Things To Do in El Valle de Anton
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El Valle de Anton Attractions
- Park/Garden
Aprovaca Orquídeas
The Asociación de Productores de Orquídeas El Valle y Cabuya (APROVACA) is a nonprofit agency that strives to cultivate and conserve endangered local and regional orchids. At their site there are 147 species on display, but the tiny operation is worth a visit only for those who hold… - Zoo/Aquarium
El Nispero Zoo
The Nispero Zoo never planned to be a zoo, it just happened. The owner, an agronomist who runs a small for-profit nursery here, had a large collection of animals and birds, and over time so many people donated abandoned or sick animals that it just made sense to open a zoo. The… - Park/Garden
El Rincon de la Biodiversidad
This small organic farm run by the very knowledgeable Tomas Garcia is an example of sustainable farming. You can pick your own vegetables here, as well as learn a bit about the organic farming process. There are also some hand-made handicrafts for sale. Long and short-term volunteer… - Zoo/Aquarium
Serpentario
This modest serpentarium makes for a quick and fun place to learn about snakes. There are 14 different snakes on display, including a boa constrictor that they'll let you hold while you have your picture taken. A local biologist gives interpretive information.
El Valle de Anton Shopping
Sunday Market -- El Valle is regionally famous for its Sunday Market that takes place along the town's main Avenida Principal. It's not a grand bazaar but a colorful and lively event that draws vendors, many of whom are Ngobe-Buglé and Emberá Indians from around the area who come to hawk traditional clothing, handicrafts, baskets, ceramics, vegetables, orchids, food items, and more. There is a scaled-down version of the market open every day -- Saturdays are often quite happening. Hours for the market are 8am to 5pm.
Next to the market is the Tienda Artesanía Don Pepe (tel. 983-6425; daily 8am-6pm), which has an extensive selection of well-made indigenous art and handicrafts from around Panama, plus other trinkets, souvenirs, and maps. Next door to Don Pepe is the Residencial El Valle and its ground-level shop David's (tel. 983-6536; daily 7am-7pm), with a similar, high-quality selection of handicrafts, many of which are made on the premises.
