I find the best way to choose travel destinations is to use a variety of informative sources. Sometimes that comes in the form of other traveller recommendations, tourist information propaganda, local suggestions and, of course, guide book write ups. None of these is infallible. But the one that had consistently failed me on my Central American trip was the guide book which shall remain nameless. You think i would have learned as i was nearing the end of the trip, but, oh no. I chose to visit another guide book recommendation, the hilltop town of El Valle in Panama.
El Valle has grown in fame due almost exclusively to cooler temperatures and
mountain air. Being under an hour from Panama City, the village has seen an explosion of wealthy panamanian development. Massive villas are scattered about the town. But the town itself is nothing more than a couple hotels and a few restaurants. The guidebooks mentioned several budget accommodation options, but the truth is something different. I struggled to find anything under $30. I stumbled upon a dorm for $10 which was easily the worst place i have EVER stayed. But the good news is all the restaurants close super early and the only bar in town (terribly overpriced) also closes early (around 11).
mountain air. Being under an hour from Panama City, the village has seen an explosion of wealthy panamanian development. Massive villas are scattered about the town. But the town itself is nothing more than a couple hotels and a few restaurants. The guidebooks mentioned several budget accommodation options, but the truth is something different. I struggled to find anything under $30. I stumbled upon a dorm for $10 which was easily the worst place i have EVER stayed. But the good news is all the restaurants close super early and the only bar in town (terribly overpriced) also closes early (around 11).Waking in the morning, i was looking forward to visiting the largest crafts
market in Panama. Once wandering down both aisles, i was rather underwhelmed. But this was the first time i came in contact with Panama's indigenous group, the Kuna. Magnificently dressed, their traditional costumes are wonderful. Sadly, they are very anti-photos and will ask for up to $5 for a quick picture. With nothing else to do in town, i headed out to the highly heralded waterfalls nearby. After paying admission, the trickles made for an ok replacement shower as the one at the hostel was unusable. The small etchings along the way said to be ancient petroglyphs were ordinary. Back into town, the much regaled hot springs were greatly disappointing.
market in Panama. Once wandering down both aisles, i was rather underwhelmed. But this was the first time i came in contact with Panama's indigenous group, the Kuna. Magnificently dressed, their traditional costumes are wonderful. Sadly, they are very anti-photos and will ask for up to $5 for a quick picture. With nothing else to do in town, i headed out to the highly heralded waterfalls nearby. After paying admission, the trickles made for an ok replacement shower as the one at the hostel was unusable. The small etchings along the way said to be ancient petroglyphs were ordinary. Back into town, the much regaled hot springs were greatly disappointing.If it wasn't for the unbelievably overpriced accommodation and dining options, El Valle might be ok. But this is certainly NOT a budget destination but not good enough for a high class resort. There is nothing here that isn't repeated throughout Panama in places like Boquete, making El Valle a complete waste of time and money.
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