CERRO ANCÓN
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This 199 m high green hill, which is a protected area, offers panoramic views of the old town, the Canal Zone and the modern city. However, you'll have to accept a twenty-minute walk in the tropical humidity! It's best to set off early in the morning to avoid seeing animals and suffering too much from the heat. To get to the foot of the Cerro, we recommend taking a cab from Plaza 5 de Mayo, as the area is not very inviting.
Cerro Ancón has always been a popular public spot for Casco Viejo residents, who used to come here for a stroll and to draw water. In 1882, one of America's very first seismographs was installed here, as well as a hospital for engineers and canal workers. In 1904, the hill became part of the American Canal Zone, and access to it was restricted to Panamanians. During the Second World War, the American army dug a huge bunker here: 200 m long, 40 rooms, galleries going up and down. " The Tunnel was used as an anti-atomic base and as a spy center for the Southern Command. The Cerro was returned to the Panamanians in 1979, following the signing of the canal retrocession treaty. A huge Panamanian flag (the size of a basketball court) has flown from the summit ever since!
Mi Pueblito, at the bottom of the hill, on the Avenue des Martyrs side, is a picturesque reconstruction of the country's different lifestyles and traditional habitats. Numerous craft and food stalls.
Did you know? This review was written by our professional authors.
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