The Real Panamá Walking Tour of Chinatown and The Old Town

The Real Panamá Walking Tour of Chinatown and The Old Town offers an immersive exploration of Panama City’s diverse heritage. Led by knowledgeable guides, participants can expect personalized insights, photo opportunities, and local refreshments as they venture through vibrant neighborhoods like Casco Viejo, Old Chinatown, and Santa Ana. With a maximum of 12 participants, the tour ensures an intimate experience, making it an excellent introduction to the city’s rich history and culture. The tour culminates at Independence Square, leaving visitors with a deeper understanding of Panamá’s captivating past.

Key Points

• A walking tour that explores the history, culture, and diversity of three distinct neighborhoods in Panama City: Casco Viejo, Old Chinatown, and Santa Ana.
• Led by a local, certified guide who provides personalized insights and commentary during the several-hour tour, with breaks for photos and refreshments.
• Offers an intimate group size of up to 12 participants, starting at $43.50 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Provides an excellent introduction to the heart of Panama City, culminating at Independence Square near the Panama Canal Museum.
• Recognized for exceptional experiences, with awards including the Viator Experience Award and TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award.

Overview of the Tour

This walking tour, titled ‘The Real Panamá Walking Tour of Chinatown and The Old Town,’ takes visitors on an active exploration of three distinct neighborhoods in Panama City: Casco Viejo, Old Chinatown, and Santa Ana.

Led by a local, certified guide, the tour provides personalized attention and insight into the city’s history and culture.

Lasting up to several hours, the experience includes stops for photos and refreshments, including a break at the Geisha Experience coffee shop.

With a maximum of 12 participants, the tour offers an intimate, small-group setting.

Priced starting from £43.50, the tour can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance for free.

Tour Highlights

The Real Panamá Walking Tour of Chinatown and The Old Town provides a personalized exploration of Panama City’s rich history and culture, led by a local, certified guide.

Travelers will gain insightful commentary and insider knowledge as they visit historic neighborhoods and off-beat locations. Along the way, they’ll stop for photo opportunities and refreshments, including a break at the renowned Geisha Experience coffee shop.

The tour culminates at Independence Square, near the Panama Canal Museum, giving participants a well-rounded understanding of the country’s past and present.

With the guide’s expertise and the diverse experiences offered, this small-group walking tour is an excellent introduction to the heart of Panama City.

Meeting and Pickup Information

The walking tour begins at the San Felipe Neri Public Market in Panama City, where travelers can find clean bathrooms, local food options, and natural juices.

Downtown Panama City pickup is available upon request by contacting the tour representative.

The meeting point provides a convenient starting location, allowing participants to get a feel for the local culture and amenities before embarking on their exploration of Casco Viejo, Old Chinatown, and Santa Ana.

With the flexibility of pickup services, the tour makes it easy for visitors to join the experience, ensuring a seamless start to their immersion in Panama’s rich history and vibrant neighborhoods.

Traveler Experiences and Reviews

Travelers have praised the guides for their exceptional knowledge and engaging presentation of Panama’s history and culture, with reviews highlighting the depth of information provided and the valuable cultural insights gained during the tour.

Many have recommended the tour as a great introduction to Panama City, noting that it offered informative details even for those who’d previously explored the city on their own.

While some travelers felt the tour represented good value for money, a few expressed expectations for even more depth and immersion.

Accessibility and Health Restrictions

While the tour garners high praise from most participants, it’s important to note some accessibility and health considerations.

The walking tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller accessible and located near public transportation options.

Prospective travelers should also be aware of the following:

1. The tour involves a significant amount of walking, so participants should be prepared for an active exploration of three neighborhoods.

2. The guide recommends that travelers without any heart problems or serious medical conditions join the tour, as the physical demands may be challenging for some.

3. Confirmation of participation is required at the time of booking, ensuring the tour is suitable for each individual’s needs and abilities.

Awards and Recognition

Along With its high ratings, the walking tour has garnered prestigious recognition, having been named a VIATOR EXPERIENCE AWARD WINNER for both 2022 and 2023, as well as a TRIPADVISOR TRAVELERS’ CHOICE AWARD WINNER in 2024. These awards reflect the tour’s commitment to providing an exceptional experience for visitors to Panama City.

Award	Year
VIATOR EXPERIENCE AWARD WINNER	2022
VIATOR EXPERIENCE AWARD WINNER	2023
TRIPADVISOR TRAVELERS’ CHOICE AWARD WINNER	2023

The recognition from these respected platforms underscores the tour’s ability to deliver a unique and memorable exploration of Chinatown and the Old Town, offering travelers an authentic and enriching glimpse into Panama’s vibrant culture and history.

Pricing and Cancellation Policy

The walking tour starts from $43.50 per person, with the price varying based on group size.

Travelers can also take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the scheduled experience. This flexibility allows participants to plan their trip with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if needed without incurring any penalties.

The tour includes:

1. An active exploration of three historic neighborhoods: Casco Viejo, Old Chinatown, and Santa Ana.

2. Personalized attention from a local, certified guide who provides insight into Panama’s rich history and culture.

3. Opportunities for photo stops and refreshment breaks, including a visit to the Geisha Experience coffee shop.

Neighborhood Exploration

The walking tour takes participants on an active exploration of three distinct neighborhoods, each offering a unique glimpse into Panama City’s rich history and cultural diversity. Visitors first venture into Casco Viejo, the historic Old Town, and discover its colonial architecture, plazas, and vibrant street life. The next stop is the lively Old Chinatown, where guests enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Asian community. Finally, the tour visits the Santa Ana neighborhood, known for its colorful houses, artisan workshops, and panoramic views. Throughout the journey, the knowledgeable guide provides fascinating insights, allowing travelers to connect with the city’s past and present.

Neighborhood	Highlights
Casco Viejo	Colonial architecture, plazas, street life
Old Chinatown	Sights, sounds, and flavors of the Asian community
Santa Ana	Colorful houses, artisan workshops, panoramic views

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but the guide may recommend stopping at local establishments to experience the regional cuisine and refreshments as part of the culture.

Do I Need to Wear Any Specific Clothing or Shoes?

The tour doesn’t require any specific clothing or shoes. Comfortable, casual attire and walking shoes are recommended to ensure you can actively explore the neighborhoods comfortably during the walking tour. Dress for the weather conditions on the day.

Are Photos and Videos Allowed During the Tour?

Photos and videos are generally allowed during tours, but participants should be respectful and avoid interfering with the guide or other travelers’ experiences. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific restrictions.

Can the Tour Be Customized to My Interests?

The tour can be customized to individual interests. Travelers can discuss their preferences with the guide, who can adapt the itinerary to focus on specific aspects of the neighborhoods and tailor the experience accordingly.

What Languages Does the Guide Speak?

The tour guides are fluent in multiple languages, often including English and Spanish. Guests can expect their guide to effectively communicate and provide insights in the languages most comfortable for the group.

Recap

The Real Panamá Walking Tour offers an immersive exploration of the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, led by a knowledgeable guide.

Participants enjoy personalized insights, photo opportunities, and local refreshments, culminating at Independence Square near the Panama Canal Museum.

With a maximum of 12 participants, the tour ensures an intimate experience, providing an excellent introduction to Panamá’s diverse heritage.