the sleeping indian girl

This was a great day hike, moderately challenging with some steep areas that required use of hands for stability. The views of El Valle were excellent. We stopped for a short swim at a swimming hole below a waterfall on the way down. I was very happy we did the hike.

I locked it in with my beautiful fiancee somewhere on the face of the Sleeping Indian Girl. We went without a tour guide and got a little lost... but we stumbled upon an orange grove and saw some amazing waterfalls and she said 'yes' anyway so totally worth it. Great trails, just know how to get out ahead of time.

This feature is easy to see from many locations in the area and quite evident once it is pointed out. It is similar to sleeping giants, sleeping warriors, etc. that we have seen in many areas of the world. They are always of interest.

This hike was a bit of a climb, with several nice waterfalls and swimming holes near the start of the trail ( good to cool off on your way back) after climbing to the top of the "head" you can transverse along the body of the sleeping Indian girl, making for a wonderful hike and incredible view of El Valle and the whole crater! A must do in this area.

It's easy to view from several areas around, just ask some of the locals the best areas to view her from.

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.

You can see from the main street - just barely - as the trees have all grown. Long long hike up and must have a guide. Breathing problems, disabilities it is very difficult.

Just some mountains in the shape of someone sleeping. If you like hiking, you could probably find someone to take you to the top, but it's billed as a long distance view.

Very nice hike along the wall of the old vulcano. From the villeage you can see "Indiana Dormida" resting in the north-east and from the mountain you can see the village and the Pacific ocean. Nice waterfalls along the route. If you want to extend the walk... go to the Cerro La Cruz first and walk from there over the top to the Sleeping Indian.

A good hike up to the top. Get to see a great view of the crater and town. There should be a couple of direction signs so you don't take the wrong trail and end up at some bodies house

Just went from Panama City for day trip to El Valle... it was fantastic. A few notes- there is very little signage- in fact, next to none. Don't be afraid to ask, ask and ask again at every turn where to go for La India Dormida. I took several wrong turns but didn't get too far off track. The hike is pretty difficult- there is loose gravel in some places and you have to be very careful not to fall. I did it in sneakers but it wasn't easy! Anyway, the view at the top is outrageous!! Make sure to bring your bathing suit, there are several waterfalls/pools to swim in. Oh, and they charge 2$ to get on the trail- and there is a bathroom at the exit.

The hike to the top of caldera to see the Sleeping Indian Girl was difficult but worthwhile. There is a $3 entrance fee with a bathroom available (take you own toilet paper). There are a few swimming holes so on a hot day, take your suit for a quick dip. Two in our group hiked to the top of the major wataerfall - approximately 45 minutes round trip with part of the early path paved. There were ancient petroglyphs to your right as you begin the non-paved trail. The rest of the group made it to the top but did take a wrong turn (arrows were marked this way!). There is a loop at the top so other than some lost time, it was not a major problem. Ask for directions at the booth where you pay and follow them closely. This group is very active and are in good shape and felt the hike was challenging but well worth the effort. It is very steep and rock in places so be sure to where good hiking shoes (tennis shoes were ok). Take water and food with you. Took the group about 2 1/2 hours with the wrong turn included. Most people advise it should take about 2 hours.

Our local guide stopped us at the Catholic church right on the main drag for the best photos. She is stunning and a must see!

Climbed to the top with my wife and two children (aged 3 and 5). I recommend taking a guide at least half way up as there are no signs and easy to take the wrong turn. The top section was a little tricky for the kids but they managed and really enjoyed. Well recommended.

I guess I saw it. not really a attraction from my point of view but I get it it and it is worth seeing if you are in the area.