From Riu Playa Blanca: Panama Canal & City Tour

5.0
(11 reviews)

6 to 7 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

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. Upon arrival, your bilingual guide will meet you for a walking tour of Casco Antiguo, the historic old town, where you’ll explore cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and lively plazas.

Next, we head to the Amador Causeway for stunning views of the Biomuseo exterior—perfect for photos. Keep your eyes open, as we sometimes spot two-toed sloths along the way. Here, you can also take an iconic photo with the Panama City sign. Lunch is available at your own cost in this area.

Afterward, we drive along the Cinta Costera to admire the modern skyline and new developments. The tour concludes at the Miraflores Visitor Center at the Panama Canal, where you can watch the IMAX movie and observe massive ships navigating the locks. We then return to Riu Playa Blanca Resort, arriving around 3:00 PM.

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
Gratuities for the guide are not included and are always appreciated!
Lunch
Panama Canal entrance fees (Adult $17.22 or Child $7.22)

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Our driver will collect you from Riu Playa Blanca Lobby

Itinerary

Duration: 6 to 7 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Casco Viejo

    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.

    45 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador)

    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.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Cinta Costera (Pass by)

    Next, we drive along the Cinta Costera, Panama City’s scenic coastal belt, where you can enjoy views of the modern skyline and glimpse the city’s vibrant new developments. This area highlights the blend of urban growth and waterfront leisure spaces, perfect for photos and sightseeing. From there, we head to the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal

    Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Miraflores Visitor Center

    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.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket not included

Additional info

  • 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)
Supplied by R&E Transfer Panama

Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
City Tours
Additional fees
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 11 11 reviews
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