Archaeological Site. Admission ticket to Panama La Vieja
Overview
Available languages
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 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.
What‘s Included
Admission Ticket
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transportation to/from attractions
Meeting points
Panama La Vieja
Via Cinquantenaire, Panama City Panama
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Options
Archaeological Site. Admission ticket to Panama La Vieja
Reviews
36 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
It was a relaxing day, Exploring the ruins of old Panama and learning about the people who shaped Panama.
Companion20992012302,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A relaxing day learning about the people and the history that shaped Panama. They do have a tram which will take you around if you don’t want to walk.
Ruins of the First City
AGM9,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00It remains the ruins of what was Panama City's very first city, dating from 1519 and destroyed in 1671 by the Welsh pirate Henry Morgan. The city was certainly rebuilt by the Spanish, but in a more favorable place. These episodes are very well explained at the Museo de la Plaza Mayor.
we did a self tour but we...
donna k,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00we did a self tour but we were able to read the history and take pictures. we were there four 3 hours
A must see experience
857geoffh,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This 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
5.00A 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
5.00A 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
4.00Interesting 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
4.00Historical 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
4.00The 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
5.00Wonderful view. It is like a painting that mixes the old rustic and modern constructions, surrounded by pure nature.
Related Experiences
Operated by Sitio Arqueologico de Panama Viejo