Ancon Hill is a national icon most Panamanians hold very close to their hearts. There’s a huge flag that flies on top of the urban elevation that symbolizes the return of Panama’s sovereignty over the former U.S. Panama Canal Zone. A visit to the top of the hill is a visit which is richly rewarded.
Ancon Hill towers over Panama City. With a height of 654 feet, Ancon Hill Panama over looks the city. The beautiful road up the hill is a famous jogging and hiking path and there are three great spots of tourist attractions. As a matter of fact, Ancon Hill in Panama is a great Panama tourist attraction, which attracts travelers from all over the world.
To get to the top you have to drive or walk or job through a narrow one-track roads that winds up towards the top. After you get there, the view is absolutely overwhelming. If you have been following my blog posts, probably you have seen some of the pictures of Panama City and the Panama Canal from this mound.
Ancon Hill is open for visiting from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm everyday. There is no entry charge, which makes it more availed by the tourists. The highway along the Panama Canal leads to the hill, but as the road is quite narrow, it is important to drive safely.
Today I would like you to take a look at the road that leads to the top of the knoll which overlooks Panama City. Everywhere you look is emerald-green. It’s such a strong green it will mesmerize you. Take a look and enjoy the view.
Snapshot of the narrow road which leads to the top of Ancon Hill overlooking Panama City, Panama. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
Snapshot of the lush tropical vegetation surrounding Ancon Hill. Wildlife and fauna are protected by local authorities and several nature conservation groups like Ancon. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
Snapshot of a large sentinel flanking the Ancon Hill road. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
Snapshot of many of the American built houses located on the slopes of Ancon Hill. This neighborhood is known as Quarry Heights. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
Snapshot of the structure that houses the main headquarters of Ancon, one of the most prestigious nature conservation entities in the Republic of Panama. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
Morning, Omar,
Wow, that road looks much wider than when I used to drive a deuce and a half up there (that’s the Army’s heavy duty utility truck). It also looks much nicer, and inviting for a visit. The views from the top ARE spectacular but try being up there when the afternoon storms are approaching from the bay. We would watch the city below being swallowed by the monsoon type rainstorms during the top of the rainy season. Nature flexing her muscles is spellbinding.
I MUST revisit there on my next trip, maybe I’ll find the watch I lost? jaja
jim and nena
fort worth, tx
Hello Jim & Nena:
Yep, I found the road quite nice to drive, except it was too narrow for my taste. I saw a lot of joggers and walkers on the road. That’s good exercise and plenty of fresh air from the hill.
Regards,
Omar.-
So much green! At this point, any photo that shows green, living things or water is appealing. Our drought continues…
Wonderful to know that groups are dedicated to preserving such a spot. Once they are gone, there’s no going back. Preventative beats curative every time!
Hi Linda:
This mound is green all year round with tropical vegetation. It is carefully preserved even though it’s right in the middle of Panama City.
Sorry about your drought. I know it’s a very hard experience not having enough precipitation.
Regards,
Omar.-
Hi, I finally noticed the little “Search” box and found your Ancon blog. Sorry to bother you with my earlier request.
I remember seeing some vivid red flowers along the side of the road, but can’t remember their name. I wonder if the old transmitter building is still there. I suppose it’s now used by your local TV station. When I was there, it was the Southern Command Network, and all the equipment was serviced by Motorola.
All the best,
Terry