El Valle Sunday Market

The Sunday Market in Anton Valley is one of the most worthwhile markets in Panama, and not just for the tourist crafts that dominate its more commercial stalls. Local indigenous vendors — many from the Ngäbe-Buglé community — arrive early to sell traditional woven bags, carved soapstone figures, painted gourds, ceramics, and fresh produce from the farms in the surrounding hills. It runs from around 7am to 5pm and is at its most lively in the morning hours.

The market occupies the central square and spills into the surrounding streets. Beyond the handicrafts, you will find stalls selling orchids, medicinal plants, local cheeses, and an assortment of tropical fruits that you won't see in supermarkets. Even on ordinary weekdays a smaller version operates, but Sunday is when everything comes together. If you are in Panama City and can only manage a day trip, this market is a strong reason to time it for the weekend.

things to do market
A story
The market has been running continuously since at least the 1950s and is one of the main economic drivers for indigenous communities in the surrounding hills. The Ngäbe-Buglé women who bring their woven bags, painted gourds, and carved soapstone often travel for hours on winding mountain roads to reach El Valle for a single market day.