Three Unforgettable Places to Visit Close to Buenaventura in Panama

One of the most popular destinations for visitors and locals alike, is the charming town of El Valle.  It is the only inhabited volcanic crater in the western hemisphere and located about 3 hours from Panama city and just over an hour from Buenaventura.

Lying in the center of the crater which is 600 meters above sea level and 6km wide, El Valle is a characterful town with a lively atmosphere and is even a few degrees cooler than at sea level.

Set in the very heart of the valley, it is surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty including tropical trees and exotic flowers, an incredible variety of birds, butterfly’s and golden frogs.  There are waterfalls and geothermal springs and exhilarating hiking trails.  And if you are feeling really adventurous, you can take a ride on the zip lines.

The most popular event is the El Valle Market which is open every day of the week and is bigger on Sunday (with the addition of plants and flowers).   As well as fresh fruits and vegetables, there is a large selection of souvenirs and local handicrafts such as molas, t-shirts and clothes, hand carved bowls and ornaments, paintings, hammocks, baskets and ceramics.  (I bought the Fish molas you will see in the sitting room in El Valle and crafted them into beautiful decorative cushions/pillows).

Here is a list of 10 things to do in El Valle:

1. El Valle Market:  Explore the El Valle Market.
2. Visit the El Nispero Zoo and Botanical Garden: This small zoo houses a collection of native animals, including jaguars, monkeys, and reptiles. The botanical garden is home to a variety of tropical plants and orchids.
3. Hike to the El Chorro Macho Waterfall: Embark on a scenic hike to El Chorro Macho, a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. You can swim in the natural pools or even take a refreshing shower under the cascading water.
4. Explore the Chorro Las Mozas Waterfall: Another stunning waterfall in the area, Chorro Las Mozas offers picturesque views and the opportunity to swim in its crystal-clear pools.
5. Take a dip in the thermal springs: El Valle is known for its thermal springs, where you can relax and enjoy the healing properties of the warm waters. The most popular thermal springs are the Pozos Termales and Los Mandarinos.
6. Discover the India Dormida: The India Dormida (Sleeping Indian Girl) is a mountain formation that resembles the silhouette of a sleeping woman. Hiking to the top provides panoramic views of the surrounding valley.
7. Go birdwatching: El Valle is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 300 species of birds recorded in the area. You can spot colorful toucans, hummingbirds, and parrots among others.
8. Visit the Butterfly Haven: This butterfly exhibit allows you to observe a wide variety of colorful butterflies up close.
9. Go horseback riding: Explore the scenic landscapes of El Valle on horseback. Several tour operators offer guided horseback riding excursions.
10. Enjoy outdoor activities: El Valle is an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts. You can go hiking, mountain biking, zip-lining, or even take a canopy tour to explore the lush forests and mountains.

For more information about these activities, check out our Guest App after booking.

If you want to venture into the more mountainous area of the Western highlands and enjoy amazing scenery, cooler air, and true tranquility, head on up to Chiguiri Arriba and the Tavidá Lodge.  It’s a fantastic day excursion and takes about 1 ½ hours to get there from Buenaventura, often along some rather bumpy roads!

The main attraction is the spectacular 32-meter high Tavidá waterfall located at the top of the mountain in the middle of a rain forest.  And it also has a natural swimming pool. So, go pack a bathing suit and a swim towel and set your GPS to take you to the Villa Tavidá Lodge!

You’ll arrive at the very top of the mountain, where the Lodge is perched on the precipice and overlooks the spectacular waterfalls and breathtaking mountain scenery down into the canyon.

The lodge has 7 beautifully appointed, air-conditioned guest rooms with private bathrooms, TV’s and mini bars and there is wifi in common areas, even in this remote location! (Several of the rooms also have their own balcony).  The lodge has a delightful “open air” style restaurant serving excellent food a small Spa with spectacular views.  They also offer massage upon request.

Aside from trekking down to the pool at the bottom of the waterfall and having a dip, hikes can be arranged with local guides along several trails of varying lengths and levels (one is a medium to difficult level and takes about 2.5 hours), or you can enjoy time at the lodge taking in the scenery including the exotic flowers and trees.  It’s a popular birdwatching spot too and there are many species to be seen, especially, Toucans, Hummingbirds and Woodpeckers.  (Here is a table of some of the lesser-known species that can be seen here).

However, a couple of words of warning for those that want to venture up to the Villa Tavidá Lodge.

1. You need a 4-wheel drive, bigger/higher car as the road can be very rough in places, especially in the rainy season. The last part of the trail to the Lodge is dirt and stone.
2. It is not recommended for people with mobility problems as there are hills and stairs

For more information, help, guidance or for a tour guide, get in touch with us after you book.