Panama City’s workshop scene offers practical, hands-on experiences that bring you closer to local culture. The standout choices include chocolate-making at Nomé Chocolate – perfect for understanding the country’s cacao heritage – and authentic cooking classes where you’ll master staples like ceviche and pollo guisado. We especially love the combination cooking-and-cocktail workshops in historic Casco Viejo, which pair great food with local spirits in a colonial setting.
For active travelers, the surf lessons near the city provide excellent value and professional instruction. Most venues offer good accessibility, water stations, and flexible booking terms.
Let’s explore our favorite workshops and classes in Panama City.
Key Points
- Panama City offers a range of immersive culinary experiences, including chocolate-making, authentic cooking classes, and boozy cooking adventures with excellent customer satisfaction.
- Salsa dancing classes provide personalized instruction and the opportunity to practice at local dance venues, catering to both beginners and experienced dancers.
- Surfing lessons with the Panama Surf School at El Palmar beach, combined with a beach day and salsa classes, offer a unique and well-rounded activity package.
- Activities in Panama City generally cater to accessibility needs, with wheelchair-friendly options and a focus on participant comfort and safety.
- Flexible booking and cancellation policies, along with price guarantees, provide assurance and flexibility for travelers planning their activities in Panama City.
Class for Chocolate Making and Tasting in Panama
What better way to indulge in Panama’s rich chocolate heritage than by attending a class at Nomé Chocolate in the heart of Panama City?
With a stellar 4.7-star rating from 206 reviews, this private chocolate-tasting experience offers an engaging and informative look into the country’s chocolate-making traditions.
Participants will taste seasonal chocolates, pour their own chocolate bars, and enjoy a refreshing drink while learning about the history and process of chocolate production in Panama.
While the class may be misleadingly titled as “chocolate making,” the hands-on element of pouring melted chocolate into molds provides a satisfying interactive component.
Highly accessible, the class takes place at Nomé Chocolate’s central location and is wheelchair and stroller friendly.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, it’s an ideal activity for chocolate lovers and families seeking an educational and enjoyable outing in Casco Viejo.
Those who attend often leave with an enhanced appreciation for Panamanian chocolate and additional purchases to savor at home.
Read our full review: Class for Chocolate Making and Tasting in Panama Review
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4-Hour Guided Panamanian Cooking Class and Markets Experience
Travelers seeking an immersive culinary experience in Panama City can embark on a 4-hour guided Panamanian Cooking Class and Markets Experience. This highly-rated activity boasts a 4.9 overall rating from 69 reviews, with 99% of travelers recommending it.
Located in the heart of Panama City, the class offers participants a chance to learn about and cook authentic Panamanian dishes, such as ceviche, carimañola, pollo guisado, and tamale típica.
The experience includes a visit to a local seafood market, a hands-on cooking class, and a late lunch featuring the dishes prepared. Beverages, including alcoholic options, are complimentary.
While the class is designed for a maximum of 8 travelers, participants often find the duration to be closer to 5-6 hours. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free substitutions are available.
Read our full review: 4-Hour Guided Panamanian Cooking Class and Markets Experience Review
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1 Salsa Class in Casco Viejo – Dont Just See Panama… Feel It!
For travelers seeking to experience the vibrant Latin culture of Panama, a one-hour small-group salsa class in Casco Viejo, Panama City, offers an immersive opportunity.
Hosted by the acclaimed Salsa Safari dance team, the class boasts an impressive 99% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence. Tailored to participants’ needs, the class caters to beginners and solo dancers alike, teaching fundamental salsa steps alongside insights into Latin American culture.
Under the professional guidance of experienced instructors, dancers receive personalized attention in an intimate, hip, and upbeat environment.
The studio, located between Calle 11 and 12 near Teatro Amador, is wheelchair and stroller accessible. With a maximum of 40 travelers, the class maintains a focus on real-time coaching and pro tips.
Priced from $30 per person, the class offers free cancellation and the flexibility to reserve now and pay later. Reviews consistently praise the friendly, knowledgeable instructors and the enjoyable post-class opportunities to practice at local dance bars.
Read our full review: #1 Salsa Class in Casco Viejo – Dont Just See Panama… Feel It! Review
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10-Recipe Boozy Panamanian Cooking Class
Why not explore the flavors of Panama through a 10-recipe boozy cooking class in the heart of Panama City?
With 172 reviews and a 98% traveler recommendation, this class is a must-do for anyone looking to enjoy Panamanian cuisine. Priced from $85 per person, the class accommodates up to 10 travelers, ensuring a personalized and hands-on experience.
Participants will indulge in a sampling of traditional Panamanian dishes, including pico de gallo, fish ceviche, and arroz con pollo, while sipping on bottomless mojitos.
The class also features unique Panamanian treats like chicheme, a drinkable corn cream dessert, and chicha de saril, an iced tea infusion.
With a focus on quality ingredients and engaging instruction, the class promises an unforgettable culinary adventure.
While some guests have voiced concerns about portion sizes or ingredient quality, the hosts provide a 100% refund for unsatisfactory experiences and continuously work to improve the class based on feedback.
Read our full review: 10-Recipe Boozy Panamanian Cooking Class Review
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Panama Foodie Walk & Mojito Class
The Panama Foodie Walk & Mojito Class promises an immersive culinary adventure in the heart of Panama City. Operated by PTY Life, this 3.5-hour tour takes participants on a journey through the city’s vibrant food scene. For $89 per person, travelers can savor snacks, alcoholic beverages like mojitos and ceviche, and learn the art of crafting the perfect mojito.
The tour starts at the Tántalo Hotel’s rooftop and includes a short city walk, food tasting, and a hands-on mojito class. With a maximum of 4 travelers, the experience offers an intimate and personalized touch.
Praised for its knowledgeable and friendly guide, the tour has earned a perfect 5-star rating from past participants. Reviewers highlight the amazing food, beautiful views, and hospitable atmosphere.
Flexibility and accessibility are also key features, with a “reserve now, pay later” option and proximity to public transportation.
Whether you’re a food lover or cocktail enthusiast, the Panama Foodie Walk & Mojito Class promises an unforgettable taste of Panamanian culture.
Read our full review: Panama Foodie Walk & Mojito Class Review
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Surf Lessons in San Carlos, Panama
Panama’s picturesque beaches offer an idyllic setting for surfing enthusiasts, and the PANAMA SURF SCHOOL in San Carlos is the premier destination for learning this exhilarating water sport.
Located just 1.5 hours from Panama City, the school provides surf lessons at El Palmar beach, one of Panama’s renowned surfing spots. For $65 per person, students can access a full range of facilities, including surfboards, rash-guards, showers, and toilets.
The school operates year-round, with lessons available Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM, and on weekends from 8 AM to 6 PM. Booking is simple, with confirmation received at the time of reservation and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the experience.
Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 3 travelers, ensuring personalized attention from the expert instructors.
With a perfect 5-star rating based on one review, the PANAMA SURF SCHOOL is the ideal choice for both beginners and experienced surfers looking to hone their skills in the beautiful waters of Panama.
Read our full review: Surf Lessons in San Carlos, Panama Review
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Breathtaking Rooftop Salsa Lesson and Choreography in Panama City
A breathtaking rooftop setting in the heart of Panama City serves as the backdrop for the Salsa Safari Studio‘s captivating salsa lesson and choreography experience.
Located in the historic Casco Viejo district, this 5-star rated workshop offers travelers a chance to learn the vibrant steps of salsa dancing from expert instructors.
With personalized attention and the ability to customize the experience, participants can expect a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for beginners and those without prior dance experience.
The class features a maximum of 40 travelers, ensuring individualized guidance.
While not wheelchair accessible, the studio is conveniently located near public transportation.
However, those with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions should avoid this activity.
Read our full review: Breathtaking Rooftop Salsa Lesson and Choreography in Panama City Review
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Salsa Classes in Panama City
For those captivated by the vibrant salsa culture of Panama City, the Anixon García Academy offers an exceptional opportunity to learn the art of salsa dancing. The academy provides private salsa lessons tailored to individual needs, suitable for beginners or those looking to enhance their skills.
This fun activity is perfect for individuals, couples, or groups of friends, with personalized attention ensuring quick improvement.
Located at Vía Israel 07099, the classes are available Monday to Sunday from 6 AM to 8 PM. The activity ends back at the meeting point, and pickup is available for those in Panama City. Bottled water is provided for hydration, and confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
While the classes aren’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate. Priced from $76.93 per person, the lessons offer a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
With a 5.0 rating based on 5 reviews, the Anixon García Academy delivers a truly exceptional salsa learning experience in the heart of Panama City.
Read our full review: Salsa Classes in Panama City Review
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Surf Lesson & Beach Day in Playa Caracol
Travelers can escape Panama City’s towering skyscrapers and enjoy a day of sunshine and surfing at Playa Caracol. This activity offers a private surfing lesson and access to the Surf Club’s facilities, including restrooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant.
Round-trip transportation from any Panama City hotel is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a comfortable journey.
The surfing lesson includes the use of a rental surfboard, giving participants the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors. After the lesson, guests can spend free time enjoying various beach activities.
The experience is priced at $145.00 per person, with a maximum of 10 travelers per session. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start.
While not wheelchair accessible, the activity is stroller-friendly, though it’s not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions, as a moderate level of physical fitness is required.
Read our full review: Surf Lesson & Beach Day in Playa Caracol Review
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The Sum Up
Panama City offers a variety of engaging workshops and classes for visitors. From learning to make chocolate and cook Panamanian cuisine to taking salsa and surfing lessons, there’s something for all. Whether you’re interested in food, dance, or water sports, these immersive experiences provide an opportunity to dive into the local culture and leave with new skills and unforgettable memories.