If this is your first visit to Panama City, the Panama City and Canal Tour is a recommended option to experience the key highlights of the city. Please be aware that the order of the tour may vary depending on the schedule of ships crossing the Panama Canal.
The tour begins between 9 and 10 a.m. with a walking tour of Casco Antiguo, also known as Casco Viejo, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. During the walk, participants will learn about the history of Panama, including stories of pirates and gold. The tour includes visits to various plazas in the colonial area, showcasing the city’s impressive architecture. Attendees may also encounter some indigenous people selling crafts in the old town, as well as several churches, including the notable Church of San Jose, known for its gold altar saved from the pirate Captain Morgan.
The next destination on the tour is the Amador Causeway, which connects four islands at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. The causeway was constructed using rocks excavated during the canal’s building process. At the end, there is a marina with a colorful Panama sign, ideal for photographs, and offers stunning views of Panama City’s skyline.
Depending on time and traffic, the tour may include a stop at the Bridge of the Americas, which offers a scenic viewpoint suitable for photos. The visit then continues to the Panama Canal Authority located at the base of Cerro Ancon, although access to the top of Cerro Ancon is only permitted on foot. The drive through the former Canal Zone provides insight into the history of the Panama Canal.
After lunch, the tour proceeds to the Panama Canal. As the entrance fee for the IMAX film is now required, the schedule will accommodate viewing a show narrated by Morgan Freeman. The Miraflores Locks museum is currently closed for renovations, so visitors will only be able to access the viewing platforms to observe ships passing through the Miraflores Locks. The tour concludes with a return to the hotel around 3 p.m.
Casco Viejo, Panama City and Canal Tour
The Panama City and Canal Tour is an excellent choice for first-time visitors, highlighting key city attractions. It starts with a walking tour of Casco Antiguo, a UNESCO site, showcasing historical sites and architecture while recounting Panama’s pirate history. Next, the tour visits the Amador Causeway, offering panoramic views of the skyline and a photo opportunity at a marina. Depending on traffic, there may be a stop at the Bridge of the Americas for scenic views. The tour includes a drive through the former Canal Zone, concluding with a visit to the Panama Canal, where participants can view an IMAX film narrated by Morgan Freeman. The Miraflores Locks museum is closed, but viewing platforms are available to watch ships navigate the locks before returning to the hotel.
Trip Highlights
- A tour of Panama City, ideal for first-time visitors, as it includes the Casco Viejo and the Canal.
- Walking tour of Casco Viejo, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Visit the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal to watch ships pass through and enjoy an IMAX film narrated by Morgan Freeman.t
