Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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1 The Causeway
At the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, a 2km palm-tree-lined calzada (causeway)
connects the four small islands of Naos, Culebra, Perico and Flamenco to the mainland.
The Causeway is popular in the early morning and late afternoon, when residents walk,
jog, skate and cycle its narrow length.
The Causeway also offers sweeping views of the skyline and the old city with flocks
of brown pelicans diving into the sea. Others arrive here simply to savor the pleasant
breeze at one of the many restaurants and bars.
If you don't have your own vehicle, it's most convenient to take a taxi to the Cause-
way (US$4 to US$8). Any of the restaurants or bars can call one for you.
Fuerte Amador Resort & Marina MARINA
( 314-1980; www.fuerteamador.com ) At the end of Isla Flamenco, this complex contains a
two-story shopping center, a marina, a cruise-ship terminal and a number of restaurants
and bars. At night, these open-air spots are a big draw, providing a fine setting for cock-
tails or a decent meal.
At the marina, daily boats leave for the nearby resort island of Isla Taboga .
Centro de Exhibiciones Marinas MUSEUM
(Centro Natural Punta Culebra, CEM; 212-8000; adult/child US$5/1; 1-5pm Tue-Fri,
10am-6pm Sat & Sun) Ideal for families, the CEM is operated by the Smithsonian Tropical
Research Institute (STRI). This informative marine museum features two small aquari-
ums and a nature trail through a patch of dry forest containing sloths and iguanas. Signs
in English and Spanish.
Separate aquariums contain fish from the Pacific and the Caribbean, allowing you to
compare the two sets. Staff on hand can explain to you the reasons for the differences.
Exhibits examine the role that Panama's marine resources play in the country's economy,
and the destructive effects of harvesting fish and shrimp by net.
Exhibits include a small six-sided building with sweeping views of the Bahía de
Panamá, built by Noriega for intimate gatherings. Today, it has exhibits on the history of
Panama's indigenous cultures.
Outside, large, intelligent illustrations of vessels allow visitors to glance out at the
ocean and identify the types of ships waiting to transit the canal, aided by a telescope.
 
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