Panama City , Panama

Panama Canal and City Sightseeing Tour

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(5 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Be amazed by the world-famous Panama Canal, a marvel of modern engineering and history. Begin your journey in Panama City with an expert local guide sharing captivating stories about the nation’s culture and heritage. Visit the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center to watch giant ships ascend and learn about the canal’s construction and global significance. Continue past historic landmarks like the Administration Building, Martyr’s Avenue, and the Bridge of the Americas, with photo stops at the Chinese Monument and Amador Causeway. Capture views of the Bio Museo, visit Punta Culebra Nature Center to explore Panama’s biodiversity, and pause by the colorful Panama Sign and duty-free store. Savor authentic local seafood at the famous Fish Market (lunch at your own expense). End the day in Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, strolling its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant plazas a perfect blend of Panama’s past and present.

Available options

Panama Canal and City Sightseeing Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Landing and facility fees

Private Tour Director

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

A visit to the visitor center of the canal of Panama consist of:
- A guided tour through the museum
- Watch a movie about the Canal
- Take pictures of Vessels going through the canal
- Learn about the canal history and functionality
- Importance of the canal of Panama
- Visit the Gifts Shop
- See the actual Locks of the canal and understand the magic

Stop 2

A walk through the Old Square of Panama of almost 400 years of existence and visit different part the site, learn its history:
- Visit San Jose Church dated from Colonial Time
- Visit the Plaza Mayor and the Cathedral
- The Jesuits Company history
- Santo Domingo monument
- The French Square
- Handcrafts market

A quick stop by the Panama Canal Administration building, to see the monument there, the history of the site and other.

Stop 4

The Amador Causeway, gives a wonderful view of the modern city of Panama. Host of the only Frank Gehry museum in Central America, The Smithsonian Institution, former US Military base, Fort Amador and the Duty. Site for great pictures.

Panoramic tour of the modern city to see the spiral shaped and the highest building in Central America

Stop for Lunch (Pay by you).

Stop 7

A short drive on the Pan-american Highway and crossed the Bridge of the Americas to be partly on the West side of Panama and see the Chinese monument.

A stop at the only Duty free in Panama city, to get the chance to buy souvenirs, local rum, coffee and more.

Stop 9

A stop at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s Punta Culebra Nature that reveal the richness of Panama’s biodiversity

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

Pick up starts 30 minutes before the booked time, therefore your exact pick-up time will be sent to you through this travel portal only latest by 8 p.m. the day prior to your excursion. You must be at your hotel main lobby (entrance) not upper floor, restaurant, for pick-up, failure to be on time without previous emergency notification on WhatsApp our staff will leave with out you with no right to a refund of any kind.

If you need to talk to us, you may contact us through this travel portal, posted email, phone and WhatsApp, No text messages. All booking must have a hotel detail included during or after completion at least 48 hours before the booked date. It is your responsibility only to provide your pick-up location at the time of the booking or 48 hours before the booked date. No hotel, no pick-up, no refund.

About Panama City

Panama City, the capital and largest city of Panama, is a vibrant metropolis where modern skyscrapers meet historic colonial architecture. Situated at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, it offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and tropical charm, making it a compelling destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Panama Canal

One of the most significant engineering feats in history, the Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Historical Half-day to full day Free to visit locks, tours vary

Casco Viejo

The historic district of Panama City, Casco Viejo is a UNESCO World Heritage site with colonial architecture, vibrant nightlife, and cultural landmarks.

Historical Half-day to full day Free to explore, entry fees for museums

Biomuseo

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate

Ancon Hill

A popular hiking spot offering panoramic views of the city and the Panama Canal.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Panama Viejo

The ruins of the original Panama City, founded in 1519, offering a glimpse into the city's colonial past.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore, entry fee for museum

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sancocho

A hearty chicken and root vegetable soup, often served with rice and corn.

Soup Contains meat, can be made vegetarian

Ceviche

Fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, peppers, and cilantro.

Appetizer Contains seafood, can be made with various types of fish

Ropa Vieja

Shredded beef stew with vegetables, served with rice and beans.

Main Course Contains meat

Hojaldres

Fried dough pastries, often served with cheese or jam.

Snack Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Soberanía National Park Kayaking in the San Blas Islands Beach day at Playa Blanca Spa day in a luxury hotel Exploring Casco Viejo Visiting the Biomuseo Snorkeling in the San Blas Islands Boat tours through the Panama Canal

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the dry season with sunny days and minimal rainfall, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

24°C to 32°C 75°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Panamanian Balboa (PAB)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Panama City is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious in crowded areas

Getting there

By air

Tocumen International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from city center

By bus

Albrook Terminal, Panama Viejo Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Modern, efficient, and air-conditioned. A convenient way to travel within the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Casco Viejo El Cangrejo Bella Vista San Francisco

Day trips

San Blas Islands

300 km (186 miles) from Panama City • Full day to overnight

A group of islands known for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and Guna Yala culture.

El Valle de Antón

80 km (50 miles) from Panama City • Full day

A picturesque mountain town surrounded by lush forests and waterfalls.

Soberanía National Park

30 km (19 miles) from Panama City • Half day to full day

A lush rainforest offering a variety of wildlife and hiking trails.

Festivals

Panama Carnival • February (4 days before Ash Wednesday) Panama Jazz Festival • January Festival de las Mil Polleras • July

Pro tips

Visit the Panama Canal early in the morning to see ships pass through the locks
Explore Casco Viejo on foot to discover its hidden gems and vibrant street life
Try local street food for an authentic culinary experience
Use the metro for efficient and affordable travel within the city
Book tours and activities in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment