Recently Viewed
Panama City Rainforest Hike: Wildlife and Nature Tour
5.0
21 Ratings
Panama City
Discover Panama City’s hidden rainforest hikes. Explore unique wildlife and learn about the rainforest’s vital role, just minutes from downtown.
Discover Panama City’s hidden rainforest hikes. Explore unique wildlife and learn about the rainforest’s vital role, just minutes from downtown.
Duration:
5 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Ancon Hill - This will be the first hike of the morning, covering a total of 2 miles to reach the highest point in Panama City, standing at 600 feet above sea level. This remarkable hill boasts a rich history and features the largest Panama flag in the country. As the group ascends, they will enjoy stunning views of the morning sun while also…
- Ancon Hill - This will be the first hike of the morning, covering a total of 2 miles to reach the highest point in Panama City, standing at 600 feet above sea level. This remarkable hill boasts a rich history and features the largest Panama flag in the country. As the group ascends, they will enjoy stunning views of the morning sun while also searching for wildlife in this urban natural gem. At the summit, there are three distinct viewpoints to appreciate:
- The Modern City of Panama
- Casco Viejo and Amador Causeway
-
Panama Canal Locks (both old and new)
Knowledgeable tour guides will provide detailed explanations of the various views and the hill’s history.
After taking in the breathtaking scenery, the group will descend Ancon Hill and prepare for the second hike of the morning at the renowned Metropolitan Park. Before continuing, there will be a stop for coffee and local empanadas.
- Metropolitan National Park - The Metropolitan Natural Park is a rainforest treasure of Panama, situated between the former canal zone and the city’s metropolitan area, often referred to as the “Lung” of the capital city. Following a well-deserved coffee break, participants will be energized for the second hike, which spans 1.8 miles. During this segment of the tour, expert guides will delve into the natural history of the rainforest in the Panama Canal area. With the aid of a telescope, participants will have the opportunity to observe various animals in this remarkable park. Upon reaching the top, they will be treated to more breathtaking views of the city, showcasing the iconic blend of nature and modern skyscrapers.
What's Included
- Tea and coffee
- Bottled water
- Entrance Fee to the metropolitan park
- In-person guide (English, and Spanish) is licensed/certified
- Tea and coffee
- Bottled water
- Entrance Fee to the metropolitan park
- In-person guide (English, and Spanish) is licensed/certified
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Breakfast
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Gratuities
- Breakfast
- Not wheelchair accessible
Additional Information
Panama City, the capital of Panama, is the only city in Central America with access to both a rainforest and national parks just 10 to 15 minutes from downtown. Many visitors are unaware that they can enjoy these amazing hikes in such a short time, see unique wildlife, and learn about the rainforest’s significance to the country, the canal, and the…
Panama City, the capital of Panama, is the only city in Central America with access to both a rainforest and national parks just 10 to 15 minutes from downtown. Many visitors are unaware that they can enjoy these amazing hikes in such a short time, see unique wildlife, and learn about the rainforest’s significance to the country, the canal, and the people of Panama. As nature enthusiasts, the operator can offer travelers a unique experience, allowing them to connect deeply with the incredible nature Panama has to offer.
- The hour in between the park of the tour will be spend, at a coffee break, where will rest and enjoy coffee or tea and also an empanada included.
Location
Ancon Hill
Quarry Heights,
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(21 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
R5592lujeffs
Aug 24, 2025
This tour was incredible! - Juan Carlos was awesome. He had encyclopedic knowledge about wildlife, plants, ecology, the canal, and Panama generally (including esoteric subjects, such as which Panama restaurants are kosher, that we would not have expected him to know about). On our 5.5 hour tour of Ancon Hill and Metropolitan National Park, he pointed out lots of animals, such as toucans, >7 sloths, >12 monkeys, spiders, ants, lizards, and a lot of flora. He also showed the animals to us through his telescope, and was the only person we saw in the parks carrying a telescope! He is extremely bright, well educated (he has a Master’s Degree from a selective private college), and this view is from a couple with six degrees from elite U.S. schools, including a doctorate and three Masters degrees. We and our two teenagers thoroughly enjoyed our tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Priscilla_n
Jul 3, 2025
Great tour - I enjoyed this tour very much and the guide Carlos Acosta was very knowledgeable and friendly! I would highly recommend it.
Review provided by Viator
Diana
May 9, 2025
Amazing hiking! - I had a pleasure of attending this hiking tour and really enyoyed it! The tour guide was knowledgeable and provided a great service. He showed all the flora and fauna of the area, shared the history of Panama/culture/current state and also shared tips for my stay in Panama (thank you❣️). You get your exercise (walking is manageable, just bring comfortable shoes :), knowledge and amazing view of the city as well. Definetely recomend it as part of your Panamian stay activity! ❣️
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dankq8894hu
May 5, 2025
Great hike with great views and wildlife - Juan Carlos was a great tour guide. In addition to being willing to give me a personal tour, he was fabulous at locating animals big and small, including some beautiful birds in the metropolitan park. I saw sloths, monkeys, toucans, a trogan, and many others, plus great views of the city, both old and new, from the tops of the hills. You definitely get sweaty making it to the top, but if you are in reasonable shape its not too strenuous.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jonathanpj5856zq
Apr 25, 2025
Alcon Hill and Metropolitan Park - My wife and I spent a wonderful morning hiking with Juan Carlos on Alcon Hill and in the Metropolitan Park. Juan Carlos really knows about nature -- not just identifying birds, animals, plants, and trees -- but sharing many interesting facts about them.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travelin_friend
Apr 24, 2025
Juan Carlos is the perfect guide for an early morning in Panama City - Juan Carlos is an excellent guide. His knowledge of Panamanian history as well as the fauna and flora of the region is just right. He set the pace perfectly for my friend and I. We booked this hike for our first full day in Panama City. It was perfect as it helped us determine how to spend our six remaining days. This tour has it all, a leisurely walk up Ancon Hill, panoramic views of the city, and bird sightings (the Toucans put on quite a show). A secondary rain forest minutes from the heart of a large urban area is special and worth the early morning start.
Juan Carlos had lots of recommendations for restaurants and other attractions. Because it was a private tour he tailored the tour for our needs. His English is excellent for those who don’t speak Spanish. Highly recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rosaav1437fn
Mar 10, 2025
Jungle in the city if Panama - The hike to Cerro Ancon was spectacular. It is a moderate effort hike uphill. The knowledge that Juan Carlos shared with the group was invaluable. Stopping to spot wild animals was an added bonus to the hike. We were able to spot an iguana, a tucan, a woodpecker and a three toed sloth! The views from the city are awesome. I recommend this hike 100%.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cormosjj
Feb 24, 2025
Great introduction to Panama City - I would highly recommend this tour if this is your first time to Panama City and also if you are short on time. The tour provides great insights to the history of Panama and the building of the Panama Canal. The tour also includes a small comfortable walk of Casco Viejo, the older part of the city. Our guide, Juan, was very informative and made it a very memorable experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jessicafo3710cr
Feb 22, 2025
Beautiful views! - Beautiful views of the city! Great walking trails and accessible for most. Take it at your own pace. Excellent tour guide!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Morgane
Feb 10, 2025
Nature in the city! - Juan Carlos was an excellent guide, everything went well from pick-up to hiking.
The excursion, in a small group, allows to observe many animals, including birds. Juan Carlos gives a lot of information and thanks to his long view, which he brings during the hike, you can observe the animals in detail.
This hike to Ancon Hill and Metropolitan Park allows you to escape the noise of the city and find a peaceful and pleasant setting.
Review provided by Tripadvisor