Layover Tour - Panama City Tour and Canal Visitor Center
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Layover Tour - Panama City Tour and Canal Visitor Center

Active
(12 reviews)
4h - 5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Panama City Tour + Canal Museum + Canal Visitors Center + Locks At Miraflores

Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour and visit the most important sites and landmarks of Panama. Tour both the historical and modern areas of Panama City and visit the world-famous Panama Canal, whose impressive system of locks continues to fascinate visitors.

Tour Duration:

One – half day or approximately 5 hours. The schedule is adaptable to less time depending upon your needs. 

Available options

Layover Tour - Panama City Tour and Canal Visitor Center

Pickup included

What's included

Panama City Tour.
Bilingual driver/guide narrator.
Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

Experience the wonders of Panama City; visit the world-famous Panama Canal or the Frank Gehry Biodiversity Museum, where you’ll discover just how Panama changed the world, this is your opportunity.

Our professional driver/guides will take you on an unforgettable tour of the city. You’ll get to see sights and visit places out of the ordinary and not usually available on established tours. We pride ourselves in offering something beyond typical. We don’t intend to just sell a simple tour, we intend to leave you with a yearning to return Panama to conquer her. To repeat; we don’t do ordinary, our driver/guides know how to escape the traditional tour, giving you the chance to experience a true taste of our beautiful country. This fascinating Panama City Tour will additionally take you to many other sights brimming with history, culture and scenic beauty. After this tour we will take you back to the airport or your hotel.

2
Stop 2

Visit the Old Town (Casco Viejo or Casco Antiguo) section of the city where you’ll have the chance to walk around and explore this colonial area, take photographs and admire what is truly an open-air architectural museum complete with churches, cobblestone streets, theaters, homes and buildings all constructed in the Colonial era around 1673. In 1997 this area was declared Patrimony of Humanity (Heritage of Humanity ) by UNESCO.

3
Stop 3

The Amador Causeway, know locally as just “The Causeway”, which is another oceanfront boardwalk area ; Naos, Perico and Flamenco. These islands are connected by a road (The Causeway) that was constructed using the material extracted during the original construction of the Canal. In April 2017 the causeway was re-inaugurated after it was expanded using material newly extracted from them canal during its most recent expansion. You’ll amaze at the views available from the Causeway of Panama City and the high-end residential areas of Paitilla, Balboa Avenue, Pacific Point and Costa del Este.

4
Stop 4 Pass by

You will, as well, get an excellent view of the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal and the majestic Las Americas Bridge. The importance of this bridge can not be overlooked as not only does it connect Panama City with the rest of the country but more importantly is one of the two bridges which cross the Panama Canal and effectively create the connection between North and Central America with South America.

5
Stop 5

You will have the opportunity to see the Canal operation up close as well take you to the Canal Visitor Center at Miraflores Locks. There you’ll be able to watch how the locks function and witness the passage of all sizes of ships through them. From the terraces overlooking the Canal you’ll watch as the ships are raised above sea level or lowered back down to it depending upon their direction of travel. You’ll also have the chance to visit the Canal museum where you’ll learn all about the function of the Canal, its history and be able to interact with simulators that will give you the experience of piloting one of the huge ships through the Canal from the captain´s bridge. Also available for your education and entertainment you’ll find galleries and exhibition halls, some of which offer virtual reality presentations in 3D.

What's not included

You must pay in cash $90 USD round-trip airport transfers, for 1 or 2 people. Upon arrival.
Meals not included.
All Fees and Taxes

Available languages

Guide guide
EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7
3 reviews
5★
2
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor 4.6
9 reviews
5★
8
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
1

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Note: You must also add airport transfer costs: $45 USD for 1 or 2 people per direction ($90 USD round-trip for 1 or 2 people). Third and additional person over 3 years of age $20 per direction. Paid upon arrival at the airport.
Lunch and dinner is available at the Atlantic & Pacific Company restaurant located at the Miraflores Locks Visitors Center during the hours of operation noted above. If you wish to eat at a different restaurant in the city, your guide will assist you. Meals are the responsibility of each guest.
We also can offer to transport you to the museum of the famous architect Frank Gehry, The Biodiversity Museum. At the Biodiversity Museum you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the birth of Panama and about how our beautiful country changed the world. Entrance fees to these museums are at the responsability of each guest. Our guide is available to pick you up at these museums when you complete your visit.

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

Designed by Frank Gehry, the Biomuseo explores the biodiversity and natural history of Panama.

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
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 8-99
1
Childs
Age 3-7
0
Infants
Age 0-2
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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