I spent a fair amount of time here for logistical reasons - arrival by plane, picking up Mike and then Peggy, and getting a COVID test to leave - and I can say that Panama City is certainly the most navigable Central American capital, making it worth a couple of days if you dont mind the higher prices.
This seaside trail and park was my favorite part of the city. Its the perfect place not only for exercise and views of the skyline, but also to walk from the CBD to the fish market and Casco Viejo without the need to dodge cars.
It used to be a zone and with the exception of the tip near the water, the new and old are visible on every block - newly renovated Spanish colonial buildings for rent juxtaposed with dilapidated apartments with cages built around the balconies. Farther from the water it fully transitions into a slum. Though its tempting to wish for the gaps to be filled in and polished to look like other colonial cities in Latin America, the enormous gap between rich and poor, the police perimeter around the more
attractive areas, and the signs protesting the gentrification make any tourists staying or eating in the area at least somewhat culpable But it sure is pretty at night and most of the best restaurants in the city are here.
Prepare to be accosted by if you pass through the gates. The good news is that all of the 25 or so restaurants in the outdoor food court (see photo) look mostly the same, so you can probably go with whoever approaches you first. But doing some research ahead of time can also simplify things.
My friend Mike and I found this by accident. We asked a young couple for directions to summit Sosa Hill and since it was closed, they offered to drive us to the Causeway instead. The former U.S. naval base has been converted into an area with bike trails and restaurants. Its very crowded on weekends but I returned there on a weekday with Peggy and renting bikes for an hour was easy and relaxing.
Its worth checking this out if you dont have any guided walks planned in the jungle, since there are sloths
