Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Coclé Province Highlights
Hike to waterfalls, dine in colonial opulence and cruise the handicrafts market in
the lovely highland retreat of
El Valle
(
Click here
)
Feast seaside on a whole fresh fish with
patacones
before cruising the endless
sands around beach town
Playa Blanca
(
Click here
)
Shop for an authentic panama hat or get caught up in the mayhem of a festival in
the regional capital of
Penonomé
(
Click here
)
Hike through dense rainforest and camp in utter solitude in the little-known
Parque Nacional Omar Torrijos
(
Click here
)
Enjoy a wild panorama of misty peaks and spa pampering at
Posada Cerro La
Vieja
(
Click here
)
TOP OF CHAPTER
El Valle
POP 5700
Officially known as El Valle de Antón, this picturesque town is nestled in the crater of a
giant extinct volcano, and ringed by verdant forests and jagged peaks. Like Boquete, El
Valle is a popular weekend getaway for urbanites in need of a little fresh air and scenery.
With an extensive network of trails, it's a superb place for walking, hiking or horseback
riding. Nearby forests offer excellent bird-watching, and the valleys of El Valle are home
to an impressive set of waterfalls as well as some rare golden frogs.
History
Three million years ago, this volcano erupted with such force that it blew off its top, cre-
ating a crater 5km across - one of the largest in the Americas. In the eons that followed,
the crater gradually filled with rainwater to create a large lake. However, through erosion
or collapse, a breach opened at the present site of Chorro de Las Mozas and the entire
lake drained. The resulting flood created an extensive network of waterways, which at-
tracted indigenous populations to the area. Their early petroglyphs can still be seen
throughout the valley.
Sights
