Bodhi Hostel

El Valle


Looking a bit worn around the edges but still voted tops in Panama, this central hostel counts six private rooms with shared showers, and a massive, bright and airy dorm with 27 beds in triple-deck bunks. Dorms are curtained and have lockers; the artwork is by volunteers. The Buddha theme, bafflingly prevalent in Panama, is present here.

The Shisha loft lounge above the lobby is full of books and is very cool, as is the 'tree' of Polaroids, which features everyone who's ever stayed at the hostel. Bicycle rentals are available for US$2/8/12 per hour/half day/full day.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby El Valle attractions

1. Museo Victoriano Lorenzo

0.2 MILES

The exhibits in the three rooms of this small museum east of the center focus on local history and the eponymous mestizo national hero. The most…

2. Butterfly Haven

0.2 MILES

One of El Valle's top attractions allows you to walk among up to 250 butterflies as they flutter by in a screened 'flight house.' Learn more about these…

3. Aprovaca

0.48 MILES

For the largest selection of orquídeas (orchids) in the region, visit this idyllic, not-for-profit garden east of the center, run by the local association…

4. Museo Histórico Padre José Noto

0.51 MILES

The most interesting exhibits in this small, very central museum divided into seven sections are the ones focusing on petroglyphs and ceramics produced by…

6. Zoológico El Níspero

0.58 MILES

About 1km north of Av Central, this zoo set in the forest is home to everything from tapirs and capuchin monkeys to jaguars and more than 50 species of…

7. Square-Trunk Trees

1.48 MILES

El Valle’s peculiar árboles cuadrados (square-trunk trees) are located northeast of the Hotel Campestre. After a 30-minute hike through the forest and…

8. La Piedra Pintada

1.49 MILES

Located in the northwestern corner of the valley, La Piedra Pintada is a huge boulder adorned with pre-Columbian carvings. Locals sometimes fill in the…