-2 hours from Panama City and a popular getaway for city dwellers, El Valle is an ideal place for a day trip or weekend junket.
Mini-buses depart Albrook Bus Terminal daily, between the hours of 6:30 a.m. - 6:30/7:00 p.m., and depart El Valle for Panama City between the hours of 3:45 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.; the trip lasts approximately 2.5 hours. For those who wish to remain in El Valle after 4:15 p.m. but still want to return to Panama City, you can take a local bus to the Pan-American Highway as late as 6:30/7:00 p.m., and then take another bus to Panama City.
For those driving, it takes approximately one hour on the Pan-American Highway to reach the turn-off for El Valle—the turnoff is marked by a sign. Turn right, and continue for the remaining 17.4 miles (28 km). It is a beautiful, well-maintained road that winds through the countryside. The trip from Panama City takes about 1.5 - 2 hours.