Ancon Hill

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Ancon Hill is a steep 654-foot hill which overlooks Panama City, Panama. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the area.

It was under U.S. jurisidiction as part of the Panama Canal Zone for much of the 20th Century, and therefore was never developed like most of the surrounding urbanized parts of the city. The lower slopes contained residences and Gorgas Hospital. Higher up were the residence of the Governor of the Canal Zone, and Quarry Heights, where the local US Army command was located. Quarry Heights was named for being adjacent to a large rock quarry on one side of the hill, which left a visible cliff face on one side.

As much of it was undeveloped, it became kind of an "island" of jungle in an urban area, where wildlife still survived cut off from other jungele areas. It is not uncommon to see sloths, coutimundi or deer on Ancon. Its status is now protected, and its name was taken by the Association for the Conservation of Nature in Panama (ANCON).

When Panama first regained control of the hill following the 1977 Panama Canal Treaty, one of the first things the country did was fly a large oversized Panama flag atop the hill. Also at the top are two broadcast towers, and a small road reaches these locations. Vehicular traffic is not allowed, but hikers can use the road to reach the summit, and it is a popular joggging/hiking trek. It takes about an hour to reach the top from where you can park in Quarry Heights. Along the path you can see all manner of vegetation and birds, including large number of orchids (all of which are protected by CITES.

When Henry Morgan sacked Panama City, his scouts first climbed Ancon Hill to gain knowledge of the local defenses.

Its name was also given to the first ship which transited the Panama Canal in 1914, as well as a township located on its lower slopes.

[Picture of Ancon Hill] - showing contrast between the hill and surrounding urban area.
[Cerro Ancon] - website dedicated to preserving Ancon Hill.

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