Transit running
The classic loop: a circuit of Parque Urracá → footbridge → 2 km of Cinta Costera → back. ~5 km total, fully connected.
Bella Vista · Av. Balboa
Urracá ↔ Cinta Costera Footbridge
The 80-metre walkway connecting the city park to the waterfront — an essential shortcut
Free24/7Bella Vista
In pictures
Photos taken by Inside Panama in April 2026 on the Urracá ↔ Cinta Costera footbridge, Bella Vista, Panama City.
Why go
- The fastest shortcut between Bella Vista and the waterfront promenade
- Panoramic view of the Punta Paitilla skyline from the deck
- Pedestrian-only — no motorised vehicles
- Lit at night — usable late in the evening
- Underrated sunset photo spot
When to go
Early morning (6-8 am) for runners linking the park + Cinta. Golden hour (5:30-6:30 pm) for skyline photos. Avoid 11 am – 3 pm: full sun on the metal deck, no shade.
What to do
Skyline photo spot
The deck gives you a unique angle on the Punta Paitilla towers, elevated above Avenida Balboa. Best time: golden hour.
Sunset viewpoint
Facing west onto the bay — less crowded than the official Cinta Costera overlooks, so quieter.
Bike / scooter connection
Gentle ramps at both ends — crossable by bike or scooter (walked, technically riding is forbidden).
How to get there
- Metro
- Iglesia del Carmen station (Line 1) — 10 min walk on the Bella Vista side, or descend directly to Cinta Costera via Av. Balboa
- Bus
- MiBus buses along Av. Balboa, "Cinta Costera 2" stop 100 m away
- Uber / InDriver
- Ask for drop-off on the Parque Urracá side (Calle 41 Este) — the bridge itself isn't car-accessible
- On foot
- From Bella Vista: 5 min from Iglesia del Carmen, 2 min from Parque Urracá. From Cinta Costera: stairs or gentle ramp on the west side of the park.
- Parking
- No dedicated parking — leave the car in Bella Vista (streets) or at Cinta Costera public lots (free, ~5-7 min walk)
Expat tips
- The deck is metal — gets hot between noon and 3 pm, wear closed shoes if possible
- No assisted lighting (street lights only) — good visibility late, but don't linger at night
- Strange acoustics in the middle: Av. Balboa noise rises directly — not ideal for phone calls
- Quieter on the Cinta side than the Parque Urracá side — the west end gets less foot traffic
- Combine with a visit to the commemorative statues at Parque Urracá right after
FAQ
Is it safe to cross on foot?
Yes, it's the safest option to cross Av. Balboa on foot — 4 lanes plus fast traffic make ground-level crossings risky. The bridge is lit, clear, and used.
Wheelchair accessible?
Yes, at both ends via gentle ramps. The deck is flat. Wide enough for wheelchair crossings.
How long does it take to cross?
About 2 minutes walking calmly, 1 minute brisk. Same as a typical crossing — but without waiting for the light.
Any benches or rest spots?
No, it's a transit bridge, not a park. The nearest benches are on the Cinta Costera side (along the promenade) or in Parque Urracá on the land side.
