A German-guided day trip to the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal, the Causeway Amador, the fish market, and the colonial old town of Panama City.
Highlights
- Causeway Amador with views of the ultramodern skyline
- English-speaking walking tour of Panama's old town
- See the Panama Canal at the Miraflores Locks
- Visit to the fish market (optional)
Panama City Excursion
A day in Panama City is the classic outing, a must for anyone traveling to Panama. Explore the city with our experienced English-speaking guides. The skyline catches every first-time visitor off guard. On this excursion you visit the Miraflores Locks and drive out to the Causeway Amador waterfront promenade, then head into the colonial old town to explore it on foot, strolling the squares and taking in spectacular views of the bay and the skyline.
Type of trip: Day excursion
Duration: 8 hours
Participants: 2-16
Highlights
- Causeway Amador with views of the ultramodern skyline
- English-speaking walking tour of Panama’s old town
- See the Panama Canal at the Miraflores Locks
Itinerary
We pick you up right from your hotel in Panama City. The early start matters, because ships only pass through the lock chambers until about 9:00 a.m. and then again from about 2:00 p.m., so we want to reach the Miraflores Locks first thing.
Even on the drive there, your English-speaking guide shares stories and anecdotes about the sights you catch from the bus. We soon reach the Miraflores Locks and head straight to the visitor platform to look down into the lock chambers. With luck we can watch the towing locomotives at work as they guide huge container ships through. After watching the locks in action, we move on to an IMAX cinema for a 3D film about the construction, engineering, and operation of the Panama Canal.
From there we drive on to the Causeway Amador, a waterfront promenade built up from material dug out during the construction of the Panama Canal. It opens up sweeping panoramic views of Panama’s skyline, the entrance to the canal, and the Bridge of the Americas.
On the way to the old town we can stop at the fish market (on request). From early morning the local fishermen sell their catch, and the stalls are piled with red snapper, weakfish, squid, shrimp, lobster, and much more.
After that we head into Panama’s old town. Your guide walks you through the historic streets and tells the eventful story of the city and the country. We usually start at Plaza Herrera or the Iglesia de la Merced, then see the famous golden altar in the San José church. Next come the main square and the Cathedral of Panama. We wander the narrow lanes to Plaza de Francia, where the Paseo de las Bovedas gives a beautiful view over the Bay of Panama, and return to our starting point by way of Plaza Bolívar.
After the walking tour you have time for lunch, souvenir shopping, or a cool mojito, a cold beer, or a Panamanian coffee. If there’s time, you can also walk up Ancon Hill (optional, about 2 hours), or end the excursion here and linger in the old town. Around 3:00 p.m. we drive back to your hotel.
Services
Included services
- Travel in air-conditioned vehicles
- English-speaking guide
- 1 bottle of water
- Admission to the Miraflores Locks
Not included
- Tips
Notes, Info & FAQ
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination, and which vaccinations do I generally need for Panama?
The standard vaccinations are enough to keep you protected. The tales of malaria and yellow fever epidemics go back to the building of the Panama Canal from 1881 and are long behind us. More information on health, tropical diseases, and vaccinations here.
Weather and clothing
Wear light, comfortable summer clothing (shorts and a short-sleeved shirt), and comfortable shoes for the old town walk. From December to April the temperature climbs to about 34 degrees Celsius around midday, so sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential.
Currency
The country’s official currency is the Panamanian balboa, but in practice the US dollar is what circulates.
Dates & Prices
This excursion runs any day of the week, and we ask that you book in good time. In the booking form, please give your date and the name of your hotel. If you’re arriving from the port of Amador, please add the name of your ship and its port times.
Prices
| Participants | Price p.p. |
|---|---|
| 2 participants | EUR 165 |
| 3 participants | EUR 115 |
| 4 participants | EUR 95 |
| 5 participants | EUR 85 |
| 6 participants | EUR 80 |
| 7-11 participants | EUR 75 |
| 12-16 participants | EUR 70 |
Surcharge for the hike up Ancon Hill (2 extra hours): USD 20 per person for 2-3 participants, USD 10 per person for 4 or more. Discount for children: USD 20 up to age 6, USD 10 up to age 11.
