The Cinta Costera (literally Coastal Strip), is a hidden gem in Panama City. It’s a strip of park next to the Pacific Ocean that runs from Democracy Plaza and Punta Paitilla all they way to Casco Viejo. The park is well manicured with lots of different types of trees and plants. You will see date palms, golden pothos vines, birds of paradise, and many more. The Cinta Costera also features a wide bike and rollerblade path next to an equally wide walking path. In the mornings, you will find lots of people out running, walking, biking, and many other forms of exercise. There are also pickleball courts, parks, and stationary exercise equipment (think push ups, pull up bars, sit-up platforms, etc).
Walking the Cinta Costera to Casco Viejo
Our Airbnb is in the Bella Vista neighborhood, about 3 miles from Casco Viejo. We love to walk, so while we could have taken Panama Metro, we decided to walk the entire stretch. For the day it was about 7.5 miles, including walking around Casco Viejo itself.
Getting to Cinta Costera requires crossing some very busy roads. Thankfully though, there are elevated pedestrian crossings every few blocks. Cross the first part of the the Inter-American Highway to a set of parks between lanes. Then look for a second elevated crossing to take you across the other set of lanes to the footpath.
Follow the Cinta Costera to Mercado de Marisco
About 2/3 of the way to Casco Viejo you will run right into the Fish Market or Mercado de Marisco. More on this in another post. For now just know it’s worth visiting, getting bombarded by each restaurant trying to pull you in, and paying the gringo prices. We just won’t do it more than once.
Be sure to check out all the fishing boats parked nearby. Note the segregated seating for vultures vs pelicans on the rooftop. And, recognize there probably is no such thing as an OSHA like agency in Panama.
Mercado de Marisco to Casco Viejo
A quick look at Google Maps might suggest that you have to swap to streets and sidewalks to continue on to Casco Viejo. But no, this isn’t the case. Simply follow the walking path to the Monument of the Flag of Panama. From there the path goes under the roadway allowing you to continue on with no need to try to cross traffic. Plus, you get additional views back to downtown Panama City from the flag.
Exploring Casco Viejo
Casco Viejo, also known as Casco Antiguo (Old Quarter) is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site with structures dating back to the 1600’s. Today you will find a mix of buildings, some fully rehabbed with high end restaurants and some fenced off with trees growing up from inside them. It’s full of narrow streets, museums like the Museum of the Panama Canal, old churches and more. We also saw many school groups, tourists, and even a wedding party in traditional dress posing for photos before the main event at San Francisco de Asis Church.
While Panama City isn’t the most pedestrian friendly, the Cinta Costera and the walking path specifically is outstanding. It’s well maintained, safe, and offers outstanding views all along the path. A walk to Casco Viejo and back along this path is well worth the experience.
We look forward to your reports. What a wonderful record of your trip. I appreciate your pictures too. My father was a professional photographer. I see much of what he tried yo teach me in your work. David, these efforts of yours are most appreciated.