Panamá La Vieja is the historic and monumental complex of the first Spanish city founded on the Pacific coast by Pedro Arias de Ávila on August 15, 1519. Its archaeological remains perfectly recreate the captivating story of the conquest. Due to its location, Panamá la Vieja was the starting point for the expeditions that conquered the Inca Empire of Peru in 1532. It was also a stopover on one of the most important trade routes in the Americas to Nombre de Dios and Portobelo, through which most of the gold and silver that the Spanish mined in the Americas passed. The Historic District preserves an intact street network, along with a considerable number of old domestic buildings, which are an exceptional testament to the nature of this early settlement. The Casco Antiguo was built after the first settlement of Panamá la Vieja was destroyed by disease and pirate attacks, the last and best-known being that of Henry Morgan. The city moved to a rocky peninsula that was healthier and easier to defend. In 1673, they founded what is now officially called the Old Town. The rich mix of architecture is a large part of its charm. The earliest buildings date back to the 18th century, and their architectural styles include Spanish and French colonial, neoclassical, art nouveau, and mid-century modern. Due to their legendary history and architectural and archaeological recovery, UNESCO declared both cities World Heritage Sites. Modern Panama City. This vibrant and dynamic urban center is a truly cosmopolitan city in the middle of the tropics, so prepare to see imposing skyscrapers surrounded by breathtaking nature. Notes: * Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera. * A minimum of two adult passengers per booking is required. *MONDAY THE RUINS AND MUSEUM OF ANCIENT PANAMA ARE CLOSED, so the visit becomes panoramic and is replaced by another site called &#39;Mi pueblito&#39; (which exposes the main ethnic groups of Panama, Afro-Antillean, interior and indigenous).

Half-day visit to Casco Antiguo, the Ruins of Panama Viejo and Amador

Panama is a country of contrasts, history, and modernity, and this tour is designed to allow you to discover it in all its splendor in a single day. From its iconic canal to the colonial richness of its historic center, passing through stunning landscapes and a vibrant craft market, this tour will leave you in awe. The adventure begins: the Panama Canal. At 7:30 am, a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle will pick you up at your hotel to begin the day. The first stop will be the Panama Canal, one of the world&#39;s engineering marvels. At the Miraflores Visitor Center, you&#39;ll see massive vessels passing through the locks and learn about the canal&#39;s history and its impact on global trade. It&#39;s important to follow the pick-up instructions and the proposed schedule to ensure greater safety while observing the ships passing through the locks. For this reason, we may occasionally alter the tour itinerary, but that doesn&#39;t mean we won&#39;t cover all the included spots. At the Visitor Center, you can also watch an IMAX 3D screening narrated by Morgan Freeman, which will immerse you in the fascinating history of this masterpiece. Exploring History in Casco Antiguo: Next, we&#39;ll head to Casco Antiguo, Panama City&#39;s most charming colonial neighborhood. We&#39;ll stroll its cobblestone streets, admiring architecture that blends Spanish and French influences. Highlights include the Metropolitan Cathedral, San José Church with its famous Golden Altar, Plaza de Francia, the National Theater, and Bolívar Palace. You&#39;ll also learn the story of the pirates who sacked the city and how it was rebuilt in this historic location. Spectacular Views from Amador Causeway: The next stop will take us to Amador Causeway, a waterfront promenade built with stone quarried from the canal. This route connects four islands and offers the best panoramic views of the city and the entrance to the Panama Canal. Here you can visit the Biomuseo, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, where you&#39;ll learn about Panama&#39;s unique biodiversity. You&#39;ll also have time to browse craft shops and the exclusive Duty-Free area, ideal for those who want to take advantage of tax-free shopping. Culture and tradition at the Craft Market Before returning to the hotel, we&#39;ll make one last stop at the Craft Market, where you can purchase unique pieces made by local artists. From colorful indigenous textiles to hand-carved sculptures, this is the perfect place to buy an authentic Panamanian souvenir. Return with a heart full of memories. After a day filled with history, culture, and unforgettable views, we&#39;ll take you back to your hotel, leaving you with the satisfaction of having experienced the best of Panama in a single day. Notes: - Hydration: Bring water, especially for outdoor visits. - Although this is not a physically active tour, always wear comfortable clothes and shoes. - Sun protection: Wearing sunscreen and sunglasses, especially during outdoor activities, is always a good idea. - Photos: Take advantage of designated photo areas. - Be careful when carrying cash, as you won&#39;t always find credit card outlets. - Don&#39;t forget your good mood. Pickup is available at select hotels in Panama City. Please indicate your hotel when booking to coordinate your transfer. If your hotel is not located in Panama City (e.g., Playa Bonita, Gamboa, Playa Blanca, or any other similar location), please contact us to confirm your pickup at the meeting point: Hotel Riu Plaza Panama. Please be present 10 minutes before the indicated pickup time.

City canal tour

Immerse yourself in Panama&#39;s history, engineering, and culture with this exclusive tour that takes you from the Panama Canal to the Historic Center. Two of the city&#39;s most fascinating destinations in one unforgettable experience. Your adventure begins at the Panama Canal. The tour begins with a visit to the Miraflores Visitor Center, where you&#39;ll witness the impressive passage of ships through the locks. From the observation decks, you&#39;ll sense the magnitude of this masterpiece of modern engineering. You&#39;ll also enjoy an exclusive IMAX 3D documentary narrated by Morgan Freeman, which will immerse you in the history and construction of the canal. Through interactive exhibits, you&#39;ll discover the global impact of this interoceanic waterway and how it functions today. Visit to the Craft Market Before continuing, we&#39;ll stop at the Craft Market, where you can find authentic souvenirs of your visit to Panama. Here, you&#39;ll have the opportunity to purchase handcrafted products from local artists, from indigenous textiles to wood sculptures and ceramics. A walk through history in the Historic Center The final leg of the tour takes us to the Historic Center, the best-preserved historic center on the Pacific side of the Americas. Founded in 1673, this neighborhood is filled with cobblestone streets, wrought-iron balconies, and restored colonial buildings. On this journey back in time, you&#39;ll visit the imposing Metropolitan Cathedral, admire the majestic Golden Altar of the Church of San José, stroll through Plaza de Francia, and learn about the history of the colonizers and pirates who shaped Panama&#39;s destiny. The combination of Spanish, French, and Republican architectural influences makes this neighborhood unique in the region. Return with your heart full of history. After exploring the best of Panama City, you&#39;ll return to your hotel with the satisfaction of having discovered two of the country&#39;s most iconic sites in just a four-hour tour. Notes: This tour is not fully wheelchair accessible. Please check in advance for adapted options.

Discover the Panama Canal and Historic Center in a Unique Experience

Immerse yourself in Panamanian nature with a boat ride on Gatun Lake. First, we&#39;ll follow the Panama Canal north to the city of Gamboa, where the Chagres River joins the canal. We&#39;ll sail the waters of the Panama Canal alongside ships passing through on their way to the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Our destination is Gatun Lake, where we&#39;ll sail around the islands created during the canal&#39;s construction and see the abundant wildlife along its shores. We&#39;ll visit the famous Monkey Islands, where we&#39;ll get up close to capuchin, howler, and tamarin monkeys in their natural habitat. We&#39;ll board the boat to feed them—a unique experience we&#39;ll never forget. Sailing on Gatun Lake is an adventure aboard one of the most fascinating places and islands to discover Panama&#39;s flora and fauna. It&#39;s a great way to experience the region&#39;s wildlife and delight in the surroundings from our boat. Take a stroll around the Gamboa area, where you&#39;ll find beautiful scenery to help you capture the best photos or videos for social media. Notes: *This is an outdoor activity in the tropics, so we suggest light clothing, long pants, insect repellent, a hat, sunscreen, a swimsuit, and comfortable shoes or boots.

Monkey Island and Eco Tour

We&#39;ll pick you up at any hotel in Panama City, except those in the Old Town due to the bus&#39;s size. The Partial Canal Transit, departing from La Playita in Amador, operates at least every Saturday year-round, but between November and April, it can be daily. This tour offers you the memorable opportunity to learn how this engineering marvel was constructed and also to pass through two sets of locks. The boat departs from Flamenca Island in Amador, where La Playita is located, passes under the Bridge of the Americas, passes Balboa Harbor on one side and the former US Navy Base Rodman on the other, and continues to the Miraflores Locks. The boat ascends to 54 feet in a two-stage process. This is achieved by sending water from Pedro Miguel Lake, by gravity, to fill the chambers where the ship is enclosed. Once the process is complete, it enters Pedro Miguel Lagoon. Upon arrival in Gamboa, you will transfer to a bus for the return trip to Balboa approximately six hours after your departure time. WE WILL ONLY KNOW YOUR DEPARTURE TIME THE NIGHT BEFORE. We will call your hotel after receiving information from the Panama Canal Authority, so it is essential to know your location. PICKUP TIME CAN BE SCHEDULED FOR ANY TIME BETWEEN 5:30 AM AND NOON. Notes: - Please bring light clothing, comfortable shoes, sun protection and a camera. - A minimum of two adult passengers per booking is required. - Due to traffic delays that may occur during the lockdown operation, it is not advisable to book flights departing the country before 9:00 pm on that day.

Panama Canal Partial Transit from Panama City Panama City Hotels

Embark on an exciting adventure to Monkey Island, a natural paradise in the heart of Gatun Lake, home to four species of monkeys and a wide variety of wildlife. The tour begins with a transfer from Panama City to the pier in Gamboa, where you&#39;ll board a boat that will take you across the majestic Gatun Lake. Along the way, you&#39;ll spot capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, tamarins, and night monkeys in their natural habitat. The lake&#39;s ecosystem is also home to numerous species, including sloths, toucans, turtles, and caimans. Your bilingual naturalist guide will provide fascinating information about the region&#39;s biodiversity and ecological importance. Monkey Island is a must-see destination for nature and photography lovers. Don&#39;t miss the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable day exploring one of Panama&#39;s most stunning natural environments. Notes: We recommend comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. Don&#39;t forget your camera to capture the best moments of your excursion.

Monkey Island and Gatun Lake Nature Adventure

If you have a layover in Panama, don&#39;t miss the opportunity to explore its vibrant capital in just a few hours. This express tour is designed to help you make the most of your time, exploring the city&#39;s most iconic sites in total comfort. Your tour begins at the airport. Upon landing at Tocumen International Airport, our team will be waiting for you to begin this unique experience. An air-conditioned vehicle will take you directly to the heart of Panamanian history and engineering: the Panama Canal. First Stop: Panama Canal. Nothing symbolizes Panama better than its famous canal, one of the most impressive feats of engineering in the world. At the Miraflores Visitor Center, you&#39;ll see in real time how huge ships pass through the locks. You&#39;ll also enjoy an incredible IMAX 3D exhibition narrated by Morgan Freeman, which will immerse you in the history of the canal and its impact on global trade. Second Stop: Crafts Fair. Before continuing the tour, we&#39;ll stop at the Crafts Fair, where you can find unique pieces made by local artists. From colorful indigenous textiles to wood carvings, you&#39;ll find authentic souvenirs of your stay in Panama here. Third Stop: Historic Center: Next, we&#39;ll head to the Historic Center, the city&#39;s most charming colonial neighborhood. We&#39;ll stroll through cobblestone streets steeped in history, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Church of San José with its Golden Altar, Plaza de Francia, and the Bolívar Palace. You&#39;ll learn about Panama&#39;s independence, its legendary pirates, and the fusion of cultures that shaped this beautiful district. Fourth Stop: Amador Causeway: Finally, we&#39;ll head to the Amador Causeway, a scenic route built with stones extracted from the canal. From here, you&#39;ll enjoy the best panoramic views of Panama City, the Pacific Ocean, and the canal entrance. You&#39;ll also have the option to visit the Biomuseum, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry. Before returning to the airport, we&#39;ll make one last stop at the Duty-Free shop, ideal for taking advantage of tax-free shopping. Return to the airport with enough time After a tour full of history, culture, and unforgettable landscapes, we&#39;ll take you back to the airport with enough time to board your next flight. Notes: - Hydration: Bring water, especially for outdoor visits. - Although this is not a physically active tour, always wear comfortable clothes and shoes. - Sun protection: Wearing sunscreen and sunglasses, especially during outdoor activities, is always a good idea. - Photos: Take advantage of designated photo areas. - Be careful when carrying cash, as you won&#39;t always find credit card outlets.

City Canal Tour from the Airport

TRAVELING WHERE TIME STOPPED: THE EMBERÁ INDIGENOUS VILLAGE. In a world that changes every second, there are still places where time stands still. Where a tribe preserves its rich ancestral culture. Where the beauty of their traditions is matched only by the beauty of the land where they were born thousands of years ago. Parará Purú is home to the Emberá indigenous people. To meet them, we&#39;ll travel 35 minutes in an indigenous canoe along the mysterious Chagres River. Upon arrival, you&#39;ll be greeted by a welcoming committee of men, women, and children in colorful clothing and playing tribal music. You will enjoy original dances, ancestral crafts and witness a lifestyle frozen in time amidst the most beautiful jungle, crystal clear waters and waterfalls, where the only trace of the future is you. Notes: * This is an outdoor activity in the tropics. We recommend bringing light clothing, a towel, a swimsuit, an extra t-shirt, insect repellent, a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes or sandals.

Excursion to the Emberá indigenous culture

Take a guided tour that will take you to discover the oldest city in the American Pacific: the Ruins of Panama Viejo, founded by the Spanish as a starting point for the conquest of Ecuador and Peru. The Ruins Museum narrates the city&#39;s splendor, where you can admire surprising archaeological finds. Climb the bell tower of the Plaza Mayor to witness the dramatic contrast between history and progress. We&#39;ll take you to Casco Antiguo, founded after the pirate Morgan burned down Old Panama in his insatiable search for pre-Columbian gold. Its architecture is a blend of French and Spanish buildings, many of which have been restored to evoke the beauty of those times. The Vault Walk will take you to Plaza de Francia, where we&#39;ll tell you the history of the Panama Canal. The Plaza de la Catedral is another must-see icon, and when you visit Hotel La Compañía, you&#39;ll see how the blend of the building&#39;s classic design with the modernity of today&#39;s architecture makes the historic center an unforgettable place. If it&#39;s open, we&#39;ll enter the National Theater. It&#39;s a walking tour that will make you enjoy and feel transported back to the early 20th century. Both historic cities have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. And if that&#39;s not enough, we&#39;ll take you to discover the eighth wonder of the world: the Panama Canal. Construction of this masterpiece of global engineering began in the early 20th century and was inaugurated in 1914. We&#39;ll go to the Miraflores Visitor Center, where you can see the Canal in operation. The interval between ships is very short, so you might see one or several ships passing through the enormous locks. Notes: * Wear comfortable clothing and sun protection. Don&#39;t forget your camera. *MONDAY THE RUINS AND MUSEUM OF ANCIENT PANAMA ARE CLOSED, so the visit becomes panoramic and is replaced by another site called &#39;Mi pueblito&#39; (which displays the main ethnic groups of Panama, Afro-Antillean, inland and indigenous).

Canal and city day trip

Enjoy an unforgettable experience sailing through the Panama Canal, exploring the wildlife on Monkey Island, and visiting the Sloth Sanctuary. This tour offers a perfect combination of adventure, ecotourism, and exposure to Panama&#39;s biodiversity. Sailing through the Panama Canal The adventure begins with a boat ride through the Panama Canal, where you&#39;ll have the opportunity to see ships crossing this iconic global trade route. You&#39;ll also sail through Gatun Lake, a natural habitat rich in tropical flora and fauna. Exploration on Monkey Island Next, you&#39;ll visit Monkey Island, home to several primate species, including howler monkeys, capuchins, and tamarins. From the boat, you can observe them in their natural environment, learning about their behavior and the importance of their conservation. Visit to the Sloth Sanctuary Finally, you&#39;ll visit the Sloth Sanctuary, where you&#39;ll get up close and personal with these adorable, peaceful mammals. A knowledgeable guide will explain their life, habitat, and conservation efforts to protect this species. Return to Panama City with unique memories. After a day full of exploration and nature, you&#39;ll return to Panama City, taking with you an unforgettable experience of connecting with the local biodiversity. Notes: - It is recommended to wear light and comfortable clothing. - Don&#39;t forget sunscreen, a hat and insect repellent. - Bring a camera to capture wildlife.

Cruise the Panama Canal and explore Monkey Island and the Sloth Sanctuary

Enjoy a perfect getaway to Contadora Island, one of the most beautiful and exclusive destinations in the Pearl Islands. This Panamanian Pacific island is famous for its natural beauty, white-sand beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. If you&#39;re looking for a day of complete relaxation, this tour is for you. Your adventure begins in Panama City, where you&#39;ll be transferred to the embarkation port. There, you&#39;ll board a comfortable, modern ferry that will take you on a scenic cruise of approximately 90 minutes across the Pacific. During the journey, you can relax and enjoy the ocean views while escaping the hustle and bustle of the city. Upon arrival at Contadora Island, you&#39;ll have free time to enjoy the island on your own. You can relax on the beach, swim in the calm waters, explore the surrounding area, or simply enjoy the sea breeze. The island&#39;s beaches are perfect for relaxing in the sun, walking along the coast, or cooling off in the sea. If you&#39;re looking for something more active, you can rent kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or snorkeling equipment (additional cost). You&#39;ll also have access to common areas and restaurants where you can purchase lunch and drinks of your choice. The support team is available 24/7 to help you with anything you need and coordinate your return. This tour was created for travelers looking to combine comfort, nature, and freedom in one package. This isn&#39;t a guided tour with set activities, but rather a free day for each visitor to experience Contadora Island on their own terms. After a day of sun, sand, and relaxation, you&#39;ll board the ferry back to Panama City. The return trip also offers spectacular ocean views and a chance to fully relax before returning to your hotel. Notes: Bring swimwear, towel, sandals and comfortable clothing. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat or cap Money for consumption and optional expenses It is recommended to bring personal snacks or drinks if desired.

Discover Contadora Island: Adventure and Relaxation in the Pacific

Panama City

Explore Emberá culture in Chagres National Park. Embark on a unique adventure in the heart of the Panamanian jungle and discover the cultural richness of the Emberá community. This tour offers you the opportunity to explore an authentic indigenous village, learn about their ancestral lifestyle, and connect with nature. Canoeing on the Chagres River The journey begins with an exciting ride in a traditional canoe along the Chagres River, surrounded by the lush vegetation of Chagres National Park. During the tour, you&#39;ll admire the flora and fauna of the rainforest, with possible sightings of exotic birds and other animals. Stop at Mono Waterfall Before reaching the city, we&#39;ll stop at the impressive Mono Waterfall, where you can cool off in its crystal-clear waters. This stop offers a moment of relaxation surrounded by nature. Immersion in the Emberá community Upon arrival at the Emberá Tusí Ponó village, the inhabitants will greet you with a warm welcome and share their traditions through dance, music, and demonstrations of their daily lives. You&#39;ll learn about their history, customs, and the art of their intricate woodcarvings and hand-woven baskets. Traditional lunch and community meeting. Enjoy a traditional meal prepared by the Emberá people, made with fresh local produce. During lunch, you&#39;ll have the opportunity to interact with community members and learn more about their worldview and relationship with nature. Supporting the Local Community This tour is not only an unforgettable cultural and natural experience, but also directly contributes to the well-being of the Emberá community. Thirty percent of the tour&#39;s proceeds go back to the community to support education, health, and conservation projects. Notes: - Bring a swimsuit, towel and comfortable clothing. - Wear waterproof footwear. - Protect electronic devices with waterproof covers. - Apply sunscreen and insect repellent. - Bring cash in small bills for craft purchases. - Vegetarian food options are available upon request.

Discover Emberá culture with canoe rides, waterfalls, and traditional experiences.

Panama has long been a melting pot of diverse cultures. Originally, indigenous groups created their acoustic instruments using plant parts and shells from various animals, and then the Spanish conquistadors brought their Old World influences. Afro-Caribbean people also contributed when they arrived for the construction of the Canal, and other small groups gave rise to what is today one of Latin America&#39;s most compelling folklore heritages. The show is entirely allegorical, with acoustic music and traditional musicians. While dancing, a group of dancers performs, the women wearing the unique &#39;Pollera,&#39; a handmade cotton dress, complemented by precious jewelry for the body and head. The men&#39;s traditional attire is simple. However, their hats are finely handcrafted by excellent artisans who spend weeks on a single piece. Their cotton shirts have gold or pearl backgrounds. Imagine this fabulous spectacle while savoring our excellent Panamanian cuisine. Pickup and drop-off at your hotel in the city is included. Enjoy a traditional Panamanian meal at La Fonda restaurant while watching the incredible folk dance show. The show highlights the best of Panamanian culture and one of the most compelling folkloric heritages in Latin America. You&#39;ll be mesmerized by the traditional dancers in colorful costumes while savoring delicious Panamanian cuisine. Notes: * It is recommended to wear comfortable and light clothing.

Walking Tours in Panama City