El Valle

Saturday and Sunday we traveled to El Valle in Cocle.  We had heard great things about this place and once we arrived we weren't disappointed.  We also ran into some other Volunteers and spent some time exploring with them.  Here is a little view of our weekend.

We visited the Artisan market which contained not only beautiful handmade crafts from the indigenous tribes, but also colorful fruits and unique plants.  Of course the succulents caught my eye.

I wish I could take these home.

Doesn't this fruit look delicious.

Sydney, Austin, Catherine, Brennan and I went to the hot springs which came with a complementary mud facial.  We had some fun exfoliating our faces.  Austin learned what exfoliating actually meant.

Trying a tough face.

Brennan's face is better.

This is the beginning of our hike up "La India Dormida" (The sleeping Indian).  It was a beautiful hike, but definitely not easy.

View from the bridge.

One of two waterfalls on the trail.

Almost to the top.

View from the top.

Accomplished the two hour hike with no problems.

Our little friends we found in a bush outside our cabana.

We also went to the El Valle zoo which was not too impressive because all the animals were behind big cages like this one.  More than anything we felt bad for them.

Trying to make some money.  Pretty cool wardrobe I must say.

We had a great time exploring El Valle and we didn't even do everything they had to offer.  Tomorrow we're off to Santa Catalina near the beach.  You'll be hearing more about that soon.