Ancon Hill & Amador Causeway - Ray's travels (2024)

Internet is like hwy traffic at rush hour: sometimes you speed up so much you're going faster than the speed limit, and then you slow down to a crawl and even to a full stop.

I'm going nuts trying to keep up with the blog when the system bogs me down.

Took a couple pics of the city while on my way to Ancon Hill, the only high point in the area. Oft repeated online is this: 360º views. I think I've already expressed my opinion of these online reviewers. I don't think they've ever been to most of these places they talk about; they just repeat what somebody else wrote (wikipedia probably the most quoted, without references of course. I believe these people try to keep an active website, without ever leaving their armchairs, in order to get revenues from it. I've already got a list in my mind that whenever I see that web address I won't click on it.

I'm probably not going to post any pictures in the blog (from now on): it's the most time consuming part of doing this. Most of the pics are self explanatory. I'm going to see about putting more detail in the side frame (next to each pic in the slide show) where necessary.

The views from Ancon Hill are worth the walk up (30-60 min), but not if you're expecting a 360º vista; it's more like 3 - 60º vistas of three different parts of the city.

The 'village' at the base is quaint, but it's just a reproduction, not very realistic, and just a tourist trap.

Not far south of Ancon is Amador: another suburb-like area (as in Pinardville) of Pty, and half of it is this park. It's a pretty nice walk, in the shade, in the morning; the rest of the day it's too hot and sunny. This is what I covered yesterday.

Extending from here is the Amador Causeway (I'm not going to bore you with the history), which is a nice long walk along the ocean, but it needs shade to go along with all the benches they put in.

At the end of the causeway are four islands. Smithsonian stuff takes up the first (Naos), but all I saw was a beat up building. What they are doing there may be important in some ways, but they're not flashing it.

Shooting straight off Naos to the south, while the road turns southeast, is Culebra. I didn't walk down the road (it seemed to be private beyond the first hotel). The hotel itself wasn't much, but the restaurant was inviting. Ribeye at $10 vs New York at$16 was a bit of a hint, but I bit anyway: I thought 'Maybe it's just smaller', which is good. No, it was large, but thin, and looked more like Round than Ribeye, and ate that way too: it was pounded and marinated and gristled and chewy. Wonder whatever gave them the idea that this was 'ribeye'? Remember what I said about their being 'americanized': it may look, sound, and spell 'american', but the end product most of the time leaves something to be desired. So, if in doubt, spend the money, or go for the chicken (even the pork was probably better). The glass of wine ($3) was average, but, at 6 oz, twice as large as most places. The pina colada was good ($5). And they served water! Nobody does that in Latin America (most of the water isn't fit to drink, and bottled water can get expensive. Thought I was going to end on a positive note, but I just remembered: the tip was pre-added; definitely a no-no in my book, and the first time I've seen it since I started traveling.

On to the next island: Perico. If you look on a map, there is a spiral road; this goes round and round the hill on the island, and is gated: it's all private residences (condos and homes). There is one hotel on the end of the shopping/dining strip.

Lastly is the resort on Flamenco Island.

There are nice views of Panama City from each island, including boats parked in Panama Bay. On the other side of the islands and causeway, boats await passage through the Panama Canal.

Lastly, I took pics of Amador Park on my way back.

You could spend a weekend here and enjoy the views and the little bit of shopping and dining, but it's not a place for a long stay; not even a beach.

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Pty

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Pty

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Pty

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neat shoppes

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looking back

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road below

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vulture?

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Casco Viejo

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rodent

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East

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southeast of canal

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west - Bridge of the Americas

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boats, trains, cars and planes

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thar she goes

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canal

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closer

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two headed bug?

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nut

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from the jungle

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same

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winding up

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more

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city through the jungle

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more

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more

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reproductions

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of 19th century

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housing

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Culebra

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in this area

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menu

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ribeye!

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causeway widening

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Perico

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Perico

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Perico

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from Perico

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Flamenco Island

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marina

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boat repair

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resort

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Perico

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restaurant

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ships

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ships

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ships

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cruise

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marina restaurant

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marina view

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marina side

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marina

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lucky bastard

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beach and ship

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Bridge of the Americas

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closer

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Amador 'museum'

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Amador park

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Amador park

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Amador park

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Amador park

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Ancon Hill

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Ancon Hill & Amador Causeway - Ray's travels (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to hike Ancon Hill? ›

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.

What is Ancon, Panama known for? ›

Due to its geographical location, the district of Ancón is of great importance for the economy of Panama. In it are located most of the administrative facilities and services related to the Panama Canal. Balboa is home to the port of Panama City.

How much does it cost to go to Ancon Hill? ›

There is no entrance fee or parking fee to visit Ancon Hill.

Is Cerro Ancon safe? ›

The Cerro Ancón area is particularly safe due to its 24-hour police presence. Because it's a protected area and thanks to its history, there are important buildings on its slopes—hence the police protection.

Where to start an Ancon Hill walk? ›

The trailhead for Ancon Hill is located at Mi Pueblito, with free parking available onsite. It's easy to catch a taxi or rideshare from Panama City to Mi Pueblito.

How long is the Amador Causeway? ›

The rock extracted when the Panama Canal was being built between 1904 to 1914 was used to build the causeway. The road extends 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) out into the Pacific Ocean, linking the mainland with the islands of Naos, Perico, and Flamenco.

What is the oldest town in Panama? ›

Founded in 1519 by the conquistador Pedrarías Dávila, Panamá Viejo is the oldest European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas.

What animals are in Ancon Hill Panama? ›

It is not uncommon to see sloths, white-nosed coati, nine-banded armadillos, Geoffroy's tamarins, or deer on Ancon Hill, which now has protected status. Its name is used as an acronym by a Panamanian environmental group, Asociación Nacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza (ANCON).

Does it cost to go to Waimea Canyon? ›

Hours and Pricing

There's no fee to enter the museum, but a $3 donation or souvenir purchase is appreciated. Entrance to Waimea Canyon also costs $5 per nonresident and $10 to park. Hawaii residents access both parks and can park their vehicle for free with a valid Hawaii ID.

How much does it cost to go to Island Peak? ›

On average, the Island peak climbing costs about $1000- $2000, depending on your desired amenities. The first part of the Island Peak hike is similar to the Everest Base Camp Trek. At Dingboche, the two paths split apart. There are a lot of Sherpa settlements you'll have to pass through before you reach Island Peak.

How much does it cost to go up Magnetic Hill? ›

Hours & Fees
MonthStatusFees
January, February, & MarchClosedn/a
April & May 1-17Openn/a
May 18-20 & 23-31, June, July, August, September 1-2Open$7/car, $55/bus
September 3-30 & October 1-14OpenWeekends: $7/car, $55/bus Weekdays: No fee
1 more row

Where is Monkey Island in Panama? ›

Monkey island is in the Panama Canal so you are able to be in the canal with big ships. We went early in the morning and were able to see all three types of monkeys. They were active and jumping on our boat for banana's. It was a small boat and only held four in our group although 2-3 more people could have fit.

What is the history of Ancon Hill? ›

Since the arrival of the French on the Isthmus of Panama in 1879, Ancon Hill played a major role in plans for the construction of the Panama Canal. The hill, which overlooks the city of Panama from a height of 636 feet, takes its name from the Spanish word Ancon, which means 'anchorage.

What is the walkable neighborhood in Panama City Panama? ›

Considered Panama City's most bohemian neighborhood, El Cangrejo offers a unique charm that's not found elsewhere. This is the most walkable area of the city with plenty to take in. You will love the diversity of the people, food, and shops as you walk the tree-lined streets…

What is the hardest hike on Long Island? ›

Cold Spring Harbor State Park Trail

Long Island might not have a lot of dramatic elevations, but it does have its share of challenging hikes. The most challenging among them is Cold Spring Harbor State Park Trail.

How long is Machu Picchu hike? ›

What is the Machu Picchu trek difficulty? The difficulty of the Classic Inca Trail is considered to be a moderate level hike. The classic Inca Trail Route is 43 km (26 mi) long and often steep, you will hike over four days at an elevation nearing 13,828 feet (4,215 meters).

How long does it take to climb the Rock Hill? ›

The Rock
Time:3 hrs
Distance:7 km
Fitness:E
Skill:E
Ascent:330 m
3 more rows

How hard is the Mānoa Falls Trail? ›

Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 7 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

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