From Riu Playa Blanca: Panama Canal & Bar crawl Tour
Active
7h - 8h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Your adventure begins with a pickup at 1:30 PM from your Riu Playa Blanca Resort, followed by a scenic 1.5-hour drive along the Pan-American Highway to Panama City.
The first stop is the Panama Canal’s Miraflores Visitor Center, where you’ll watch massive ships passing through the locks and enjoy the IMAX 3D movie showcasing the canal’s history and engineering marvels.
Next, visit the Amador Causeway, a waterfront strip with breathtaking skyline views and a lively evening atmosphere. Relax with a beer or cocktail at a seaside bar while the city lights shimmer across the bay.
As night falls, explore Casco Viejo, Panama City’s historic district and nightlife hub. Wander cobblestone streets, enjoy rooftop bars, live music, or dine at one of the stylish restaurants offering local and international cuisine.
At 9:30 PM, the group meets for the return drive to the resort, ending a perfect evening of culture, history, and nightlife.
Available options
From Dreams Playa Bonita
From Dreams Only<br/>Pickup included
From RIU Playa Blanca
From Riu, Decameron or Bijao: Please be on time at the lobby. We can only wait 10 minutes. Please remember to bring cash for any personal expenses.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Bottled Water
English Speaking guide (Meet you in the City)
A/C Transportation
2 beers per person in the bus (Cooler)
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
The Miraflores Visitor Center is the most popular and accessible spot to experience the Panama Canal in full action. Located just a short drive from downtown Panama City, this world-class facility allows visitors to witness the incredible operation of the Canal’s locks.
From the observation decks, you’ll have a close-up view of these giant vessels navigating through the locks, guided by small locomotives called mules that keep them centered in the narrow chambers. It’s a fascinating process that highlights one of the greatest engineering achievements in human history.
Inside the Visitor Center, you’ll find a modern museum with interactive exhibits, scale models, and historical displays that explain how the Canal was built, its economic importance, and its ongoing expansion. Don’t miss the IMAX Theater, where you can watch a stunning 3D movie narrated by Morgan Freeman, offering a cinematic journey through the Canal’s history, construction, and global impact.
2
Stop 2
When the sun goes down, the Amador Causeway transforms into one of the most exciting nightlife spots in Panama City. Stretching across a series of islands connected by a scenic road, this waterfront area offers some of the best views of the city skyline, the Bridge of the Americas, and ships entering the Panama Canal — all beautifully illuminated at night.
The Causeway is lined with a vibrant mix of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring. You can start your evening with a sunset cocktail by the ocean, enjoy a romantic dinner with panoramic views, or dance the night away under the stars.
3
After leaving the lively Amador Causeway, your tour continues along the stunning Cinta Costera, one of Panama City’s most scenic drives — especially at night. This coastal highway wraps around the Bay of Panama, offering spectacular panoramic views of the illuminated skyline, the Pacific Ocean, and the historic district of Casco Viejo, glowing beautifully in the distance.
As you ride along the Cinta Costera, you’ll pass elegant parks, monuments, and fountains that light up after sunset, creating a magical atmosphere. The wide boulevard is lined with modern skyscrapers, shimmering in every color, showing off Panama’s reputation as the most cosmopolitan city in Central America.
4
Stop 4
Casco Viejo, also known as the Old Town, is one of Panama City’s most iconic neighborhoods and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. By day, it’s a charming mix of colonial architecture, colorful balconies, and historic plazas like Plaza Bolívar and Plaza de la Independencia — but when night falls, the atmosphere transforms completely.
As the sun sets, the cobblestone streets come alive with music, laughter, and the scent of local cuisine. Casco is the center of Panama City’s nightlife scene, offering everything from trendy rooftop bars with spectacular skyline views to intimate jazz lounges, salsa clubs, and late-night discos that keep the energy going until dawn.
You can start your evening with a cocktail at a rooftop terrace, watching the city lights reflect off the bay, then wander between craft cocktail bars, live music venues, and vibrant dance floors tucked inside restored colonial buildings. Each spot has its own vibe.
What's not included
Panama Canal Center fee ($17.22 per adult or $7.22 per child 6-12 yo)
Dinner
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
5.0
2 reviews
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Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
All travelers must bring their original passport, as it is mandatory in Panama when crossing different provinces.
Extra drinks and cocktails are not included in the tour price.
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
