When it comes to taking a break from the city, Panama’s subtropical latitude and climate mean that there is a wealth of idyllic destinations within easy reach of the capital. Panama‘s capital city has a lot of things to do but is also an excellent starting point for day tours into the surroundings of Panama City, Panama. From “Monkey Island” to paradise beaches, here are some of the best day tours from Panama City.

The Best Day Tours from Panama City, Panama

Half- and Full-Day Trips from Panama City, Panama

1. PANAMA CITY TOUR 

Surely, Panama City’s number 1 day tour is a Panama City Tour.

Central America’s most attractive capital is calling you. Panama City was founded in 1519 and its captivating backdrop of skyscrapers, noble mansions, and green hills will surely fascinate you. This Panama City day tour often starts with a visit to the ruins of Panama Viejo, “Old Panama”, (closed on Mondays) which dates back to the 16th century.

Later, a walking tour through the historic old town Casco Antiguo awaits you. During the tour, you will see many unique colonial buildings. Some of those are still largely original and others are nicely and colorfully restored. The historic Casco Antiguo is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has become the center of art, design, and cultural development. Many new bars, rooftop terraces, restaurants, and boutique hotels have opened here.

But no visit to Panama would be complete without a visit to the Panama Canal. At the Miraflores Visitor Center, you will gain a first insight into the inner workings and dimensions of the famous Panama Canal. The canal locks’ observatory offers a unique view of the locks and the ships that pass the locks on their way to the Pacific or Atlantic.

The Panama Canal is one of the most important waterways in the world. Each year around 14,000 ships are transiting, which is about six percent of the world’s trade. In its museum, you will learn many interesting facts about the Canal.

Duration: about 5 hrs

2. LOCAL LIFE PANAMA CITY TOUR

Get to know first-hand the different faces of Panama City. From modern cosmopolitan Panama with its impressive skyline to ancient ruins, the historical old town to local street life in the neighborhood of El Chorrillo.

Panama City was founded in 1519 and its captivating backdrop of skyscrapers, noble mansions, and green hills will surely fascinate you. This Panama City day tour often starts with a visit to the ruins of Panama Viejo, “Old Panama”, (closed on Mondays) which dates back to the 16th century.

Later, a walking tour through the historic old town Casco Antiguo awaits you. During the tour, you will see many unique colonial buildings. Some of those are still largely original and others are nicely and colorfully restored. The historic Casco Antiguo is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has become the center of art, design, and cultural development. Many new bars, rooftop terraces, restaurants, and boutique hotels have opened here.

But no visit to Panama would be complete without a visit to the Panama Canal. At the Miraflores Visitor Center, you will gain a first insight into the inner workings and dimensions of the famous Panama Canal. The canal locks’ observatory offers a unique view of the locks and the ships that pass the locks on their way to the Pacific or Atlantic.

The Panama Canal is one of the most important waterways in the world. Each year around 14,000 ships are transiting, which is about six percent of the world’s trade. In its museum, you will learn many interesting facts about the Canal.

The final leg of your tour takes place in El Chorrillo (this part can also be booked as its own tour).

Back in 1989, this was where the US invasion of Panama took place. Even today the traces of this military operation can be seen. A local guide will show you the many facets of this formerly dangerous district and introduce you to the locals. Get to know the real life away from the newly refurbished Casco Antiguo, as well as the living conditions and culture of the people of El Chorrillo.

The tour takes you past Plaza Amador, where locals watch football and cheer on their favorite teams. The footballing career of some Panamanian national team players began in El Chorrillo. In Parque de Los Aburridos (Park of the Bored), you can see the locals playing dominoes. How about joining in? You will also pay a visit to one of the last traditional hat makers of Central America. 

By participating in this tour you are supporting the charity project LocalinPTYKIDS, which organizes English lessons, yoga, and other educational programs for the underprivileged children of El Chorrillo.

Duration: about 8 hrs (includes a local lunch and drink)

3. E-BIKE PANAMA CITY TOUR

Today you will experience a special Panama City Tour. Your tour starts with a transfer to the Causeway Amador, a long and narrow man-made island extending out at the southernmost point of Panama City. It is also the start or end of the Panama Canal so you are likely to see the huge container ships waiting in line to pass the Canal. From there you have a magnificent view of the skyline.

You then continue to the historic old town, Casco Antiguo or also called Casco Viejo, where you will see some of the oldest architecture and buildings of this modern city. During your ride, you will see many unique colonial buildings, some of which are still largely original, and others are nicely and colorfully restored. The historic Casco Antiguo is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has become a center of art, design, and cultural development. Many new cafes, bars with rooftop terraces, restaurants, and hotels have opened here.

Later on, you cycle past the Mercado de Mariscos, the local fish market, and the skyscrapers along the Cinta Costera towards Paitilla. On the way, you stop at the PANAMA sign on the Cinta Costera coastal road and have the chance to take some great vacation photos. The ride back takes you along the Cinta Costera 3 which goes around the old town from where you can once again enjoy a fantastic view of the city skyline. Refreshments will be provided.

After this exciting tour, the driver will take you back to your hotel.

Duration: about 4 hrs

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THE BEST DAY TOURS FROM PANAMA CITY, PANAMA

4. METROPOLITAN NATURAL PARK

This is a nice half-day tour from Panama City.

Right in the heart of Panama City sits a 573-acre park known as Metropolitan Natural Park. This nature sanctuary in the midst of a metropolis is the city’s only wildlife preserve, and the only tropical forest to serve as a public recreational park for a metropolitan area. Despite being that close to Panama City, the park is also home to 227 bird species, 45 mammals, 36 kinds of snakes, and 14 kinds of amphibians. In addition, there are about 284 plant species, including trees that reach between 100 and 115 feet high.

To get the most out of your visit to the park, consider taking a guided half-day tour from Panama City to learn about all of the flora and fauna along the way. If you’re up for a hike, there are 5 trails to choose from, and each offers a little something different. The Mono Titi Road, for example, will take you to the top of Cerro Cedro for impressive views of Panama City. After your hike, consider stopping by the park’s butterfly house, too.

Duration: about 4 hrs

If you want to venture out on your own, the park is just a few minutes from downtown Panama City and can be reached by car or taxi.

5. PARTIAL OR COMPLETE CROSSING OF THE PANAMA CANAL (BY BOAT)

PARTIAL TRANSIT OF THE PANAMA CANAL

Without a doubt, one of the best day tours from Panama City, Panama is a boat ride on the famous Panama Canal.

Experience one of the most impressive engineering masterpieces in human history from up close: the Panama Canal! On the partial crossing from Gamboa to Panama City (Southbound), you will get to know the fascinating Canal, which is often considered the 8th wonder of the world. The Panama Canal allows ships to travel from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean through a 48-mile-long shipping route, saving almost 10,000 miles around the South American continent. 

In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel and brought to the port. Here, you board a tourist boat and start your about 4-hour-long partial crossing of the Panama Canal. During this time, you will pass the Miraflores Locks, the Miraflores Lake, the Pedro Miguel Locks, and the Gaillard Cut (the narrowest part of the Canal) up to Gatun Lake.

Before reaching the Pedro Miguel Locks at the southern end of the Cut, you will be able to view the Centennial Bridge which crosses over the Canal. Next, the Pacific Queen will enter Pedro Miguel Locks, which is one of the two sets of locks on the Pacific side, and here the vessel is lowered 9 meters in one step. You will then enter Miraflores Lake, which is a small artificial body of fresh water that separates Pedro Miguel from Miraflores Locks, the latter being the final set of locks before reaching the Pacific Ocean. At Miraflores Locks, the vessel is lowered 60 feet in two distinct steps.

Once in the Pacific Ocean, the vessel will sail to Flamenco Marina where passengers disembark. On the way to Flamenco, you will pass under the Bridge of the Americas, and later, you will be able to admire the Bay of Panama and Panama City’s splendorous skyline.

The partial transit of the Panama Canal is currently offered most Saturdays and Sundays and can be North- or Southbound. Duration of the entire tour: about 7 hrs

COMPLETE TRANSIT OF THE PANAMA CANAL

Complete transits are always northbound. You will pass the Miraflores Locks, the Miraflores Lake, the Pedro Miguel Locks, and the narrowest part of the Canal, the Gaillard Cut. But instead of getting off in Gamboa, on your Panama Canal full transit tour, you will enjoy a trip through the Gatun Lake, which was formed by erecting the Gatun Dam across the Chagres River.

As you transit through Gatun Lake you will pass the Smithsonian Research Station at Barro Colorado. You will also experience the Gatun Locks, which are the only set of locks in the Atlantic sector. In Gatun Locks, the vessel will be lowered a total of 26 meters in three distinct chambers. Upon arriving at Colon, you will disembark at Colon 2000, where transportation back to Panama City will be provided.

The complete crossing of the Panama Canal is only offered once or twice a month (on a Saturday) and takes the whole day. Dates are on request. Duration of the entire tour: about 12 hrs

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The exact departure time of the tours is only announced 24 hours before. Therefore, we strongly advise you not to schedule your arrival, departure, and onward journey on this day.

The excursion includes return transfers from your Panama City hotel, an English-speaking guide on board, lunch, and soft drinks.

Panama Marine Adventures is the most reliable company to offer Panama Canal transits.

6. HIKING THE CAMINO DE CRUCES TRAIL

If you want to be active and learn more about Panama’s history at the same time, then check out this day tour from Panama City.

The Camino de Cruces, a stone road that dates back to 1530, connected the Caribbean with the Pacific during the Spanish-colonial period, centuries before the trans-isthmus railway or Panama Canal. Built by slaves so that the Spanish could transport gold and silver from the Pacific to the Caribbean. You can still see the paved road at many points along the way.

Today the Camino de Cruces National Park, less than 10 miles north of the capital, serves as a biological corridor between Soberanía National Park to the north, and Metropolitano Park to the south. The park is made up of tropical forests, home to a wide array of jungle wildlife, as well as lakes and lagoons, wetlands, rivers, and waterfalls. Take a walk along the park’s trails to spot titi monkeys, coatis, two- and three-toed sloths, feathered friends galore, and even two Panama Canal locks.

Our hike starts in Gamboa, where we experience a short boat ride to the starting point “Venta de Cruces”, a once important stopover on the Cruces Trail. We will hike a 10 km (just over 6 miles) section of the Camino de Cruces, stopping repeatedly to take photos and observe flora and fauna.

Duration: about 8 hrs

Note: Depending on the season, the trail is either very dry with many fallen leaves or extremely muddy and slippery during the rainy season.

7. HIKING SOBERANIA NATIONAL PARK & BOAT TOUR GATUN LAKE

This impressive day tour from Panama City, Panama is for all active nature and jungle lovers. 

The tour starts in the morning, with a drive from your hotel to the nearby Soberanía National Park. Here, an about 1- to 2-hour-long hike through the jungle awaits you. You´ll get to know the rich tropical flora of the park and with a bit of luck, you will even catch a glimpse of different animal species, such as birds and monkeys.

Afterward, you will head to the port of Gamboa. There, you will enjoy a 2 ½ -hour boat ride on lake Gatún. During the trip, you will get to know the lake’s biodiversity (among it monkeys, crocodiles, turtles, sloths, and diverse birds …) and closely encounter other boats on their way across the Panama Canal. After a visit to “Monkey Island”, you will head back to the city.

Duration: about 8 hrs

8. VISIT AN INDIGENOUS EMBERA VILLAGE

This is definitely one of our favorite day tours from Panama City. Travel back in time! You will leave the modern city and head northeast to Chagres National Park. Here, at the banks of the Alajuela Lake, you will board small dugout canoes that will take you up the Rio Chagres and along a fascinating jungle backdrop.

In the village of the Emberá tribe, you will gain authentic insights into a culture that has inhabited this land for over a millennium, long before the Europeans discovered the new continent. The original traditions and their way of life will take you back centuries. You will receive some interesting information about the culture and see a beautiful folklore show.

If you like feeling refreshed, why not take a jump into the cool river? At lunchtime, you will be served a simple typical lunch, mostly consisting of fish and patacones (fried plantains), before heading back to modern Panama City.

This tour is not recommended for people with back problems. 

Duration: about 7 hrs

9. HISTORIC PORTOBELO AND CARIBBEAN BEACHES

In the north of Panama, on the beautiful blue shores of the Caribbean, you will find a small town known as Portobelo. Today, quaint fishing boats sway to the rhythm of the sea, as lush vegetation blends with the blue of the Caribbean behind them. A closer look reveals the remains of colonial Spanish forts and the last relics of this town’s legacy as the largest colonial Spanish port in Central America, and the reason it has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When Columbus arrived at this sparkling bay in 1502, he was said to have exclaimed “Porto Bello,” and it’s easy to see why. By 1597, the beautiful bay of Portobelo had become the main crossroads for merchandise between Europe and the Americas. It was here that gold from Peru would be shipped to Spain, where treasures from the east would make their way to Panama City and where trade markets were said to have lasted for 40 days at a time.

Your excursion starts with a drive from Panama City to the port of Portobelo on the Caribbean coast. After a short sightseeing tour, a simple fishing boat (no roof) takes you to Venas Azules, located in the Portobelo National Park in Colón. These are beautiful channels with crystal clear and turquoise waters surrounded by mangroves. Later, we head to the beautiful and unspoiled beach of Playa Blanca.

We will enjoy a lovely white-sand beach on a tranquil cove surrounded by dense wilderness. There’s a colorful reef in the center of the cove near the beach, as well as a second reef that sits in deeper waters about 100m offshore.

For lunch, head to the beach of Playa Escondido where you can enjoy a typical Caribbean lunch with rice and coconut milk.

Duration: about 11 hrs

Info: From January to April, higher waves are to be expected due to the strong north winds.

10. GUNA YALA (SAN BLAS ISLANDS) DAY TOUR

If you don’t have the time for an overnight visit to the San Blas Islands or mind the basic accommodation, then think about a day tour from Panama City, Panama to the San Blas Islands (Guna Yala).

The island chain is made up of hundreds of small palm-fringed islands. This is a pristine habitat that is inhabited by the indigenous Gunas that should be included in any visit to Panama. We will make sure to capture the essence of San Blas during this day tour by showing you the most popular sites in the archipelago.

The ​​San Blas Islands​ (original name Guna Yala)  are home to some of the world’s most ravishing islands, but it’s the sea, which truly makes these islands shine. Luminous aquamarine waters with a crystal clarity lap upon these dazzling white shores, located in the Caribbean sea of ​​Panamá.
This 365 island archipelago provides the perfect mix of postcard beauty and unique cultural exploration.

In the afternoon you will return to the capital, where you will be transferred back to the hotel. 

Note: This day tour is very long and strenuous. You usually leave Panama City around 5.30 am and don’t return until about 6 or 7 pm. The drive in shared jeeps is partly on windy, twisty roads so if you get motion-sick, be prepared.

Duration: about 13 hrs 

11. ALTOS DE CAMPANA NATIONAL PARK AND PINEAPPLE FARM

In the morning, you will get picked up from your hotel and you head west on the famous Panamericana and cross the famous Puente de Las Americas bridge over the Panama Canal.

Along the way, stop at Quesos Chela, a small shop that’s almost an “institution” among the Panameños. It is famous not only for its cheese, but also for its delicious empanadas, chichas (a type of juice made from fresh fruits), and chicheme (a non-alcoholic drink made from milk, corn, cinnamon, and vanilla). A tasting here is a must.

Later, you will reach the oldest national park in Panama, Altos de Campana. Founded in 1966, the park offers various viewpoints and diverse bird life. A total of 267 bird species live here but also 39 mammal species including possums, sloths, monkeys, and the golden frog, which is threatened with extinction. Here we visit the viewpoint Caja de Agua with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Pacific Ocean and take a short hike.

On the way back to Panama City, a visit to a pineapple farm is on our agenda. The fruits of this farm are also exported. You will learn all about this tropical fruit, from planting your own pineapple plant to packaging. Finally, there is a tasting of the exotic fruit.

In the late afternoon, your Panama City day tour ends at the hotel.

Duration: about 9 hrs 

12. ANTON VALLEY TOUR

Visit the largest inhabited volcanic crater on earth in the mountains of Coclé province on a day tour from Panama City, Panama. Here lies the tranquil town of El Valle de Antón. A crater ages ago, it was later inhabited by the Indians of the surrounding mountains.

After picking you up at your hotel, a two-hour drive from the capital to El Valle first takes you along the famous Pan-American Highway before going up into the mountains to El Valle. El Valle is a small mountain village with a very pleasant climate and unique birdlife.

Once there, you have the opportunity to learn more about the area on small hikes. You can visit El Macho waterfall, La Piedra Pintada, a rock wall with pre-Columbian stone carvings, Butterfly Haven, a butterfly farm, or the square trees, which you can reach within a short, interesting 45-minute walk.

Every Sunday, you have the possibility to visit the famous market in El Valle. Here, you can admire and buy local produce such as fruits, vegetables, flowers, soap stones, ceramic items, handcrafted wooden baskets, wood furniture, and more. You can also find indigenous Guna vendors in their colorful handicrafts (molas). On other days the market also takes place but it is much smaller.

Duration: about 9 hrs

13. VISIT THE FLOWER ISLAND ISLA TABOGA

Take a relaxing break from the city with this day tour from Panama City, Panama!

After being picked up from your hotel and taken to the port, a typical ferry boat will take you to the small island of Taboga. Only an hour’s boat ride lies between the lively capital Panama City and the pleasant tranquility on the island. The boat trip alone is worthwhile because it offers a unique view of the Puente de las Américas bridge and the impressive skyline of Panama City.

After you arrive on Taboga Island, you have the day at leisure. The 1500 islanders rightly describe their home, where cars or mopeds are almost unknown, as a flower island: oleanders, bougainvilleas, and hibiscus adorn the narrow, winding streets of the village. Here, where Pizarro decided to conquer Peru and the artist Paul Gauguin took a break, you can also find one of the oldest churches in the Western Hemisphere.

On weekends, the island is a popular destination for the Panameños; during the week it is a paradise for peace seekers. Take advantage of the day to walk through the village, refresh yourself in the cool waters of the two beaches and enjoy fresh fish with patacones (fried plantains). If you like to keep fit, hike up the Cerro de la Cruz and enjoy a magnificent view of the Panama City skyline from afar.

In the afternoon you will return to the capital, where you will be transferred back to the hotel.

Duration: about 8 hrs (can be shortened)

14. CATAMARAN DAY TOUR TO ISLA TABOGA

This is the perfect way to have an extraordinary day tour from Panama City, Panama.

Relax and discover the art of sailing on board the biggest open boat of the city while you sunbathe, lay down and enjoy the big deck with huge nets and speakers. The catamaran has shaded areas for those who need a break from the sun.

Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Panama city skyline, Cinta Costera and ships waiting to cross Panama Canal, until you reach the Island of Taboga on a 45-minute ride. During this time light snacks will be served.

After reaching Taboga, you sail to the back side of the island, to an amazing bay with beautiful natural views, where you will have the opportunity to jump off the boat and have your first swim! The catamaran also has stairs with direct access to the water.

Climb back into the boat to enjoy a cold beer while you sail to the the town side. Here you can visit the small village of Taboga. When you get back, lunch will be served on board of the catamaran and later, you will sail back to port. If the wind is favorable, the sails will be opened and the party continues!

This excursion includes return transfers from your hotel, snacks, lunch, an open bar and entertainment/music on board.

Duration: about 7 hrs

*****

 Conclusion:

The constantly evolving Panama City is one of the most culturally diverse and thrilling places in Central America, thanks to its location straddling two continents and Panama’s turbulent history as Latin America’s financial hub.

The contrast between the gorgeous colonial old city and the glittering metropolis that has sprouted up in the center makes it a fascinating place to explore.

Get in touch with us today to plan your family vacation, romantic getaway, or honeymoon, to Panama. We will work on a unique itinerary that combines your favorite day tour from Panama City and many of the best things to do in Panama with some of the beautiful lodges the country has to offer.

We’d love to organize a unique and once-in-a-lifetime vacation for you. Ask us for a free quote and you could be on your way very soon.

Have you been to Panama City? How was your experience? What was your favorite tour ?

Let us know in the comments.

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