Ancon Hill Nature & Wildlife Tour: Sloths & Panama City Views

Rafael is a highly knowledgeable, professional, and kind tour guide. I had the privilege of doing an early morning Cerro Ancon hike with him and I got to learn so much about the history and culture of Panama in addition to seeing lots of wildlife (2 and 3 toed sloths, keel billed toucans, amazon parrots, green iguana, a very rare migratory forest falcon, green spotted frogs). You can tell he has put a lot of thought and effort into making his tours exceptional. There was not only water on the bus, but a cooler of ice and snacks as well. His agency is probably the most well-organized tour group I’ve ever seen. He provided detailed information about the tour ahead of time and is very responsive on WhatsApp. I would highly recommend this tour agency for any of your travel needs in Panama! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

From booking to the hike, the experience was excellent! Our guide Rafa made our hike an outstanding trip! Pickup was at our hotel and was on-time. We loved our time with Rafa! He was very knowledgeable and friendly. We learned about Panama City, the Panama Canal, local wildlife... he was well versed in his knowledge. The hike itself is uphill, and no joke! My husband found it to be easy whereas I was more winded, but he is much more active than I am. But Rafa will stop whenever needed. The hike is also on a road so it makes it much easier to walk. We saw sloths, parrots, and a few other animals that I can't remember the names of at the moment. And the views of Panama City are amazing!!! I would absolutely recommend this trip with Rafa! We will be looking for him when we come back to do other trips.

The guide was courteous on time and very knowledgeable. We saw sloths, toucans and other animals on the excursion.

Rafaa was very knowledgeable & personable. Awesome guide got some great shots of Tucans & sloths. Excited to see his vids. If u enjoy walkn & learning & watching...this tour is perfecto for u. Thx for the great morning!

Starting the day early to experience this nature walk was 100% worth it. I was picked up at my hotel around 6:30 am. Ancon Point was about a 20-25 minute drive. The park is plastic-less so I purchased a cute sloth aluminum bottle from Raphael the day before. Side note: Make sure you try to eat a decent sized breakfast beforehand because you will burn energy. Also, water is an absolute must. I actually ran out of water before I reached the top of the mountain. Luckily the tour starts before 7am because even at that time the heat and humidity are rising. On the walk up you will notice a mixture of flat and steep terrain. However, there’s plenty of opportunities to take a breather when one of the animals, reptiles or birds are spotted. I for one believe it’s beautiful to see creatures in their natural habitat unbothered and at peace. Rafael has an eagle eye for sloths, frogs, iguanas and toucans. It’s almost like he and the reserve are connected. While walking the steep trails he still was able to intensely listen out for the sounds of different birds. At times he was able to pinpoint their location but they were too fast to be photographed. But, I was satisfied with seeing the beautiful colors of a toucan fly within my eyesight. Free, and not in a zoo. So my day was still made. Rafael loves what he does and it’s contagious. He may be a sloth whisperer in my eyes but he still can’t predict what creatures will be visible. So, keep that in mind. Personally, I left with a full heart and entire day ahead of me. He sent me plenty of pics and video from our adventure the next day and I was elated. If you want a unique experience full of anticipation and welcomed surprises I recommend booking this tour.

I cannot recommend this experience highly enough! There is so much history and nature on this walk and it is very worth doing with a guide - I would have walked past about 5 sloths if they hadn't been pointed out! We saw monkeys, sloths, frogs and toucans as well as incredible views over the city and the canal!

My boyfriend and I enjoyed a small group walking tour at Ancon Hill with Conozca Panama. Great communication from Rafa during booking and before the tour. We had a hotel pick up and started our day early at 6:30am to beat the heat of the day. Orlando was our awesome driver and the van was air conditioned and comfortable. Rafa lead our tour group of 4 people and he did a great job making the experience worth-while. We leisurely walked up the hill while observing the wildlife. We saw 7 sloths and at least 3 toucans and 2 monkeys! Plus many tiny black frogs. There were some spiders too :P The sloths were so cool to see in action! Rafa brought a telescope that he could connect to his phone to record photos and videos of the animals--this was really helpful for me! He shared all the beautiful nature photos and videos he took with the group after the tour. He also came prepared with a green light pointer to help direct us to animals in the trees. They provided binoculars and water refills in the van. Overall a very nice morning and the view at the top was beautiful. It was humid (like I can't wait to take shower when I get back home kind of humid) but not too tiring due to all the nature-viewing breaks. Bring a snack for sure, but maybe a full meal is not needed until you get back to your lodgings.

It was a fantastic experience! Raf was my guide and he was very thorough with the information for the day the night before with whatsapp messages so I had a good feeling already. I did the early one 6:10am and surprised it was a private tour to me as no one else booked it. But Raf still treat it very very professionally even it’s just me, he was very knowledgeable and super friendly. I told him I want to see sloth and he was very honest that it’s nature he cannot control but he will try his best. And surely he did and we were very lucky to spot 5 sloths along the way along with 4 gefferoy’s tamarins, several toucans, and along other wild lives . It was more than I expected and because Raf was very patient in explaining how these animals behave and I was able to spot the toucan and 2 sloths by myself! Overall just 12 out of 10 experiences and I cannot ask for more. The hill is very a moderate walk and offers a great panoramic view of the city and the canal. Highly recommended!

Knowledgeable guide. Toucans, monkeys, sloths, and frogs all seen on the walk. Pleasant way to start the day.

This is a short tour but turned out to be a highlight of our trip! Our tour guide Jorge was fantastic with interesting local history and spotting birds and animals. We were lucky enough to see 4 sloths, a toucan, parrots, numerous other birds, spiders and frogs. Also great views of the canal, old town and Panama city. Go early! HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Our guide was very pleasant and knew a lot of Panamanian history, but not natural history The walk is on a small asphalt road with trees on either side. We saw no sloths and the only wildlife was a few ants , several small frogs and a glimpse of 2 or 3 toucans high in the trees for less than a minute The view of the city from above was OK but not worth the climb It was very hot despite early morning but no water bottles supplied and our guide had no binoculars, which might have helped a little. Overall disappointing. The description implies that there will be some wildlife but ants and a spider weren’t quite the total viewing we were anticipating . Rather misleading, even recognizing that wildlife does not always appear on demand.

Nice hike and very informative

Rafa was great!! Thank you so much for such a great time. Can't believe what a treasure it is to go hiking 15 minutes from Panama city. Got a great history lesson but also got to appreciate nature. A lot of wildlife sighting including poisonous frogs, agouti, toucan, slots, parrots. The pickup was punctual and on time. 15 minute driving the air conditioned van. The hike itself was about 2-2.5 mi. Take tons of water. Thank you again

Very goog tour, learn about history, guide is very good.

1. Follow the recommendations of the tour guide. (Rafa) 2. Prepare for an informative, interesting and satisfying experience. We were outfitted with binoculars to better see the numerous sloths, monkeys and birds (aguti sp?). We were offered water to make sure that we were hydrated. Our guide Rafa, was irreplaceable on this outing because, he knew, what to look out and to listen for during the tour. He was entertaining and engaging and also kept an eye on the safety of his tour participants (I am rather clumsy). He managed all of this very well! The vantage points and sights and sounds of the surrounding nature alone, are enough to suggest that you should visit. Going with this tour/guide, made it that much easier and better to preserve some great memories and enjoy a stroll (hike) up the beautiful Ancon Hill 🇵🇦!

I had a lovely morning on Ancón Hill with our excellent guide Rafa, who showed us around and explained things about the animals and plants as well as the history of Panamá. We did the tour starting at 6:30 and saw several two- and three-toed sloths, as well as monkeys, birds and other animals. I’m very happy that I booked this tour, because even if I might have been able to get to Ancón Hill on my own since it’s near the city centre, I would for sure not have been able to spot or identify so many animals myself. So, it was totally worth booking this tour, and I’m very glad that I managed to book in the last minute (I was supposed to do a tour with another tour operator the same morning, but they cancelled it the afternoon before, so I urgently needed to find something else to do). Very smooth booking procedure, punctual pick-up and a great tour with a friendly and professional guide!

One of the highlights of my trip to Panama City! I was traveling alone and booked this excursion for one. It turned out that I was the only person who signed up for the 6am hike. Most tour guides would have canceled on me, but Rafael was so kind! He did the tour for just me! And I'm so glad he did because it was an incredible experience. He picked me up directly from my hotel and brought me to the Ancon Hill area for the hike. He brought a high-powered telescope and provided me with a high-quality pair of binoculars. He was so much fun to talk to, and very knowledgeable both about Panama's history and its natural resources and animals. Rafael helped me find and identify dozens of different kinds of birds, including beautifully colored migratory birds, parrots, and TOUCANS!! He also helped me find dart frogs, monkeys, sloths and such. I took some amazing photos and Rafael patiently waited while I took all the shots I wanted. He also shared the photos that he took with me after the hike! He answered all of my questions and gave me lots of fun facts, like introducing me to the tree from which Panama gets its name, helping me to understand the history of the Canal Zone and its transition from US to Panamanian control, and explaining the student protest that began the process of transferring the control back to Panama. He was so delightful to talk to! The hike and the viewpoints were beautiful, and the early morning hike was great for cooler temps and more animal activity, and I still had the whole day in front of me when I was done. Thank you, Rafa, so such an amazing experience!

Rafael was an amazing guide. It was a great hike with epic views of the city and canal. The plus of the hike was the wildlife.

We had the best time on our hike! We saw sloths and a great many birds. We learned a great deal about Panama and it's history as well. Fabulous time and got some great photos.

Such a fun hike. Easy pace but up hill. We had the best time learning about Panama and the history as well as seeing some amazing animals. I was so excited to see sloths and toucans.

We had a amazing time Rafael was a great guide so much information and sharp eyes we saw lots of turns and sloths highly recommend

Rafa is a great guide. He was able to find monkeys, sloths and a number of birds. He even brought binoculars for us, which was helpful. Enjoyed the hike!

Rafa is a great guide and was able to find monkeys, sloths and a number of birds. He also brought binoculars for us which was so helpful. Great experience!

This tour was a great way to start the day. Rafa was an enthusiastic and entertaining guide. He also spotted many things that we otherwise would’ve missed. The animals were also very cooperative, which always helps. I highly recommend this tour.

The Ancon Hill Eco Walk was the highlight of my visit to Panama. If the beautiful views/vibrant wildlife don't keep you awake during the earlier tour time, Rafa's great energy and vibes surely will!! Very kind and willing to answer all questions about the tour, Panama's history, or what else to do/see while visiting.

Guide Rafa was very engaging and quick to share his enthusiasm on Panama’s wildlife. I can’t highly recommend him highly enough! Superb!! Gracias, Rafa! Please send me some of your photos! :) Wildlife sightings included: * Black poison dart frog * Agoutis * Three-toed sloths (including 2 mothers with babies!) * Toucans * Green parrots * Vultures * Hummingbird * Clay-colored thrush * Geoffroy’s tamarin monkeys * Some other salamander-looking thing that I need to Google! :) Note: must bring water in reusable bottle - single-use plastics are not allowed.

Rafa was the best!!! My mom and I had a wonderful one on one experience with him on our hike. He was so informative, took his time explaining everything and was an all around good vibe. Next time I come to Panama I will make sure to book everything through him. Definitely book this if you want to see some amazing wildlife and views of the city! Gracias!

There are few people with whom you feel an immediate, special connection as if you had known them for ages. And there are not many guides who can make everything you see unique and so interesting. Guide Raffa is just the right person to make this morning's greeting of the Sun special. I can't find enough words to recommend this tour, if you can, go! Thank you, Raffa, I really think I'll come again next time!

The Ancon Hill Eco walk was amazing. It is a peaceful early morning walk that connects you to history and nature. I didn’t imagine being able to see so many animals (Sloths, Geoffroy’s tamarin monkey, toucan, parrots, iguana . . .) in the city. Rafael is extremely knowledgeable (history and animals), engaging, personable and charismatic. I would have missed out on the animals without him and would not have learned about the significance of Ancon Hill. To top it off, he had a telescope which he used to take photos of the animals giving me photos and videos that surpassed the ones I took. Lastly, the views are incredible. I highly recommend! Thanks Rafael!

This was a great tour for wildlife spotting! We ended up being the only ones signed up so we actually had a private tour with Jorge, who was very knowledgeable and brought a spotting scope for us to view the animals and birds up close. We were able to see Agouti, Toucans, Parrots, Two and Three toed Sloths to name a few! Had we hiked Ancon Hill on our own, we certainly would not have been able to locate these animals. Best time to go is early morning. It got quite busy towards the end of our tour.

Rafa was an excellent guide! Knowledgeable, took photos using telescope, knew where to find animals.

Beautiful tour and the guide Rafael was very knowledgeable on the wildlife. Rafael got everyone involved and taught us so much.

Excellent tour guide with a great young man who helped him. I had been to ANCON Hill before but this tour taught me so much. Saw toucans and tamarinds and numerous other birds. Plants were identified and the information provided was amazing

Easy hike with great views of Panama City. We saw some amazing wildlife- sloths, parrots, toucans, and more! Very knowledgeable and friendly guide.

It was amazing. He's an expert on the area and the wildlife. They were very accomodating and it was an overall great experience.

Excellent hike with views that must be seen. Juan Carlos knowledgeable guide and hospitable personality. We were a group of 6 and the pace was perfect. Juan Carlos has an incredible eye for spotting all sorts of creatures. Under his guidance we saw monkeys, various birds, sloth, snakes and so much more. This experience is a must for anyone visiting Panama City.

Our tour guide, Rafael, is very charismatic and kind. He created a one of a kind experience for us. He patiently guided us through a beautiful and lush world of Vegetation where we were able to see several types of Sloth’s, multiple Tucan’s, cute agoutis, a family of Monkeys as well as a huge variety of birds. It was rewarding to catch a sight of Panamas wonderful wildlife. He educated us throughout the beautiful walk with interesting facts and his huge knowledgeable. He gifted us a unique perspective of Wildlife. Highly recommend.

It was a good experience although I would have done it solo and anyone could go on their own without a guide. I got to learn about Panama, the rainforests and the animals, only downside we couldn’t see any animals coming out except for frogs, ants, dove and kookoopadda. The price of this excursion shouldn’t have been this high in my opinion.

Great hike with our guide Luis, who was knowledgeable and friendly. We got to see several of the critters I was hoping to see as well as spectacular views. It’s not a long hike, though a little steep, but done at a very easy pace. Definitely recommend!

Afternoon walk is completely different from the morning description. No sunrise, no snacks, just a hot walk with views and animal spotting. Saw a sloth, toucan, parrot, poison arrow frog, banana spiders, and rodent of unusual size.

Amazing guide Rafael. He knows the history of his country as well as animals and plants. We arrived in time for sunrise and saw lots of animals: Agouti, sloths, toucans, parrots, a pretty red bird and a poison dart frog. I had a great time and Rafael took some awesome photos for me.

Fantastic tour! We saw so much wildlife and had incredible views of the city AND the Canal! Toucans, parrots, caracaras, and tons of other birds, agoutis, poison dart frogs, a sloth and the highlight - titi monkeys! Rafa was the perfect guide - extremely knowledgeable, friendly and did not rush us. HIGHLY recommend!

Raphael was engaging and knowledgeable about the history of Ancon Hill. Even though I was the only participant, he did not cancel. We walked up hill at my pace. We listened for birds and other animals. On the way down at the last flight of stairs, I was rewarded with the sighting of a sloth. It was moving in n the trees. On of the best tours I’ve been on.

Lovely views of the city & canal zone, plus lots of birds. Had the afternoon walk with Luis & 2 other travelers. Good communication with Conozca Primero before the tour & the team is super friendly. Luis told us about the area's history & the plants/animals. Saw a lovely toucan & many other birds. Book directly on *their* website for the best price.

Rafael was an EXCELLENT guide! It was like catching up with a friend on a good, not intense hike. We had such interesting conversations that didn’t feel scripted. He brought me fresh fruit to eat at the top, spoke perfect english, and we saw some toucans, a sloth, and monkeys that came for his bananas he brought. Worth waking up at 6am for!!

Uphill walk to nice views. Not recommended for out of shape people. Slow climb. Nice scenery. Xxxxxx

Ancon Hill is very close to Panama City but it's a completely different world You can enjoy a moderate hike through the jungle, see wildlife and that pictures in beautiful places overlooking the city and the canal. Our guide was amazing and came prepared with binoculars and a telescope. He was very knowledgeable and pleasant.

A wonderful escape to nature in the middle of Panama City. In 15 years of visiting here we did not know this existed. Juan Carlos is a super guide and pointed out so many sightings of birds and animals we would otherwise not have noticed. The views of the city and the canal were also spectacular. A special place we will return to.

We love to get out into nature and this trip did not disappoint. We had a great tour guide, Juan Carlos, who was very knowledgeable and answered all of our many questions.