Ancon Hill (Cerro Ancon)

The basics

Ancon Hill is an included stop on many sightseeing tours of Panama City, but consider walking to the summit for a deeper dive into its trails, plants, and wildlife. Wear sturdy shoes for a 2.2-mile (3.5 kilometers) mostly-paved round-trip that takes many visitors about an hour. There are two separate viewpoints worth pausing for: one looks down on Casco Viejo, while the other opens towards the Panama Canal and Bridge of the Americas (Puente de las Américas).

Things to know before you go

• There’s no admission fee to visit Ancon Hill.

• Bathrooms are available at both viewpoints.

• Temperatures can soar even in the shady jungle, so bring plenty of water.

How to get there

The trailhead for Ancon Hill is located at Mi Pueblito, with free parking available onsite. It’s easy to catch a taxi or rideshare from Panama City to Mi Pueblito. To try public transit, ride the C862 bus stops that loops through downtown and get off at Mi Pueblito.

When to get there

The path up Ancon Hill is open during daylight hours—starting at first light is ideal for photographing the city and canal below. Some tours of Ancon Hill begin before dawn to take advantage of cooler temperatures and morning light, then return to the city for a Panamanian breakfast.

Best parks in Panama City

There’s plenty of green space within Panama’s bustling capital. North of Ancon Hill is the 654-acre (265-hectare) Metropolitan National Park (Parque Nacional Metropolitano), a peaceful wildlife reserve within city limits with miles of hiking trails. Parque Omar is a local favorite located northeast of downtown, with a playground, bright murals, and paths for jogging and biking.

How can visitors get to Ancon Hill from central Panama City?

Ancon Hill is located in the Cerro Ancon Reserve, southwest of Panama City’s center and west of the Casco Viejo historic district. The best way to access Ancon Hill from Panama City is to hire a taxi or rideshare to drop hikers off at the base or ride visitors to the top.

What types of wildlife can be seen on Ancon Hill?

Though close to the city, Ancon Hill has an abundance of wildlife that many visitors can spot during their hike to the top. Toucans, deer, sloths, and a variety of birds all call Ancon Hill home. You may also spot the small Geoffrey Tamarin monkeys that roam the trees.

Are there restaurants or cafes nearby where visitors can eat after hiking Ancon Hill?

There are few food options within walking distance of Ancon Hill, particularly for visitors who take a bus or cab to the walking trail. La Negra Matea Restaurant is located at the south end of the Cerro Ancon Reserve. The next closest cafes and restaurants are a 10-minute drive away in Casco Viejo.

What should visitors bring with them when hiking up Ancon Hill?

Ancon Hill is a relatively short hike, so visitors won’t need to overpack. However, all visitors should bring water, a hat or sunglasses, sunscreen, and a poncho or raincoat during the wet season. A snack or picnic is also recommended so you can eat while enjoying the view.

How long does it typically take to hike to the top of Ancon Hill?

On foot, it can take between 20 and 30 minutes on average to reach the top of Ancon Hill, then another 20 to 30 minutes to walk back down. Most visitors who take 30 minutes each way do so at a leisurely pace to take photos and appreciate the scenery.

Can visitors drive to the summit of Ancon Hill, or is hiking the only option?

One of the perks of exploring Cerro Ancon Reserve is that visitors who wish to reach the summit of Ancon Hill can drive to the top. While pedestrians are still walking the paved roadway, it is a one-way vehicular road that is the easiest and fastest way to reach the summit.