El Valle

By Alpana Varma Chariatte

As you arrive in the town of El Valle, a large sculpture of a sleeping Indian sits on the hilltop overlooking the city. As legend has it, the native Indian was in love with one of the Conquistadors, but under her fathers ruling, was forbidden to marry him. In grief, she killed herself and found her composure in recline.

Indeed El Valle or literally, “the Valley,” is a town of history and legend and of flowers and fruits. Located on an extinct volcano about 120 km (74 miles) from Panama City, El Valle is a quiet weekend resort, offering a surprising number of activities for adventure. The town has a year-round spring-like climate thanks to its verdant hills and 600 meter altitude. The weather is a big draw for anyone weary of the scorching heat in other parts of this tropical country. But don’t be fooled: the afternoon sun can be scorching. Visitors are frequently greeted by the Bajareque, a brief, light rain shower, which can scatter the sun’s rays, but be careful the sun is still there and is as bright as ever (i.e. bring sunscreen!).

Situated in volcanic territory, hot springs are common here. One can take a mud bath in the volcanic earth and then soak in open-air thermal baths, all under the cool shade of trees.

To balance relaxation with adventure, check out the tropical rainforest around the El Macho waterfall. A brief tour on foot is an exhilarating experience as one treads over rickety wooden bridges through dense foliage, watching for rare birds such as the gorgeous toucan. For those who are more daring, there is the canopy adventure attraction in which you can “imitate Tarzan’’ and fly above the jungle floor by way of cables and pulleys.

There is also an orchid nursery which houses the rare white orchid that is the national flower of Panama. The ubiquitous mango tree is a temptation in the month of March with delicious green mangoes dangling tantalizingly from its branches.

The tropical forest also contains remnants of past civilizations—the rock carvings called petroglyphs which have yet to be deciphered. A little church in the city center and the adjoining museum elaborate on these mysterious carvings, and also give a glimpse of the town’s cultural heritage. In the center, a walk along the quiet streets affords a glimpse of enormous, exquisite villas that sweat wealth and luxury. Some have private mini golf courses and swimming pools alongside sprawling gardens and duck ponds.

An El Valle activity that cultivates both relaxation and adventure is the Sunday market. You can buy local handicrafts along with exotic fruits and vegetables. Wooden trays painted in brilliant colors are the traditional crafts of this region. Appliqué embroidery made by the natives of the San Blas islands is also readily available here. No matter what your objective is, whether adventure or relaxation, you are sure to find it in El Valle.