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(Av Central; 8am-6pm) El Valle is home to one of Panama's largest handicrafts market.
Mostly Ngöbe-Buglé, but also some Emberá and Wounaan, bring a variety of handicrafts
to sell to tourists (most of whom are Panamanians from the capital). If you're self-cater-
ing, the market also stocks a good selection of fresh produce from around the country.
Although the market runs every day, stop by on Sunday for the full-on affair. One of
the most popular items up for sale in the markets are bateas , which are large trays
carved from a local hardwood and used by the Ngöbe-Buglé for tossing rice and corn.
You can also find figurines, colorful baskets made from palms, gourds painted in brilliant
colors, clay flowerpots, panama hats, and birdcages made of sticks.
Information
ATP ( 983-6474; Av Central; 9:30am-5:30pm) This small information booth at the cen-
ter of town next to the handicrafts market can be very helpful, with information on bi-
cycle rentals and guides.
Banco Nacional de Panama (Av Central) Has an ATM.
Centro de Salud de El Valle (
983-6112; Av Central;
24hr) For your health needs, turn
to this clinic near the western end of Av Central.
Post office (Calle del Mercado;
8am-4pm) Behind the handicrafts market.
Getting There & Away
To leave El Valle you can hop aboard a bus traveling along Av Central; on average, they
depart every 30 minutes. The final destinations are painted on bus windshields. If your
next destination isn't posted, catch a bus going in the same direction and transfer.
To reach El Valle from the Interamericana, disembark from any bus at Las Uvas
(marked by both a sign for El Valle and a pedestrian overpass), about 5km west of San
Carlos. Minibuses pick up passengers at this turnoff and travel to El Valle (US$1.50, one
hour, every 30 minutes). It takes 2½ hours to get here from Panama City.
Getting Around
Despite El Valle's small size, taxis ply Av Central all day long. You can go anywhere in
town for US$2 or US$3, or US$10 per hour. Many hotels offer bike rentals (around
US$2 per hour), which are a great way to get around.
 
 
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