The two faces of Panama - LOCALINPTY

Overview

Available languages

English

Spanish

3 hours

Mobile ticket

If you want to see a side of Panama City that’s not normally visited by tourists and be immersed with locals, you must spend a day with Victor Perez, the founder of LOCAL IN PTY.

He’s taking visitors to the neighborhood of El Chorrillo, just a few blocks from the trendy Casco Viejo historic district, but contrasting in every way. People normally perceive El Chorrillo as being run down with social problems, crimes, violence, and former gangs.

You’ll find beautifully renovated colonial buildings, stylish restaurants, fancy bars, and boutique hotels. Nowadays, it is a safe area to walk around and very popular for tourists and locals.

Learn how the rapid gentrification of Casco Viejo has left the surrounding areas and its people to be forgotten. When the government and private investors started seeing the potential of this area, they started removing the poor people from this area to El Chorrillo.

When YOU support local businesses, YOU Ssupport a DREAM!

The Man With The Panama Plan.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Alcoholic Beverages

Snacks

Lunch

Private transportation

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

Get off the beaten path with Victor and see where boxer Roberto Duran trained, learn about how the U.S. invasion of Panama affected this neighborhood! Meet the locals in their home and play dominoes with them. Dance salsa and eat with them. Try local drinks. See locals playing soccer.

Sample Menu

main

Sancocho y arroz

Sopa de pollo o carne con arroz.

Options

The two faces of Panama - LOCALINPTY

Pickup included

Reviews

4.75

16 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

The real Panamá tour -El Chorrillo
Jenny M,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What an unforgettable experience. This wasn’t a typical tourist tour, it was a chance to really understand the soul of Panama City. Víctor shared history, culture, community stories and real-life perspectives that you simply don’t get in the usual sightseeing spots. Walking through El Chorrillo felt safe, authentic, and full of life. We met locals, tasted food, learned so much, and left with a whole new appreciation for the people and resilience of this neighborhood. If you want a real cultural connection and a deeper look at Panama beyond the postcard, this is the tour. Highly recommend. Thank you Víctor for your passion and respect for your community. Five stars without a doubt!
Incredible Experience with LocalInPTY
Shareljia,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our group of 13 had an amazing time in Panama last week thanks to Victor and his team at LocalInPTY. From start to finish, Victor took great care of us. He was organized, knowledgeable, respectful, and always willing to go the extra mile. Along with Raul and his brother Mr. G in San Blas, they made our trip truly unforgettable. We spent four full days touring and loved every moment. Victor allowed us to customize our experiences, which made everything even more special. From San Blas to the walking tour, Panama Canal, Gatun Lake, lunch in Colon, and the Embera Village, every experience was memorable and well-planned. I can’t say enough good things about our time in Panama and the excellent service we received. I highly recommend LocalInPTY if you want a genuine, seamless, and enriching experience.
Great introduction to the overlooked side of Panama. History and culture
Robert R,
Jul 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Guides are from the neighborhood and understand the history and events that shaped Panama City and their ongoing efforts in revitalizing the area and embracing tourism.
“El Chorrillo” Yasuri Yamilee, Roberto Durán and Casco Viejo
GiOIbarguen,
Feb 24, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Victor and his team are excellent and professional people. Our tour was through “El Chorrillo” and Casco Viejo, our guide Jenny was empathetic and super nice, she showed us the most relevant points and explained everything to us. I enjoyed the whole process, we arranged Airport Transfer and they treated us extremely well. I look forward to returning for the tour to San Blas. Thanks for everything!
A Good Look at Panama City
Martha W,
Feb 17, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
The Cafe Coca Cola was fun. It has an interesting back story. Our guide, Jenny, knows her city well and clearly loves sharing it with visitors.
Do Not Book This Tour. It’s a scam!
579sharig,
Feb 1, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00
DO NOT BOOK THIS TOUR! I was scammed! Tour operator did not show up and sent us an email stating we were not at the designated pick up place. After reading the glowing reviews, my husband booked the tour, and Victor did not meet us at the designated place. At approximately 2:50 (tour was scheduled for 3:00) A tour operator named Romero approached us, asked if we were there for a tour with Victor and told us Victor was sick. We then proceeded to contact Victor at the phone number listed in the confirmation email but no one answered. We called Viator customer service and no one answered. upon returning to our hotel we received an email message from Viator stating the tour operator came, and we were not there. We responded with the aforementioned details and Victor replied he was there and did not know Romero. That was not true!! We arrived at the designated pick-up one hour before tour. We stayed at the Sofitel hotel, and we asked them to book this tour for us and they stated they do not book with this operator and suggested we not book this tour. We should have listened. Now we are left trying to get our money refunded. I say this is a scam because as I write this, I realize that this person approached us, out of nowhere, asked if we were waiting for Victor, I said yes, and he said Victor was sick and could not come. Victor is saying he does not know who this person is. I do not know why a stranger out of nowhere with a tour operator badge would ask us if we were waiting for Victor.
Beauty culture the real Panama and much much more
qlalia,
Oct 23, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Discover the real Panama with Victor you get further more than what you expect.culture and beauty in San Blas Guna Yala as its best!
A guide with passion! Wonderful experience!
Jane w,
Oct 19, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00
This is more of an experience than a “tour”. Victor is a wonderful host with an obvious passion for his country, people and culture. He is very invested in his community. We went off the beaten path to explore the life of the locals and to experience things most tourists do not. Enjoyed delicious local food and drink by Ana Patricia. Highly recommend!
Authentic local tour of Panama City
brittany342,
Mar 6, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had an awesome time learning about Panama City and visiting with locals in El Chorrillo, a neighborhood right outside of casco viejo. We had the opportunity to play dominos with older gentlemen in the neighborhood, meet a famous hat maker and eat local food. Victor does a great job with the tour. It’s very clear he has a big heart and wants to show all of Panama City. He has a great grasp on history that he shares with his tour goers. I was refreshing to have such a local tour with a knowledgeable Panamanian person who is so kind. My husband and I highly recommend the tour!!
A wonderfully unique walking tour of old town
jpmomma,
Feb 17, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A unique and educational walking tour of old town Casco Viejo through the eyes of a local. We had one day to spend in Panamá, and we did not want it to be “touristy”. If you want to meet the nicest, authentic, hard-working locals, and learn about the history of Panamá, this is a wonderful tour for you. We try to support small, local business and had the most amazing day! Thank you Christian and Victor! You are doing good things for your community and we wish you much success. ❤️