The Amador Causeway, located just outside
of Panama City and once the home of a US Army base, has
quickly become one of Panama's most desirable
tourist areas. The Causeway itself connects
three small islands, Noas, Perico and Flamenco,
with the mainland. Visited by both foreigners
and locals alike, the Causeway has enormous
tourist potential, with several large projects
having already been completed and many planned
for the future. The Causeway is located at
the southeastern most tip of the Panama Canal, with spectacular views of Panama City and the Bridge of the Americas. While there, visitors can observe the numerous
vessels that enter or depart the Panama Canal
throughout the day, passing directly beneath
the Bridge of the Americas. The Causeway's most northern section, which is part of the mainland, is home to a new large international hotel, complete with pool and Fridays Restaurant, and the Balboa Yacht Club, which faces the Canal and also has a pool and restaurant/bar. The Yacht Club is home to several dozen personal pleasure boats, and has a long dock which juts out into the Panama Canal. There is ample space for parking here, and the area is wide open and pleasant, with much of the walking area titled with red brick and lined with colorful trees and flowers.
Heading south along the Causeway, the paved road narrows considerably, and becomes a long, single lane road in each direction; there is no place to park or stop along the Causeway itself. On both sides of the Causeway you'll find well maintained lawns, benches and ample walking space, which is used by couples, families with children, joggers, skate boarders, rollerbladers, and even a functioning horse carriage, which transports people along a portion of the Causeway. On weekends, when most locals visit, both vehicle and pedestrian traffic along the Causeway can be overwhelming.
The first island you reach is Noas Island,
which is home to the Smithsonian's Naos Laboratories.
Just behind the Laboratory, within walking
distance, you'll find the Marine Exhibition Center. (Visit their web site for more information).
This is a must see for anybody visiting Amador
Causeway.
As you head further south along the Causeway you'll reach Perico Island, which sits off to the left side, facing the Bay Of Panama. There is a waterfront restaurant on the left side, which is popular among local and foreigners alike.
Continuing along you'll reach Flamenco Island, which is at the southern most tip of the Causeway. On Flamenco Island they are completing the construction of a new cruise port and shopping facility. Currently, cruise ships anchor just off the Causeway and passengers are shuttled back and forth on tenders, however, plans to add a large docking facility are under review. Upon its completion, the cruise ship terminal will contain a wide array of boutiques/stores and commercial offices. The shopping complex which resides just behind the cruise port has additional boutiques and restaurants/bars, many of which offer a fine selection of both international and local cuisine.
Quickly becoming one of Panama City's most popular tourist destinations, the Causeway is a must see for anyone visiting Panama. With gentle breezes that sweep along the Causeway, spectacular scenery and fine dining, the Causeway has something for everybody, regardless of your age or budget.
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