Visitors to Panama City can enjoy the country’s vibrant culture and rich history with a comprehensive 5-hour tour departing directly from Tocumen International Airport. The tour begins at the Miraflores Visitor Center, where attendees witness the impressive Panama Canal locks in action. Next, the group explores the charming streets of the historic Casco Viejo neighborhood, admiring the colonial architecture and significant landmarks. Accompanied by a professional driver/guide and provided with a delicious lunch, this private tour offers a personalized and accessible experience for all. While the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours prior provides peace of mind, the tour’s diverse itinerary is sure to captivate even the most discerning traveler.

Key Points

5-Hour Tour of Panama City, Panama From Tocumen Airport - Key Points

  • A 5-hour private tour of Panama City, including visits to the Miraflores Visitor Center for the Panama Canal locks and the historic Casco Viejo neighborhood.
  • Tour departs at 7:30 am from the Tocumen International Airport, with a professional driver/guide providing engaging commentary and a complimentary lunch.
  • Highlights include observing ships passing through the canal locks and exploring the colonial architecture and vibrant culture of Casco Viejo.
  • Tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with infants sitting on laps during transportation.
  • Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour and a lowest price guarantee.

Tour Overview

5-Hour Tour of Panama City, Panama From Tocumen Airport - Tour Overview

The 5-hour tour of Panama City provides visitors with a comprehensive exploration of the city’s key landmarks and attractions.

Starting at the Tocumen International Airport, the tour takes travelers to the Miraflores Visitor Center to witness ships passing through the iconic Panama Canal locks.

The tour then ventures into the historic Casco Viejo neighborhood, where participants can discover architectural wonders and cultural sites.

The tour is private, with a professional driver/guide, and includes a lunch break.

While infants must sit on laps, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Confirmation is provided at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior to the experience.

Meeting Point and Start Time

5-Hour Tour of Panama City, Panama From Tocumen Airport - Meeting Point and Start Time

The tour meets at the lower level past customs at the VISIT PANAMA DESK located at Tocumen International Airport.

This is the designated meeting point for the 5-hour tour of Panama City. The tour departs promptly at 7:30 am, so customers are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early.

The tour isn’t available on December 25th and January 1st, as the city sites may be closed on those dates.

With a professional driver/guide leading the way, the tour will explore the highlights of Panama City before returning to the original meeting point at the end of the 5-hour experience.

Miraflores Visitor Center

Typically, visitors embark on the 30-minute drive to the Miraflores Visitor Center, the prime location to observe ships passing through the iconic Panama Canal locks.

The best viewing hours are between 9 AM and 11 AM, as well as 2 PM to 5 PM, when the canal’s activity is at its peak.

At the visitor center, guests can learn about the canal’s construction, history, and ongoing expansion through engaging exhibits and informative displays.

While admission to the Miraflores Visitor Center isn’t included, the opportunity to witness the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal in action is undoubtedly a highlight of the tour.

Casco Viejo Exploration

After exploring the Miraflores Visitor Center, the tour moves on to the Casco Viejo neighborhood, Panama City’s historic district.

Visitors will get to see several notable sites, including the San Francisco Church, Arco Chato Church Ruins, Plaza Herrera, La Compañía Ruins, Old Prisons of the Slaves, Plaza Francia, San José Church, Plaza Catedral, and the Amador Causeway.

This exploration provides a glimpse into Panama’s past, with each location offering unique historical significance.

The walking tour through Casco Viejo allows guests to experience the neighborhood’s charming streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant culture.

Admission to this part of the tour is free, providing an affordable way to explore Panama City’s rich heritage.

Inclusions and Pricing

5-Hour Tour of Panama City, Panama From Tocumen Airport - Inclusions and Pricing

Included in the tour package is a professional driver/guide who accompanies the private group throughout the experience. This ensures the tour remains engaging and informative, as the guide provides commentary and leads the group to the top sites. Lunch is also included in the cost, allowing travelers to refuel midway through the exploration. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, ensuring it is inclusive for all. Infants must sit on laps during transport. The package offers flexibility, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start and a reserve now, pay later option.

Inclusions Yes / No
Professional Driver/Guide Yes
Private Tour Yes
Lunch Yes
Wheelchair/Stroller Accessible Yes
Infants on Laps Yes

Cancellation Policy

5-Hour Tour of Panama City, Panama From Tocumen Airport - Cancellation Policy

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. This means that if you need to cancel your reservation, you can do so with no penalty as long as you notify the tour provider at least 24 hours in advance.

This policy provides flexibility and peace of mind for travelers who may need to adjust their plans. Plus, the tour comes with a lowest price guarantee, and you can reserve your spot now and pay later.

This allows you to secure your tour without having to pay upfront, giving you more control over your travel budget.

Customer Reviews

The customer reviews for this 5-hour Panama City tour are a mix of positive and negative feedback.

Harumi_P highly recommends the tour, stating that the private experience allows visitors to explore at their own pace.

Similarly, Melanie K praised the guide’s performance, describing the tour as "fabulous".

However, Irina G was less satisfied, noting that the guide was late and they didn’t see the full 5 hours’ worth of sites.

Getting Around

Travelers can expect convenient transportation throughout the 5-hour tour. The tour begins at the Tocumen International Airport, where you will meet their private driver/guide.

The guide will then transport the group to the first stop, the Miraflores Visitor Center, located just a 30-minute drive away. After the canal observation, the tour will continue to the historic Casco Viejo neighborhood, accessible by a short drive.

At the end of the tour, the group will return to the original meeting point at the airport. The tour is accessible for wheelchair and stroller users, and infants can join while sitting on laps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour overview, the tour includes lunch, so participants cannot bring their own food. However, they are welcome to bring their own water or other non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy during the tour.

Is There a Bathroom Stop During the Tour?

The tour includes a stop at the Miraflores Visitor Center, which has public restrooms available. Plus, the guide will likely allow for bathroom breaks during the exploration of Casco Viejo if needed.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Each Site Visit?

The tour’s itinerary allocates different amounts of time for each site visit. The Miraflores Visitor Center stop is 30 minutes, while the exploration of Casco Viejo is not specified. The guide likely adjusts the time spent at each location based on the group’s interests and pace.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Customers can’t fully customize the tour itinerary, but they can discuss preferences with the guide. The tour follows a set schedule, though the time spent at each site may be adjusted based on the group’s interests.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no specific dress code for the tour, but visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking. The tour covers indoor and outdoor sites, so layering is recommended to adapt to varying temperatures.

Recap

This 5-hour tour of Panama City offers an immersive cultural experience. Travelers can witness the impressive Panama Canal locks, explore the historic Casco Viejo neighborhood, and enjoy a personalized tour with a professional guide and lunch. The flexible cancellation policy and private tour format ensure a convenient and accessible experience for all. With its vibrant culture and rich history, this tour is an excellent way to discover the highlights of Panama City.