From Riu Playa Blanca: Panama Canal & City Tour

Panama , Panama

From Riu Playa Blanca: Panama Canal & City Tour

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(12 reviews)

7h - 8h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

We start the tour at 8:30 AM from Riu Playa Blanca Resort and drive approximately 90 minutes to Panama City along the Pan-American Highway, enjoying beautiful mountain views along the way. Upon arrival, your bilingual guide will meet you for a walking tour of Casco Antiguo, the historic old town, where you’ll explore cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and lively plazas.

Next, we head to the Amador Causeway for stunning views of the Biomuseo exterior—perfect for photos. Keep your eyes open, as we sometimes spot two-toed sloths along the way. Here, you can also take an iconic photo with the Panama City sign. Lunch is available at your own cost in this area.

Afterward, we drive along the Cinta Costera to admire the modern skyline and new developments. The tour concludes at the Miraflores Visitor Center at the Panama Canal, where you can watch the IMAX movie and observe massive ships navigating the locks. We then return to Riu Playa Blanca Resort, arriving around 3:00 PM.

Available options

From Riu Playa Blanca Hotel

From the Resort: Please be on time by the lobby. This tour is from Riu Playa Blanca Rio Hato round trip.<br/>Pickup included

From City Hotel Only

Pickup included

What's included

English Speaking guide (Meet you in the city)

Air-conditioned vehicle

Round trip from Riu Playa Blanca or Decameron

Professional Spanish driver

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Our first stop is the historic Casco Viejo, the heart of Panama City’s old town and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Founded in 1673 after the original city of Panamá was destroyed by pirates, this charming neighborhood is filled with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and stunning plazas. As you walk through the area, you’ll see beautiful churches, government buildings, boutique shops, and lively cafés, all reflecting Panama’s rich history and cultural blend of Spanish, French, and indigenous influences. Casco Viejo is a photographer’s dream, offering countless spots for capturing the beauty of the city’s architecture and vibrant street life. Visiting this area provides a perfect introduction to Panama’s heritage and the lively atmosphere that defines its capital.

Stop 2

Our second stop takes us to the scenic Amador Causeway, a beautiful waterfront area connecting four small islands at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal. Here, you’ll enjoy a walk around the Biomuseo, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, where you can learn about Panama’s incredible biodiversity and its important role in connecting North and South America. Along the causeway, we’ll visit the famous Panama City sign, a perfect spot for photos with the skyline in the background. While exploring, keep your eyes open—sometimes you can spot a two-toed sloth in the surrounding trees, making for a memorable wildlife encounter. This stop combines history, nature, and stunning views, giving you a full sense of Panama’s cultural and natural heritage.

Next, we drive along the Cinta Costera, Panama City’s scenic coastal belt, where you can enjoy views of the modern skyline and glimpse the city’s vibrant new developments. This area highlights the blend of urban growth and waterfront leisure spaces, perfect for photos and sightseeing. From there, we head to the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal

Stop 4

Our final stop is the Miraflores Visitor Center, where you can enjoy the informative IMAX movie about the Panama Canal’s history and operations. Afterward, head to the observation deck for a breathtaking view of the locks and watch massive ships as they transit between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This stop offers a unique combination of education, stunning views, and up-close experiences of one of the world’s greatest engineering feats.

What's not included

Gratuities for the guide are not included and are always appreciated!

Lunch

Panama Canal entrance fees (Adult $17.22 or Child $7.22)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

9 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Not recommended for wheelchair users or those with walking disabilities, as accessibility may be limited in certain spots.

We may walk short to moderate distances on paved or uneven surfaces, and some areas may involve using stairs or ladders.

Light Rain Poncho or umbrella (May to Dec)

About Panama

Panama is a tropical paradise known for its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and the iconic Panama Canal. This destination offers everything from lush rainforests and pristine beaches to vibrant cities and historic sites, making it a unique and appealing place for travelers.

Top Attractions

Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is one of the most significant engineering feats in history, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Visitors can explore the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center to see ships passing through.

Historical 2-3 hours Moderate ($10-$20)

Panama Viejo

Panama Viejo is the site of the original Panama City, founded in 1519. The ruins offer a glimpse into the city's colonial past and the impact of pirate attacks.

Historical 1-2 hours Budget ($3-$5)

Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo is the historic district of Panama City, known for its colorful colonial architecture, vibrant nightlife, and cultural attractions. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Historical Half-day to full day Free to explore, attractions vary

San Blas Islands

The San Blas Islands are a group of 365 islands and cays in the Caribbean Sea, known for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and indigenous Guna culture. Visitors can stay overnight in beachfront huts and enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, and relaxation.

Nature Overnight or multi-day trip Moderate to expensive ($150-$300 per night for a beach hut)

Soberanía National Park

Soberanía National Park is a lush rainforest located just outside Panama City, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting, hiking, and birdwatching. The park is home to a diverse range of species, including sloths, monkeys, and toucans.

Nature Half-day to full day Budget ($5-$10 entrance fee)

Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro is a tropical archipelago known for its stunning beaches, vibrant marine life, and laid-back atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, diving, surfing, and exploring the colorful town of Bocas Town.

Beach Overnight or multi-day trip Budget to moderate ($30-$100 per night for accommodation)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sancocho

A hearty chicken soup made with yuca, plantains, and corn, often served with rice and avocado.

Dinner Contains gluten (if served with rice) and allergens (chicken, yuca, plantains, corn)

Ceviche

A dish made with fresh raw fish or seafood marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, peppers, and cilantro, and served with plantain chips or patacones (fried green plantains).

Lunch Contains fish/seafood and allergens (lime, onions, peppers, cilantro, plantains)

Ropa Vieja

A dish made with shredded beef, cooked with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices, and served with rice and beans.

Dinner Contains beef and allergens (tomatoes, onions, peppers, spices, rice, beans)

Patacones

Fried green plantains, often served as a side dish or snack, and sometimes topped with cheese, meat, or beans.

Snack Contains plantains and allergens (depending on toppings)

Popular Activities

Hiking in Soberanía National Park Snorkeling and diving in Bocas del Toro Surfing in Santa Catalina Whitewater rafting in the Chagres River Zip-lining in El Valle de Antón Beach hopping in the San Blas Islands Sunbathing and swimming in Taboga Island Spa and wellness treatments in Panama City

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the dry season, offering sunny weather and lower humidity, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

24-32°C 75-90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (widely spoken in tourist areas and by younger generations)
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Panamanian Balboa (PAB)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5)

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas and situations

Panama is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates in tourist areas and a strong police presence. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in crowded areas and on public transportation. Exercise caution in less touristy areas and at night, and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less touristy areas
• Use common sense and stay alert to your surroundings

Getting there

By air

Tocumen International Airport • 24 km from Panama City

By bus

Albrook Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Local buses are inexpensive but can be crowded and confusing for first-time visitors.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Casco Viejo Bella Vista El Cangrejo San Francisco El Chorrillo

Day trips

Panama Canal Expansion Observation Center

15 km from Panama City • Half-day

The Panama Canal Expansion Observation Center offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the history and impact of the Panama Canal, as well as to see the ongoing expansion project.

Taboga Island

20 km from Panama City • Full-day

Taboga Island, also known as the 'Island of Flowers,' is a popular day trip destination from Panama City, offering stunning beaches, lush vegetation, and a relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and hiking, as well as exploring the island's historic church and scenic viewpoints.

Gatun Lake

80 km from Panama City • Full-day

Gatun Lake is a man-made lake created by the damming of the Chagres River for the Panama Canal. The lake is known for its diverse wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and a variety of bird species. Visitors can enjoy boat tours, fishing, and wildlife spotting.

Festivals

Carnival of Panama • February or March (dates vary each year) Fiestas Patrias • November 3-4 Panama Jazz Festival • January (dates vary each year)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals
Dress modestly and respectfully when visiting religious sites and cultural attractions
Be cautious when using ATMs, and avoid using them at night or in isolated areas
Research and book tours and accommodations with reputable companies and individuals
Be prepared for hot and humid weather, and pack appropriate clothing and gear