From Riu Playa Blanca: Panama Canal & City Tour

5.0 (14 reviews) Panama
Duration8h - 9h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 44 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

We start the tour at 8:30 AM from RIU Playa Blanca Resort and drive approximately 90 minutes to Panama City along the Pan-American Highway, enjoying beautiful mountain views along the way.

Our first stop is Casco Antiguo, the historic old town, where your bilingual guide will lead a walking tour through cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and lively plazas. You’ll also have free time to grab a snack, coffee, or a small pastry.

Next, we visit the Amador Causeway, where you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Bay of Panama and have the chance to take photos with the iconic Panama City sign, as well as admire the exterior of the Biomuseo.

Our final stop is the Miraflores Visitor Center at the Panama Canal, where you can watch ships passing through the locks and visit the IMAX theater. (Entrance not included)

We then return to RIU Playa Blanca Resort, arriving around 4:00 PM depending on traffic. In some cases, return time may be closer to 6:00 PM.

Options

From Riu Playa Blanca Hotel

From the Resort: Please be on time by the lobby. This tour is from Riu Playa Blanca Rio Hato round trip.
Pickup included

From Dreams Playa Bonita

Pickup included

What's included

  • English Speaking guide (Meet you in the city)
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Round trip from Riu Playa Blanca or Decameron
  • Professional Spanish driver
  • Food (Our guide will suggest some local restaurants)
  • Panama Canal entrance fees (Adult $17.22 or Child $7.22)

What to expect

  1. Casco Viejo
    45m
    Our first stop is the historic Casco Viejo, the heart of Panama City’s old town and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Founded in 1673 after the original city of Panamá was destroyed by pirates, this charming neighborhood is filled with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and stunning plazas. As you walk through the area, you’ll see beautiful churches, government buildings, boutique shops, and lively cafés, all reflecting Panama’s rich history and cultural blend of Spanish, French, and indigenous influences. Casco Viejo is a photographer’s dream, offering countless spots for capturing the beauty of the city’s architecture and vibrant street life. Visiting this area provides a perfect introduction to Panama’s heritage and the lively atmosphere that defines its capital.
  2. Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador)
    30m
    Our second stop takes us to the scenic Amador Causeway, a beautiful waterfront area connecting four small islands at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal. Here, you’ll enjoy a walk around the Biomuseo, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, where you can learn about Panama’s incredible biodiversity and its important role in connecting North and South America. Along the causeway, we’ll visit the famous Panama City sign, a perfect spot for photos with the skyline in the background. While exploring, keep your eyes open—sometimes you can spot a two-toed sloth in the surrounding trees, making for a memorable wildlife encounter. This stop combines history, nature, and stunning views, giving you a full sense of Panama’s cultural and natural heritage.
  3. Miraflores Visitor Center
    1h 30m · Admission ticket not included
    Our final stop is the Miraflores Visitor Center, where you can enjoy the informative IMAX movie about the Panama Canal’s history and operations. Afterward, head to the observation deck for a breathtaking view of the locks and watch massive ships as they transit between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This stop offers a unique combination of education, stunning views, and up-close experiences of one of the world’s greatest engineering feats.
  4. Cinta Costera
    Pass by
    The Cinta Costera is a scenic waterfront boulevard in Panama City, perfect for a quick stop to enjoy ocean views, fresh breeze, and great photo spots with the skyline. It’s a popular area for walking, relaxing, and seeing locals enjoying the city.
  5. Pass by
    The Albrook Air Force Station is a former U.S. military base located in what was once the Panama Canal Zone. Today, the area has been transformed into a vibrant commercial and residential zone, home to Albrook Mall—one of the largest malls in Latin America—as well as transportation hubs and the domestic Albrook Marcos A. Gelabert Airport.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

Our driver will collect you from the hotel Lobby. We start collecting at 8:30 am. Please be 30 minutes before your. Pickup location is Riu Playa Blanca Lobby

Additional information

  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Not recommended for wheelchair users or those with walking disabilities, as accessibility may be limited in certain spots.
  • We may walk short to moderate distances on paved or uneven surfaces, and some areas may involve using stairs or ladders.
  • Light Rain Poncho or umbrella (May to Dec)

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.0 (14)
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$65.00 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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