An afternoon in El Valle

The entrance fee to go to the Chorro El Macho waterfall
is worth it because it's used to maintain a safe walkway
where there used to be a slippery and muddy footpath

A couple of El Valle's attractions
photos by Eric Jackson

The ancient volcano crater that's El Valle is a peaceful refuge from the city, but despite its bucolic nature, there's also a lot to do there. On this afternoon visit, we checked out the best of its waterfalls and the best known of its mysterious indigenous petroglyphs.

For some, the action is above the waterfall

The clean water comes down from the crater's rim

Inexpensive baskets, which the locals use for fish or produce, at El Valle's market

Who carved these petroglyphs, when and why are matters of much speculation and debate.
They have been one of El Valle's attractions for around 500 years, but may be much older.

The stream that runs by the petroglyphs tends to attract kids

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