Highlands

El Valle de Antón

The world's largest inhabited crater

2 hours from Panama City

Charming town inside the crater of an extinct volcano, surrounded by cloud forests and waterfalls. Famous for its natural hot springs, Sunday artisan market, El Níspero zoo with the Panamanian golden frog (national symbol), canopy tours, and spectacular hiking trails.

Natural hot springs

Sunday artisan market

Panamanian golden frog

Canopy & hiking

Where to eat

Casa Florencia

Italian

Authentic Italian cuisine with artisanal pasta and wood-fired pizza in El Valle.

$$$

La Casa de Lourdes

Signature Panamanian

Chef Lourdes Fábrega's Panamanian cuisine in a country house with gardens and mountain views in El Valle.

O'Pedro's Irish Pub

Pub / Grill

Lively Irish pub with craft beers, pub grub, and live music in El Valle.

What to do

La India Dormida Hike

Hike to the summit of La India Dormida in El Valle de Antón, a volcanic crater village. Discover pre-Columbian petroglyphs, hidden waterfalls, and stunning valley views from the mountain ridge. A 3-4 hour trail perfect for active hikers.

Chorro El Macho Waterfall & Canopy

Discover the imposing 35-meter waterfall hidden in the lush crater jungle. It offers hanging bridges, ecological trails, a natural pool, and an exciting canopy (zipline) route flying over the dense cloud forest canopy.

El Níspero Zoo

Nestled at the foothills of Mount Cara Iguana, this zoo and botanical garden rescues and conserves endangered species and is home to the famous El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center, dedicated to protecting the iconic Panamanian golden frog.

Hot Springs

Visit the natural volcanic clay hot springs arising from the crater. Relax your muscles in the mineral-rich pools and cover yourself in therapeutic mud, making it the perfect post-hike recovery stop.