August 16, 2026

 First order of business: changing rooms.  

Rooftop bar. Open until 3 am. Loud Latin bass heavy music
Just outside our previous room 

From Restless Night to Rooftop Lights

This morning began with a reluctant goodbye to a hotel room that offered a beautiful, sweeping view over Panama Bay—but also delivered a very long night. Latin, bass-heavy nightclub music pulsed relentlessly until 3 a.m., the kind that keeps you hovering in half-sleep, never quite drifting off. When the music finally faded and deeper sleep arrived, it was short-lived. At 4 a.m., an alarm—likely left behind by previous guests—pierced the quiet. By sunrise, it was clear this was not a night that would be remembered for rest.

We switched to another room and reset the day the best way possible: by heading outdoors. The hike up Ancon Hill (Cerro Ancón) was a welcome contrast to the sleepless night. The road to the top winds upward under a canopy of jungle, shaded and cool, with the dense greenery pressing in on both sides. Along the way, the city noise fell away, replaced by birdsong and rustling leaves.

Nature made a generous appearance. We spotted a sloth lazily nestled in the trees, caught sight of ñeque along the trail, and were treated to the bright flash of a toucan perched high above us. At the summit, the Panamanian flag flew proudly, and the reward was a set of stunning vistas—Panama City spread out below, a striking mix of modern skyline, water, and jungle.

After the hike, we took a short excursion out to the Causeway, enjoying the open views and coastal breeze before heading back to get ready for the evening ahead.

Tonight shifted the tone entirely. The wedding rehearsal dinner was held at a rooftop bar in Casco Viejo, and the energy was unmistakable. Warm air, city lights, and a vibrant downtown atmosphere set the scene perfectly. Despite the rough start to the day, the evening delivered exactly what Panama does best—color, life, and a sense that even a tired day can end on a high note

                                                                  YouTube: Ancon Hill Hike