Central America
Panama
Panama Province
Panama City
Places to visit in Panama City
Ancon Hill
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Ancon Hill

See all things to do
See all things to do
Ancon Hill
4.5
#9 of 189 things to do in Panama City
Lookouts
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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See what travellers are saying
  • travelgirl9596
    Columbus, Ohio8 contributions
    Ancon Hill Hike
    Great little hike up the hill. Be aware that if you go at the posted opening time, you may not be able to get through the gate. We were there at 8am and waited u til 820a for someone to unlock the gate. Nice easy-moderate hike up a paved road. Benches along the way to stop and rest if needed. Mostly jungle shaded path but take water and a hat. Lovely views at the top
    Visited February 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 18 February 2023
  • Deborah V
    Montreal, Canada233 contributions
    Could be better
    It's a nice, easy hike that has potential to be so much better! First, I'd not recommend going by public transit (my Uber was USD 3). Apparently, there are 2 entrances, I went through the admin. building (no fees). The way to the top takes approx. 45 min, but it's all paved and not too steep. I wish there was a deck or some structure to see the view, but there isn't. You have to take a peak between the bushes. Also, be aware that there are no shops, water fountains, nothing.
    Visited February 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 19 February 2023
  • Maria jose O
    Tegucigalpa, Honduras19 contributions
    If you're looking for a place to workout and enjoy the views, this is it!
    Really nice way to get some steps / cardio while enjoying nature and the city views. The road is paved with some stairs along the way. Thew views at the top are nice. The climb is about 30 min each way and not steep.
    Visited March 2023
    Written 10 March 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,027 reviews
Excellent
556
Very good
368
Average
88
Poor
13
Terrible
2
Darius W
Trinidad1 contribution
Nature Lovers dream
Sep 2022 • Couples
Fitness level needed should be average to casual athletic. Very very good road all the way up with a few sitting area to stop and catch your breath or take pics. Have water (it’s a hill) and a snack available before you start though. I absolutely loved it and will do it again.
Written 5 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew M
7,280 contributions
The highest point in Panama City
Jun 2023
Cerra Ancon is the highest point in Panama City at 654 feet. It is a great early morning trek, as the Park opens at 6am. There are two routes to do this 1km trek. The easiest is probably to take a taxi to Quarry Heights Road, and walk up the stairs. It should be noted that parking is not allowed on this road, unless using the western approach. I walked 15 minutes south on Martyrs Avenue to reach Quarry Heights Road, which also features Mi Pueblito, a popular tourist attraction. The other option is to approach from the west, where the Panama Canal Administration building is located.

The trek to the top takes 25 - 30 minutes at an easy pace, and there is much tree cover and views along the way. Near to the top is the first lookout point, which is reached by climbing steps with a yellow handrail. There are also a few storyboards which provide history on the site. Note that the path branches to the right and left, and there are lookout points at either section. As you continue on the path past the lookout points, the huge Panama Flag will come into view. There is a short trek uphill to reach this area. The closed gate to the flag area indicates the end of the trek.

At the top is a sculpture of the poet, Amelia Denis de Icaza, who wrote a famous poem which lamented being unable to access the hill where she played in her childhood. Amelia had migrated to Guatemala, and on her return to Panama City realised that this area was under US control and off limits, as it was being used as a quarry and had administration buildings for the canal construction. There is also a monument highlighting the 1977 agreement between Panama and the USA, the Torrijos-Carter Treaty, which returned the Canal Zone to Panama.

In the 17th century, the Spanish used this area as a lookout point. This wasn't effective as Henry Morgan attacked and destroyed the city in 1671. The hill symbolizes the struggle for Panama to achieve sovereignty over the Panama canal. After visiting this area, take a another trek to the Goethals monument which can be accessed by continuing west on Quarry Heights Road and turning left on C Gorgas. The views from the Canal Administration building are great
Written 4 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John L
Grand Bend, Canada2,038 contributions
A steady walk with lots to see
Mar 2023
Ancon Hill looms over the city, and a steady 30 minute walk to the top provides many opportunities to spot local wildlife, including sloths, admire the lush vegetation and flowers, and enjoy views of the city and Canal. Take an uber to get there, as I don't think local transportation will do it; also, go prepared with water, sun screen, snacks, etc. as there is no place to buy anything. It can be a hot trek, but remember it's not a race, and you will be fine.
Written 8 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
R. Hoover
15 contributions
worth the time
Apr 2023 • Couples
Nice urban hike. great views, especially of the Mira Flores Locks. Gives a great perspective of differing height of the lake from the sea.
Written 6 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria jose O
Tegucigalpa, Honduras19 contributions
If you're looking for a place to workout and enjoy the views, this is it!
Mar 2023
Really nice way to get some steps / cardio while enjoying nature and the city views.

The road is paved with some stairs along the way. Thew views at the top are nice. The climb is about 30 min each way and not steep.
Written 10 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken Q
Denver, United States851 contributions
Amazing
Feb 2023
We had a wonderful guided hike and saw lots of wildlife including 10 sloths. The hike wasn't too strenuous but some decent exercise.
Written 25 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deborah V
Montreal, Canada233 contributions
Could be better
Feb 2023 • Solo
It's a nice, easy hike that has potential to be so much better! First, I'd not recommend going by public transit (my Uber was USD 3). Apparently, there are 2 entrances, I went through the admin. building (no fees). The way to the top takes approx. 45 min, but it's all paved and not too steep. I wish there was a deck or some structure to see the view, but there isn't. You have to take a peak between the bushes. Also, be aware that there are no shops, water fountains, nothing.
Written 19 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelgirl9596
Columbus, OH8 contributions
Ancon Hill Hike
Feb 2023 • Friends
Great little hike up the hill. Be aware that if you go at the posted opening time, you may not be able to get through the gate. We were there at 8am and waited u til 820a for someone to unlock the gate. Nice easy-moderate hike up a paved road. Benches along the way to stop and rest if needed. Mostly jungle shaded path but take water and a hat. Lovely views at the top
Written 18 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angie
2 contributions
Great 1.5 hour activity
Oct 2022
I live nearby and walk up the hill a couple of times every week and never get tired of it. Highly recommended.
Written 18 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elliott
Los Angeles, CA114 contributions
Wonderful nature hike in the city
Jun 2022 • Couples
What a great spot in the city! It’s a shame you have to Uber/Taxi from most places to it as transit doesn’t seem to go there and to walk felt a bit sketchy.

Anyway, we entered at the Mi Pueblito entrance and confirmed the 8a-4p hours with the guard and the signs. Some people said there’s an entrance fee but we didn’t pay anything to climb the hill.

The views were ok, often times a bit obscured by foliage. But on a morning hike we saw monkeys, toucans, sloths, and lots of agoutis! (Trick we learned with the sloths is to look at eye level to the trees growing lower down, and look at nooks where branches split).

Not a strenuous hike at all, and porta-potties at the top and bottom but do not count in there being any paper so bring your own.
Written 22 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Ancon Hill (Panama City) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Ancon Hill
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