El Valle de Antón

We upheld week one of our goal and ventured around Panama this week to El Valle de Antón (or El Valle for short). While we have been to El Valle on the first trip we took to Panama, we got to visit this time around with a bit more knowledge and understanding of the country and Panama itself. El Valle has a lot to offer and to my surprise, we got to go to a hiking spot with a waterfall, a zoo, and an orchid garden for a whopping total of $20. 

El Valle is a dormant volcano which has many surrounding peaks. The most famous chain of peaks is known as The Sleeping Indian Girl. People can hike the chain of peaks, but we did not do it as my hiking shoes did not make it with me on this trip to Panama. You can read more about the legend here.

   

                          

Our first stop was the market. This market sells a variety of things, including produce, souvenirs, and flowers.  I have read that Sundays are the best days for the market. Surprisingly enough, there were more Panamanians than there were non-Panamainians. We noticed there were a lot of buses that took people to and from El Valle. 

A important rule that I am quickly discovering when it comes to bathrooms in Panama: always carry quarters, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer. During a previous trip, I was told that bathrooms charge in order to discourage people from stealing the toilet paper.

If I could have, I might have taken him home. If only...

May I introduce you to a new special Panamanian treat called raspaos. I have read about these and up until last week I had not seen the opportunity to try them. Street vendors shave blocks of ice and drizzle syrup and condensed milk. This guy only had cherry flavored syrup. I am not a fan of cherry, but this was the one and only exception.

Our next stop caused us to reminisce the first trip we took to El Valle last June. This is where we went zip lining. We didn't go this time, but we did get to walk around and do things we did not do before. My favorite part? All of it; the area was busy, but it is also a nice change of scenery from the beach and filled with dense green jungle and the smell of fresh river water seemed to have a cleansing effect. 

This picture was taken in June

After watching people zip line for a bit, we headed off to a zoo. Personally, I am not a fan of zoos but I read that this particular zoo has a highly endangered frog specific to this area. For me, this was a must see. Entry for both of us into the zoo was $6. 

Much of the animals consisted of fowl, but we did see two tapirs, which, according to one blog I read, were rescued from one of Manuel Noriega's hideaways. For those who may be unaware, Manuel Noriega was a dictator of Panama in the 80s. Tapirs are related to horses and hippos. Who knew!?

A tapir

After walking around for a bit, seeing various types of parrots and peacocks, we came across the Golden Frog. The main reason they are endangered is deforestation and people like to take them as pets. 

The Golden Frog

We also saw a sloth!

After the zoo we got lunch and then went to an orchid sanctuary. This place had orchids of all colors and sizes. We also learned that vanilla (the stuff that you and I bake with) is an orchid. We also saw orchids that were best seen a magnifying glass.

Vanilla close up

The vanilla orchid from afar

This flower grew as part of the same plant as the picture below. 

Tall orchid plants!

As we were heading back down the windy mountainous road it was hard not to ignore the buses and diablo rojos driving past us. These buses are very much iconic to Panama. Although they drive very crazy, I am developing a fond appreciation for them and them.

Our weekend day trip turned out to be a lot of fun and a lot more educational than I expected. I learned about the rainforest, got to try new foods, and also learned a little about where some of the food I use comes from. It was definitely a great way to start upholding our promise to ourselves!