Panama City Tours

Panama City is a destination full of contrasts that will surprise you through its gastronomy, architecture and colorful streets. As you enter the city, you can move abruptly from secret passages to modern spaces mined with skyscrapers. To revel in the essence of this metropolis I recommend starting with a tour of its highlights such as the Panama Canal, the Amador Causeway, Miraflores and San Felipe.

If you want to continue exploring the best activities in Panama City I recommend joining a gastronomic tasting, to delight you with flavors, smells and textures. There are also tours by bicycle, tour bus and aboard a classic 1971 VW Safari. You can even experience a quick getaway from the airport, or fly over the Panama Canal by helicopter.

The quintessential favorite itinerary to get to know Panama City is a route that includes a scenic canal tour. This way, you can explore the most important places and get into the Casco Viejo, better known as San Felipe. In this area let yourself be carried away by its cobblestone streets, marvel at the jewels that surround the Plaza de Francia and glide through the passages that lead to the Malecon.

But that's not all, get ready for an atmosphere steeped in history along Calzada de Amador, a road that connects Panama City with its three islands. You will also see the old American military bases from World War I and II. Of course, the Miraflores Visitors Center, where you will learn how the canal works, is a must on the route.

The tour allows you to see the locks of the port and watch the ships sailing through the immensity of this engineering discovery. Note that you will find group and private options, which usually include transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. This way, you will enjoy five hours of absolute comfort, where your only concern will be to have a good time. Other outstanding places you can visit are:

• Cathedral Basilica Santa Maria la Antigua, an architectural jewel worth visiting.
• Arco Chato, the ruins of an ancient church from the 16th century.
• Paseo de las Bóvedas, a historic place where bike rides are very pleasant.
• Goethals Monument, a statue in honor of the chief engineer of the Panama Canal.

Details of interest

• Price: from 62 € per person.
• Duration: about five hours.
• Advantages: usually includes hydration, snacks and entrance to the Cathedral Basilica Santa Maria la Antigua. Generally, this type of experience is free for children under 3 years old.
• Disadvantages: Keep in mind that the Goethals Monument area is very crowded and with massive traffic, so in some cases you will not be able to visit this site. Additionally, these tours are not recommended for travelers with heart conditions or other medical problems.

Panama City offers a breathtaking panorama, as well as a pleasant climate for biking. If you want to escape the traffic, get your pedals ready to explore downtown to the rhythm of the tropical breeze. You will be able to glide through the most picturesque streets where street art, the joy of the locals and colorful buildings will not leave you indifferent.

You will have access to the central squares such as Plaza Simon Bolivar and Plaza Francia. In addition, they are very complete tours where you can face the Panamanian gastronomy, through locations such as the famous Seafood Market. During this historic route you can turn your handlebars towards the Cinta Costera, where you will be surrounded by the sea and enjoy the best views of Panama City.

You will not have to worry about the route, as you will probably enjoy the company of an expert, who will explain the history that surrounds the bay, the Panama Canal, the skyscrapers and religious buildings. You will also pass by the Paseo de las Bóvedas and the National Theater, located next to the old San Francisco de Asis convent. As you stroll through these locations remember to drive in the right lane at all times.

Details of interest

• Price: from 32 € per person.
• Duration: between two and three hours.
• Advantages: it is an option designed for small groups, which is usually done with a professional guide.
• Disadvantages: not recommended for pregnant women or travelers with health problems.

Panamanian gastronomy is an explosion of flavors, product of the mixture of cultures. In each dish you will notice the Amerindian, Hispanic, African, Afro-Antillean and American influences. That is why I recommend you to join a tasting tour, where you will discover the secrets of its cuisine through typical recipes and handmade drinks.

It is an authentic tour where you can try the sea bass ceviche and mondongo, or sweet options such as fritters and typical raspaos. Without a doubt, it is an educational culinary experience that takes you to the most famous locals and shows you the street corners where you can eat delicious food at low cost.

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to taste Panamanian geisha coffee, one of the most expensive and refined coffees in the world. You will also pass by traditional breweries and venture into a tasting of chocolates made in Panama. If you want to marinate your palate, you can't miss the Seafood Market and take the opportunity to buy typical spices to take home, such as black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, star anise and annatto.

In any case, this type of experience usually offers the company of a professional guide. Also, while you live this experience characterized by exotic flavors, smells and textures, you will be able to visit the most emblematic places of the Casco Antiguo.

Details of interest

• Price: from 61 € per person.
• Duration: approximately three hours.
• Advantages: ideal for small groups and usually offers food tasting, snacks and alcoholic beverages.
• Disadvantages: the minimum age to participate is 18 years old.

San Felipe or Panama City's Casco Antiguo is a historic district that was built in 1673, so it's full of hidden gems that are worth a visit. While a tour of the city and its canal can introduce you to this ancient suburb, nothing compares to taking your time to listen to the anecdotes that surround the most striking facades, centuries-old churches and colorful houses.

This district will surprise you, since it has maintained its traditional facade and incorporated avant-garde places that transform the atmosphere during the evenings. In this way, you will be able to go through the handicraft markets and tour the art district, full of murals and graffiti.

If you plan to stay at least 7 days in Panama, you have to take advantage of getting to know the Casco Antiguo in depth. Beyond the curious beauty that characterizes it, you will be immersed in the stories that marked Panama City, such as the ghostly legends of the old convent of Santo Domingo. You can even see ruins of old Panama in the construction of the Church of La Merced.

Details of interest

• Price: from 37 € per person.
• Duration: between two and three hours.
• Advantages: you will get to know the hidden alleys and passages of the Casco Viejo, plus you can request hotel pick-up.
• Disadvantages: you will have to walk a lot, it can be uncomfortable if you go with small children.

The unparalleled quality of Panamanian cocoa is a powerful reason to delve into the local gastronomy. There are tours that guide you through the secrets of chocolate in Panama City, through an interactive experience that allows you to learn about the elaboration process. Additionally, you can make your own chocolate bar and participate in a tasting of different blends based on geisha coffee, sea salt, ginger and other ingredients that melt easily on the palate.

It usually takes place at the famous Nomé Chocolate factory known for its fun and educational activities. You will feel very comfortable while listening to the history of Panamanian chocolate that dates back to the pre-Columbian period, and was run by ancient tribes who traded the first beans.

As such, the crops are found in the indigenous areas of Bocas del Toro and the Ngabe-Bugle Comarca, but are artisanally processed in locations in Panama City. During the experience you can delve into this history and reward your palate with a variety of chocolates.

Details of interest

• Price: from 28 € per person.
• Duration: at least one hour.
• Advantages: the experience usually includes a class of elaboration and tasting, where you can make your own chocolate bar.
• Disadvantages: transfers are not usually included.

Panama City has a considerable extension of land, so it is advisable to look for alternatives to ensure your comfort on vacation. The public transportation system interconnects very well through The Bay Town Trolley, but if it is your first time in the country and you prefer to avoid a tiring tour, the best thing to do is to ride the tourist bus. The route operates with the famous Hop On Hop Off system, which allows you to get off and on at the marked stops.

The bus offers a very useful 24 or 48 hour ticket, as you are taken to each place through audio commentary, creating a first contact with the local stories. Note that they run every 75 minutes and depart from Multicentro, but can be boarded at any point. In addition, it has about 6 points of interest and 13 stops, among which stand out:

• Urraca Park.
• Albrook Shopping Mall.
• Miraflores Locks.
• Panama Canal.
• Biomuseum.

Details of interest

• Price: from 28 € per person.
• Duration: approximately two hours.
• Advantages: you can hop on and off and schedule an itinerary at your own pace.
• Disadvantages: during rush hour the bus is likely to be late, which can affect your schedule. Also, at midday there is a rest break when you will not find the service available.

If you want to visit the Panama Canal from a unique perspective, then you need to venture out on a helicopter flight. In general, this experience offers a panoramic view of the entire city, for thirty minutes you will pass over the most imposing skyscrapers and see the Bridge of the Americas from above.

Of course, the main point of interest is the Panama Canal, a jewel of engineering that revolutionized maritime traffic and world trade. You will also be able to see Taboga Island, which I recommend you visit since it is one of the best excursions from Panama City Additionally, this exciting ride flies close to the Amador Causeway and the Biomuseo.

Details of interest

• Price: from 840 € per group.
• Duration: from 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Advantages: ideal for small groups.
• Disadvantages: most helicopters depart from Albrook Airport and transfers are not always offered. In addition, it is necessary to have good weather to fly.

An outdoor experience not to be missed during your stay in Panama City is a ride aboard a classic 1971 VW Safari. This bright green vehicle allows you to travel through the most emblematic places with your favorite music playing in the background. Being a convertible car, you can enjoy the pleasant weather that undulates from the Pacific Ocean and the Panama Canal.

In fact, it is an ideal activity if you plan to visit Panama City with children, as you will pass by Balboa Avenue, Calzada de Amador and the Panama Canal, while the driver provides informative commentary. Note that there are day and night tours that allow you to see the city from different perspectives.

By day, you can take postcard photographs of the city's sign, glide through the bustle of Casco Viejo and feel the vibrant waterfront life. While at night, the twinkling lights of Panama City are reflected in the canal. In addition, you can combine the experience with a Panamanian dinner at the themed restaurant En la Fonda, where dishes such as carimañolas, Panamanian assortment, lechona, sancochos and chicha are often accompanied by shows with traditional costumes.

Details of interest

• Price: from 140 € per group.
• Duration: approximately two hours.
• Advantages: you can travel back in time with your family or friends, as it is an experience for a maximum of 4 travelers.
• Disadvantages: it is one of the most expensive options.

Having a stopover in Panama City is an inevitable temptation, since in a few hours you can get a glimpse of the highlights of this wonderful city of the isthmus. This way, you won't be bored at the airport and you can make the most of your vacation. Generally, the tours take five hours and take you from Tocumen International Airport to locations such as the famous canal or the Calzada de Amador.

The beautiful views of the ocean will not leave you indifferent, as well as the multi-sensory experience in the Casco Antiguo San Felipe. You can also take the opportunity to visit the Gatun Locks, which are located around the canal in the areas of Pedro Miguel, Agua Clara, Miraflores, Gatun and Cocoli.

Bring your most comfortable sneakers so you can enjoy a pleasant walk along the Cinta Costera, where you can admire the maritime opulence and reach the connection point of three islands. You will probably get to know the more modern side of Panama City, ideal to find restaurants with traditional food that will be engraved on your palate.

Details of interest

• Price: from 78 € per person.
• Duration: about five hours.
• Advantages: usually includes round-trip transportation, as well as a professional guide that will make the experience more enjoyable. In addition, only your group will participate, which makes the experience personalized.
• Disadvantages: It is necessary that your stopover in Panama is at least 7 hours between each flight, it is also advisable to consult the entry requirements for each country.