The Amador Causeway is one of my favorite places in Panama.
Stretching nearly 4 miles into the Pacific Ocean, this unique road connects the four small islands that lie just offshore from Panama City: Naos, Perico, Culebra, and Flamenco.
More than just a road, however, the Causeway has become one of the city’s most popular recreational areas. The wide, flat, over-water avenue is perfect for biking, jogging, walking, skating, or just enjoying the ocean breeze.
The Causeway is set up for enjoyment, with everything from bicycles and scooters to kayaks and paddleboards available for rent. And when you’re ready to slow down, it’s well-appointed with plenty of waterfront restaurants, cafés, and casual places to relax and take in the ambience.
Flamenco Marina is one of my favorite places to meet friends for lunch or grab dinner by the water, with Italian, Middle Eastern, Japanese, Panamanian, and other cuisines available.
The views are spectacular. It overlooks Panama City’s iconic skyline as well as the entrance to the Panama Canal, but it’s surrounded by ocean waters on almost all sides.
Further offshore, tropical islands dot the horizon. Amador is the jumping-off point for excursions to these islands—the place where you catch the fast boat to Isla Taboga, the Pearl Islands, and beyond.
If you love the ocean, this area is hard to beat. It has a relaxed, coastal feel… even though you’re still in Panama City. The marina makes it easy for residents to keep a boat close to home, a rarity in most major cities.
Amador has a fascinating history. It was built using rocks excavated during the construction of the Panama Canal in the early 1900s. These rocks connected the islands and created a protective breakwater for the canal.
For decades, this area served as a U.S. military base called Fort Grant. After being returned to Panama in 1999, many of the fortifications became restaurants, bars, cafés, shops, and clubs.
Today, Amador is enjoyed by tourists and residents alike. It’s the first taste of Panama for many of the 400,000 people per year who arrive here on a cruise ship. Amador Cruise Terminal is found on Isla Perico and accommodates mega-ships.
Amador is where two of Central America’s most important convention centers are located. It’s home to the Figali Convention Center, an indoor sports arena with a capacity of 25,000 that has hosted events and major concerts, including everyone from Metallica to Justin Bieber. It’s also where you can find the newer Panama Convention Center, the biggest and most technologically advanced venue of its kind in the region.
One of the most recognizable landmarks in Amador is the colorful Biomuseo, designed by architect Frank Gehry. The museum explores Panama’s unique biodiversity and the formation of the Isthmus of Panama, a must-visit for anyone interested in nature and science.
One Of The City’s Most Desirable Lifestyles
The Amador Causeway offers one of the most desirable lifestyles in Panama City… It’s close to the city center at only a 10- to 15-minute drive… but it feels much quieter and more relaxed.
It’s the closest thing Panama City has to urban island living, offering a peaceful, by-the-water lifestyle. You can walk most places, and it attracts an international community.
Life by Amador Causeway revolves around the outdoors, whether you make use of the walking and cycling paths, the marinas and boating, or simply take in the ocean views. It’s also close to green spaces and parks.
Perhaps what people love best about Amador are the exceptional views.
The Panama Canal entrance… the Bridge of the Americas… Panama City’s skyline, including after dark when city lights twinkle on the horizon…
And everywhere you look, the Pacific Ocean. Wide-open spaces are rare in Panama City. This is one place you can find them.
Sincerely,
