01 Apr Hiking Ancon Hill in Panama City
By Natalie Warner
Hiking is an activity that many expats enjoy doing. Coronado Concierge Panama is launching a new series about hiking trails with a new post that will occur every six weeks. These posts will include useful information about hiking trails including its location, its difficulty, and the costs associated with the trails (if applicable).
Ancon Hill is hard to miss when driving in Panama City. The tallest point in the City, this hill is 197 meters (645 feet) and is easily identified by the large Panamanian flag. In addition to offering beautiful 360-degree views of Panama City, Ancon Hill is a symbolism of pride for many Panamanians due to its history.
Ancon Hill was under the jurisdiction of the United States as part of the Panama Canal Zone. It was given back to Panama in 1977. The name Ancon is an acronym for Asociación Nacional para la Conservación de la Natueleza and is now a protected reserve. The first ship to officially transit the Panama Canal in 1914 was the SS Ancon.
During Captain Morgan raid in 1671, he used Ancon Hill to scout the local defenses of what is now known as Panama Viejo. When the timing was right, Captain Morgan and his crew raided Panama City. He is known as the first pirate to raid both coasts of Panama.
Hiking Ancon Hill takes roughly 30-40 minutes each way and is an easy to moderate hike. The trail is 1 kilometer each way (0.6 miles) with a 120-meter (393 feet) elevation gain. The hike takes place along a paved road, which has limited car usage. The road leads you directly to the top of the hill and is an out-and-back style trail, meaning you take the same trail heading up as you do down. What makes this hike an easy to moderate hike involves the fact that you are walking up hill. To begin the hike you must climb a short flight of stairs. The last leg of the hike is followed by a longer stair climb. Bathrooms facilities are available at Mi Pueblito, at the bottom of the hill, and at the top.
Final set of stairs Ancon Hill
Keep a look out for the 39 species of sloths, monkeys, birds, and insects that can be found during the hike! The optimal time to hike is first thing in the morning when Ancon Hill opens at 6am. Going early allows hikers to see animals native to Panama. Going later in the mid morning/afternoon lessens the likelihood that these animals will be seen due the warmer conditions. To make this hike enjoyable remember to bring proper sun protection, wear appropriate shoes, and have water.
Parking at Mi Pueblito is the easiest place to leave your car if you are planning on hiking Ancon Hill. There is a fee of $1 to use the parking lot. The entrance can be accessed by taking Av. de los Martires as you head out of Panama City and drive toward Coronado. you will pass the exit with a sign for Museum for Contemporary Art (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo). You will then go under an underpass; the next driveway/entrance you will see is the entrance to Ancon Hill. If driving in Panama City is not your thing, contact us for transportation.
