Description
Panama City has few green spaces. Ancon Hill is one of them, accessible at any time. The Ancon Hill Nature and History Hike offers a guided tour to the city’s highest viewpoint. Most of the hill remains undeveloped and constitutes a 48.25-hectare nature reserve with tropical rainforest. The highest point, once accessible by car, can now only be reached by a 30- to 45-minute hike. Visitors can observe animals such as sloths, armadillos, Geoffroy’s tamarins, iguanas, coatis, agoutis, deer, bats, and numerous bird species, including toucans. In total, 68 animal species and 212 plant species can be found.
At 199 meters above sea level, Ancon Hill is the highest point in Panama City. The view from the summit is spectacular, overlooking the skyline, Casco Viejo (Old Quarter), the port area, and the Panama Canal. At the base of the hill are several buildings, including the historic Gorgas Hospital. The residence of the Panama Canal Administrator, formerly known as the Governor of the Canal Zone, is still located on Ancon Hill, as are the homes of high-ranking military officers in Quarry Heights, where your walk will begin.
Here you can see the largest flag in the country, measuring 15 meters by 10 meters, the size of a basketball court. This flag has flown permanently since 1977. Now we enter the historical part of the tour. Ancon Hill was part of the former Canal Zone, Panamanian territories occupied by the United States military. In 1977, the Torrijos-Carter Treaties were signed, and the hill was returned to Panama. The rest of the Canal Zone was returned gradually until 2000, when Panama regained control of its canal.
The history of Ancon Hill goes back much further, to the beginnings of the first city of Panama and, later, the second. Your guide will tell you stories about pirates and conquistadors. This hill is so beautiful that it has even inspired poets. A guided walking tour of Ancon Hill is a wonderful way to learn about Panama’s history while observing its flora and fauna.
Includes:
- Roundtrip transportation from Viajeros Hostal Casco Viejo
- Guide
Available: year round.
Time: 2 to 2 and a half hours. Starting at 7 a.m.
What to bring? walking shoes, comfortable and light clothes, hat, sunscreen, natural insect repellent, camera, water and food.
Important information: This tour requires a minimum of two participants. Children 12 and under are free of charge, just let us know. Ancon Hill Nature and History Hike starts early because there is less heat and more animal activity at that time. The walk is of moderate difficulty; you can go at your own pace. Strollers, dogs and even wheelchairs are welcome. Transportation from Casco Viejo is included, or we can arrange for you to meet the guide at the starting point.