A lovely midweek visit to el valle. The market was not so busy as at the weekends so you could stop to browse. Great to watch the handicrafts being made there so they are authentic Panamanian gifts. Lots of local fruit and veg too.
Lots of fruit, vegetables, and plants. Go on Sunday as all vendors are there. We found items that weren't in any markets anywhere else in Panama. The trip was fun and worth it.
We had rented a house in El Valle, so were interested in buying fruit and vegetables. The selection was very good with some unusual items and the prices excellent, so we stocked up. The souvenirs and crafts though were just average. Not nearly as large as other Central American markets and lots of the items looked like the same stuff as American flea markets!Fun if you are already in El Valle, but not worth the trip from Panama city, where it is offered as a "tour"! I gave it an average for the craft section, but would say very good for the produce.
Maybe it was because we went on a Sunday but this very small market was very crowded, mostly with people like us. Parking is very difficult and the road is narrow and very busy. Tempers got frayed a little.The market is set right next to the road in the small town and comprised of a number of vegetable, fruit and plant stalls. The local produce is interesting to look at but limited - by far the biggest sections at the side and rear are tourist produce stalls selling the usual stuff you can get everywhere else in Panama. Depends on what you like - don't expect artisan produced crafts although there is some reasonable stuff a lot is mass produced stuff.If you are taking photos beware most of the stall holders demand a fee - I was asked for $2 per photo by a couple of ladies on their stalls.If you are in the area then this is probably an attraction but in my opinion probably not worth travelling great distance for and it's probably becoming a victim of its own popularity.
Small handicrafts market with fresh fruit and vegetables and crafts for sale. Lots of beaded jewelry, some art, and the renowned wooden trays. A good relaxing spot to stop before or after lunch. Be sure to bargain. Right on the main strip of town - you can't miss it.
If you have the means of transport check this market out. Lots of classic souvenirs to grab at good prices if you can haggle a bit and lots of unique crafts to be had too. Very accessible and lots of good food nearby too.
This used to be a true native market but it's become just another tourist attraction these days. There are still lovely natives crafts offered but few bargains anymore.
If you are used to large, open-air markets in other countries, this is not one of them. the covered market is divided into 2/3 handicrafts and 1/3 food and plants. It was fun to walk through and get a good idea of what was for sale before starting to shop and negotiate prices--which you should do. As usual, if you buy several things, you get a better price, and the prices here are better than in Panama City of course. There were a lot of interesting items that I haven't bought in other Latin countries, as well as the traditional "molas" of embroidery, so I picked up a number of gifts for Christmas.
Wonderful selection of fresh fruit & vegetables. Lots of local vendors with hand crafted jewelry, artwork, hats, bags, wooden crafts. Located right in the middle of the town of El Valle.
The fruit/produce looked great but mostly tourist kick knacks. If you want a taste of the high country in panama and go to a local market this is fine. Not my wife's or mine thing tough. The area is really cool.