Piedra Pintada Petroglyphs
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Piedra Pintada Petroglyphs

4.6
·466 reviews·El Valle de Antón, Panama

Discover ancient petroglyphs and scenic trails in El Valle de Antón. A short, accessible hike with historical depth and natural beauty.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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Piedra Pintada Petroglyphs

Piedra Pintada Petroglyphs

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover ancient petroglyphs and scenic trails in El Valle de Antón. A short, accessible hike with historical depth and natural beauty.

4.6
(466 reviews)

"Seeing pre-Columbian petroglyphs so close is well worth the $3 entrance ticket."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Trails can be slippery and muddy, especially beyond the petroglyphs. Avoid flip-flops!

💰 Affordable Entry

The entrance fee is only $3, which is a great deal for the historical significance and natural beauty.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Petroglyphs

Ancient Petroglyphs

Near the entrance

See ancient symbols engraved in rock, offering a glimpse into pre-Columbian history. A must-see for history buffs!

Scenic Valley Views

Scenic Valley Views

Past Sapo Rock

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the valley from above the treeline. Perfect for a moment of reflection.

Local Swimming Hole

Local Swimming Hole

Along the creek

A pretty area with a creek and small waterfalls, popular with locals for a refreshing dip.

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Easy Access to Ancient Art

The Piedra Pintada Petroglyphs are easily accessible with a short, straightforward walk from the entrance. While the petroglyphs themselves are very close, the surrounding trails can be steep and muddy, so sturdy footwear is recommended if you plan to explore further.

Beyond the Petroglyphs

While the petroglyphs are the main draw, the area offers more. A short hike beyond the main rock leads to beautiful valley views and a creek with small waterfalls, making it a worthwhile stop for an hour or two.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Sunlight on the rocks
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

¡Duerme entre montañas ⛰️ , nubes 🌥️ y estrellas ⭐️! Ten la experiencia de quedarte en un domo, ubicado a 5 minutos del centro del valle de Antón puedes encontrar @cabanas_pty_507 Las tarifas van desde $56 estadía doble para día de semana o desde $73 estadía doble para fin de semana. Para reservas puedes contactarlos directamentente a su instagram o me puedes escribir a DM y te paso el link de Ai...
@panamanderlust
22.5K likes • 523.5K views

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Trails can be slippery and muddy, especially beyond the petroglyphs. Avoid flip-flops! Reddit

💰 Affordable Entry

The entrance fee is only $3, which is a great deal for the historical significance and natural beauty. Reddit

El valle de Antón 🇵🇦 casa espectacular a la venta! Totalmente equipada y amueblada 5,000 M2 de terreno 750m2 construcción 5 habitaciones 5.5 baños Den Bbq station Piscina Amueblada y equipada Casa de empleados de 3 recamaras Planta electrica Tamque de reserva Portón Electrico Precio de venta $2,250,000 #panama #elvalle #mansionpanama #anton #bienesraicespanama
@nicodelag
10.6K likes • 242.4K views
📍Panamá- India Dormida Valle de Antón 2$ panameños y residentes 3$ extrajeros Desde 25$ guías No tiene parking te paras a un lado de la calle y hay personas que se encargan de cuidarlo *propina Nivel medio Es necesario llevar: zapatos de senderismo ropa fresca de secado rapido aquashoes toalla de microfibra ( se seca muy rápido) Todo esto y más lo puedes encontrar en @Outdoor adventure 🇵...
@isbyandi
7.3K likes • 101.8K views

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

Snacks and drinks are available at the entrance, but it's good to have your own for longer explorations. Reddit

📸 Easy Photo Ops

The petroglyphs are very close to the entrance, making them easy to photograph without a strenuous hike. Reddit

Dormí literalmente entre las nubes… 🌫️🧡 Celebré mi cumpleaños en un hotel en lo alto del Valle de Antón. Caminatas, cascadas, vistas de otro nivel y una paz que no se explica. Guarda este lugar para cuando necesites desconectar de verdad. 🎥 Hotel: Nómada – Valle de Antón 🏞️ Restaurante: Entre las Nubes 🔖 Usa el código MONI y recibe 10% de descuento hasta el 31 de octubre. Reserva conmigo 📲(507)688...
@monicagiselle010
6.3K likes • 205.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Trails can be slippery and muddy, especially beyond the petroglyphs. Avoid flip-flops! Reddit

💰 Affordable Entry

The entrance fee is only $3, which is a great deal for the historical significance and natural beauty. Reddit

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

Snacks and drinks are available at the entrance, but it's good to have your own for longer explorations. Reddit

📸 Easy Photo Ops

The petroglyphs are very close to the entrance, making them easy to photograph without a strenuous hike. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(466 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Piedra Pintada to be an easily accessible site with significant historical value, offering ancient petroglyphs for a small fee. While the main attraction is a short walk, the surrounding trails provide beautiful valley views and a local swimming spot, though they can be muddy and steep.

"A straight forward easy to navigate trail with way marker posts throughout. It's $3 entry at the access gate and there are also snacks/drinks available there. It can be slippy/mossy/muddy underfoot so don't do this in flip flops/crocs even if you are just going for the river/waterfalls. If you walk just 5 minutes beyond the "Sapo Rock" you will get amazing views above the tree line and across the valley. This section was very manageable and only took around 1.5 hrs there and back. We didn't do the full circuit or the ridge. There are buses and taxis at the entrance to connect you with main part of the town, and some that even go to Panama City."

Ewan B

"Quick and pleasant hike. Kids can go if they can walk by themselves. Not recommended to bring babies."

Jon Marins

"This is the entry for the hike, not the location of the paintings. If you want to see the cave paintings you need to buy the hike entrance ticket, but paintings are very close to the entry point, no need to actually hike."

Thom Krone

What People Like

Easy access to petroglyphs
Affordable entry fee
Scenic valley views

What People Dislike

Muddy and steep trails

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Piedra Pintada is located near the main town of El Valle de Antón. You can reach it by taxi or bus from the town center. If you're driving, there's parking available at the entrance. Reddit

Yes, the petroglyphs are well-marked and easy to find. The main rock with the engravings is a short, easy walk from the entrance gate. Reddit

Buses and taxis are available at the entrance to connect you with the main part of El Valle de Antón, and some even go to Panama City. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available at the entrance to the site where you can leave your car. Reddit

For the petroglyphs themselves, a short walk is sufficient. If you wish to explore the trails and waterfalls, consider renting a car for more flexibility in El Valle de Antón. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entry fee is a very reasonable $3 per person. This grants you access to the petroglyphs and the surrounding trails. Reddit

No, advance booking is not typically required. You can pay the entrance fee at the access gate upon arrival. Reddit

While specific hours aren't always listed, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit during the day to see the petroglyphs clearly. Reddit

The $3 entry fee covers access to the petroglyphs and the trails that lead to the creek, waterfalls, and viewpoints. Reddit

Information on specific discounts isn't widely available, but the general entry fee is quite affordable for most visitors. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Seeing the petroglyphs themselves takes about 5-10 minutes as they are very close to the entrance. Exploring the surrounding trails and waterfalls can add another 1-2 hours. Reddit

The path to the petroglyphs is easy and suitable for children. However, the trails beyond can be steep and muddy, so it's not recommended for babies or very young children who cannot walk independently. Reddit

Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip, as the trails can be slippery and muddy. Quick-drying clothing is also advisable, especially if you plan to get near the waterfalls. Reddit

The petroglyphs are ancient symbols engraved in rock by pre-Columbian people. Their exact meaning is unknown, with theories ranging from religious symbols to harvest calendars or maps. Reddit

The area has a creek with small waterfalls that locals use as a swimming hole. It's more of a local water park than a grand waterfall, but it's a pleasant spot to cool off. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Mid-morning or early afternoon often provides good lighting on the petroglyphs. The surrounding nature is beautiful throughout the day. Reddit

No, the petroglyphs are easily accessible and well-lit, making them straightforward to photograph. Reddit

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. If you plan to hike further, a wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the valley views. Reddit

There are no specific regulations mentioned regarding drones, but it's always best to be mindful of other visitors and the natural environment. Reddit

Yes, you can get relatively close to the small waterfalls along the creek for photos, but be cautious of slippery rocks. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Piedra Pintada is a great option for families with children who can walk independently. The main path to the petroglyphs is easy and short, making it manageable for little legs. Reddit The nearby creek and small waterfalls offer a fun spot for kids to splash around, turning the visit into a mini adventure. However, parents should be aware that trails beyond the petroglyphs can be steep and muddy, so it's best to stick to the main path or ensure children have appropriate footwear and supervision if exploring further. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers

For those who enjoy a bit of hiking, Piedra Pintada offers more than just the petroglyphs. After viewing the ancient art, you can continue on a trail that leads to a creek with waterfalls and stunning valley views. Reddit Be prepared for potentially muddy and steep sections, so trekking shoes are highly recommended. This extended exploration provides a more immersive nature experience within El Valle de Antón. TikTok

🏛️ History Buffs

Piedra Pintada is a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient history and archaeology. The pre-Columbian petroglyphs offer a direct connection to the region's past inhabitants. Reddit The mystery surrounding their meaning adds an intriguing layer to the visit, encouraging contemplation and discussion about the lives and beliefs of these ancient peoples. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Mystery of the Petroglyphs

The Piedra Pintada Petroglyphs are a fascinating window into the past, featuring ancient symbols etched into a large rock. These engravings are believed to have been created by pre-Columbian indigenous peoples. While their exact meaning remains a mystery, various theories abound. Some scholars suggest they represent religious symbols or spiritual connections, while others propose they served as a harvest calendar or even a map of the local area. The ambiguity only adds to their allure, inviting visitors to ponder their significance. Reddit

Reaching the petroglyphs is remarkably easy, requiring only a short, straightforward walk from the entrance. This accessibility makes it a popular stop for those visiting El Valle de Antón. The site is well-maintained, with clear pathways and marker posts guiding visitors. Reddit

The experience of seeing these ancient markings firsthand is quite profound. It’s a tangible connection to the people who inhabited this land centuries ago. The simplicity of the engravings, combined with the enduring mystery of their purpose, makes Piedra Pintada a unique and thought-provoking destination. Reddit

Exploring Beyond the Rock

While the petroglyphs are the primary attraction, the area surrounding Piedra Pintada offers further exploration opportunities. A short hike beyond the main rock leads to a creek with several small waterfalls and a natural swimming hole. This section of the trail can become quite steep and muddy, especially after rain, so sturdy footwear is essential. Reddit

This extended trail offers a different perspective of the natural beauty of El Valle de Antón. Visitors can enjoy the sounds of the flowing water and the lush greenery. The path eventually opens up to provide amazing views above the tree line and across the valley, offering a rewarding vista for those who venture further. Reddit

The combination of historical significance and natural beauty makes Piedra Pintada more than just a quick stop. It’s a place where you can engage with history and then immerse yourself in nature. The ease of access to the petroglyphs, coupled with the option for a more adventurous hike, caters to a variety of visitor interests. Reddit

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