From Riu Playa Blanca: Panama Canal & City Tour - Afternoon

Overview

Available languages

English

Mobile ticket

We start the tour at 1:00 PM from RIU Playa Blanca Resort and drive approximately 90 minutes to Panama City along the Pan-American Highway, enjoying beautiful mountain views along the way.

Our first stop is the Miraflores Visitor Center at the Panama Canal, where you can watch the IMAX movie and observe massive ships navigating the locks.

Next, we head to Casco Antiguo, the historic old town, where your bilingual guide will lead a walking tour through cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and lively plazas. Here, you’ll also have time to grab some snacks, coffee, or a small pastry.

Finally, we visit the Amador Causeway for stunning views of the Biomuseo exterior—perfect for photos. From here, you’ll also enjoy an amazing view of the Bay of Panama and have the chance to take an iconic photo with the Panama City sign.

We then return to RIU Playa Blanca Resort, arriving around 7:00 PM, depending on traffic. In some cases, you may arrive back at the resort around 9:00 PM.

Additional Info

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Not recommended for wheelchair users or those with walking disabilities, as accessibility may be limited in certain spots.

We may walk short to moderate distances on paved or uneven surfaces, and some areas may involve using stairs or ladders.

Light Rain Poncho or umbrella (May to Dec)

Cancellation Policy

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

What To Expect

Miraflores Visitor Center

Our final stop is the Miraflores Visitor Center, where you can enjoy the informative IMAX movie about the Panama Canal’s history and operations. Afterward, head to the observation deck for a breathtaking view of the locks and watch massive ships as they transit between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This stop offers a unique combination of education, stunning views, and up-close experiences of one of the world’s greatest engineering feats.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Not Included

Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador)

Our second stop takes us to the scenic Amador Causeway, a beautiful waterfront area connecting four small islands at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal. Here, you’ll enjoy a walk around the Biomuseo, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, where you can learn about Panama’s incredible biodiversity and its important role in connecting North and South America. Along the causeway, we’ll visit the famous Panama City sign, a perfect spot for photos with the skyline in the background. While exploring, keep your eyes open—sometimes you can spot a two-toed sloth in the surrounding trees, making for a memorable wildlife encounter. This stop combines history, nature, and stunning views, giving you a full sense of Panama’s cultural and natural heritage.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

English Speaking guide (Meet you in the city)

Air-conditioned vehicle

Round trip from Riu Playa Blanca or Decameron

Professional Spanish driver

Food (Not included)

Panama Canal entrance fees (Adult $17.22 or Child $7.22)

Pickup points

Playa Blanca Hotel & Resort Panama

Rd to Farallon Rio Hato Panama

Hotel Riu Playa Blanca

Finca 43.668 El Farallon del Chiru Panama

Options

From City Hotel Only

Pickup included

From Riu Playa Blanca Hotel

From the Resort: Please be on time by the lobby. This tour is from Riu Playa Blanca Rio Hato round trip.
Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

14 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Wonderful!!
jennifermH8714SY,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our tour was wonderful! Highly recommend it. Our guide, Raphael, was extremely informative, kind and accommodating. He happily tweaked the itinerary to suit our wishes. Thank you Raphael!!!!!
A great introduction to Panama. An unforgettable experience
Gabriella B,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The experience at Riu Playa Blanca began smoothly with airport pickup, which was organized and timely. The drive to the resort took about two hours, offering scenic views of Panama’s countryside and coastline along the way. While the ride was long, it was comfortable and gave a first glimpse into the country beyond the city. Upon arrival at Riu Playa Blanca, the resort made an immediate impression with its beachfront location and welcoming atmosphere. The staff was friendly and efficient, helping the transition from travel to relaxation feel seamless. The city tour that followed added great value to the trip. It provided insight into Panama’s culture, local neighborhoods, and historical landmarks, creating a nice balance between resort leisure and exploration. Overall, the experience—from airport pickup to the drive, resort arrival, and city tour—was well organized, enjoyable, and a great introduction to Panama.
This is a great tour 10/10
Doreen A,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
There is some working through the city. If your travel buddies have a hard time walking, this one might not be it.
Amazing tour with a fantastic guide
ilos2018,Dec 11, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing day in Panama. Rafael, who did the tour himself was great! Quick turnaround during planning, very friendly, speaks brilliant English. I would like to mention that I travelled as a woman on my own and felt absolutely well taken care of and 100% safe. The day was perfectly tailored to my expectations (spotting sloths ;-) and and the end I was even invited for a drink in the historic City Center. Thanks Rafael, I will definetely visit Panama soon, but for more than a day.
Great excursion.
Deallia W,Oct 13, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
We had a great time. Our guide Levy was excellent. He was very knowledgeable and had no problems when we repeat questions.
Private Riu Playa Blanca Canals and Panama City tour
Greg F,Mar 8, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Levy was the perfect guide His English is fantastic and he is very passionate and knowledgeable We couldn’t have asked for a better day. We loved our tour and would highly recommend it to anyone Thanks Levy !!!
You won’t be disappointed! Book now
338teisham,Sep 7, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I booked an excursion for my group of 15 to Monkey Island, Panama City, and the Panama Canal and it was a wonderful experience for my group! Jesuś was very prompt, and on time to pick us up from our resort. We enjoyed him just as much as we enjoy the beautiful city of Panama. The tour to monkey Island was beautiful and so fun as we anticipated seeing all the different types of monkeys. Landover did a beautiful job with my group and I highly recommend them. Communication was great from the very first day that I contacted them up until the day of the tour. Hands-down five star service.
Highly recommend!!!!
sigentry,Apr 14, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great tour. We were blessed to get a private tour with a wonderful guide. Interesting facts about the canal and Old Town as well as allowing us some ability to customize our tour.
Great experience!
megang679,Mar 4, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We used layover panama for the transfer from PTY to Dreams Playa bonita, the half-day private city/canal tour, for transportation around panama (was more reliable, more reasonable, cleaner than trying for uber--which generally canceled you, or city taxis), and for a boat/beach tour. I can not say enough good things about Rafael, Saul, and layover panama. We had a great time, they tailored our tour to what we wanted and our accessibility limitations, and made extra stops along the way if we requested. We learned so much about the city. I recommend this company to anyone going to panama.
Amazing City/Canal Tour
848chaneg,Aug 11, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Ed was amazing from beginning to end. He was knowledgeable on the area, kept us interested in the ride to the city, toured with us - showing us all the sites and even bringing us to eat at a local spot. My family, including teenagers, had an awesome time and learned a lot!