El Valle

Wonderful grounds to see many unique animals, birds, and plants. Monkeys and jaguar are fun to see.

Delightful insights into the colorful butterfly world.

Many environmental biologist contend that the current wide spread species demise is the sixth mass extinction of the planets life forms. Global amphibians have been especially hard hit by an unstoppable fungus called Chyrtid or Bd. Survey samples have yielded only 40 or so of the 68 known frog species that used to inhabit the El Valle micro climate an area known world wide for its amphibian diversity. In an attempt to stave off this impended demise of local and other world wide species the EVACC was devised and spearhead by the Houston Zoo. This global heralded triage model takes infected species from the wild and washes them in a simple anti fugal solution that kills the fungus. It would be impossible to inoculate the infected amphibians in situ, even if a serum was available, to prevent the fungus. Instead over 200 collected varieties of frogs, salamanders, and toads are detoxed by being immersed in a solution of intraconazole once a day for 10 days and then and kept in clean room environment to wait out the plague or until a method of environmentally sound eradication is found.
When the “ark” was first launched volunteers would make nightly forays into the forest to obtain bugs for food. An in-house insect breeding program was developed that makes the supplying the nutritional demands of the residents much easier. Special exhibits relate to the local golden frog, a cultural icon and the republic’s emblematic conservation symbol, are interlaced with some extraordinary examples of Central American amphibians that are sure to astound. The center is a world wide model for cooperation between American universities, zoos and grass roots volunteers.

No trip to El Valle can be complete without a visit to this world-class eco-site. A place where the orchidophile can experience orchidelirium since 6% of the world orchids are grown in Panama. Over 1300 varieties are thought to grow in the Cocle Province and of those 200 endangered samples that have been gathered from the local area by harvesters for preservation and propagation. Before the village was accessible by road oral history states that there were over 1000 varieties in the six square mile area of El Valle and of course there are examples that have yet to be catalogued in the more remote areas of the Republic.
The JICA, COSPA, APROVACA center is one of just a few in the world and is sponsored by a consortium of Japanese and Panamanian orchid growers. The center offers technical advice and in situ conservation and propagation expertise to village inhabitants who then assist in gathering field samples of endangered endemic species. Not the most thrilling of tours but certainly breath taking especially if you’re a flower lover and remember all orchids are edible. There are LOTS of orchids Amazing!!

A lookout point on the northern ridge. The altitude difference is only 140 m but the way can be slippery if wet. It is a prepared and signposted track although you can hardly miss it as there are no other trails in the area. It ends at a platform looking over the valley. You need a ride to get to the trail head.

This trail moves up 250 m until you're out of the wood where you can follow the western ridge and enjoy magnificent views across the valley. Shortly after the trail head you see a stone wall with carvings. This trail is quite popular. There are a few paths which you can follow back to the town. If you have someone to drop you off at the trail head and pick you up later you can continue until the path crosses a road.

If you have your own ride you might want to park earlier along the track road where it is convenient. From the marked place it is just 80 m altitude difference but the last part is very steep. Views in all directions.