Fuerte Amador, Panama City...What to do in the evening?

What have you done....What would you recommend for 4 hours in the evening...approx 6 pm to 10 pm....Ship tenders go to Fuerte Amador.

We tendered in for that time frame last year - I would stay on the ship if we did it again. There is nothing there but a small shopping area and maybe a small bar or restaurant. There were a couple of ship excursions - one back to view the Canal at night and the other to see Panama City. Debarkation was a nightmare because we were a little late completing the transit of the Canal so people were anxious to get on the tenders and get to the excursions or see what there is of the little area. We wandered through one shop and picked up a few souvenirs, stopped at a little convenience store and got aloe vera gel for my sunburn :) and then went right back to the ship.

Sue

Sue....We stayed on the ship last year and probably will again this year. All we heard we "nightmare" stories but thought maybe things had changed in the last year so thought I'd throw the question out. Thanks for the info.

Thanks for the info. We are doing a repo from FLL to SF next May 2006 and I was alwo wondering the same thing. Again thanks I think we will stay on the ship.

Marilyn

Panama City Must-Do

A visit to spectacular Amador Causeway is a must-do for any trip to Panama City. It is hard to think of an urban property anywhere that offers such sweeping and interesting views as the Amador Causeway. In addition to the amazing views, there is also plenty to do. The Causeway hosts restaurants fancy and simple, nightlife spots, small shopping centers, bicycle rentals, a yacht marina, jogging paths and a Canal-side hotel.

This is just the beginning. Other hotels and resorts are in the works. When the fabulous Biodiversity Museum designed by Frank Gehry opens in 2005, the Causeway is sure to become one of the most famous urban destinations in the world.

Amador Causeway is a made up of a road from the mainland that strings together four small islands in the Panama Bay:Naos, Culebra, Perico and Flamingo. Perfectly situated at the mouth of the Panama Canal and bordering beautiful Panama City bay, the Causeway offers spectacular 360 degree views and pleasant sea breezes.

Looking to your right, view ships large and small waiting just outside the Canal in the Pacific Ocean for permission to proceed and of ships transiting the Canal going under the the picturesque Bridge of the Americas. The famous bridge which links two continents where the Canal once divided them, is lit up at night festooned in blue and white lights.

Looking to your left, view the Manhattan-like skyline of modern Panama City. It is hard to say which time of day the view is more beautiful. At sunrise, the sun hits the glass buildings and glass windows on the city skyline- every building seems on fire with white and gold sunlight. During the day, you see the Panama Bay with its city skyline and the ocean beyond. At night, take in a totally different view when the city skyline around Panama Bay sparkles with lights. Take your pickof a great view or visit each time of the day.

Causeway History:

The Causeway has quite a history. The islands were a favorite docking place for the Spanish galleons reaching Panama City and laden with treasure stolen from the Incan empire. From 1913, all four of the islands comprised Fort Grant, a powerful defense complex guarding the entrance to the Canal warding off possible German and Japanese attacks. The road that now connects the three islands was made by the American military from rocks dug up to make the Panama Canal. There is even a formerly secret military-use tunnel/command post carved deep in the rock of Flamingo island. More recently, fallen Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega had a favorite hideout on one of the islands- you can see the partially destroyed building today.

Things to Do

Walk,Bike,Jog

You can walk the the one mile length of the Causeway and savor the views all round.Even if it is hot in the city, on the Causeway the sea breezes will cool you down. You can also rent a bike ($2 an hour) jog and rollerblade.

The Restaurant Scene

A favorite activity for both natives and visitors is dining at one of Amador's many fine restaurants.There's a restaurant for every budget from exquisite seafood to simple hamburger fare- and they all with beautiful views.

Nightlife Spots

The beautiful night vistas of the city and the Canal make Amador one of Panama's most popular nightlife spots and there are nightlife spots for every age and budget.

Marine Museum

Visit the Marine Exhibit run by Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. The museum has marine exhibits including a Pacific and a Caribbean aquarium with the different fish from each ocean for you to compare. Open 1 to 5 pm Tuesday through Friday and 10 am to 5pm Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is $1.

Getting There

If you don't have a vehicle, it is easy to get a taxi both to and from the Causeway. Cost each way will be about $4.

we are stopping there on our cruise, and notice one shore excurision is "Los Pueblos OUltet shoppig" anyone familiar with that shopping, how far from the pier is it. Thanks

I definitely would like some info on the shopping also..................

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