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Panama City is preparing a new round of municipal upgrades that go well beyond individual parks or public spaces.

During September, the Municipality of Panama will hold a series of public hearings covering projects for Cerro Ancón, Mi Pueblito, Summit Botanical Garden, urban cleaning, pedestrian access and municipal public spaces. Taken together, the proposals show a broader effort to improve how residents and visitors experience the city.

The most ambitious project is the proposed transformation of Cerro Ancón and Mi Pueblito, one of the capital’s most recognizable natural and cultural areas.

Cerro Ancón Could Become a More Accessible Tourism Destination

The municipality is evaluating a plan that would improve visitor infrastructure at Cerro Ancón while preserving the environmental character of the reserve.

Among the proposals is a cable car connecting Mi Pueblito with a new lookout area near the top of the hill, allowing visitors to reach one of Panama City’s best known viewpoints more easily.

The plan also includes expanded parking, a new public plaza at Mi Pueblito and a pedestrian bridge connecting the tourist center with El Chorrillo.

Importantly, the municipality has indicated that the existing buildings at Mi Pueblito would remain in place and that improvements within Cerro Ancón would follow a minimal intervention approach designed to protect the surrounding ecosystem.

If approved, the project could strengthen an area already positioned between several of Panama City’s major visitor attractions, including Casco Antiguo, the Canal Zone and the Amador Causeway.

Summit Botanical Garden Is Also Part of the Plan

Another public hearing will focus on improvements to Summit Botanical Garden, one of the metropolitan area’s most established family and nature destinations.

The proposal includes upgrades to recreational and cultural spaces, continuing a broader effort to improve Panama City’s green infrastructure and make public parks more attractive for residents and visitors.

That fits with a larger tourism trend in Panama. The country is increasingly promoting experiences beyond traditional hotels and beaches, including nature, culture, heritage and urban tourism.

A More Walkable and Better Managed City

The September hearings also address less visible but equally important urban issues.

The municipality plans to establish clearer rules for removing vehicles, structures and other objects that block sidewalks, green areas and public easements.

For a city where pedestrian infrastructure has historically been inconsistent, these changes could improve everyday mobility in neighborhoods including Santa Ana, San Felipe, Bella Vista, Calidonia, El Chorrillo and Curundú.

New equipment for landscaping and municipal cleaning services is also being proposed across several central districts.

For residents, these improvements affect quality of life. For tourism and real estate, they influence how neighborhoods are perceived, how easily people move through them and how attractive public areas become for restaurants, retail and residential activity.

Why These Projects Matter

Panama City has spent decades expanding outward. These proposals focus on something different: improving the spaces that already exist.

Cerro Ancón, Mi Pueblito and Summit are established destinations with strong cultural and environmental value. Better access, public amenities and pedestrian connections could increase their use without requiring entirely new tourism districts.

The same principle applies to central neighborhoods. Cleaner streets, accessible sidewalks and better public spaces can strengthen existing communities while supporting tourism and private investment.

The public hearings will determine how these projects evolve, but the broader direction is already visible. Panama City is beginning to invest more deliberately in the public realm, not only in roads and major infrastructure.

5 Things to Know

Public hearings are scheduled for September.
The meetings on September 14, 16 and 21 will cover different municipal projects and public space regulations.

Cerro Ancón is proposing a cable car and lookout.
The project includes improved visitor infrastructure connecting from Mi Pueblito, subject to strict environmental controls and public consultation.

Mi Pueblito will not be demolished.
Current plans call for improvements to the existing complex, including parking, a public plaza and better pedestrian connections to El Chorrillo.

Summit Botanical Garden is planning upgrades.
The municipality will present proposals to enhance recreational and cultural areas within the popular nature park.

These upgrades support real estate and tourism.
Better public spaces and pedestrian access can increase foot traffic, improve neighborhood appeal and strengthen areas already attracting residential and commercial investment.