Cerro Punta & El Valle de Antón
Cerro Punta — Panama's Cool Highlands
Cerro Punta (1,800 m) and the neighboring village Guadalupe are located on the west side of Volcán Barú — and feel like a different country. It is cool here (12–20°C), and the landscape is reminiscent of the European Alps: green slopes, strawberry gardens, vegetable farms, and cloud forests. Cerro Punta is Panama's "vegetable garden" — strawberries, lettuce, flowers, and vegetables for the entire country are grown here.
La Amistad International Park (UNESCO)
The Parque Internacional La Amistad extends across the border into Costa Rica and protects one of the world's most species-rich cloud forests. Trails lead through moss-covered oak forests, past orchids, bromeliads, and with a bit of luck, the Quetzal. The park is part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage and is one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet.
- Sendero El Retoño: 2 km, easy, good for bird watching and a first impression.
- Sendero La Cascada: 3.5 km to a waterfall in the cloud forest — spectacular in the fog.
- Entrance: 5$
Finca Dracula — Orchid Garden
One of the largest orchid collections in Latin America with over 2,000 species, including the rare Dracula orchid (which actually looks like a little monkey face). Guided tour: 10$. Best blooming season: March–May.
El Valle de Antón
About halfway between Panama City and the highlands lies El Valle de Antón — a small town in the crater of an extinct volcano, just 2 hours from the capital. El Valle is a popular weekend destination for city dwellers and offers a gentle introduction to the highlands:
- Sunday Market: Panama's largest craft and food market — orchids, soapstone figures, fresh fruits, and the famous "Golden Frogs" as souvenirs.
- India Dormida: Hike on the "Sleeping Indian" — a ridge that has the silhouette of a reclining woman (3–4 hours, moderate difficulty, magnificent view).
- Pozos Termales: Hot springs of volcanic origin — natural pools for relaxation.
- El Níspero Zoo: Small zoo dedicated to breeding the Golden Frog (Atelopus zeteki) — Panama's national animal, possibly already extinct in the wild.
