The Amador Causeway: Views of the Panama Canal
The Amador Causeway is a long, quiet stretch of road and trail just outside the city's core. It connects Panama City to a string of small islands—Naos, Perico, Culebra, and Flamenco—that stretch out into the Pacific. Built using rock excavated from the Panama Canal, the causeway offers one of the best waterfront walks in the city.
We didn’t rent bikes, though that’s an easy and popular option. We chose to walk. The breeze coming off the water, the occasional cargo ship in the distance, and the skyline behind us—it all made for a calm, scenic backdrop.
It’s a space shared by cyclists, joggers, families, and travelers like us just taking it slow.
Views
One side looks back at the city—modern, layered, full of movement. The other side faces the entrance to the Panama Canal, where massive ships queue up for their turn. If you like watching the world move at a steady pace, it’s hard to beat this spot.
There are a few cafés and snack stands along the way - though mostly on the islands or prior to reaching the Causway. There are a couple rest stops on the way out to the islands, but we didn’t use them. The snack stand and restaurant options were mostly closed when we arrived (9am), but we did find a spot to get some Panamanian food and (a lot of) water.
How to Get There: Simple Tips
From Avenida Balboa or Casco Viejo: A quick taxi or Uber ride (10–15 minutes depending on traffic) will drop you at the entrance to the causeway or further down near the marina.
By Bus: Public buses do reach the area, but schedules and stops can be inconsistent for non-locals. Uber is generally the easier choice.
Bike Rentals: You can rent bikes or scooters at various points along the causeway if you want to cover more ground.
When to Go: Early mornings and late afternoons/evenings are cooler and quieter. Sunset is especially beautiful, but weekends can get busy with families and local visitors.
