Panama Canal & City Tour: 3 UNESCO Stops

Casco Viejo was rebuilt after pirates burned the original city, and the cobblestone streets still follow that colonial grid.

A full-day tour from Riu Playa Blanca to Panama City with a bilingual English-speaking guide, covering three major stops: the UNESCO-listed old town of Casco Viejo, the Amador Causeway with views of the Bay of Panama and the iconic Panama City sign, and the Miraflores Visitor Center at the Panama Canal where you watch ships pass through the locks. Hotel pickup and air-conditioned transport are included. The tour departs at 8:30 AM and returns around 4:00 PM, though traffic may extend the return to 6:00 PM. Panama Canal entrance fees are separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Casco Viejo45m
2. Amador Causeway30m
3. Miraflores Locks1h 30m

Panama City and Canal Tour

• Depart from RIU Playa Blanca Resort
• Drive to Panama City
• Walking tour of Casco Viejo
• Free time for snack or coffee
• Visit Amador Causeway and Biomuseo exterior
• Photo stop at Panama City sign
• Visit Miraflores Visitor Center
• Watch ships at Panama Canal locks
• Return to RIU Playa Blanca Resort

The experience

The drive from Riu Playa Blanca takes roughly 90 minutes along the Pan-American Highway, with mountain views opening up as you approach the capital. Your guide meets you in Panama City and leads a walking tour through Casco Viejo's narrow streets, pointing out the colonial architecture, churches, and government buildings that reflect the blend of Spanish, French, and indigenous influences. You'll have free time to grab coffee or a pastry at one of the lively cafés, and the area is a natural spot for photographs: the colorful buildings and plazas fill a camera quickly.

The Amador Causeway comes next, a waterfront strip connecting four small islands at the Pacific entrance of the canal. You'll walk around the exterior of the Biomuseo, designed by Frank Gehry, and stop at the famous Panama City sign for photos with the skyline behind you. The causeway sometimes offers a chance to spot a two-toed sloth in the trees, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. From here the views of the Bay of Panama stretch across the water, and the whole stop combines history, nature, and the kind of vantage point that makes sense of the city's geography.

Your final stop is the Miraflores Visitor Center, where you can watch massive container ships and tankers transit the locks between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. An IMAX theater screens a film about the canal's history and engineering, though entry to the theater is not included in the tour price. The observation deck is where most travelers spend their time, watching the water rise and fall as ships pass through one of the world's most important waterways. The return journey follows the same route back to the resort, with the drive taking another 90 minutes or more depending on traffic.

What’s included

• Bilingual English-speaking guide leading walks through Casco Viejo and stops at the Amador Causeway and Miraflores Visitor Center.
• round-trip hotel pickup and air-conditioned transport from Riu Playa Blanca.
• free time in Casco Viejo to visit cafés and shops.

Options for this experience

2 options

Departing from Dreams Playa BonitaGuide in English · 07:40Pickup is included

Departing from Riu Playa Blanca HotelGuide in English · 07:00Departing from the resort: please arrive on time at the lobby. This is a round-trip tour from Riu Playa Blanca Rio Hato. Pickup is included.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00 and 07:40

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years)

GroupUp to 44

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical level

Operated by R&E Transfer Panama

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying at Riu Playa Blanca and want a full day (roughly 8 hours) that combines a 90-minute drive with moderate walking through Casco Antiguo's uneven cobblestone streets. The early 8:30 AM start gets you back with time to spare.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years).

What is Casco Viejo and why does the tour spend time there?

Casco Viejo is Panama City's UNESCO-listed old town, founded in 1673 after the original city was destroyed by pirates. The neighborhood is built on a colonial grid with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, churches, and plazas that reflect centuries of Spanish, French, and indigenous influence. Your guide leads a walking tour through the area, and you have free time to explore the cafés and shops.

Can I watch ships go through the Panama Canal locks on this tour?

Yes. The Miraflores Visitor Center is your final stop, and the observation deck overlooks the locks where you can watch container ships and tankers transit between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. An IMAX theater at the center screens a film about the canal's history, though that entrance fee is separate.

What should I bring for the walking portions of this tour?

Comfortable walking shoes are essential, since you'll cover short to moderate distances on paved and uneven surfaces, with some stairs or ladders in certain spots. If you're visiting during the rainy season (May to December), bring a light rain poncho or umbrella. The tour involves a moderate level of physical activity.

Does the tour include meals or snacks?

Meals are not included, but your guide will suggest local restaurants where you can eat during the free time in Casco Viejo. You'll have time to grab coffee, pastries, or a full meal depending on your preference.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off from Riu Playa Blanca, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a bilingual English-speaking guide for the full day. Panama Canal entrance fees (adult $17.22 or child $7.22) are separate.