El Valle de Antón facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
El Valle de Antón
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El Valle at night
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 El Valle de Antón
Location in Panama
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| Country | Panama |
| Province | Coclé |
| Area | |
| • Land | 34.8 km2 (13.4 sq mi) |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 7,602 |
| • Density | 218.6/km2 (566/sq mi) |
| Population density calculated based on land area. | |
El Valle de Antón, often called El Valle, is a charming town in the Coclé province of Panama. About 7,600 people live here. It's also known as Anton's Valley in English.
Contents
Where is El Valle?
El Valle is special because it sits inside a huge, flat area. This area is actually the caldera (a big crater) of an old volcano! The volcano is called El Valle volcano. It's about 6 kilometers wide. Don't worry, it's not active anymore. Scientists think it last erupted around 300,000 years ago.
Nature and Wildlife
Because El Valle is located high up (about 600 meters or 2,000 feet above sea level), it's much cooler than other parts of Panama. This makes it a great place to visit!
You can find many natural wonders near El Valle. There are beautiful waterfalls like Chorro El Macho and Las Mozas. You can also see unique "square" trees behind Hotel Campestre. There are even small pools with mineralized water, which change color depending on the minerals in them.
The forests around El Valle are very important. They are one of the last places where the critically endangered Panamanian golden frog lives. Some of these forests are protected areas to help save the animals and plants.
Bird Watching Paradise
El Valle is a fantastic spot for birdwatching! Around 500 different types of birds live here. An area of about 10,600 hectares (that's about 26,000 acres) north of the town is known as an Important Bird Area (IBA). This means it's a very important place for birds.
This area includes forests and volcanic peaks. It helps protect many birds, including black guans, olive-sided flycatchers, and golden-winged warblers.
People of El Valle
In 2010, El Valle had a population of 7,602 people. This number has grown over the years. In 2000, there were 6,175 residents, and in 1990, there were 4,900.
What to Do in El Valle
El Valle has one main road, called Avenida Central. It runs from east to west through the town. A popular spot is the public market, which is open every day. People often call it El Valle's Sunday Market because it's especially busy then.
You can also visit a small historical and geological museum in town. There's a small zoo called El Nispero, named after a type of tree. You can also explore a small serpentarium (a place for snakes), a butterfly house, and an orchid conservation center called APROVACA. This center shows off over 100 different kinds of local orchids. West of town, you can find ancient rock carvings known as La Piedra Pintada.
Many people from Panama City own vacation homes in El Valle. They come here to relax on weekends or holidays. Popular activities include cycling, hiking, horseback riding, and, of course, birdwatching!
Getting Around
El Valle is about 25 kilometers (about 15 miles) off the Interamerican Highway. You get there by a two-lane road that is usually in good condition.
Buses, often mini-buses, travel frequently to Panama City. The trip takes about 2.5 hours. If you want to go to other places in Panama, you usually need to take a bus to San Carlos and then transfer to another bus there.
Images for kids
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A view of Central Panama from the south-west, with El Valle in the foreground.
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The beautiful "El Macho" waterfall in El Valle.
See also
In Spanish: El Valle de Antón para niños
