Amador Causeway Panama
The 2 mile (3.5km) Amador Causeway Panama (Calzada de Amador) is a must see tourist attraction located at the southern entrance of the Panama Canal near Panama City that links the four small Causeway Islands.
Built by the United States Government in 1913, Amador Causeway Panama is unique in that it is the road that connects Panama City (the capital) with four small Pacific Ocean archipelago islands.
For those unfamiliar with this Central American landmark, the Panama Amador Causeway is both a roadway and a walking path between Panama City and these four small islands:
- Naso Island
- Culebra Island
- Perico Island
- Flamenco Island
Amador Causeway Panama is a beautiful and picturesque causeway that captures the attention of the locals as well as global visitors enjoying Panama vacations. The roads of Amador Causeway are lined with palm trees and feature magnificent views of the Panama Canal, plus Panama City’s skyline, the Bridge of Americas, and Panama Bay.
You’ll find many recreational things to enjoy plus many great vendors, restaurants, and even nightclubs.
Amador Causeway Construction
The Calzada de Amador was built in 1903, around the same time as the Panama Canal. As a result, the Amador Causeway construction benefited from the 1,250 million cubic yards of rock excavated from the Panama Canal’s Culebra Cut.
The original purpose of the causeway was to prevent sedimentation in the Port of Balboa, which, if left untouched, eventually would clog the southern (Pacific) entrance into the Panama Canal. The causeway was also designed as a breakwater to protect the canal entrance.
The United States investment in the development of Panama, and in particular the Panama Canal, put the Americans at a beneficial position; the United States controlled the Amador Causeway from 1915 until World War II. The United States used the area as a military base, and restricted the Panama Canal’s access to only American ships. During both World Wars, the U.S. Military used the Amador Causeway as a powerful defense system.
Only in September of 1996 did the Amador Causeway become the property of the country of Panama. At this point, Panamanians had complete access to the area.
Amador Causeway Things to Do
Since 1996, when the Panamanians took over ownership, the Amador Causeway area has been redeveloped to attract more locals as well as tourists. Vehicle traffic is restricted to one side of the causeway only, leaving lots of room for foot traffic to access the many vendors and attractions along the Causeway.
Many visitors who enjoy Panama vacations also enjoy a leisurely walk, jog, bike, skate, or roller-blade along the Amador Causeway, visiting all four islands. Others enjoy relaxing along the island beaches and taking swims in the warm Pacific Ocean waters. From the Causeway, anyone can watch Panama cruise ships come and go through the Panama Canal.
Panama’s Amador Causeway provides wonderful views of the Bridge of Americas, Balboa Yacht Club, and Panama Bay. Several projects near the Amador include a cruise port, a marina, the Fuerte Amador Shopping and Restaurant Plaza, plus the Fiagli Convention Centers. Numerous Panama hotels and resorts have popped up in the area as well.
Also worth mentioning is the Marine Exhibition Center of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), which lets visitors get a close-up look at creatures native to the country of Panama.
While passing through the Panama Canal, it is also worth it to take some time to explore the Miraflores Visitor and Museum.
Caravan Panama Canal Tour
Caravan Tours is family owned and operated and since 1952 we have helped millions of global travellers discover North and Central American on our all inclusive, fully guided tours.
A visit to the Amador Causeway is included as part of your Caravan Panama tour, which is exceptionally priced. Visit Caravan’s Panama Canal Tour page to learn more. All ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, and tour itinerary activities are included for one low all inclusive tour price.
To check tour availability and reserve your preferred tour dates visit our Panama tour booking page.
To speak with a Panama tour representative, please call our Caravan office toll free at 1-800-CARAVAN (227-2826)
