Panama City, the capital of Panama, is the perfect destination for those looking for a fun and exciting vacation. It’s a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of old and new, with modern skyscrapers towering over historical landmarks. If you’re short on time but want to see the best of what Panama City has to offer, then a motorized city tour is the way to go. In this post, we’ve rounded up the 9 best motorized city tours in Panama City that will take you on a journey through the city’s iconic landmarks, rich history, and stunning architecture. So buckle up, sit back, and get ready to explore the wonders of Panama City!
The 9 Best Motorized City Tours in Panama City
- Panama City: Half Day City and Panama Canal Tour
- Panama City: Small-Group Miraflores Locks and City Tour
- Panama City: Historic District and Canal Tour with Transfer
- Panama City: Private Airport Layover Tour
- Panama: Private Embera Indigenous Village and River Eco Tour
- Panama City Day Tour
- Panama City: City and Panama Canal Private Tour
- From Panama City: Gatun Lake and Monkey Island Tour
- Panama Canal: Locks, Old Town, and Former US Canal Zone Tour
The 9 Best Motorized City Tours in Panama City
1. Panama City: Half Day City and Panama Canal Tour
Explore the fascinating city of Panama and witness the engineering marvels of the Panama Canal on this half-day motorized tour. The tour begins with a 2-hour visit to the Miraflores Visitor Center where you’ll learn about the Canal’s history and operations. Marvel at the huge boats sailing through the Canal and take memorable photos of the stunning architecture of the Old City. You will also discover the Amador Causeway for breathtaking views of the city skyline. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a tour guide, bottled water, yucca, and plantain chips. Please note that the tour is not suitable for people with heart problems, wheelchair users, and people over 95 years old. Also, pets, smoking in the vehicle, and food and drinks in the vehicle are not allowed. Remember to bring your passport or ID card, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the best of Panama City on a motorized tour!
2. Panama City: Small-Group Miraflores Locks and City Tour
This small-group tour of Panama City is focused on the famous Miraflores Locks and the city’s other must-see attractions. Begin your day early with a pickup from your centrally-located hotel, then head directly to the Miraflores Locks visitor center to watch the action in peace. Learn about the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, which is widely regarded as one of the 8 Wonders of the World. After that, you’ll explore Casco Viejo, a neighborhood with a mix of beautiful architecture and rich cultural history. Discover the many things that this quaint part of the city has to offer. You’ll also enjoy picture-perfect views from the Bridge of the Americas, where you will learn about the future of Panama City. Finally, this small-group tour will take you to the Old Quarter of Miraflores and the Amador Causeway. This is an unforgettable experience that you shouldn’t miss! The tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned van or car and professional, English and Spanish-speaking guide. It also covers the entrance fees for the Panama Canal ($20.00 per person). Food and drinks are not included.
3. Panama City: Historic District and Canal Tour with Transfer
Explore the historic district of Panama City and the world-famous Panama Canal on this guided tour with hotel transfers included. Marvel at the impressive Miraflores Locks and the iconic Bridge of the Americas, and learn about the operations of this globally relevant waterway as you watch the transit of ships. Enjoy panoramic views of the city as you drive around the Causeway Islands and discover the charming and historic Casco Viejo district, where you can shop for souvenirs in the squares. Comfortable shoes, a hat, and a camera are recommended for this tour, and food and drinks are not included. Don’t forget to bring a credit card for any potential purchases, and note that food and alcohol are not allowed in the vehicle.
4. Panama City: Private Airport Layover Tour
Experience the best of Panama City on a private layover tour with an expert guide. Take advantage of your layover in Panama and see the city in safety and comfort. Upon landing, a driver will be waiting for you outside with a sign highlighting your name. The driver will assist you to the car with your luggage and take you to the Miraflores Visitors Center at the Panama Canal. Watch the ships going through the Miraflores Locks on their way from one ocean to the other. The tour will be designed for you to visit the Panama Canal during the busiest time of the day so you can watch the process from a terrace. After leaving the Panama Canal, the guide will take you to the Amador Causeway, a road that connects three islands. Here, you will have the opportunity to see the Biodiversity Museum designed by Frank Gehry. The next destination will be the Old Town (Casco Viejo) of Panama, where you can appreciate the beauty of colonial buildings and handcraft shops while walking the quaint narrow roads. After the Old Town, see the modern downtown of Panama City on your way back to the airport. The private tour includes transportation, guide, water, and highway tolls. It is not suitable for wheelchair users. Please note that a minimum of 7 hours between flights is needed to take part in the tour. Additionally, travelers coming from Brazil are required to bring their International Vaccination Certificate against yellow fever. Tickets for the Visitor Center of the Panama Canal have an additional cost of USD $17.22 per adult and USD $7.22 per child to be purchased at the Panama Canal. This stop is optional because there is a free observation area from Pedro Miguel Locks.
5. Panama: Private Embera Indigenous Village and River Eco Tour
Explore the ancient Embera tribe village and experience the beauty of Panama’s nature on this full-day private eco tour. After a pickup from Panama City, you’ll take a panoramic ride through the national park to reach the Chagres River. There, board a motorized canoe and enjoy a 20-minute ride along the river before taking a short walk around the village where you can swim in a small river, depending on weather conditions.
Next, continue the canoe ride for 45 minutes to reach the Embera community. Spend 2 hours learning about the Embera tribe, their traditions, and their way of life. Witness their distinctive songs, dances, and costumes, sample traditional food, and watch a dance performance depicting their relationship with nature. You can also shop for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs made by the local Embera people.
Before heading back to Panama City, take a refreshing swim in the river and then board the vehicle for the return journey. This tour includes a guide, community entry fee, traditional lunch, water, a temporary tattoo, and pickup and drop-off service. Please note that this tour is not suitable for people with back problems or wheelchair users. Remember to bring your passport or ID card, swimwear, and hiking shoes, and avoid bringing large bags or luggage. Children aged 2 years or above can join the tour but some activities may be challenging for them.
6. Panama City Day Tour
Experience the best of Panama City with a full-day guided tour that takes you from the famous Panama Canal to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Casco Viejo. Starting with a visit to the Miraflores Locks and the Panama Canal, watch as ships navigate through the locks and learn about the history of the canal at the museum. After a stop at an artisan market for souvenirs, head to Punta Culebra’s open-air museum for a short nature trail walk. The tour ends with a walking tour of Casco Viejo, where you’ll see its beautiful architecture and learn about its history. Lunch is included in the tour, and you’ll be back at your hotel around 16:00. Please note that pick-up is available from most Panama City hotels, but there may be an additional surcharge for resorts and hotels outside the city area.
7. Panama City: City and Panama Canal Private Tour
Discover the best sights of Panama City and the world-famous Panama Canal on a private tour with a knowledgeable guide. Your tour starts with comfortable hotel pickup and private transportation to the Miraflores Visitors Center, where you can learn more about the Panama Canal and watch the ships pass through the locks.
Afterward, continue your tour by visiting the beautiful colonial neighborhood of Casco Viejo, where you can explore the stunning architecture and browse the local handicraft stores. Don’t forget to admire the views of the Amador Causeway road, which connects three islands at the Pacific Ocean entrance to the Panama Canal. As you go, your private guide will share fascinating insights into the city’s history and culture.
This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from downtown Panama City, private transportation, a private guide, and tickets for the Panama Canal Visitors Center at Miraflores Locks. Please note that this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and we recommend wearing comfortable clothes and shoes during the tour. The best time to visit the Panama Canal is between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM or 02:00 PM and 5:30 PM. Pets, smoking, and luggage or large bags are not allowed.
8. From Panama City: Gatun Lake and Monkey Island Tour
From Panama City: Gatun Lake and Monkey Island Tour offers a fantastic opportunity to witness three different species of monkeys in their natural habitat. This motorized city tour explores Gatun Lake in a boat while navigating the Panama Canal. The tour also offers a chance to discover the enormous biodiversity of the Panamanian rainforest. After a convenient pickup from your hotel in Panama City, head to the town of Gamboa in the Soberania National Park. Get on board a boat and depart along the Gatun Lake next to the huge ships that cross the Panama Canal. Marvel at the fauna and vegetation of the tropical forest as well as the residents of Monkey Island where you can admire the white-faced capuchin, Geoffroy’s tamarin, and howler monkeys in their natural habitat. You can also spot many species of birds like toucans, hawks, herons, snail kites, and other mammals like agoutis, coatis, and capybaras. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a boat trip in Gatun Lake, and bottled water. After the boat trip and Monkey Island experience, return back to your hotel with a drop-off.
9. Panama Canal: Locks, Old Town, and Former US Canal Zone Tour
Experience the wonders of the Panama Canal on this full-day tour which includes visits to the Miraflores Locks, the former U.S. Canal Zone, and Casco Antiguo. Enjoy a comprehensive historical tour about the construction of the Panama Canal and gain insights into the American Chinese and West Indies presence. Learn about the Panamanian culture, ethnicity, and cuisine as you stroll along the charming cobblestone streets of Casco Antiguo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with splendid colonial architecture. Stop at the Panama Canal Visitors’ Center at Miraflores Locks, where you can watch the amazing ships transit the waterway (depending on the canal schedule). This tour includes a bilingual guide (Spanish and English), bottled water, air-conditioned shared transportation, and lunch. Please bring your passport or ID card, note that luggage or large bags are not allowed, and the tour will take place rain or shine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Panama City
Panama City is the capital of Panama, a country located in Central America. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and natural beauty, it is no surprise that this vibrant city is a popular tourist destination. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Panama City, answered.
What is the best time to visit Panama City?
The best time to visit Panama City is during the dry season, which runs from mid-December through mid-April. During this time, you can expect sunny days and a lower chance of rain. However, because this is peak tourist season, prices may be higher and crowds may be larger.
If you prefer to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons, which are the months of May and November. Although you may experience some rainy days, there will still be plenty of sunshine and activities to enjoy.
What are the top tourist attractions in Panama City?
There are numerous tourist attractions in Panama City, but the top ones are:
- Panama Canal
- Casco Viejo
- Amador Causeway
- Miraflores Locks
- Ancon Hill
- Metropolitan Natural Park
- Biomuseo
Each of these attractions offers a unique perspective on the city’s history, culture, and natural beauty. It is recommended to visit them during your trip to Panama City.
Is it safe to visit Panama City?
While no city is entirely immune to crime, Panama City is generally safe for tourists. Like any major city, it is important to take basic safety precautions such as avoiding walking alone in unlit areas at night and securing your valuables.
Whenever possible, it is recommended to explore Panama City in a group and stay aware of your surroundings while traveling around. Safety should be your top priority while traveling to any city!
What is the currency used in Panama City?
The currency used in Panama City is the Panamanian balboa (PAB). It is pegged to the US dollar, which means that the exchange rate is always 1:1. US dollars are also widely accepted in Panama City.
It is recommended to carry both balboas and US dollars while traveling in Panama City, as some smaller establishments may only accept cash and credit card payments may not be widely accepted.
What is the climate like in Panama City?
Panama City has a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s°F (24-30°C) throughout the year. The dry season runs from mid-December through mid-April, while the rainy season runs from May through November.
During the rainy season, it is common to experience heavy downpours in the late afternoon, but the rest of the day is usually sunny and pleasant. Make sure to pack lightweight and breathable clothing for your trip to Panama City, regardless of the season.
Conclusion
Panama City is a fascinating and beautiful city that offers a lot to visitors. It is important to plan your trip carefully, taking into consideration the best time to visit, top tourist attractions, safety, currency, and climate. With the right preparation and an open mind, you can make the most out of your trip to Panama City!
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