Reading about a local artisan’s market in El Valle de Anton, Panama, a few years back, I had the desire to visit the place. Opportunity showed up this October 2013, as I had a free week-end in Panama.
Taking the public bus from the Albrook Mall, it took just a little more than two hours to get there. The market was smaller than I imagined (the Ecuadorian markets of Otavalo and Cotacachi were still fresh in my mind) but it had colorful and nice hand made things by Kuna Yala Indians and local craftsmen.
The nice surprise was the green and luscious nature, the mountains and rivers, hot springs, pre-Columbian rocks and a few other things to do and visit (geological museum, zoo, serpentarium, orchids conservation center etc.) .
Since I love to walk I took a map from the small Tourist Information Center by the main road and headed up towards “La Piedra Pintada“, the pre-Colombian “painted” rocks. The picture here is the map and information at the entrance gate: all in Spanish. 🙁 The entrance fee was $2.00. A young guide can accompany you for a fee. All information in Spanish, again. 🙂 I was impressed by these young children and their ability to do the job of a tour guide.
There are a few options regarding what to see and how far to go on this trail.
Rain took me by surprise, again. Why is that, when it is the rainy season and I know it can last 8-9 months? Anyway, I got soaked and decided that I have no more reason to hide or stop. I kept going and walked up to see a few waterfalls and two pre-Colombian rocks.
At the base of one of the waterfalls there is a nice pool of water and people can swim.
On the way back to town I enjoyed watching kids playing and swimming under a bridge. I was so soaked by then that joining them fully clothed would have not made a difference for me. Yet, I was older and had a backpack that I was not willing to leave unattended. I had to be content just taking pictures of their delightful play.
You can see more pictures of El Valle de Anton during my rainy visit in the gallery below.
