Sweet Historical Tour of Panama

Panama’s "Sweet Historical Tour" offers travelers an immersive glimpse into the country’s rich past. This excursion delves into the iconic Panama Viejo ruins and the vibrant Casco Viejo neighborhood, guiding visitors through the city’s captivating heritage. Complementing the cultural exploration is a delightful chocolate tasting and a traditional lunch, providing a well-rounded experience of Panamanian flavors. With convenient transportation and knowledgeable guides, this tour promises a memorable day for those eager to uncover the unique charm and history of Panama City. What secrets might this exceptional journey unveil?

Key Points

• The "Sweet Historical Tour of Panama" focuses on the history and culture of Panama City, with visits to the Panama Viejo ruins and the Casco Viejo neighborhood.
• The tour includes transportation, entry to the Panama Viejo visitors center, a chocolate tasting experience, and a traditional Panamanian lunch.
• The tour provides insights into the colonial past of Panama, including the rise and decline of the original Panama City settlement.
• The chocolate tasting experience highlights the history and production of Panamanian cacao, with opportunities to create personalized chocolate products.
• Traveler feedback highlights the knowledgeable guide, the impressive nativity scene, and the traditional Panamanian lunch, but suggests room for improvement in the hands-on chocolate workshop.

Tour Overview and Details

The tour, titled "Sweet Historical Tour of Panama," takes travelers on a journey through the rich history and culture of Panama City.

Priced from $110.00, the tour accommodates up to 10 guests and allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Participants will be transported in an air-conditioned vehicle and have the opportunity to explore the Panama Viejo visitors center, participate in a chocolate course, and enjoy a complimentary lunch.

Pickup services are available, though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Based on a 4.0 review rating, the tour offers a positive overall experience, with highlights including the Panama Viejo ruins and the charming Casco Viejo neighborhood.

Inclusions and Pickup Information

According to the provided information, the tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation and entry to the Panama Viejo visitors center.

Plus, the tour offers a chocolate course and a cup of coffee, as well as coffee and/or tea, and lunch.

For pickup, the following details are available:

• Pickup points are available.
• Passengers will be picked up with a sign displaying their name.
• The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible, and infant seats are available.
• No serious medical conditions are required.

Exploring Panama Viejo

Exploring Panama Viejo, the first European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas, is a highlight of the tour. Established in 1519, the ruins reveal the city’s colonial past.

Travelers wander among the remnants of churches, plazas, and fortifications, imagining life in this once-bustling hub. The visit to the on-site visitors center provides historical context, exploring the settlement’s rise and eventual abandonment due to pirate attacks.

Guides share vivid stories, bringing the past to life. Visitors marvel at the scale and significance of these archaeological treasures, gaining a deeper appreciation for Panama’s heritage.

The tour offers a window into the country’s origins, fostering a greater understanding of its evolution.

Chocolate Tasting Experience

Often, the chocolate tasting experience is a highlight of the tour. Visitors learn about the history and production of Panamanian cacao, one of the world’s finest.

The tour includes:

1. A demonstration on roasting and grinding cacao beans.
2. A tasting of different chocolate varieties, highlighting the nuanced flavors.
3. An opportunity to create their own chocolate truffles or bars.
4. A cup of freshly brewed Panamanian coffee to complement the chocolate experience.

The chocolate course provides a hands-on, interactive way for travelers to deepen their appreciation for this revered Panamanian delicacy.

While the previous review noted disappointment with the chocolate experience, the tour generally delivers an engaging, educational tasting that showcases the country’s rich culinary heritage.

Lunch at Casablanca

On the historical walking tour, travelers enjoy a satisfying lunch at Casablanca, a charming restaurant located in Plaza Bolívar.

The menu features a selection of traditional Panamanian dishes, showcasing the country’s vibrant culinary heritage. Guests can savor local specialties like arroz con pollo, a classic rice and chicken dish, or indulge in the rich and flavorful sancocho, a hearty stew.

The setting is equally inviting, with a cozy ambiance and friendly staff who provide attentive service.

The lunch break offers a chance to take in the local culture, refuel, and continue the exploration of Panama City’s captivating history.

The Nativity Scene

One traveler on the historical tour was particularly captivated by the impressive nativity scene displayed within a local church.

The nativity scene featured:

1. Intricately carved figurines representing the Holy Family, shepherds, and wise men.
2. A detailed backdrop depicting the town of Bethlehem, complete with stone buildings and a starry night sky.
3. Soft lighting that cast a warm glow, enhancing the serene and reverent atmosphere.
4. Explanations from the guide about the significance and symbolism of the nativity scene in Panamanian Catholic tradition.

The traveler was struck by the level of craftsmanship and the sense of devotion conveyed by the display, which provided a meaningful cultural highlight to the overall tour experience.

Traveler Feedback

The traveler feedback on the historical tour of Panama provided valuable insights into the overall experience.

A reviewer named Jason_Y had a positive impression of the tour, praising the knowledgeable guide and the lunch at Casablanca in Plaza Bolivar.

They highlighted the impressive Nativity scene at a local church as a memorable highlight.

However, the reviewer noted that the chocolate experience didn’t meet their expectations, as it lacked the hands-on chocolate making component they’d anticipated.

This feedback suggests that while the tour successfully showcased Panama’s historical sites and cuisine, the chocolate workshop could be improved to better align with travelers’ expectations.

Recap

The "Sweet Historical Tour of Panama" offers an immersive exploration of the country’s rich heritage, showcasing the iconic Panama Viejo ruins and the vibrant Casco Viejo neighborhood. With transportation, a delightful chocolate tasting, and a traditional lunch included, this tour provides travelers with a memorable and authentic experience guided by knowledgeable experts. The tour’s free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance adds flexibility, making it an appealing option for those seeking to discover Panama’s history and culture.