Casco Viejo Insight Tour with Expert Panama Travel Consulting

During this stop, you’ll discover the story behind one of Casco Viejo’s most iconic open squares. We’ll talk about Tomás Herrera, a key figure in Panama’s independence movements—recognized for his leadership as a military officer, his role in the sovereignty struggles of the 19th century, and his contribution to the early political organization of the country.

As we pause here, you’ll learn how the plaza evolved through time, from a colonial-era space to the vibrant social and architectural landmark it is today, surrounded by restored buildings, cafés, and historic facades. It's a perfect moment to connect Panama’s past with the lively energy of modern Casco Viejo.

Iglesia de San José
During this stop, we’ll visit one of Casco Viejo’s most emblematic churches, famous for its legendary Golden Altar. Here, you’ll learn the story of how this baroque altar was saved from the pirate Henry Morgan in the 17th century—thanks to the ingenuity of local monks who hid it and later moved it to this church after the founding of Casco Viejo.

We’ll also talk briefly about the church’s role in the religious life of colonial Panama and how it has remained a symbol of resilience, faith, and architectural heritage through the centuries. This stop offers a moment to appreciate both history and craftsmanship at the heart of the old quarter.

Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús
At this stop, we explore the impressive stone ruins of the former Jesuit church and college, once one of the most important educational centers in colonial Panama. Built in the 17th century by the Jesuit order, the complex showcased advanced architecture for its time, reflecting the influence and prestige the Jesuits held in the region.

Here, you’ll learn about the order’s contributions to education and science, as well as the events that led to the church’s decline—first with the expulsion of the Jesuits in 1767 and later with fires and earthquakes that left it in ruins. Today, its towering arches and open-air structure stand as a powerful reminder of Panama’s colonial past and the enduring legacy of the Jesuits.

Catedral Basílica Santa María La Antigua
During this stop, we visit the crown jewel of Casco Viejo: Panama’s main cathedral and one of its most important historical landmarks. Completed in the 18th century after more than 100 years of construction, the cathedral stands out with its elegant stone façade and iconic white bell towers adorned with mother-of-pearl from the Pearl Islands.

Here, you’ll learn about its role in Panama’s religious and cultural history, its connection to the move from Old Panama to Casco Viejo, and the major restoration efforts that brought it back to its former splendor in recent years. This stop offers a moment to appreciate the grandeur, craftsmanship, and spiritual significance of the country’s most emblematic church.

During this stop, we explore the historic ruins of the Iglesia y Convento de Santo Domingo, one of the most important architectural sites in Casco Viejo. Built in the 17th century, the complex once housed Dominican friars and served as a center of religious and academic activity in colonial Panama.

Here, you’ll discover the story behind the iconic Arco Chato, a remarkably flat arch that stood for centuries without collapsing—becoming a key argument in the 19th century to prove Panama’s seismic stability during the debates over where to build the Panama Canal.

As we walk through the stone corridors and open-air remains, you’ll gain insight into the church’s historical significance, the Dominican order’s influence, and how this remarkable ruin became one of the most photographed landmarks in Casco Viejo.

During this stop, we take a moment at Plaza Carlos V, a charming and lesser-known corner of Casco Viejo that blends colonial heritage with everyday local life. Named after King Charles V of Spain, under whose reign the Spanish Empire expanded significantly in the Americas, the plaza preserves the atmosphere of early colonial urban design.

Here, you’ll learn about the historical connection between Panama and the Spanish Crown, the architectural evolution of the surrounding buildings, and how this quiet square once served as an important point of movement within the old quarter. Today, its peaceful setting offers a perfect glimpse into the more authentic and residential side of Casco Viejo.

During this stop, we explore one of Casco Viejo’s most symbolic landmarks, dedicated to honoring the French engineers, workers, and visionaries who led the first attempt to build the Panama Canal in the late 19th century. The plaza features elegant monuments, sculptures, and historical inscriptions that recount the ambition, challenges, and sacrifices of this monumental project.

Here, you’ll learn about the French connection to Panama’s canal history, including the role of Ferdinand de Lesseps—builder of the Suez Canal—and the medical and engineering difficulties that ultimately halted the French effort. Surrounded by views of the coastline and the old defensive walls known as Las Bóvedas, this stop offers a powerful blend of history, architecture, and scenic beauty.

During this stop, we walk along one of Casco Viejo’s most scenic promenades, named after General Esteban Huertas, a key figure in Panama’s separation from Colombia in 1903. This elegant walkway, lined with arches and overlooking the Pacific coastline, was once part of the old defensive walls protecting the city.

Here, you’ll learn about Huertas’ decisive role in securing Panama’s independence and how this historic corridor evolved from a military fortification into one of the most picturesque viewpoints in the old quarter. The area is also known as one of the best places in all of Panama to buy souvenirs, offering a wide variety of locally crafted items, traditional art, and unique gifts.

With its combination of history, ocean views, and vibrant artisan stands, this stop offers the perfect moment to experience the cultural richness of Panama.

During this section of the tour, we walk past the beautifully restored Teatro Nacional, one of Panama’s most important cultural landmarks, before arriving at the Iglesia de San Francisco de Asís—a striking neoclassical church known for its elegant façade and its long-standing presence in Casco Viejo.

We then stop at the charming Plaza Simón Bolívar, a lively square filled with cafés, outdoor terraces, and historical architecture. Here, you’ll learn about the church’s significance in the spiritual life of colonial Panama and discover the story of Simón Bolívar, the South American liberator whose dream of a united Latin America left a lasting mark on the region.

This stop offers the perfect blend of architecture, history, and local atmosphere, giving you a deeper appreciation of Casco Viejo’s cultural heart.

To finish the experience, we return to Café Durán, one of Panama’s most iconic coffee spots. Here, we’ll sit down to enjoy a freshly brewed Panamanian coffee while we begin a personalized planning session for the rest of your trip.

During this time, you’re welcome to ask any questions about traveling through Panama—whether you’re wondering about the best beaches, the safest routes, top-rated hotels, unique restaurants, or must-do activities in each province. Your guide will help you build a precise, customized itinerary, offering expert recommendations based on more than 18 years of experience in the country’s tourism and hospitality sector.

This final stop is designed to give you clarity, confidence, and insider knowledge so you can explore Panama at your own pace with the best possible guidance.