Panama City Highlights & Panama Canal Tour

Casco Antiguo, Panama City, Panama



Join us on this 5-hour Panama City tour where you will visit the highlights of Panama including the awe inspiring Panama Canal, Avenida Balboa, Casco Viejo and Artisan Market and Amador Causeway.

Panama Canal and Panama City Small Group Tour

This small group tour in Panama City suits travelers seeking personalized experiences at the Panama Canal and key city highlights.

Highlights

  • Visit the Panama Canal and observe large ships transiting the locks
  • Small personalized tours with no vans or large crowds
  • Explore all major Panama City highlights
  • Learn about Panama City’s history, traditions, and culture
  • Enjoy bilingual expert guides and friendly customer service

Description

The tour departs either at 7:15am or 1:00pm. Your bilingual driver and guide will pick you up from your Panama City accommodation and head to the Panama Canal.

At the Miraflores Visitor Center, observe the Miraflores Locks in operation as massive container ships are lifted above sea level. Explore the visitor center to learn about the canal’s construction history and watch a 45-minute IMAX documentary. Alternatively, avoid the entrance fee by viewing ship transit from an observation area near Pedro Miguel Locks.

Return to Panama City via Balboa and the former U.S. Canal Zone, then visit the Amador Causeway connecting three islands at the Pacific entrance to the canal. Enjoy ocean views and photo opportunities including the Panama Sign.

End the tour at Casco Viejo, Panama’s historic district reached via the scenic Cinta Costera road. Walk through the colonial streets and visit the four plazas, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, boutiques, restaurants, and bars.

Includes

  • Well-maintained, air-conditioned car
  • Bilingual guides (English/Spanish)
  • Panama City and Panama Canal tour
  • Bottle of water

Excludes

  • Miraflores Locks entrance fee and IMAX movie ($17.22). Free viewing available from Pedro Miguel Locks viewpoint.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off outside Panama City (e.g., Playa Bonita, Costa del Este, Tocumen—select option when booking)
  • Food and drinks

Important Information

  • Miraflores Visitor Center entrance fee: $17.22 for adults; $7.22 for children aged 6–12
  • Last-minute bookings require verbal confirmation from the provider to ensure the tour is confirmed
  • Surcharge applies for pickup outside Panama City (including Tocumen Airport, Playa Bonita, Costa del Este)
  • Tour operates rain or shine

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Booking Tip: Confirm your tour time and pickup location in advance. Bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a camera for photos. Morning tours are recommended to avoid midday heat and crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes a visit to the Panama Canal to watch large ships transit and stops at key Panama City landmarks while learning about the country's culture and traditions.
The tours are guided by friendly, bilingual driver-guides who provide personalized service throughout the experience in Panama City.
Tours start in the morning at 7:15am and in the afternoon at 1:00pm; check the website for current availability and times.
The tour begins with a pickup directly from your lodging location within Panama City.
The tours are small and personalized, avoiding large vans or buses with crowds.
Yes, the tour includes insights into Panama’s traditions, culture, and history from expert bilingual guides.
Yes, watching large ships transit the Panama Canal is a key part of the tour experience.
It's recommended to bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and water, but check the tour provider’s website for any specific requirements.
Yes, transportation is included with pick-up and drop-off at your Panama City lodging in a small vehicle.

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 27.8M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Add to your trip

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Added to your trip Added to day {[{trip.toast.day}]}, MorningAfternoonEvening Saved to your trip Already in your trip Transfer saved to your trip Save your trip to get fresh suggestions Staying in {[{trip.toast.label}]} Base cleared Trip deleted Link copied Could not save your trip Something went wrong, please try again