Fuerte Amador
©
Fuerte Amador

Fuerte Amador

Pacific causeway linking Panama City to small islands at the entrance to the Panama Canal.

Fuerte Amador is a causeway at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, connecting the mainland of Panama City to a string of small islands — Naos, Culebra, Perico, and Flamenco. It takes its name from Manuel Amador Guerrero, the first president of Panama, and was built from the rock excavated during the Canal's construction. Until 1999 it was a US military base; today it is one of Panama City's main leisure destinations.

The causeway is about three kilometres long, and the main activity is biking or walking its length while watching container ships queue to enter the Canal. Views of the Panama City skyline across the water are excellent, and at the far end on Flamenco Island the Fuerte Amador Resort and Marina has restaurants, bars, and a yacht basin. The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute operates a marine exhibition centre on Naos with displays on Panama's extraordinary biodiversity.

Day trips to Isla Taboga, known as the Island of Flowers, depart from the Calypso Ferry Dock near the causeway entrance. This 30-minute ferry ride brings you to a quiet fishing village with colonial churches, hibiscus-lined paths, and decent beaches — a worthwhile half-day from the city. Fuerte Amador is a 15-minute taxi ride from the historic Casco Viejo district and makes a natural base for exploring both.

Guide

7 Day Itinerary in Fuerte amador

Fuerte Amador will quench any traveler’s wanderlust. A one-mile causeway by the Pacific Entrance of the Panama Canal, the long stretch of land offers much attraction to the four islands it connects to. With tourism in mind, it opens up diverse and fun activities for visitors of different tastes. From museum visits to wonderful sights and sounds to behold, travelers can experience Panama’s best right at Fuerte Amador. The following 7 Day Itinerary will help you see everything that Fuerte Amador has to offer. ** Day One: Gaze in Awe**

Start your trip with a bang! Gaze in awe at a twisted – or melted – structure along Fuerte Amador. Designed by eclectic architect Frank Gehry, the “Panama Bridge of Life Biodiversity Museum” is a sight visitors won’t forget very soon. Originally conceptualized to be an aquarium, the Biomuseum will soon house several exhibits focusing on natural history. Currently ongoing construction, the museum is scheduled to open in 2011. **

Day Two: Nature Trip**

Spend a day learning more about tropical nature’s wonders at the “Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute”. A landmark on Marine education, science, and aquatic conservation, the institute offers a wealth of trivia for visitors. Make sure to visit “El Centro del Exhibiciones Marinas” or the Marine Exhibition Center for different exhibits regarding marine life. And don’t miss out on the free use of the telescope to view ships crossing the Panama Canal

Day Three: Panama Cuisine and the Island of Flowers

For a fine taste of Panamanian Cuisine, check out “Mi Ranchito” Restaurant. A popular restaurant, the food it serves goes hand-in-hand with the ambiance created by the open-air huts. After enjoying the local delicacies, hop over to the nearby Calypso Ferry Dock and make your way over to “Isla Taboga”, or the Island of Flowers. The island’s highlight is “Iglesia San Pedro”, one of the oldest churches in Panama. **

Day Four: Yacht Club**

Visit the Balboa Yacht Club to experience a different level of high. View the private yachts docked on its bay, or enjoy eating and dancing in the Yacht Club bar and restaurant. **

Day Five: Convention Center Fever**

Make sure to drop by the Figali Convention Center for events and concerts. One of the most advanced sports and events centers in Central America, the Convention Center will surely have something for everyone. **

Day Six: Shopping Delight**

Acquire mementos and other necessities during your Fuerte Amador trip at the “Los Pueblo” mall. Other areas of interest are the “Flamenco Shopping Plaza” and “Tesa”, where you can get a range of different kinds of items, such as Panamanian handicrafts and cigars. **

Day Seven: Unwind**

Cap off the week by enjoying a walk along the causeway. Benches along the stretch of the bay provide a great view of the Panama Canal. Discover hole-in-the-wall haunts and restaurants with the convenience of security in the clean, wide walkways. Fuerte Amador, though tiny and unassuming at first instance, springs up several surprises for travelers who are willing to explore its unconventional beauty.

Contributors February 04, 2010

February 09, 2010

Guide

Bars and Cafes in Fuerte amador

In Fuerte Amador, bars and cafes dot this strip of land connecting the main land of Panama to 3 islands, making it easy for you to enjoy a cocktail after an afternoon sightseeing. At any of these bars and cafes, the views of the skyline of Panama City as well as cruise ships, yachts and other boats coming into the marinas are a view you will definitely want to soak in. ** Fuerte Amador Resort and Marina

**Located on Flamenco Island, the Fuerte Amador Resort and Marina is a 2-story building offering visitors shops and bars, restaurants and cafes. A fairly new complex, this resort gives tourists a taste of every beverage imaginable--fine wine, mixed drinks and delicious espresso creations. Bars and cafes in and around the resort include the K.Yo.Co Bar and Grill, Bennigan's Grill and Tavern and Alberto's Cafe. ** The Wine Bar

A small bar with stunning views, the Wine Bar is a perfect location to kick back and enjoy the calming sea breeze. The Wine Bar offers guests a huge selection of over 200 wines, a variety of cheeses, homemade pizza all to be enjoyed while being serenaded by live in-house music. Off the beaten path, this bar allows you to enjoy the scenery with friends and family without having to deal with the noise and crowds commonly found in bars.

Cafe Barko

**Offering some of the best views on the Amador Causeway, Cafe Barko lets you sample delicious food while enjoying panoramic views of Panama City and the Panama Canal. A great place to come for a cocktail night with friends, the full bar at Cafe Barko is impressive and sure to please any taste. Also offering one of Panama's complete wine lists, Cafe Barko is known for it's amazing sushi and seafood, a real treat you won't want to miss out on. The staff at Cafe Barko are all bilingual so whether you speak English or Spanish, you are sure to get what you order. ** Pangea

**Pangea is an upscale restaurant and bar that offers the best of the best. Fine spirits, wine and a full bar are available to please every preference. Pangea offers guests complimentary Wifi, a cigar room, 2 terraces with stunning views, dancing and smooth music. There is a business/smart casual dress code. Beach wear, shorts, tank tops and the like are not accepted so keep this in mind when bar hopping.

Contributors January 15, 2010

January 26, 2010

Guide

Budget Travel Ideas in Fuerte amador

Fuerte amador is a causeway link for four tiny islands, namely Culebra, Flamenco, Naos and Perico. It was once used as a harbor for the old Panama city, which was destroyed in 1671. Today it is a rising tourist destination for people who want to relax and just be one with nature. This Fuerte amador ** budget travel** guide lists helpful information for travelers to make the most of their budget trip to this Panamanian hotspot.

Budget Sightseeing and Recreation

Fuerte amador has been a major walking and biking trail along the bayside. Biking has always been a favorite tourist activity due to the fact that the causeway is too narrow for big vehicles to cross. Bike rentals are easily available at reasonable prices at the tip of the causeway. One can also experience the heady joy of watching luxury ships at the yachts club or take in a striking vista of the port of Panama Canal from the causeway.

Another great budget attraction is the Metropolitan Natural Park, which is just 15 minutes from Panama City. Visitors will get a wider view of the entire causeway from the park, along with witnessing some of the region's most interesting wildlife spices. The adventure, sightseeing and sports activities at Fuerto amador can easily be enjoyed on a budget.

Budget Eating and Shopping

Fuerte amador is seen as a sea-side paradise, but it is also a great shopping and eating hot spot. Some of the recommended shops where visitors can pick up affordable items are Tesa for fishing equipment, Drillo for the latest fashion accessories and Albrook Mall, which is considered the largest mall in town.

When it comes to restaurants where you can enjoy the best food at affordable prices, you may want to visit Mi Rachito, where you'll be able to enjoy all the dishes that the Panamanians are proud of, without spending a fortune. Another restaurant is Lenos and Carbon. They offer affordable dishes that are fresh, flavorsome and delicious. There is no fixed menu here, and dishes are specially made to order.

Budget Hotels and Accommodations

There aren't any budget hotels in Fuerte amador, but travelers can check out hotels in nearby cities. Try the economy lodges and hostels located in the city center of Panama City. They usually have accommodations that are affordable for budget travelers. Mamallena Backpackers, Hotel Marparaiso (approximately $27 per night), Gran Hotel Casino Soloy (approximately $50 per night), Hotel Doral and Aparthotel Torres de Alba are some nice value for money accommodation options in Panama City.

Fuerto amador is a lush tropical peninsula that can be discovered and relished, even on a shoe string budget.

Contributors February 26, 2010

February 04, 2010

Guide

Day Trips in Fuerte amador

The day trips from the Fuerte Amador emphasize the natural beauty and historical importance of the area. Activities range from the historic to the modern, but all of them focus on the outdoors.

Visit Old Panama

The first city in Panama was established in 1519, and became a trading stop on the way to and from Spain. Panama Viejo, or Old Panama, was looted and set on fire in 1671, but some of the ruins are still visible today, including the church of La Merced, convent of Saint Francis, and the King's bridge. There is a museum near the site which displays found objects from the original period.

Indian Village Tour

An Embera Indian Village is located one and a half hours from Panama City. Take a canoe up the river and through a rainforest on the way to the village. The river is the only way to access the village.

Portobello Bay

Two hours from Panama City on the Caribbean is a small town which includes ruins of Spanish forts. It was once a shipping point for mined gold and other treasures acquired through looting. As a result of the available riches, Portobello became a target for pirates who wanted to seize the treasures. English pirate Sir Francis Drake is thought to have died near the town.

Soberanía National Park

Soberanía has a 100-foot observation tower which boasts views of the forest and its canopy. A vast number of birds inhabit the park, and several world records have been set there for the number of bird species spotted in one day. It is also the home of resorts Canopy Tower and Gamboa Rain Forest Resort.

Located 45 minutes from Panama City, Canopy Tower is a haven for bird watchers, but there is plenty to see and to photograph for any lover of nature and the outdoors. 45 minutes from Panama City, the Gamboa Rainforest Resort offers a variety of eco tours, including a trip on an aerial tram through the rainforest canopy, kayaking, and fishing. After a day of outdoor adventures, dine in the Resort's Las Lagartos Restaurant or lounge at the pool.

El Valle

For a different small-town experience, visit the mountain town two hours from Panama City. It is known for the artists and craftspeople who sell items in town. Find an inexpensive restaurant for lunch and view the mountains from a zipline tour.

Contributors January 19, 2010

January 08, 2010

Guide

Eating Out in Fuerte amador

Fuerte Amador, Panama is located at the Pacific entrance into the Panama Canal and is home to many great restaurants. The Panamanian food is very similar to most other Latin American cuisine and isn't as spicy as some might think. There are many traditional restaurants as well as other ethnic restaurants to chose from in Fuerte Amador.

**Cafe El Barko **

Located at Calle Amador, Isla Flamenco, Panama City, the restaurant is a seafood lover's paradise. At Cafe El Barko you can enjoy many of the fresh catches of day such as lobster, fish, shrimp, calamari,or the speciality ceviche (fish cured in lime sauce). The restaurant is located on Isla Flamenco, the last island on the causeway, and offers spectacular views. Occasionally you will be lucky enough to enjoy live music at the cafe, but you can always count on excellent service and delicious food. Combination platters are available to share, as well as some traditional Panamanian dishes, and you will also find sushi available here.

Lenos & Carbon

The name of this restaurant is roughly translated to firewood and coal in English and is a great dining spot with some excellent skyline views of Panama City. Lenos & Carbon offers excellent service and quality food at an affordable price. The restaurant is a mid-range option where you can casually dine, or get dressed up and make an evening here. The servers speak some English, but the menu is pretty self explanatory. Lenos & Carbon offers many great Panamanian dishes as well as many continental dishes. The food here is cooked to order, and you won't be disappointed with the views.

**Alberto's Cafe **

Alberto's Cafe, located on Isla Flamenco, is a great little dining spot located at the Flamenco Marina. Alberto's serves classic Italian food, and has some of the best pizzas in Panama City. Alberto's can get a quite busy, and the service can be marginal at times, but the cuisine is well worth the wait. It is a perfect spot for lunch with a great view of the marina. The 6-page menu can be a little overwhelming as it offers a wide range of meats, pastas, pizzas and seafood, but it does offer something for everyone.

**Mi Ranchito **

Located at Isla Naos, Fuete Amador, Panama City the restaurant is situated near the Smithsonian Institute and offers an array of classic Panamanian dishes. Mi Ranchito is the perfect open air restaurant for a delicious, fresh seafood meal and cold beer. The view is amazing, and the cool breezes that sweep through the restaurant are certainly invited on hot days. Make sure to try the coconut rice or the Panamanian combination specialities plate for a nice taste of Panama.

Contributor: Nicole Mesaros

Contributors January 19, 2010

Guide

Family Travel Ideas in Fuerte amador

The eternal beauty of the majestic sea and tropical landscape found at one of the most popular getaways in the South Pacific beckons travelers to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere it offers. The fun activities coupled with scenic places to visit and the rich cultural discovery of the Panamanians is a nice way to spend a family vacation. The Fuerte amador family travel guide offers visitors information on some super attractions to make the most of your family holiday.

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute at Amador

Watch the eyes of your little ones pop in wonder at the different tropical creatures that are found at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI). Observe fis and other sea animals as they flash their unique and attractive colors to visitors.

Get up close and personal with cute tropical animals such as 3-toed sloths and some wonderful species of birds as well. Let your kids learn about the marvelous life under the sea and the tropics. Since they open from 10 AM to 5 PM on weekends, you can spend a lot of time exploring the attractions offered. From Tuesday to Friday, you can start discovering STRI from 1 to 5 PM. The entrance fee is $3 per head.

Amador Causeway

Do practically everything at this three mile stretch of road that connects three beautiful islands! Families can go biking, jogging, strolling or rollerblading. Fear not if you cannot possibly bring any gear with you since there are places where you can rent bikes, blades and many other items right at the entrance of the strip.

Get to enjoy the enchanting view of the Panama Canal to your left and the overwhelming Panama City to your right. Upon reaching the end of the Causeway, the breathtaking sight of multi-million dollar yachts at the Flamenco Yacht Club is impressive. Good food is certainly not a problem in this place. Many street vendors sell all sorts of eatables including cotton candy and ice-cream for children at very reasonable prices. If you prefer family-friendly restaurants that prepare delectable meals, you can try Mi Ranchita, Lenos and Carbon and Bennigan’s.

Contributors February 26, 2010

February 03, 2010

Guide

Festivals in Fuerte amador

The Fuerte Amador Festivals are similar to the celebrations held through the beautiful country of Panama. Fuerte Amador is located at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal and is a man-made peninsula. From Fuerte Amador, one can see the vibrant Panama City in the horizon. Here are just some of the traditional and exciting festivals held throughout the year in Feurte Amador.

Panama Jazz Festival

The Panama Jazz Festival is held in the month of January and is a week-long celebration of jazz music. Musicians from Panama and from other countries throughout the world attend this prestigious event to perform and show their talents to colleagues and to guests of the festival. The Panama Jazz Festival is also an opportunity to learn more about the genre of jazz.

Chiriqui Highlands January Flower and Coffee Festival

The Chiriqui Highlands January Flower and Coffee Festival is a wonderful event for those who love and enjoy both flowers and coffee. This event attracts visitors from all over the world. Because this is a 10-day festival, it is recommended for those attending to reserve their accommodations early.

Panama Carnival

In the days leading up the Ash Wednesday in the month of February, the Via Espana and the entire Panama City are in full celebration mode and the sights and sounds of the Panama Carnival have taken over. Many colorful parades, the sounds of reggae music and the smell of ethnic foods fill the air. Dancing, drinking and celebrating in the streets make the Panama Carnival very festive. Many compare the Panama Carnival to the New Orleans Mardi Gras. Visitors should book their accommodations early if planning to visit when the Panama Carnival takes place.

Festival of the Black Christ

Celebrated on October 21, the people of Fuerte Anador and the rest of Panama come to observe this unique parade, which features a life-sized statue of a black Christ. The Festival of the Black Christ has been celebrated for over 3 centuries and is considered to be one of the most spiritual events celebrated by the people of Panama. The history of this festival began when the people of Panama discovered a box with a statue of Christ in it. Once this box was opened the people of Panama suffered a cholera epidemic. Since this time the people of Panama have worshiped the statue and the epidemic ended. During this festival, the statue of Jesus Christ is carried throughout the streets and the people of Panama eat, drink and celebrate with each other.

Contributors February 23, 2010

Guide

Getting There in Fuerte amador

Fuerte Amador and Fuerte Grant (also known as Fort Amador and Fort Grant) were formerly U.S. military bases that were established to protect the south entrance of the Panama Canal. After the forts were returned to Panama in 1999, Fuerte Amador was developed as popular tourist destination. Fuerte Amador owes it name to the first President of Panama and this city has been relevant in history since the old days of piracy.

Getting There by Plane

The easiest way to get to Fuerte Amador is by booking a flight to Panama City. The Tocumen International Airport (IATA airport code: PTY) is the airport that serves both Panama City and Fuerte Amador. Travelers from South America and North America should look into booking their flights through Copa Airlines because this is the main hub for this airline. Many international airlines offer direct flights to and from Panama City. Most nationalities do not require a visa to visit Panama for less than 90 days.

Getting from the Airport to Fuerte Amador Getting to Fuerte Amador from the airport is quite easy. First you can either rent a taxi, take a private charter bus, or rent a car to arrive to your hotel. If you have just a few days in Panama, it may be best to arrange a tour with one of the tour operators from the portal zone. If you have more time, you may want to drive to Fuerte Amador.

Contributors January 19, 2010

January 11, 2010

Guide

Museums in Fuerte amador

Located at the Pacific Ocean entrance to the Panama Canal, Fuerte Amador is a hot bed of activity and great jumping off point to explore the famous Panama Canal. Fuerte Amador is home to many shops, restaurants, museums, and is a man-made causeway connecting to 4 other islands. Here are some great museums to check out during your stay in Fuerte Amador:

BioMuseo is in the construction stages and is slated to open in 2010. This marvelous new addition to Fuerte Amador will bring the area to life with a unique design by Frank Gehry. This new biodiversity museum is going to highlight green initiatives being taken by Panama as well as showcase an exhibit called "The Bridge of Life" where visitors will see how the Panama Canal came to be and how it has changed patterns of tides, winds, and ideas. Frank Gehry is well known for his work on the Guggenheim Museum in Spain.

Smithsothian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) is technically a labortory where scientists are studying the marine life on Punta Culebra, but they do have a very interesting open air museum centered around marine biology within the region, and the marine conservation of the area. Within walking distance to STRI is the popular El Centro del Exhibiciones Marinas spotlighting many exhibits (in English and Spanish) on the Panama marine life, sea turtles, the Panama Isthmus, the reef, and ocean pollution.

Contributors January 19, 2010

Guide

Nightlife and Entertainment in Fuerte amador

Panamanians, or Panamanacans as the locals would prefer to be called, love the nightlife, albeit in a more laidback way. Their idea of fun is not to groove to jarring music, but in the form of classic tunes playing in the background, while the locals enjoy their drinks over animated conversations. The Fuerte amador nightlife guide offers visitors a list of the best places to head to after the sun sets.

The Wine Bar

The Wine Bar is a nice, informal bistro boasting of a wine cellar of over 300 choicest varieties from all over the world. Patrons can also nibble on an array of cheese platters to go along with the wine. There are other fast-food items like pizzas, sandwiches and burgers to keep hunger pangs at bay. Live musicians keep playing vintage and popular tunes throughout the night to entertain visitors. The bar is just a stone’s throw away from the El Panama Hotel and is therefore very popular with tourists.

Café Barko

Feel the sea breeze gently caress your skin as you approach this entertaining hotspot. Café Barko is a relaxed sea-side café that plays lovely vintage tunes, which are reminiscent of the golden era of the 60’s and 70’s. Don’t forget to taste the excellent sushi as you sit back and enjoy the cozy ambiance. The café also serves some creative salads and scrumptious appetizers.

La Marina

Enjoy a game of pool or get your body moving to the live music being played at La Marina. This is one of the hottest night clubs frequented more by visitors and expats than locals. The collection of music played throughout the night is undoubtedly good and so is the food. The patio area would be the best place to settle down and rest for a while before calling it a night.

Kayuko

Giving you a lovely ambiance and a breathtaking view of the skyline of Panama City, Kayuko is a fun place to be. It offers a lovely, casual setting to get together with friends and enjoy a couple of refreshing drinks in the backdrop of the peninsula’s picturesque vistas. This snug, comfortable and discreet bar is ideal for a romantic night out as well.

Fuerte Amador Panama is one of those spirited destinations which boast of a good combination of both-lively dance clubs that cater to frolicking tourists and laidback bars and cafes to allow locals to have an intimate gathering.

Contributors February 26, 2010

February 03, 2010

Guide

Practical Information in Fuerte amador

Fuerte Amador, Panama is a man-made peninsula that jets out into the Pacific Ocean. This small peninsula is home to many shops, restaurants, and marinas and Fuerte Amador claims some of the best views of Panama City. It also creates a causeway that connects to 4 islands along the Panama coast.

**Location **

Fuerte Amador is located in the country of Panama, bordered by Costa Rica to the north and Columbia to the south. The Fuerte Amador peninsula sits at the entrance of the Panama Canal on the Pacific Ocean side. Fuerte Amador is located at 8.9 degrees latitude, and 79.6 degrees longitude, roughly 2.2 miles from Panama City and 1.6 miles from the Panama Canal.

**Population **

The approximate population for the peninsula of Fuerte Amador is 24,000 residents, and the approximate population for the country of Panama is 3.2 million residents.

**Currency **

The official currency of Panama is the Panamanian Balboa (B) which is divided into 100 centesimos. The coins that are used are the B1, B10, 50, 25, 10, 5, and 1 centesimos. The official paper currency is the U.S. dollar. The Balboa is exchanged equally to the U.S. Dollar, meaning B1 = US$1. Both currencies are used identically throughout Panama. U.S. travelers' checks and U.S. dollars do not need to be exchanged to Balboa. Most major credit cards are widely accepted throughout Panama, and other currencies can be exchanged at any Bureau de Change for a small exchange fee. Major banks will also exchange currency, usually at the best exchange rate. ATMs and Cashpoint are also great ways to pull cash and are found easily throughout Panama City. It is advisable to carry a small amount of cash while traveling throughout Panama, as many local vendors do not accept credit cards.

**Language **

The official language of Panama is Spanish, and approximately 14 percent of the population speaks English. It is very common for Panamanians to be bilingual in Spanish and English.

**Religion **

It is estimated that 85 percent of the Panama population is Roman Catholic, while 15 percent is Protestant.

**Time Zone **

Standard Time Zone: UTC or Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) - 5 hours throughout Panama, also same time zone as Eastern Time Zone in the United States. Panama does not observe Daylight Savings Time.

**Telephone **

The international dialing code for Panama is 507.

Contributors January 19, 2010

Guide

Shopping in Fuerte amador

Fuerte Amador, apart from being a natural sea-side paradise and hot leisure holiday spot is also a great place to pick up a range of items from traditional souvenirs available in local markets to modern, branded merchandise at up-market indoor malls and shopping centers. Here is a visitor’s guide to shopping in Fuerte Amador Panama.

Pesqueros

For angling enthusiasts, Pesqueros is a 1-stop shop for all fishing equipment and accessories that can be purchased at very reasonable prices. This handy store, located in the Clubhouse Building, sees several tourists here in the early mornings for their share of fishing goods.

Tesa

This is a great specialty store for riders. Look no further if you are interested in buying Yamaha equipment, Bobcat accessories, Yanmar engines and other transport related items. Housed in the same Clubhouse Building as Pesqueros, Tesa is for the rugged adventure buffs who want to take off for a ride in the narrow alleys of Fuerte Amador Panama.

Drillo

The hip fashion store located in the Terminal Building is filled with fashion accessories of the season, all neatly arranged in several categories on their racks. There are also traditional handicrafts that make for lovely souvenirs and a small in-house stall that serves refreshments for tired shoppers. The rates are slightly on the higher side but the goods are all exclusive and of top-notch quality.

Tierra Linda

This store is a delight for all shoppers. Visitors can buy everything from hand-made paper craft items to local souvenirs and traditional wooden handicrafts. The Pananma Tropic Shop, located in the town center, is another great place to find local products, food items and artifacts.

Albrook Mall

The Albrook Mall is a mega shopping destination in town and offers year round discounts on designer merchandise. The food court of the mall houses international food chains like Wendy’s, KFC and Pizza Hut.

Flamenco Shopping Plaza

This swanky mall is a mélange of several bars, fine-dining restaurants and expensive boutiques. This is also one of the best places to pick up quality Panamanian leather products, cigars and local handicrafts.

Los Pueblos

This gigantic mall, located near the Panama International Airport houses over a dozen specialty outlets that offer huge discounts and bargains on all grocery and food items.

Fuaerte Amador Panama is a shopper’s paradise and several items like rare jewelry pieces, world-class handbags and the most exclusive French perfumes are available at duty-free shops spread throughout the town.

Contributors January 26, 2010

January 29, 2010

Guide

Sights in Fuerte amador

In Fuerte Amador, sights are countless along this thin stretch of land that connects Panama to its 3 popular islands. Depending on what it is you're interested in, there are a number of attractions that will meet the expectations of every traveler, regardless of age.

**Biking

**One of the main things locals do in Fuerte Amador is bike. The Amador Causeway is too narrow to accommodate much traffic, but bike paths are one thing this strip of land has in excess. There are countless bike rental shops all along the causeway that rent bikes for people to enjoy the sea breeze and views of the Panama City skyline as well as the activities of the many marinas. ** Ferry to Tobago Island

**One of the biggest attractions in Fuerte Amador is the ferry trip to Tobago Island. The Calypso ferries are the boats to book when planning this trip. Next to the Mi Ranchito restaurant is the Calypso Ferry Dock, which is where you will catch your ride. Call ahead for scheduling to make sure you plan for the correct duration of the trip as the ferry makes multiple trips throughout the day.

A casual fishing community, Tobago Island is the place to go for an afternoon on the beach. Because the Amador Causeway is primarily the highway and bike paths are dotted with restaurants, the beaches are all on the islands. Not only are there sandy beaches to stretch out on, but there are countless shops that rent jet skis, diving equipment and a variety of boats. There are also a handful of shops selling local handicrafts which are perfect for souvenirs of your travels. A trip aboard the Calypso Queen or Calypso Princess to Tobago Island is an activity you will want to plan on!

**Fuerte Amador Resort and Marina

**One of the highlights of the Amador Causeway is the Fuerte Amador Resort and Marina. The Resort is a 2-story building that offers guests everything from countless shops to purchase souvenirs for friends and family members, restaurants, bars and cafes as well as rental opportunities. If you want to experience the Panama Canal for yourself, the Fuerte Amador Resort and Marina is the place to go to rent a boat for the day. What better way to experience the Canal than to be out there among the waves? Not only does this Marina meet those needs, but it is also a great place to start and end your day with breakfast, lunch, dinner and a cocktail.

Contributors January 26, 2010

January 15, 2010

Guide

Things to do in Fuerte amador

Although it is a small area, the Fuerte Amador has several recreational and tourist activities contained within the islands via a short trip