An easy two-hour drive from the capital, El Valle is a favorite weekend retreat for wealthy Panamanians, because it is cooler than the lowlands and offers opportunities for cycling, horseback riding and hiking. Kids will like the Butterfly Garden, the "square" trees behind Hotel Campestre and the small El Nispero Gardens and Zoo where the nearly extinct Golden Frogs may be spotted. Located on the broad floor of an extinct volcano crater, it still has some active hot springs, although nothing fancy.