The Sleeping Indian Girl
The Sleeping Indian Girl
The Sleeping Indian Girl
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
310 reviews
Excellent
170
Very good
104
Average
28
Poor
6
Terrible
2
Noel78
Tennessee624 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
This hike provides a beautiful view of El Valle when you reach its summit. Not recommended for beginning hikers or people without sturdy boots. A local teenage girl hiking in sneakers seriously hurt her ankle and was carried off the trail in a stretcher. But if you mind the rocky trail and take your time, this is an experience that you will treasure.
On Sundays during the Panamanian holiday season (late February) you will meet many locals as well as tourists climbing up the mountain. Locals sell refreshments along the way on the weekends, but it is crucial that you pack at least a liter of water. You will need it. The trail passes a waterfall and near the start some ancient petroglyphs.
I have included here a view from the top. The Sleeping Indian is only seen in profile from the valley. On the hike, you are, in effect, climbing to her. Do not expect to “see” the Indian at the summit.
On Sundays during the Panamanian holiday season (late February) you will meet many locals as well as tourists climbing up the mountain. Locals sell refreshments along the way on the weekends, but it is crucial that you pack at least a liter of water. You will need it. The trail passes a waterfall and near the start some ancient petroglyphs.
I have included here a view from the top. The Sleeping Indian is only seen in profile from the valley. On the hike, you are, in effect, climbing to her. Do not expect to “see” the Indian at the summit.
Written February 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike K
Harrow, UK168 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
Really enjoyable hike. Starting from the official entrance we paid our $3 and unguided gently went up the steep and marked path. Going early we saw lots of birds and butterflies on the way, and the views at the top are stunning.
Once at the top you can either come back the same way, or continue down the face and body of the Sleeping Indian (coming down her neck is very steep !) and there are numbered concrete guide posts. At number 12 if you turn left down a well defined trail it brings you back to the town making a really enjoyable loop.
Once at the top you can either come back the same way, or continue down the face and body of the Sleeping Indian (coming down her neck is very steep !) and there are numbered concrete guide posts. At number 12 if you turn left down a well defined trail it brings you back to the town making a really enjoyable loop.
Written February 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer B
18 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Fabulous walk. It took a lot longer with young children (10 &7) than the advertised hour. It was difficult in parts, especially the descent, but was worth it. The view from the top is lovely and we saw a toucan.
We had a lovely swim in one of the pools.
I'd recommend you take a photo of the map at the start as it's not always clear which way to go and it was helpful to check up on how far we still had to go.
We had a lovely swim in one of the pools.
I'd recommend you take a photo of the map at the start as it's not always clear which way to go and it was helpful to check up on how far we still had to go.
Written August 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hans R
Panama City, Panama1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Friends
Nice hike but you have to be prepared and in shape, I'm 67. During rainy season I expect this to be very slippery. I'd probably bring a stick. Pitty there are no marks and you easily take the wrong path. Panama should do better for its tourists!
Written February 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michele G
Narragansett, RI356 contributions
Dec 2013 • Family
We spent three nights in El Valle de Anton in December 2013. We are a family of four with a 16 year old girl and a 12 year old girl.
We love to hike, so we decided to give this hike a try.
We had a good map of El Valle de Anton from our bed and breakfast. However, the location of La India Dormida is misleading on the map. The best way to get to La India Dormida is to walk, park, drive or take a taxi to Piedra Pintada. Here, you pay about $2 per person and begin your walk.
You do not need a guide at all.
You walk past the bathroom and tables of art for sale. You see the ancient rock markings. Then, you pass a series of waterfalls. These falls are lovely and you can stop to swim in them. We swam post hike.
After the last waterfall, you come into a forest. This is where it is easy to get lost. There is sign in the trees that says you are at the entrance to La India Dormida. You MUST take a hard, sharp left at this sign. If you miss this left, you will summit the mountain to the right.
After the left, you hike for about 40 more minutes if you are fit. You arrive at the top of the head of the Sleeping Indian Girl. From here, you can hike for up to three more hours across her entire body and back down into the valley. We spent some time up top and then returned the way we came up.
We swam in the pools. Bring towels.
From the start to the summit for us was about 1.5 hours. There are some steep sections. Wear sneakers. Bring water. This hike is worth the effort.
It was a lovely, lovely hike. We highly recommend it.
We love to hike, so we decided to give this hike a try.
We had a good map of El Valle de Anton from our bed and breakfast. However, the location of La India Dormida is misleading on the map. The best way to get to La India Dormida is to walk, park, drive or take a taxi to Piedra Pintada. Here, you pay about $2 per person and begin your walk.
You do not need a guide at all.
You walk past the bathroom and tables of art for sale. You see the ancient rock markings. Then, you pass a series of waterfalls. These falls are lovely and you can stop to swim in them. We swam post hike.
After the last waterfall, you come into a forest. This is where it is easy to get lost. There is sign in the trees that says you are at the entrance to La India Dormida. You MUST take a hard, sharp left at this sign. If you miss this left, you will summit the mountain to the right.
After the left, you hike for about 40 more minutes if you are fit. You arrive at the top of the head of the Sleeping Indian Girl. From here, you can hike for up to three more hours across her entire body and back down into the valley. We spent some time up top and then returned the way we came up.
We swam in the pools. Bring towels.
From the start to the summit for us was about 1.5 hours. There are some steep sections. Wear sneakers. Bring water. This hike is worth the effort.
It was a lovely, lovely hike. We highly recommend it.
Written January 13, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
someIndianGuy
Dallas, TX767 contributions
Dec 2014 • Family
My family of four did this hike recently and thoroughly enjoyed the climb, the scenery and the waterfalls along the way. Here are the detailed instructions for getting to the top.
From El Valle town, follow the directions to La Piedra Pintada(Petroglyphs). The road pretty much dead-ends at the Petroglyph entrance. Park anywhere on the gravel road by the side of the entrance. There are vendors on either side of the walkway, close to the entrance, and a decent bathroom(for trail standards) immediately after where you have to pay to enter the trail. Once you pay the entrance fee, it is a pleasant and short climb to the petroglyphs on a paved trail. You will go across a bridge to see the petroglyphs. There are a few more vendors here selling trinkets, water etc.
Once you cross the petroglyphs, the stream will be on your left. Stick to the trail by the stream, and not go on the trail in the middle. The latter goes to houses in the area. About 5-10 minutes of walk will bring you to the first waterfalls. To get to the waterfalls, you have to deviate slightly to your left.
If you continue on the the main trail(don't go on the trail that forks 90 degrees on your right, as it just goes to houses), you will cross a bridge. Now the stream is on your right hand side. A short steep climb immediately after the bridge will bring you to a mini-waterfalls of sort on the left hand side. You can see iron railings on the right, with another big waterfalls on your right. From this point, the trail goes up and up for another 15 to 20 minutes before it levels out a little bit.
At this point, you can see the stream on your right. Pay close attention since walking straight ahead on the level trail will send you to farms and houses in the area. You have to swing a 90 degree left and keep climbing. From here, it is about 40-60 minutes to the top, and if the trail splits, stick to the left.
Towards the end, you have to scramble a wee bit on rocky ledges around a corner. The view is pretty good from the top. Pack plenty of water and go early in the morning to avoid thunderstorms.
From El Valle town, follow the directions to La Piedra Pintada(Petroglyphs). The road pretty much dead-ends at the Petroglyph entrance. Park anywhere on the gravel road by the side of the entrance. There are vendors on either side of the walkway, close to the entrance, and a decent bathroom(for trail standards) immediately after where you have to pay to enter the trail. Once you pay the entrance fee, it is a pleasant and short climb to the petroglyphs on a paved trail. You will go across a bridge to see the petroglyphs. There are a few more vendors here selling trinkets, water etc.
Once you cross the petroglyphs, the stream will be on your left. Stick to the trail by the stream, and not go on the trail in the middle. The latter goes to houses in the area. About 5-10 minutes of walk will bring you to the first waterfalls. To get to the waterfalls, you have to deviate slightly to your left.
If you continue on the the main trail(don't go on the trail that forks 90 degrees on your right, as it just goes to houses), you will cross a bridge. Now the stream is on your right hand side. A short steep climb immediately after the bridge will bring you to a mini-waterfalls of sort on the left hand side. You can see iron railings on the right, with another big waterfalls on your right. From this point, the trail goes up and up for another 15 to 20 minutes before it levels out a little bit.
At this point, you can see the stream on your right. Pay close attention since walking straight ahead on the level trail will send you to farms and houses in the area. You have to swing a 90 degree left and keep climbing. From here, it is about 40-60 minutes to the top, and if the trail splits, stick to the left.
Towards the end, you have to scramble a wee bit on rocky ledges around a corner. The view is pretty good from the top. Pack plenty of water and go early in the morning to avoid thunderstorms.
Written February 10, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ricardo d
47 contributions
There are a couple of ways to get up there.
The normal entry location will charge you a couple of dollars to get in, it's cheap so don't worry, You got bathrooms right in the entrance as well.
This is not a súper hard hike. But since it does start on a climb, take your time and go at your pace, but stay in the path, there are snakes, it is a mountain so keep yourself sharp and mind where you put your hands.
So basically there are 2 parts to the hike.
Uphill with a tons of natural shade, and then more of a up down thing, depending on how far you want to go.
You can either get back thru where you came, or go all the way and down thru the usual road.
If you return to the paying location you can bath in the waterfalls for free.
If you go all the way, you will have to re enter and pay again.
Bring water, snacks and if carrying a backpack, travel light.
If it's your first time it's best to get a guide.
ENJOY!!!
The normal entry location will charge you a couple of dollars to get in, it's cheap so don't worry, You got bathrooms right in the entrance as well.
This is not a súper hard hike. But since it does start on a climb, take your time and go at your pace, but stay in the path, there are snakes, it is a mountain so keep yourself sharp and mind where you put your hands.
So basically there are 2 parts to the hike.
Uphill with a tons of natural shade, and then more of a up down thing, depending on how far you want to go.
You can either get back thru where you came, or go all the way and down thru the usual road.
If you return to the paying location you can bath in the waterfalls for free.
If you go all the way, you will have to re enter and pay again.
Bring water, snacks and if carrying a backpack, travel light.
If it's your first time it's best to get a guide.
ENJOY!!!
Written October 1, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DJu
7 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
So to the hike itself. It is a short but pretty steep hike. It is doable, good shoes indicated as it can get slippery. The view is pretty nice, would give it 4.5 stars all in all.
But we got robbed at the top of the hill. When we started our hike at around 10am there was a guy (~150m after the entrance) asking if we want to go up with him, we declined as we expected him to ask for money on the top. He hiked up without us.
On the top there was a guy in a black hoodie sitting on the floor. No idea if it was the same guy. We greeted him and went on, where we crossed another young couple. We went to the "cross" wich includes a little bit of climbing. On our way we saw the hoodieguy coming down our way pretty fast, but didn't think anything about it.
We sat on the bench at the cross to enjoy the view, when he came closer and pulled out a GUN! He pinted the gun at me and told us to give our phones and money. We did as he said and then hiked to the city as fast as we could, where we called police. The guy ran over the hill, where he can go to the neighbortown.
The police immediately went up there with a bike and machineguns, but they did not get him.
At the police station we met the other couple wich had been robbed aswell.
I would advise to go with a guide and ask locals about how safe it is aswell as not going too late.
But we got robbed at the top of the hill. When we started our hike at around 10am there was a guy (~150m after the entrance) asking if we want to go up with him, we declined as we expected him to ask for money on the top. He hiked up without us.
On the top there was a guy in a black hoodie sitting on the floor. No idea if it was the same guy. We greeted him and went on, where we crossed another young couple. We went to the "cross" wich includes a little bit of climbing. On our way we saw the hoodieguy coming down our way pretty fast, but didn't think anything about it.
We sat on the bench at the cross to enjoy the view, when he came closer and pulled out a GUN! He pinted the gun at me and told us to give our phones and money. We did as he said and then hiked to the city as fast as we could, where we called police. The guy ran over the hill, where he can go to the neighbortown.
The police immediately went up there with a bike and machineguns, but they did not get him.
At the police station we met the other couple wich had been robbed aswell.
I would advise to go with a guide and ask locals about how safe it is aswell as not going too late.
Written July 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AndrewClareFred
Lyng, UK159 contributions
Apr 2018 • Family
A very good day out walking up to the top of the Sleeping Indian Girl. Quite a difficult climb if you are not pretty fit (some of it is fairly steep) but the views on the way and, especially, from the top were superb. Take water...!!
Written June 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
QnB2015
Vancouver, Canada19 contributions
Jul 2017 • Friends
Hiked up the sleeping Indian girl with a group of us including two kids aged 8 & 10. We are by no means hikers so it was challenging at times but not hard. Remember to stay left or you could end up on a dead end trail. If you are worried about getting lost you can hire a guide to take you up if you feel the need. They do however, give you a little map. Go early before the clouds roll in and it starts to rain. The trail can be slippery so good shoes would be very helpful! The view from the top was absolutely spectacular and well worth it!
Written July 4, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, I´d like to ask how difficult it the hike to the sleeping indian girl. It´s ok if the distance is longer,
I can walk, I´m just afraid the tarrein iwould be too difficult for me as I almost never got to the nature. Is there any easy footpath? Thanks
Written February 20, 2020
Hello. I can't find this on Google Map nor Maps.me. Can you please tell me how to find it? I will drive myself in a rental sedan car. Thanks
Written March 17, 2019
I found it on google. Take the road into town to the T and there will be signs there directing you. I also googled a video prior to the hike to confirm which path, as it is not well marked.
Written March 17, 2019
Aznboy507
Panama City, Panama
Hola Buenas noches, quiero hacer un paseo por alla pero quiero darme a conocer como puedo contratar a un guia para el mismo sendero de la India Dormida?
Written October 29, 2016
Nuestro guía fue Manuel Rivera, lo puedes contactar al 6458-1845.
Written October 29, 2016
How far is the hike if I just want to get to the waterfalls. (I can't hike very far)
Thanks
Christine Bennett
Written January 24, 2015
if you enter through the main entrance ( you can tell its the main entrance because they will charge you a fee. And there will be bathrooms) it's about 1 or 2 minutes.
But if you are looking for a nice waterfall. Ask for "el chorro macho".
Written January 25, 2015
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