Private Tour
Beyond the Old Town: Culture, History and Local Flavors
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Live a local experience that combines history, culture and gastronomy.
We will explore the Old Town, a colonial gem and World Heritage Site, as we walk through its squares full of history and architecture, we will share curious anecdotes and historical sites that give life to the city.
Then, we will enter the popular heart of Panama, the famous arrabal, where the energy of local life is felt when walking through its streets.
We will visit public markets where the aromas of tropical fruits and fresh vegetables are mixed. Here you can taste authentic flavors, see crafts, folkloric clothes and see the lifestyle of the Panamanian people.
From Chinatown to traditional food outlets, you’ll experience a cultural fusion that defines Panamanian identity.
Ideal for those who want to go beyond the touristic places and experience Panama as a local, through its stories, its flavors and its people.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Pick-up and drop-off service to place of stay included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Bottled water
Private transportation
Personal tour guide
Lunch
Tips
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
We begin our tour at the Flag Monument, where we can appreciate spectacular views of Panama City and its skyscrapers and also learn the details of the evolution of Panama City. Includes transfer time from the hotel.
Casco Viejo
We walk the charming and historic Casco Viejo, also known as Casco Antiguo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Where you can appreciate beautiful colonial architecture and learn about the rich culture and history that makes this area so special. We will visit iconic places such as the Plaza de Francia, the National Theater and the Metropolitan Cathedral, and you will closely appreciate the beauty and history of these buildings. We will also pass by several stores where you can buy some souvenirs from Panama. Includes travel time to get to the car.
Options
Home: Out of the City
Option for those who start the tour from: Bonita Beach, Tocumen Airport, Santa Maria, East Coast, Gamboa or Summit.
Pickup included
Home: Panama City
Option for those who are staying in Panama City.
Pickup included
Reviews
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best guide I've ever had
Pattie H,
Sep 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an in depth immersion into Panamanian history. Our guide Mario was so proud and enthusiastic about his culture. We saw areas we would not have seen without this tour. We were a party of 4 with some mobility issues which Mario understood and made accommodations without it appearing to be doing so.
Passionately Panama - My Favourite Tour in the City!
zoomzooming,
Apr 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mario's warmth and charisma, plus his passion for Panama, will make this tour a highlight of your trip! I had already booked a Panama Canal tour with the company when I was looking for a walking/foodie tour that went beyond Casco Viejo to see more of Panama City. Mario was kind enough to tell me about this tour and to tailor it based on his knowledge and my interests. Beyond the sights themselves, I was able to learn so much more about Panama, its history, politics, people and culture all through an insider's perspective as Mario happily entertained all of my many questions. After the tour, he also made great recommendations for coffee shops, restaurants and rooftop patios to try for the rest of my stay. I've left Panama with a greater appreciation for it and its people and with a desire to come back one day to see more of the country! I highly recommend this tour!
Wonderful and exceptional tour guide.
Lasaun D,
Mar 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Today’s tour was wonderful and informative. Marco was very lively and made walking around the city fun and interesting. He’s very informative and makes the information easy to understand and leaves you wanting to learn more. I would definitely recommend this tour. I got to see much more than I had anticipated. I’m glad I got photos of the wonderful sites and scenery. The memories from this tour will live with me indefinitely.
Far more than what I expected.
alanrR8028AZ,
Mar 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My guide, Mario, was very well informed and shared a lot of how each site we saw was interconnected and why they are significant to Panama’s history. I highly recommend this outing.
A Great Visit.
Mike H,
Feb 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Was one of the best experiences my wife and I had. Our tour guide, Mario, was very knowledgeable, took us all throughout the city and answered our questions like the seasoned pro he is. I highly recommend.
Birthday change of plans, Mario to the rescue
belosoglenn,
Jul 9, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I was at the airport in JFK going to Nicaragua when I was denied boarding because of immigration issues. Stresses and need to think quickly, I decided to just go and visit my layover country, Panama and not to continue to Nicaragua. Waited for 4 hours until the airline customer service opens to make changes. Once done, I remembered I still have Mario's number from the last time I was there in September 2023. I texted him and he immediately replied. Right away, I was able to arrange an airport pick up with him and he gave me hotels where I can book. The stress that I was experiencing earlier just vanished knowing I have a friend I can count on immediately in a different country who I only met once as our tour guide 6 months past. I got into Panama, got outside the airport and not a minute later Mario was there. He took us to our hotel and over coffee we discussed on how we can spend our second time in Panama differently. He suggested to go to visit San Blas Islands. He made calls for reservations and arranged everything for us. That was a seamless and amazing overnight trip to the islands of Panama that I didn't know existed. Since it's my second time, I decided to take the tour lightly. We had a half day tour one day which was conducted by Mario. We saw the old town of Casco Viejo at a different perspective and the area opposite the canal. Where the views are breathtaking. Seeing the ships sail across from the Pacific side. On the day of departure, Mario was also the one taking us from the hotel to the airport. But before the flight, we met up with his better half and had lunch and continued in showing us Panama City. Then off to the airport safely. Words cannot express how grateful I am for Mario saving my birthday celebration. In a short notice, I was able to plan and arranged my trip with the help of who I can now consider as a friend. Their company is local and may not be as big as the others that is able to do marketing at a different level, Truely, it's their service that makes them stand out. I seldom make reviews, but this exceptional company with exceptional service deserves more than a review. They deserve recommendation and recognition. Thats why I am here, recommending them and recognizing them. Will I go back to Panama,,, yes definitely. Will I get in touch with Mario... Without a doubt! He became a friend in an unexpected way and in an unexpected country
Tour Guide
charlysg2024,
May 26, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My tour guide was Mario. Mario is super friendly and charismatic. Very knowledgeable when it comes to Panama and it's history! Outgoing. He is there with you the whole way through. Any questions or concerns he is more than happy to help you with it. He goes out of this way to make your experience a good one. I 1000% recommend Mario as your tour guide whether it's your first time or x amount times. He loves his job that's what make the tour amazing!!!!
Great experience - highly recommended
Nina B,
May 20, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time on this tour with Mario. He is very personable, attentive, pleasant and knowledgeable. This is good and the only tour we could find on Viator for exploring Panama city without visiting Panama canal, which we already previously explored. Besides, it is a personal tour, so no rush, like on group tours. I highly recommend this tour to get you acquitanced with Panama, its history and modern life. Mucho gracias, Mario!
Best Easiest Tour in Panama City!
lstansbury1,
Aug 14, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mario made this tour so good. I'm glad we booked it for our first day. Mario's English was great and the time wasn't only fun, it helped us orient to the city, see everything that we wanted to see without having to do the Canal. We already had a canal focused tour booked and didn't need another two hours of it like the other tour. He picked us up at the hotel (a BIG plus). He made sure we had water, beer, whatever we needed to make the 7 hours go by in a flash. We hit the Amador Causeway, the Marina, Old Town, Churches, Coffee Shops, you name it. He even pointed out where to grab and go food, what to watch for when doing the rest of our visit. Thank you Mario for a perfect first day in Panama City.
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Operated by Cositas De Panamá