The Ciclovia Cinta Costera is Panama City’s signature running option, and one of the finest waterfront running routes in Latin America. This paved multi-use path, opened in 2009 and continually expanding, stretches from Estadio Maracana (Stadium), just south of the Casco Viejo, (Old Quarter) to Democracy Plaza in the north. Along the way, there are wonderful views the Gulf of Panama and the city’s skyline. It’s a festive scene, with strength training stations, sports fields, and spaces for group fitness classes. PRO TIP: The Cinta Costera bypass road is closed to cars until 12 pm on Sundays, and is a festive scene with tons of people!

There are a few ways to do this route. The southern section, Cinta 3, from the stadium to the Casco Viejo, is 2 km. Then, you can wind your way through the Old Quarter, for ~2 km, rejoining the path just north of the Cinta Costera 3 bridge, where the path continues for another 4 km. Of course, you could just do the northern section.

You can also run on the road that bypasses the Old Quarter. This is the Cinta Costera 3 bridge. It’s a busy 6-lane highway, but there is a cycle path alongside, and the views are great! This bypass road option is 3 km, and makes the full Cinta Costera path 0.5 km longer than the option passing through the Old Quarter.