The town is located in the flat wide caldera of the 6 km wide El Valle volcano that is inactive; there is evidence that it erupted as recently as about 300,000 years ago [2] Because of its elevation (600 m), the area is cooler than the Panamanian lowlands.

[3] Natural attractions near El Valle include the Chorro El Macho waterfall, Las Mozas waterfall, the "square" trees behind Hotel Campestre, and a group of small thermal pools (which consist of three cement pools of mineralized water that varies in color depending on the specific minerals present at a given moment).

A 10,600 ha site encompassing the forests and volcanic peaks north of the town, forming the upper watersheds of several rivers, has been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International because it supports significant populations of black guans, olive-sided flycatchers and golden-winged warblers.

[10] Popular activities in the area include cycling, hiking, horseback riding, and birdwatching.

To reach other locations in Panama, it is generally necessary to take a bus to San Carlos and transfer there.