Anton Valley tour: Waterfalls, hot springs, golden frogs

Waterfall swim, mud bath, and a glimpse of the rare golden frog in one morning

This eight-hour tour from Panama City takes you to El Valle de Anton, a cool-climate valley on Central America's largest dormant volcano, where you swim in a natural waterfall pool, soak in hot springs, and see rescued animals including the rare golden frog. The guide meets you at your hotel, drives you 90 minutes to the valley, and shows you La Pintada's pre-Columbian petroglyphs, El Macho waterfall, the Nispero Zoo and frog farm, and a local artisan market before returning you to the city.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Anton Valley and local attractions

• Meet guide at hotel 8:00 AM
• Travel to Anton Valley
• Visit El Macho waterfall and swim
• Enjoy hot springs and mud bath
• Explore local artisan market
• Visit Nispero Zoo and golden frog farm
• Lunch at recommended restaurant (not included)

The experience

The tour starts with hotel pickup in Panama City and a 90-minute drive to El Valle de Anton, a small town built inside the crater of a dormant volcano. The valley sits at a higher elevation, so the air is noticeably cooler and fresher than the city. Your guide will take you to La Pintada first, where you'll see pre-Columbian petroglyphs carved into rock, then head to El Macho: a cloud forest waterfall where you can swim in the natural pool at its base. The water is cold and clear, fed directly from the forest.

After the waterfall, you'll visit the hot springs and have the chance to take a mud bath, which the operator notes gives your skin minerals and energy. Then comes the Nispero Zoo, a rescue facility where you'll see birds, mammals, and reptiles, plus a dedicated frog farm where the rare golden frog, found only in this region, lives behind glass. The tour also includes a stop at the local artisan market, where you can browse handmade crafts, fresh produce, and traditional Panamanian hats at prices noticeably lower than in the city. Your guide will suggest a restaurant for lunch, though you'll pay for it separately.

The return drive to Panama City takes another 90 minutes. The full day runs eight hours from pickup to drop-off. Your guide speaks English or Spanish, and children as young as five are welcome when accompanied by an adult. The tour suits all fitness levels, though you'll be walking to the waterfall and spending time in water, so bring a change of clothes and a towel.

What’s included

• Your tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Panama City.
• a professional guide who speaks English or Spanish.
• and round-trip private transfer to and from the valley. Entrance fees to local activities, lunch, and pickup from Playa Bonita hotels are not included.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00Last departure this season: 30 Jun 2027

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 50

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Panama Travel Corp

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a full day free and want hands-on exploration. You'll trek to waterfalls, swim in hot springs, and visit gardens and wildlife sites, not just observe from a vehicle.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What is El Macho and what do you do there?

El Macho is a cloud forest waterfall in the valley where you swim in the natural pool at its base. The water comes directly from the forest and is cold and clear.

Will I see the golden frog?

Yes, at the Nispero Zoo's frog farm. The golden frog is rare and found only in this region. You'll see it in the dedicated farm area alongside other rescued animals.

How far is Anton Valley from Panama City?

The valley is 90 minutes by car from Panama City, located on the crater of a dormant volcano at a higher elevation where the climate is noticeably cooler.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Lunch is not included, but your guide will suggest a good restaurant in the valley where you can eat. You pay for your meal separately.

What should I bring for the waterfall and hot springs?

Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and swimwear. You'll be swimming at El Macho waterfall and soaking in the hot springs, so plan to get wet.