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All 15 El Valle de Anton Attractions »

Aprovaca (The Orchid Nursery & Conservation Center)

Main Street next to ANAM, El Valle de Anton, Panama
00507-983-6472
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4.0 of 5 stars 12 Reviews
Type: Nature/ Wildlife Areas
Owner description: APROVACA is an orchid nursery & conservation center. We display over 100 beautiful orchids, most of which are native to Panama. Entrance is $2, which... more » Owner description: APROVACA is an orchid nursery & conservation center. We display over 100 beautiful orchids, most of which are native to Panama. Entrance is $2, which include a 20-min guided tour of the center in Spanish or the free use of an English self-guided tour booklet. APROVACA is one of the few places where the National Flower of Panama, the Dove Orchid, is grown in the country. In the greenhouse dedicated exclusively to this endangered flower, you can see over 100 plants growing. In fact, each flower has a sponsor, who donates $20 annually to help us care for and protect this gorgeous orchid species. In our recently expanded garden, you can also see many unique orchid species, such as the vanilla orchid (vanilla is actually an orchid!), lady slipper orchids, the Vanda Miss Joaquim (the gorgeous National Flower of Singapore) and many cute little miniature species. As such, there is no better place to learn about the amazingly rich and unique flora of Panama!Apart from admiring the beautiful orchids, you can also buy the Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis) and over 20 varieties of herbs and medicinal plants. We also run an internet cafe on our premise, where we offer high-speed internet connection through computers and Wi-Fi, good coffee, homemade cakes and fresh juice. The latest addition to our center is Hostel Orchid, the first genuine backpacker accommodation in El Valle. The rate is $12 per night, which include hot shower, free Wi-Fi and a free visit of the orchid center APROVACA. Please visit our renewed website to learn more about us. We are waiting for your visit! « less
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12 reviews from our community

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Nueva Gorgona, Panama
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 March 2012

I did not know a lot about orchid....I like gardening a little bit so that place was interesting for me...I mean they have a lot of variety and they explain everything pretty well...maybe it's depending on the guide...It's not to big...but fair an off for those plant...They also offer some beds and if you like to work a little bit,... More

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See 7 more reviews by Simon-Storm for El Valle de Anton
Picton, Ontario
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 March 2012

It is pretty boring - unless you are an orchid fanatic - they have some pretty orchids - but so does the market - which is much more fun

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See 14 more reviews by Chocolate666 for El Valle de Anton
Norfolk Lass
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 March 2012

such enthusiasum by lovely volunteer from Austria she took us around and told us all the information about not just orchids but everything here

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See 3 more reviews by nanadid for El Valle de Anton
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 February 2012 via mobile

Worth the visit only two dollars to get in some really interesting orchids make sure to smell the vanilla and the walk is enjoyed not too far from the town Central about a half hour

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Panama City, Panama
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 February 2012

We were looking for something to do in El Valle that wasn't along the lines of a nature hike, and decided to try Aprovaca. It's right off of the main road into El Valle, with a decent sign pointing the way. Go all the way to the end of the road, and it dead ends into the Conservation Center. You... More

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See 2 more reviews by GerbDaisy for El Valle de Anton
Mississauga, Canada
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 February 2012

Small but well run by knowledgeable staff. We had a tour in English and learned a lot about the flowers of Panama

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See 5 more reviews by Jane M for El Valle de Anton
Houston, TX
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 January 2012
1
person found this review helpful

This small nursery has one of the most extensive comilations of plants I have ever seen. It is a perfect way to end a day of activities in El Valle. If the lady gives you the full tour and explains every type of orchid that they have (en Espanol only) it will take you about 45 minutes and you will... More

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See 5 more reviews by Hunter S for El Valle de Anton
British Columbia, Canada
Top Contributor
52 reviews 52 reviews
Reviews in 32 cities Reviews in 32 cities
89 helpful votes 89 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 January 2012

My mom loves orchids and she loved this place, as did my kids. We were guided by a sweet Japanese gentleman who volunteers there. He was very knowledgeable. It's not a large place, but if you like flowers it's definitely worth a stop.

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See 4 more reviews by jentow for El Valle de Anton
Bergen, Norway
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 January 2012

The garden is beautiful and the staff is wonderful but I don`t know or care much for flowers so what I think really is good with this place is that it also is a Hostel of first class. I was supposed to stay here for 2 days ended up with 6. The owner and the interns are very friendly and... More

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See 6 more reviews by Arnevas for El Valle de Anton
Rock Hill, South Carolina
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 December 2011
1
person found this review helpful

I expected more from a region where orchids grow wild and where the national flower is the orchid.

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See 13 more reviews by Raquel251 for El Valle de Anton

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