The Amador Causeway in Panama City
As you glide onto Amador Causeway, it’s as if you’ve stepped into a postcard scene from Miami or the sun-kissed coasts of Southern California. The palm-fringed road meanders gracefully, flanked by the boundless expanse of the ocean, offering breathtaking vistas of the city skyline and the majestic entrance to the Panama Canal.
For enthusiasts of outdoor pursuits, the causeway is a veritable playground, boasting dedicated lanes for cyclists and pedestrians alike, beckoning runners and bikers to partake in its scenic splendor.
But you needn’t be a local or a cycling aficionado to relish the allure of the causeway. Burke Bikes, a favored haunt among tourists, offers an array of rental options, from standard bicycles equipped with helmets and kid seats to carts, skates, and even electric scooters. The pièce de résistance? Family bikes designed for communal joyrides, albeit with a dash of navigational challenge (cue the laughter and tears emoji).
Delve deeper, and you’ll unearth a rich tapestry of history interwoven into the very fabric of the causeway. Crafted from rocks hewn from the Panama Canal during its construction between 1904 and 1914, this 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) thoroughfare extends gracefully into the Pacific Ocean, linking the mainland to four idyllic islands—Naos, Perico, Culebra, and Flamenco. Once a bastion of military fortifications guarding the southern entrance to the canal, Amador metamorphosed into a captivating tourist haven following its decommissioning, its promenade now ranking among Panama’s most coveted destinations.
From its vantage point, you can savor panoramic vistas of Panama City’s skyline and the Pacific portal of the Canal, enveloped in the embrace of the sea breeze, a serene spectacle to behold.
In recent years, Amador Causeway has undergone a metamorphosis, punctuated by remarkable additions that elevate its allure. The Biomuseum, conceived by the visionary architect Frank Gehry in 2014, stands as a testament to Panama’s natural heritage (for more on this, delve into our dedicated blog). Meanwhile, the Panama Convention Center, unveiled in 2020, heralds a new era of event hosting prowess, accommodating up to 25,000 attendees and igniting Panama’s tourism trajectory. Nestled amidst this treasure trove is the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, a bastion of scientific inquiry.
The gastronomic offerings along the causeway rival its scenic splendor, with a cornucopia of eateries and boutiques beckoning both locals and travelers. From traditional Panamanian fare to global gastronomic delights—from American diners to Japanese sushi bars, and Middle Eastern grills to Brazilian churrascarias—the culinary mosaic leaves no palate unsatiated.
Embark on a culinary odyssey starting at Restaurante Pencas, nestled near the Convention Center, where city panoramas accompany delectable delights, including their legendary chicken wings. Perico Island beckons with a medley of culinary delights, including the famed Beirut restaurant, a sanctuary of Lebanese flavors. And no visit is complete without indulging in Nikki’s famed Nutella ice cream roll—a sweet denouement to a culinary escapade.
Midway between Perico and Flamenco Islands lies Plaza Causeway, a stunningly designed gastronomic haven boasting a dazzling array of dining establishments. From Paella y Gambas and Geisha Negra, to Ciao Regazzi and Segundo Muelle, each culinary enclave promises a symphony of flavors. Don’t miss Brazzeiro’s Brazilian meat feast, complemented by an extensive salad bar—a carnivore’s delight! You can also enjoy some fabulous cocktails, made better by the rooftop dining experience. Flamenco Island plays host to an array of celebrity-frequented eateries, a fitting denouement to a gastronomic journey.
Beyond culinary delights, Amador Causeway offers a treasure trove of recreational pursuits. From go-karting at Panama Karting to the amusements of Iron City Park. But the newest and coolest addition to the entertainment offering at the Causeway comes in the form of the neon lit VR Park. It is great for kids and adults alike and offers the opportunity to enter various different types of virtual experiences from riding a rollercoaster, to shooting games. It’s definitely worth a visit and a couple of hours of your time, especially if you have teenagers!
Additionally, kayaking and paddleboarding enthusiasts can navigate the azure bay, while handicraft aficionados can peruse local wares at quaint boutiques—a testament to the causeway’s diverse offerings.
Once ensnared by the charm of Amador Causeway, the allure proves irresistible, beckoning visitors to return time and again. And for those yearning for further adventures, the Amador ferry port stands as a gateway to newfound escapades—be it a day trip to Taboga Island or an idyllic sojourn in the Las Perlas archipelago. For deeper insights into these paradises, peruse our dedicated blogs—your passport to boundless exploration.
