Ancon Hill
Cerro Ancón
A 199-meter hill beside the city center with a giant Panamanian flag flying at its summit. It offers views over the old town, the skyline and the canal entrance, and sloths are often seen along the way.
Cerro Ancón rises about 199 meters. During the canal era it belonged to the U.S.-administered Canal Zone, and it was returned to Panama after the 1977 Torrijos–Carter Treaties. The giant flag on the summit symbolizes the return of sovereignty. Vehicles are not allowed, so the climb is on foot. From the Quarry Heights entrance, follow the paved road up for about 1.2 to 1.5 km, roughly 30 to 40 minutes, with a moderate gradient. Dense forest lines the route, and early mornings often bring three-toed sloths, spiny rats, toucans and squirrel monkeys. Several viewing platforms sit at the top. One looks over the old-town peninsula and the modern skyscrapers, and the other takes in the Bridge of the Americas, Balboa port and the Pacific entrance to the canal. Admission is free. Go before 7 to 9 a.m. to avoid the heat, and bring water and sunscreen. A taxi from the old town takes about 10 minutes to reach the entrance.
Opening hours
Approx. 06:00–18:00 (free)
Nearby sights
- Mi Pueblito
- Cinta Costera
- Mercado de Mariscos
- Museo de la Mola (MUMO)
- Church of San José (Golden Altar)
- Metropolitan Cathedral, Panama City
- Casco Viejo
- Palacio de las Garzas