Hiking to the highest point in Panama City, Panama
Panama City, Panama is a modern metropolis that is simultaneously full of beautiful, tropical nature spots. Although there is so much to see, one well-known place that is worth checking out is Ancon Hill (Cerro Ancon). Ancon Hill is 199 metres (650 feet) and is the highest point in Panama City. It is the remains of the core of a volcano and was even once used for administrative purposes during the creation of the Panama Canal.
From Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador), you can see Ancon Hill in the distance.
Upon approaching what is practically the beginning of the pathway to the top of Ancon Hill, there is a fenced gate that is apparently sometimes open and sometimes closed.
I did not know that at the time, so I thought that the hill was closed for the day. Before turning around and leaving, I saw a runner coming down the hill and he told me that I could go in without any problems. Taking his word for it, I went through the opening in between the fences and continued on. So, if you go and it’s closed up like this, don’t let that stop you from continuing the hike up!
Immediately beyond the fence, there is a staircase that is an alternative entrance/exit to the hill. This is where I exited on the hike back down.
This is what the pathway looks like on the walk up. While researching Ancon Hill online, I found out that you used to be able to drive up the hill, but that is apparently no longer allowed.
Along the way up to the top of the hill, there are some nice lookout points to stop at.
Looking through the trees, the view of downtown from the top of the hill is great!
From the top of Ancon Hill, you can see an area of the city called San Felipe. Commonly known as Casco Viejo, this is Panama City’s historic district and is known for its nightlife and dining. During my time in Panama, I stayed at a hostel in Casco Viejo and fell in love with the area. It is a great place to walk around during the day and night. I spent most of my time there and met some great people. Being my favorite area in Panama City, it was special to see it from an awesome viewpoint.
Overall, Casco Viejo has a unique charm that you can’t find anywhere else in the city.
Also, the bridge in the distance surrounding Casco Viejo is called Cinta Costera and is a 2.5km (1.5 mile) roadway that leads to the Amador district. In addition to being made for cars, the viaduct was also made to accommodate pedestrians, so it a seemingly great place to go walking, biking, or running.
As a fun fact, the top of Ancon Hill is also home to the largest Panama flag in the country! This Panamanian flag was placed here in 1979 to commemorate the treaty that gave the Panama Canal Zone back to Panama.
This is the view of the cityscape at night. The way the big buildings illuminate downtown through the thick, dark jungle is a magical sight.
As a forewarning, you will not be able to stay up there too late, as I eventually got told to leave by the police officer that sits at the top of the hill. He told me that the hill closes at 6PM and I was up there until 7PM, which was the time when I was asked to start leaving and heading back down.
Before going, I heard from some sources that the hill was accessible 24 hours, but I had also heard from other sources that the hill closes at 6PM. However, now I know that it actually closes. I reached the top right at 6PM and took pictures past then though, so I think there is at least a little grace period that you can hang out up there within that hour. After my experience and for the sake of being respectful of the rules, I wouldn’t stay up there any time past 6:30PM. Plus, the hike down in the pitch black was pretty eerie anyway, so I learned my lesson there.
When you find yourself in Panama City, make time to take the short yet peaceful hike along the paved path and enjoy the jungle atmosphere and views from high up! Regardless of what time of day you go, Ancon Hill is a great place to check out and has become a special part of the city for residents and tourists alike.