Hiking La India Dormida in Valle de Anton for Sunrise.

Trail type: We did an in and out hike but there is a full loop trail.
Hiking time: 2 hours max. We took 45 minutes to get to the top.
Distance: 3.2 kms (2 miles)
Elevation gain: 273 meters (895 ft)

Hiking La India Dormida in Valle de Anton Panama — First light from the top of La India Dormida over Valle de Anton Panama

Hiking La India Dormida in Valle de Anton was our first hike in the region and it was mind-blowing! The La India Dormida hike is one of the most popular sunrise hikes in The Valle de Anton so Sara and I decided to stick with this trend. The trail takes you along the incredible crater rim giving beautiful views over the whole Valle de Anton making it a perfect way to start your day.

Valle de Anton is also only 2 and a half hours from Panama city making it a very accessible location for anyone already staying in the city. The bus service makes it very easy to get to also.

For a complete of things to do in El Valle de Anton click the link

While you’re here check out hiking Sendero La Cruz just outside of Panama City

How to get to La India Dormida trailhead.

You have a couple of options fro hiking La India Dormida. There are actually two entrances to the hike due to the fact it can also be done as a loop hike. But I think the best option if you want to see the sunrise is to take the fastest route up to the peak and then if you choose to do the full loop. Whatever route you choose in the morning is kind of inconsequential because its so dark you can not see anything anyway.

The route we took up, which is also the easiest route started at Piedra Pintada. It starts off on a well-marked concrete trail before ascending into the jungle. I have linked the start of the trail below on google maps.

Depending on how you are traveling there are a few options to get to the trailhead. Both are very easy. The trailhead itself is only a 10 to 15-minute walk from the center of town so that is a super easy option depending on where you are staying. The other option is driving. This is also super easy as there is parking along the street directly at the start of the trail.

The best thing about this starting point is it only takes about 45 minutes, an hour max to get to the head of the Indian and the peak of the hike. From there you can casually stroll along the rim of the crater and enjoy the sunrise.

Hiking La India Dormida

If you’re trying to get to the peak for sunrise you will need to leave fairly early. Sunrise in Panama year-round is between 6 am and 630 it’s easy to check online anyway. But my suggestion is that you want to be there 30 minutes before the sun hits the horizon or you will miss all the amazing pinks and purples that all lead up to the sunrise.

We parked at the trailhead and had started the hike by 445 am allowing ourselves just over an hour to get to the top. If you want to be safe though give yourself an hour and a half. We had prepared out head torches, camera gear, and clothing the night before. On your way back down you will realize how incredibly beautiful the start of the trail actually is. There are several waterfalls and if you happened to hike in something you can swim in you can actually take a nice little cool off dip just before getting to the end of the trail. Perfect to wash the sweat and dirt off.

Entrance Fee.

We found a few sites that said hiking La India Dormida was free or people did not have to pay the entrance fee, well, we did. There was obviously no one there at 445am but on the way back down the station had someone working it. It was only $3 per person. So remember to take a couple of dollars just in case.

Despite how hot it is you will want a thin jacket for the summit especially if it is dark and windy! We were trying to hide from the wind for about 30 minutes trying not to freeze in the meantime. We were also there in the rainy season so you basically always need a rain jacket.

The hike itself can be quite steep in parts and is pretty intense and if you keep a steady pace there is no escaping the humidity and the inevitable sweating that will happen. A spare shirt is not a bad idea just to stay a little warmer under the jacket.

When Sara and I arrived on the summit after about 45 minutes it was windy and cloudy and windy, like really windy. It was also really cloudy and we were kind of a little devastated thinking we would not see any kind of sunrise. As blue hour started to kick in though, the clouds began to clear and things started looking up. It took longer than we would have liked though and by the time the sun finally broke through the clouds the day was fully upon us. The light was still incredibly beautiful though and the views were breathtaking so no matter what it was still a win.

After this hike, we went straight to hike Cerro Cara Iguana which you can check out by clicking the link.

The legend of La India Dormida aka The Sleeping Indian.

Legend has it that the youngest daughter, Luba, also known as Airflower of Chief Urraca was somewhat the rebellious young lady. And that despite years constant fighting between her father’s Tribes in the Anton crater and the Spanish she managed to fall in love with a Spanish Official who lived in the town.

While this was going on there was a brave warrior from her tribe called Yaravi that was in love with Luba, but Luba did not love him back. This was too much for Yaravi to handle and he threw himself off of a mountain taking his own life while Luba watched confused.

While Luba was not in love with Yaravi she did not want to betray her own tribe and in a grief-stricken panic, she took off into the forest and was lost. She eventually died here leaving behind the legend of the Sleeping Indian.

Where to stay in Valle de Anton

Rooms can get a little expensive on the weekends especially with it being so close to Panama City and with its popularity amongst the locals so if you have to luxury of time try and get there during the week. You will, however, want to spend at least 3 to 5 days in the valley so you can experience everything it has to offer.

Budget: Bodhi Hostel & Lounge – The go-to spot for backpackers and budget travelers. Bodhi Hostel has a super laid back vibe with everything you need including wifi, kitchen, and garden.

Midrange: The Golden Frog – Free bike rental is huge! There is also an outdoor pool and the rooms are beautiful.

Luxury: Caracol Hotel Boutique – Perfect spot for a couples week or weekend. Pool, spa, free bikes, and an apparently amazing breakfast.