Cycling in Panama City
Do you love cycling? Explore Panama City by bike. Here, you can pedal along the shore as you admire the incredible skyline, discover historic sites, ride around parks, and even follow trails in the mountains… all in the same day.
Whether you’re an urban cyclist, a thrill seeker, or a beginner, or you prefer to bike as a family, you’ll find routes designed for you.
Why is Panamá a unique destination for cyclists?
Every Sunday morning, Av. Balboa is closed to cars and open for cyclists. Enjoy a bike ride and take part in a variety of activities such as rumba classes, yoga, biking for kids, and much more.
This area, known as the Recreovia, goes from the neighborhood of Paitilla to the end of the Amador Causeway, though sometimes other areas of the city join the route and gradually more events are joining in, too.
So now you know, set aside a Sunday on your vacation to visit the Recreovia. This is the best time to pedal peacefully, in a group or with kids, and discover the city safely.
What you should know before getting in the saddle
Don’t worry if you don’t have a bike or you didn’t bring yours. You’ll find several rental spots in the city with classic, tandem, family, and electric bikes.
Ride nonstop around the city and its forests. Find routes for families, beginners, and experts. Always remember to put on biodegradable sunscreen, bring a water bottle, and wear lightweight clothing.
Remember that there’s always a special lane for cyclists on the Cinta Costera and the Amador Causeway, as well as many outdoor activities to enjoy. Plus, there are special days and events when bikes take over the streets and special tours to explore unique places accompanied by a guide. Be sure to make the most of your energy and discover the city and its history in a different way.
Start in Paitilla and ride along the Cinta Costera in a lane exclusively for bicycles. Along the way, you’ll see the “Panamá” sign, the seafood market, and the path under the bridge where you can take incredible pictures with Panamá’s flag.
Continue along the section known as Cinta Costera 3, which leads you to the Torrijos Carter Viaduct and then to the Amador Causeway—5 kilometers on the waterfront with clear views, restaurants, marinas, museums, and spots to rest or indulge in gastronomy.
Pedal through the past: Casco Antiguo
Casco Antiguo is a charming setting for those looking for architecture, culture, and coffee shops off cobblestone streets. Though there aren’t any bikeways or marked paths for cyclists, some tour operators offer bike rides with stops to try Geisha coffee, visit cultural spaces, and even taste ceviche at the seafood market.
City of Knowledge: Green, cultural city
City of Knowledge is a neighborhood, just a few minutes from the Miraflores Visitor Center, designed and used as a hub for culture, science, and development. In addition to a busy cultural agenda, you’ll find many recreational and sports areas, restaurants, and of course, wide roads and sidewalks for riding your bike.
Beyond the city
If you want to keep pedaling, head to Panama Pacifico, west of the city, where you’ll find a bikeway bordered by natural scenery for 8 kilometers (5 miles), with a variety of tropical flora and fauna.
If you prefer to explore the green side of the Pacific Riviera, in a climate that’s a little cooler, El Valle de Anton, just over two hours from Panama City (127 km), is the perfect place to explore by bike, surrounded by nature, mountains, and handicraft stalls, where you can find the perfect souvenir from Panamá. Take advantage of tours that plan everything for you and start at your hotel in the capital.
Mountain biking for those who like to keep active
Panamá is full of forests and nature parks, and less than an hour outside the city center, you’ll find challenging trails surrounded by nature:
- Cerro Azul: This cloud forest just an hour outside the city is almost 1,000 meters above sea level, so the temperatures are cool. Between the trees, find mountain biking trails rated green, blue, black, and double black diamond.
- Gamboa: Take the old highway running parallel to the Panama Canal out of the city for 45 minutes. In the forests here, you’ll find four mountain trails—one green, two blue, and one black—surrounded by trees and wildlife.
- Soberania National Park: Also located just outside the city, this park has eight trails rated for all levels.
Ride around our tourist attractions
Panama City isn’t just for exploring—it’s for pedaling. Here, every route tells a different story, either about the city, culture, or nature. Come visit, rent a bike, and discover a vibrant, active, green city!
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