Ancon Hill (Cerro Ancon) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Ancon Hill. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Panama City's Top Tour

• Full-Day Panama City Sightseeing & Canal Tour With Private Guide

• Walking the Cerro Ancón: Nature and Unique Panoramics

• Stopover Tour of Panama City From the Airport

• Tea Bus City Sightseeing With Show on Board

It’s free to hike along the trails leading to the top of Ancon Hill, but there are also plenty of tours that can transport you to the lookout point in a vehicle. Guided wildlife-watching hikes cost from US$49, while private citywide tours that stop at Cerro Ancon cost from US$125.

Yes, Ancon Hill is worth visiting, especially for its panoramic views—it is the highest point in Panama City after all. It's also a great way to escape the bustle of central Panama City, as the road leading to the top doesn't see too much traffic. You might also spot sloths, monkeys, and birds on your way up.

Per one customer who booked the Full-Day Panama City Sightseeing & Canal Tour With Private Guide, "Fernando was incredibly knowledgeable and energetic. He is deeply passionate about his country and genuinely enjoys sharing it with others. It was a great experience to visit so many different places in Panama City in just one day."

Ancon Hill is located in the Cerro Ancon Reserve, southwest of Panama City’s center and west of the Casco Viejo historic district. The best way to access Ancon Hill from Panama City is to hire a taxi or rideshare to drop hikers off at the base or ride visitors to the top.

Though close to the city, Ancon Hill has an abundance of wildlife that many visitors can spot during their hike to the top. Toucans, deer, sloths, and a variety of birds all call Ancon Hill home. You may also spot the small Geoffrey Tamarin monkeys that roam the trees.

There are few food options within walking distance of Ancon Hill, particularly for visitors who take a bus or cab to the walking trail. La Negra Matea Restaurant is located at the south end of the Cerro Ancon Reserve. The next closest cafes and restaurants are a 10-minute drive away in Casco Viejo.

Ancon Hill is a relatively short hike, so visitors won’t need to overpack. However, all visitors should bring water, a hat or sunglasses, sunscreen, and a poncho or raincoat during the wet season. A snack or picnic is also recommended so you can eat while enjoying the view.

On foot, it can take between 20 and 30 minutes on average to reach the top of Ancon Hill, then another 20 to 30 minutes to walk back down. Most visitors who take 30 minutes each way do so at a leisurely pace to take photos and appreciate the scenery.

One of the perks of exploring Cerro Ancon Reserve is that visitors who wish to reach the summit of Ancon Hill can drive to the top. While pedestrians are still walking the paved roadway, it is a one-way vehicular road that is the easiest and fastest way to reach the summit.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting Ancon Hill. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Panama City:

• Panama Canal

• Casco Viejo

• Amador Causeway

• Miraflores Locks

• Gatún Lake

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Panama City.