Archaeological Site. Admission ticket to Panama La Vieja

Overview

Available languages

English

Spanish

Mobile ticket

The ruins of Panama Viejo and, especially, the cathedral tower, is one of the main national symbols. The site is also one of the main tourist attractions in Panama City, as well as a walking and recreational area for local and foreigner visitors. It is also the scene of one of the greatest research, conservation efforts that have been carried out in a historical monumental set of the country.

On July 5th 2003 the UNESCO World Heritage Committee added the Panama Viejo Archaeological Site to the World Heritage list as an extension of Panama’s Historic District.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Dress code: comfortable shoes and outfit, bring umbrellas in case it rains,

Mosquito repellent, Sunscreen,

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Admission Ticket

Food and drinks

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Transportation to/from attractions

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting points

Panama La Vieja

Via Cinquantenaire, Panama City Panama

End points

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Panama La Vieja

Visiting the Panama Viejo Historical Monument Complex is an opportunity to discover the history of the first city founded by the Spanish on the Pacific coast of the American continent as well as the remains of its Pre-Hispanic inhabitants. Below we provide some advice for you to plan your visit. The circuit around the Panama Viejo Historical Monument Complex covers a distance of 1.5 km and can be done in 2 hours, including the museum, a walk around the site, and going to the top of the lookout. The lookout is at the Cathedral Tower, it has a height of 30 meters and it allows the visitor to enjoy a panoramic view of the colonial city and the modern city.

Admission Included

Options

Archaeological Site. Admission ticket to Panama La Vieja

Reviews

4.33

33 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

A must see experience
857geoffh,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This is a must see experience in Panama City. You walk through the ruins of Panama's early settlement and then you immerse yourself in the exhibits and displays in the Museo de la Plaza Mayor. There's no problem with the exhibits in the museum because they are explained in both Spanish and English. There's a particularly interesting section on the "pirate" attacks on the city.
Panama La Vieja 🇵🇦
dagoramos ,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A historic and impressive site that tells the history of the old Panama City. It is easy to get to, they offer transportation services from the ticket office to the ruins and you can travel it freely. The views are very beautiful.
Old Panamá
Geraldeve L,
Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
A nice history lesson. Perfect for a stroll back in time. I think this area is a good place for a photo shoot.
Interesting history of...
Andrew Y,
Sep 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
Interesting history of the old settlement before Casco Viejo. The ruins were cool to look at and the viewpoint from the top of the tower was beautiful
A bit overpriced.
Cedric QianYi S,
May 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Historical site, definitely enjoyable, you can have a nice view of the city from the top of the tower. It’s a bit of walk inside but they provide transportation from the entrance to the center. Although, for the price they charge, 17usd, there isn’t much more than just ruins of stone buildings. The museum is decent but not extraordinary.
The original Panama City
RudySzymon,
Mar 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
The city was destroyed by Cpt. Morgan in the 1600s and never rebuilt. Not too many buildings left. The small museum explains the history of this settlement.
Panama beautiful!!!
shaska72,
Dec 23, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Wonderful view. It is like a painting that mixes the old rustic and modern constructions, surrounded by pure nature.
Amazing views and history
S3672BCbrandonr,
Jun 12, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
The views were great. The scenery was very picturesque. The museum was also very interesting and we learnt a lot about Panamanian history. The cart that drives around the area is pretty prompt - they circle around every 15 minutes. My advice is to walk with a hat or an umbrella and lots of water because the sun in HOT. There is also a little shop that sells water and other refreshments. Also - the attendant at the entrance was very kind. Even though she didn’t speak English, she tried to use her phone to translate and communicate.
History - Pirates of the Caribbean
Juliana83,
May 14, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I went and came back by bus, the stop is very close to the ticket office. Entry 15 dollars, I had a heart attack but it was one of the best places I've visited to date. The history of the place is unbelievable, read every line! Very good museum. There is a craft shopping center next door. I couldn't buy anything because I didn't have any change, they don't accept cards at any newsstand. Take the opportunity to buy your fridge magnet there. Very hot indeed. Be comfortable, hat, water, SUNSCREEN. There is a snack bar there.
It wss a good experience
Dervon M,
Mar 1, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was an overall good experience. Could've been a but more organized in terms of time slots n dedicated guides but it was still informative n fun.