Day 6. A visit to El Valle Volcano.

The town inside a Crater!

Get ready for a visit to the amazing Volcano El Valle. This is the only inhabited volcano crater in the region and its is known for its wonderful cool weather and green beauty. It is one of the 3 volcanoes of Panama.

This is a half day trip. Shorts and T-shirt will be fine, and you can bring a wind breaker too. Sometimes it gets windy and cool. It is also a good idea to bring some cash in case that you want to take a visit and shop at the local market. Do not forget to pack your cameras!

Soon after you leave Playa Blanca you will start traveling through one of the most picturesque regions of Panama. Pass the mountains cover by pristine vegetation and you will see the volcano crater from a distance. As you start descending into this massive caldera you will experience what it is like to live in a volcano!

The 6-km-wide El Valle de Antón caldera was formed about 56,000 years ago. Cerro Pajita, Cerro Gaital, and Cerro Caracoral form a lava dome complex which is the 1185 m highest point of the volcano. The walls of the rim is what remains after the caldera collapsed and became the valley floor.

Only Ngorongoro Volcano in Tanzania has a wider single intact caldera. It is believed that the last eruption happened 13000 years ago.

The town it has only 6,000 full-time residents who actually live inside the caldera. The floor of the valley rests over deposits of a former caldera lake and it is known as one of the fertile soils in the country. El Valle is at 600 m above sea level and the temperature averages 68 F.

A you drive through the town admire the countless species of flowers, beautiful gardens and trees. An abundant species of mammals, reptiles, and 500 species of birds are found in Anton's Valley. 

This is home to the famous and near extinct Golden Frog which has become a symbol for Panama.. You can see this frogs at El Nispero, a small zoo where you will also find native animals including sloths and the tiny Tamarin monkey.

Visit the colorful open air market where you can buy directly from the local artisans. Here you will find variety of handicrafts including the famous Panama hats. Next to the artisans market you will see stands selling plants, fruits and vegetables. These are sold by the indigenous who walk every morning to sell their crops.

El Valle is a pretty laid back, colorful and tranquil community. Its beauty and year around cool spring-like weather have made it a second home and tourist destination for many panamenians.

No doubt this is one of the favorite places for retirement in the country.

After the visit to El Valle return to Playa Blanca for lunch and for a free relaxing afternoon.