Discover the Heart of the Panama Canal
Exploring Panama is incomplete without a tour of the famous Panama Canal. This engineering marvel is at the heart of America, offering a unique perspective on both history and breathtaking scenery. A boat ride lets you experience the Canal at water level, bringing you closer to its rich past. Whether you seek an adventure, a deep learning experience, or simply a chance to witness the authentic side of Panama City, this journey has it all.
Our excursions go beyond the conventional routes. You’ll visit sites not typically available, ensuring a deeper understanding of this extraordinary place. Many renowned international companies back these tours, proving their excellence. From the largest rainforest in the Western hemisphere to the Real Panama City, every moment is unforgettable. Don’t settle for less—this is the ultimate way to see the Canal. Also read this pattaya tour
Best Places to Stay in Panama City
To explore the best things to do in Panama City, staying a few nights is a must. This big city offers lots of choices when it comes to places to stay, but we’ve narrowed down the top picks for every budget. Whether you prefer comfy accommodations or luxurious stays, there’s an option for you.
For a famous and luxurious experience, the American Trade Hotel is an excellent choice. Though I only saw it from the outside, it’s known for housing people of high status. Rooms start around $250 USD per night, and you’ll feel like a VIP by booking online. If you want a medium-budget stay, Magnolia Inn in Casco Viejo is perfect. This French-style manor with stunning colonial architecture offers private rooms under $100 USD or dorm beds as cheap as $19.
For a more trendy and fun stay, Bodhi Panama City in Marbella is a great hostel choice. It features an outdoor pool, privacy curtains, lockers, and a big kitchen for cooking meals. You can grab a bunk for $16 USD or book a private room for $30 USD. Check out the best deals on Hostelworld or Booking.com.
Best Tours of the Panama Canal
For an unforgettable Panama Canal tour, you can choose from a range of boat tours designed to cater to every traveler’s needs. Each tour offers a unique perspective on this engineering marvel, ensuring a mesmerizing experience.
A partial transit is a 5 to 6-hour journey, letting you witness the Pacific locks up close. If you seek a more extensive adventure, the full transit spans 10 to 11 hours, traversing the entire canal from ocean to ocean. For something different, the alternative transit provides a 5-hour excursion, allowing you to explore the waters in a unique way.
To learn more, visit our website and select the one that best suits your preferences.
The Best Combination: Panama City and Panama Canal
This half-day tour, lasting approximately 5 hours, is adaptable to your schedule and time availability. You will be picked up from your hotel in Panama City, Tocumen International Airport, or Albrook Airport (Marcos A. Gelabert) for a seamless start.
Your journey includes visiting the modern city and an Old Town historic district walking tour, a World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO in 1997. Along the way, admire the scenic beauty of La Cinta Costera, a Coastal Beltway facing the Pacific Ocean. You will also explore the impressive Amador Causeway and its four adjoining islands: Naos, Culebra, Perico, and Flamenco.
Next, you’ll stand at the entrance and exit of the Panama Canal on the Pacific side and cross one of the bridges, either Las Americas or Centennial. The tour grants direct access to the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center, offering unique views from the ship observation terraces. Your guide may also recommend selected locations to enhance your experience.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
When traveling, don’t forget travel insurance to save money and stay protected. We recommend SafetyWing, a trusted provider since 2018, offering coverage for medical costs, lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights.
What makes SafetyWing different is its flexibility. You can take out a policy even after leaving your home country, making it a great choice for spontaneous travelers. Plus, it works on a monthly payment plan instead of a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time. It’s one of the cheapest providers while still offering comprehensive protection.
The Authentic Panama Canal Tour
This authentic Panama Canal tour is promoted by renowned world-class travel organizations like TripAdvisor and major cruise-ship lines. Top hotels, agencies, and operators worldwide also recommend our excursions to valuable clients, executives, diplomatic personnel, friends, and families. Even international companies and embassies trust our original experience.
Unlike other tour operators who only take you to the bay entrance, we take you inside the locks, sailing from ocean to ocean alongside huge cargo ships on an exhilarating journey. Our fascinating narrators will immerse you in the history of the country, explaining the Chagres River, Gatun Lake, and special sites along the trip. This is the true crossing of an important man-made wonder—the Panama Canal, the most important canal on the planet!
Full-Day Panama Canal and Jungle Tour
This full-day adventure is an absolute must for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike! We started early, ensuring we were one of the first boats on the Panama Canal, which gave us prime opportunities to see wildlife like parrots, sloths, and even dolphins. As we cruised into Lake Gatun, Monkey Island came into view, where curious monkeys approached our boat, making for a thrilling wildlife encounter. The tour continued with a visit to the Agua Clara Visitor Center and an exploration of San Lorenzo National Park. The highlight was undoubtedly Fort San Lorenzo, where tales of pirate invasions captivated us, and we ended the day with a picturesque picnic overlooking the historic site. This tour was an incredible mix of history, adventure, and wildlife—an experience we wholeheartedly recommend booking in advance!
Half-Day Private Tour of Historic Center of Panama and Canal
For travelers short on time, this half-day private tour is the perfect introduction to Panama City. The itinerary begins at the Miraflores Visitor Center, where we explored the museum and watched the famous locks in action from a spacious viewing deck. Next, we strolled through the Old City, Casco Viejo, admiring its colonial charm and historic churches, which contrast beautifully with the modern skyline. The final stop was the Amador Causeway, a scenic coastal road offering breathtaking views and excellent shopping opportunities at the duty-free store. Our guide, Ernesto, was exceptional—his warmth and knowledge made this tour even more enjoyable. Ideal for first-time visitors, this tour efficiently covers Panama City’s must-see spots in just a few hours.
Panama Canal Boat Cruise
This immersive six-hour boat tour is perfect for those who want to experience the Panama Canal up close. Departing from Gamboa, we spent nearly four hours cruising through the iconic Gaillard Cut, Pedro Miguel, and Miraflores Locks. Seeing the engineering marvel of the canal from the water gave us a unique perspective compared to land-based visits. The observation decks on board provided excellent views, and the onboard bar was a nice touch. Our guide, Edwin, shared fascinating insights in both English and Spanish, making the experience even more enriching. While this tour only operates on Sundays and Fridays from December to March, it is absolutely worth planning ahead. Relaxing yet educational, it’s a must for history and engineering enthusiasts alike.
6-Hour Panama City and Canal Private or Small Group Tour
This six-hour tour is the perfect way to explore Panama City in a short amount of time. We began in the charming Old City, where we soaked in the colonial history and unique architecture. A visit to the Miraflores Visitor Center followed, allowing us to witness the incredible workings of the Panama Canal. The Amador Causeway was another highlight, offering stunning waterfront views of the city’s skyline. We also stopped at the Bridge of the Americas viewpoint, capturing breathtaking photos. A visit to the Artisan Market rounded out the experience, providing a chance to pick up some authentic souvenirs. For those with limited time, including layover travelers, this tour is unbeatable—plus, it conveniently offers pickups from both of Panama’s international airports!
Frequently Asked Questions About Panama City
What top attractions are a must-see in Panama City?
Panama City boasts several must-see attractions, including the renowned Panama Canal Railway and the bustling Tocumen International Airport. Visitors should not miss the Miraflores Locks and the informative Miraflores Visitor’s Center, where they can learn about the canal’s history. The Biomuseo, designed by Frank Gehry, offers a deep dive into Panama’s biodiversity and cultural heritage.
What are the best tours in Panama City?
For an immersive experience, take the Embera Indian Village & Waterfall Tour, which includes a traditional lunch. The City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is perfect for exploring at your own pace. History enthusiasts can enjoy the Half Day City and Panama Canal Tour. If you prefer island adventures, the Taboga Island Catamaran Cruise with lunch and an open bar is a great choice. For a mix of culture and relaxation, the San Blas Island Day Tour & New Paradise Island experience is highly recommended.
What are the best day trips and excursions from Panama City?
Panama City is a gateway to incredible day trips. The San Blas Islands offer pristine beaches and indigenous culture. Colón is rich in history, while El Valle de Anton provides lush landscapes and hiking trails. A visit to the Panama Canal allows you to witness its engineering marvels up close. For a tropical escape, Taboga Island is perfect for sunbathing and snorkeling.
What are the best tours to do in Panama City with kids?
Families can enjoy a variety of kid-friendly tours. The Taboga Island Catamaran Cruise provides fun on the water with meals included. Nature lovers will appreciate the Monkey Island, Sloth Sanctuary, and Panama Canal Tour. The Poin Glass Observation Deck Ticket with a VR Tour offers a high-tech, interactive experience. For an all-inclusive outing, the Poin Full Package Experience is ideal. Outdoor enthusiasts can embark on the Anton Valley Day Tour with hiking activities.
What are the best outdoor activities to do in Panama City?
Adventure seekers will love the Embera Indian Village & Waterfall Tour, which combines cultural immersion and nature. The San Blas Island Day Tour offers crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches. For a more extensive island adventure, try the San Blas Island Hopping Day Tour. Wildlife lovers can explore Monkey Island and the Panama Canal Eco-Tour, while the Monkey Island and Sloth Sanctuary Tour offers an up-close experience with fascinating animals.
What are the best indoor activities in Panama City for rainy days?
Indoor activities provide great entertainment during rainy days. History buffs can visit Fort San Lorenzo & Panama Canal Agua Clara Locks. The Panama Canal and City Tour offers an in-depth look at the country’s rich history. Shoppers can enjoy a day at Albrook Mall with a round-trip transfer included. Coffee lovers will appreciate the Panama Crafted Geisha Coffee Tasting Experience. For an exclusive experience, the Panama Geisha Coffee and Chocolate Tasting Private Tour is a must-try.
What are the best deals and discounts on activities and attractions in Panama City?
Travelers looking for the best value can find great deals on various tours. The Embera Indian Village & Waterfall Tour combines culture and nature at an affordable price. The San Blas Island Day Tour & New Paradise Island experience offers an all-inclusive package. The San Blas Island Hopping Day Tour provides multiple island visits in one trip. Eco-tourists can save on the Monkey Island and Panama Canal Eco-Tour & Jungle experience. The Waterfall & Embera Village Tour, which includes entry fees, is another budget-friendly adventure.
What are the most popular museums and exhibitions in Panama City?
Panama City features a rich selection of museums and cultural sites. The Guided Northbound Panama Canal Cruise provides an educational and scenic journey. The Fort San Lorenzo & Panama Canal Agua Clara Locks tour dives into the country’s military and engineering history. The Panama Canal Visitors Center and City Tour showcases the importance of the canal. For a personalized experience, the Colon City Panama Private Tour offers flexibility. Art and history enthusiasts will enjoy the Miraflores Locks and Biomuseo Private Tour.
Explore all these experiences and more in Panama City!
Conclusion
Panama City offers a diverse range of attractions, tours, and activities catering to all types of travelers. From the world-famous Panama Canal and its visitor centers to vibrant cultural spots like the Biomuseo, the city has no shortage of must-see landmarks. Adventure seekers can explore nearby islands, waterfalls, and eco-tours, while families can enjoy kid-friendly experiences such as the Monkey Island and Sloth Sanctuary tour. For those who prefer indoor activities, options like shopping at Albrook Mall or a Geisha coffee tasting provide engaging experiences, even on rainy days. Panama City also boasts excellent deals and discounts on tours, making it an accessible destination for all budgets. History lovers can explore iconic museums and exhibitions, diving into Panama’s rich heritage. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Panama City ensures an unforgettable experience for every traveler. Explore, discover, and enjoy all that this dynamic city has to offer!