Ancon Hill

Ancon Hill rises 199 metres directly behind the old Canal Zone administrative area and gives the clearest view over Panama City, the Bridge of the Americas and the Pacific entrance to the canal, with ships queued offshore. Forest covers the slopes and sloths, toucans and coatis live on it within sight of the skyscrapers. A Panamanian flag flies at the top, raised after the zone reverted, and the walk up takes around forty minutes.

Background

The hill holds the highest point in Panama City and sits beside the township of Ancón. Largely undeveloped, it is now a protected reserve where a patch of jungle survives within the city, cut off from other forest. Sloths, white-nosed coatis, nine-banded armadillos, Geoffroy's tamarins and deer are seen regularly. The lower slopes held houses and Gorgas Hospital, and a large rock quarry on one side left a visible cliff face and gave Quarry Heights its name. Two broadcast towers stand at the top. The Ancon, which in 1914 became the first ship to make an official passage through the Panama Canal, took its name from the hill and the township.

Source: Wikipedia, "Ancon Hill"

What's there

• The view - the city, the Bridge of the Americas and the canal entrance below.
• The flag - the large national flag flown at the summit.
• The forest wildlife - sloths, toucans and coatis within sight of the city.
• The Canal Zone buildings - the old administrative area at the foot of the hill.

When to go

Year round; early morning is coolest and clearest for the view. Afternoon haze reduces visibility. It closes in the evening.

Things to know

Vehicles are not allowed and the walk up is steep in heat. Haze often softens the view. There is no shade at the summit and no facilities.

Nearby

Casco Viejo is east, and the Baha'i temple is north.

Key facts