sunday market

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.

Sunday evidently is the biggest market of the week, but it was ok at best. Some fruits, vegetables, plants and knick-nacks on the side.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Loved this place! Got local fruit cheaper than the grocery store and very flavourful! The other part was fantastic place to buy purses, jewelry, momentos, etc. If you live bartering, the local people will always accommodate what is there! Definitely will go back! Better deals than anywhere else! Lots of local art, pottery, sculpture, etc. Loved it!!

The Sunday market in El Valle had some interesting items but nothing great. I found stuff to give as gifts but nothing I really wanted for myself.

Yes, the market is crowded (as are most markets in Panama), especially on weekends, but there are some good buys to be had. If you want to get souvenirs from Panama, you are much better off getting them here rather than in Panama City. They have some really beautiful hand-crafted stuff here. Also, if you are looking for fresh fruit or vegetables, this is a great place to get them.

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.

We spent a week in El Valle with a group of teens from our church. It is such a great little town with wonderful people. One day they had a parade celebrating their children. It was a blast to watch. You can't help but relax and get into the slower pace here.One of the best things about the town is the Sunday Market. It is filled with all kinds (and varying quality) of goods as well as fruits and vegetables. We bought several locally crafted items (some of their wood carving and knitted items are nice). But we mostly came for the produce. They have delicious, locally grown bananas, mango, avocados, papaya, tomatoes, herbs, spices, honey...you name it. Some of the produce I'd never heard of or seen before. But all of it was fresh and inexpensive.But it is also great to interact with the people selling their products. Some of the sellers in the market are from the Kuna, an indigenous people native to Panama. They are very friendly and often walk for many hours just to get to the El Valle market to sell their wares. They are a proud and self-reliant people who are very talented. They make and wear beautiful clothing and other textile items. We bought a couple of very colorful hand-sewn hammocks. We came to the market several times and enjoyed it immensely!

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.

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.

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.