El Valle Real Estate

El Valle Real Estate

In the province of Coclé only two hours from Panama City, so consequently a popular weekend retreat for city dwellers, is the town of El Valle de Anton.

This little town lies within the crater of an extinct volcano and is known for golden frogs, square trees and a sleeping Indian girl awaiting her lover! No wonder it is popular with tourists. Jagged peaks surround the town and any one will point out the silhouette of La India Dormida. The rare golden frogs and the square trees can be found in the grounds of the Hotel Campestre. The frogs may be more yellow than gold and the trees may require a little imagination to justify the descriptions but they are part of the El Valle experience!

With a pleasant cool climate, green forested surroundings, hillsides where you will find impressive waterfalls and petroglyphs, El Valle is a favorite among Panamanians and tourists alike. The Sunday Handicraft Market draws many visitors, prices are usually negotiable. Mostly Guaymi Indians sell their handicrafts here but you may also encounter members of the Emberá, Kuna and Wounaan. Look for soapstone carvings or a batea, a large wooden tray used for tossing rice or corn by Guaymis. The local hardwood used for these trays is very heavy when first cut but quite light when dried.

Bird watchers will be well rewarded by the numbers of different humming birds to be found here. Whether you prefer to stroll or hike, there are many paths to enjoy.

El Valle is approximately 2 hours from Panama City by good roads; look for the right turn off the Inter American Highway. Travel agencies in Panama City sometimes offer day excursions to visit El Valle.

Less than 100km west of Panama City, just off the Inter American Highway, and ten minutes from El Valle is the development of Altos del Maria. At between 1,540 and 3,750 feet above sea level, it is considerably cooler than the city with great ocean views and a 20 minute drive to the beach. Footpaths and forest landscaping make this a delightful retreat. Along the coast from Panama City to Fallaron you will find a number of developments that provide another option for city dwellers. The new Centennial Bridge will make these areas even more easily accessible.

A trip to Panama is not complete unless you have enjoyed the cool, scenic mountains of this wonderful countryside.

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