Ancon Hill is the most popular viewpoint in Panama City, with views over the Panama Canal, city center, and Casco Viejo old town region.
ANCON HILL OPENING TIME AND ENTRANCE FEES
We found out that the opening time is 530 am after speaking to the security team. This meant we could reach the summit in time to watch the sunrise over Panama City, which I highly suggest. There is no entrance fee or parking fee to visit Ancon Hill.
The climb up Ancon Hill (Cerro Ancon) in Panama City takes only 30 minutes. The incline is quite steep but it is gradual and on a paved road. This is a leisurely climb suitable for kids, dogs, and hikers of all abilities.
The path leads you up to a fence that is sometimes open and sometimes not. I’ve been three times and it is always a mixed bag. Don’t be deterred just walk through the hole on the right as you can see in the photo below.
Once you pass through this gate (which is 100% legal by the way) you only have a short 15-20 minute walk to the top along the paved road. Through the thick jungle, you will earn glimpses of the city along the way up. Keep your eyes open for wildlife. Eagles are soaring above on my last visit we saw a pair of Tucans sitting in the trees, which was amazing to witness with Panama City right there in the background!
The Panamanian guinea pigs, similar to the Capybara roam around and you will likely catch a glimpse of one of those too.
Once you reach the top there are two viewing platforms. Well, there are actually three but only two are legal. The first platform has a bench and a little viewing hut with good views over Casco Viejo old town.
The second viewpoint is the most popular with a big seating area and great views back across the city center and the ocean.
The final viewpoint is illegal and you would have to jump the fence to visit it. It would give you views of the Panama Canal and an up close and personal look at the Panama Flag. The flag is actually the same size as a basketball court and towers above Panama City. You can see this flag from almost anywhere in the city. The flag has been flying 365 days per year since 1977. It is a symbol of national sovereignty in the formerly occupied territories. It is dedicated to the signing of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties.
WHERE IS ANCON HILL IN PANAMA CITY
Just a short walk from Casco Viejo or Cinta Costera, Ancon Hill looks down over Pananam City. I have pinpointed the location on the map below.
ADVENTURE BAG FROM ANCON HILL IN PANAMA CITY
These are our adventure bags. They are full of trash. Every time I go on an adventure I collect one adventure bag full of trash. It’s my small way of saying thanks to mother nature for allowing me to enjoy her beautiful creations. If we have time to go on an adventure we have time to collect an adventure bag on the way back out of the trail once we have enjoyed the waterfall, the hike or the beach. Adventure hard!
On this day we organized a huge cleanup and collected more than 100 Adventure Bags!
Tag your #ADVENTUREBAG on Instagram and mention @adventurebag in your Instagram stories to be featured and inspire your friends, family, and followers to join the movement!
HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT MY OTHER PANAMA GUIDES
- 70 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN PANAMA: The ultimate guide to exploring the whole country!
- 26 AMAZING WATERFALLS IN PANAMA: The ultimate guide to waterfall chasing in Panama.
- 6 BEST CLIFF JUMPING SPOTS IN PANAMA: The guide for thrill-seekers and adrenaline hunters.
- 37 AMAZING HIKES IN PANAMA: All of the best hiking trails. Many you’ve never heard of!
- 18 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN BOQUETE: Hiking, waterfalls, and volcanoes.
- 12 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN EL VALLE DE ANTON: My favorite place to base in Panama.
- 10 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SANTA CATALINA: Surf, hike, swim, kayak, and explore.
I hope you enjoy my guides and have a great time exploring Panama!
Kelly
Monday 22nd of January 2024
Is this safe for 2 females to do alone - before sunrise? Thanks!
The top attractions in Panama-City, Panama - city guide -
Wednesday 16th of January 2019
[…] Hill: Cerro Ancon is the highest point of Panama-City’s most visited and most beautiful natural park. Its proximity to the city centre makes this an excellent choice for a day trip. The hill moreover […]