The Amador Causeway: Panama City's Booming Boardwalk

It wasn’t so long ago that the Calzada de Amador was nothing more than a strip of tarmac used to link the capital to the small islands of Naos, Perico and Flamenco. Today, however, the Amador Causeway is one of the city’s best known roads, home to some of Panama’s top activities and attractions showcasing the best of the isthmus.

Named after the Manuel Amador Guerrero, the first President of Panama, the 6km-long stretch of road extends into the Pacific Ocean at the point where the Panama Canal meets the sea. The newly renovated land bridge was built using soil excavated during the canal’s construction and today is popular with walkers and cyclists. It also boasts the capital’s best vantage points for watching the large container ships enter and exit the canal, and ferries regularly depart from the causeway for the Pearl Islands.

We've compiled some of the best experiences the Amador Causeway, so hit the road and explore this unique part of Panama City.

Go wild at the Biomuseo

Undoubtedly one of the city’s best museums is the Biomuseo. Designed by the Canadian-born American, Frank Gehry, the museum is housed within a colorful, origami-like building and celebrates Panama’s incredible biodiversity. Inside, eight exhibition halls explore the country’s fascinating geology, natural history and diverse cultures via a range of interactive displays. After all, this small Central American country is home to more species of birds and animals (insects included) than the United States and Canada combined!

Cycle the Causeway

The newly improved Causeway has become the place to cycle in the city. Bike lanes run the length of the road and there are plenty of spots to hire bikes or pedal carts along the way. The Amador Bike Park caters to all levels of cyclists – from those using training wheels to road race junkies – and offers four main areas (amadorbikepark.org). The 4km cross-country trail leads mountain bikers up to Isla Perico for fantastic views of the city, a spot that few people know about. There’s a downhill trail with jumps, a pump track for performing tricks and an indoor park for rainy days.

Hook the catch of the day

For something a little more laid back, head to where the fisher folk hang out. Positioned just before the Canal Pilot’s dock at Isla Naos is a fishing platform where young and old gather to cast their rods. You’ll see fishermen of all skill levels trying to catch their supper, from expert anglers to hobby enthusiasts using nothing more than a hook tied to a nylon string. If you happen to have left your rod and bait at home, content yourself with the unobstructed views of the container ships entering the canal instead.