
Historic Portobelo and Panama Canal Sightseeing Tour with Scenic Train Ride
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 12 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Historic Portobelo and Panama Canal Sightseeing Tour with Scenic Train Ride worth booking?
Historic Portobelo and Panama Canal Sightseeing Tour with Scenic Train Ride is a 10-hour experience in Panama City, Panama, from $245 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 12 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 55 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (12)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $245 per person
Visit three different cities and three different centuries on this fascinating tour of Panama. Journey to the world heritage site of Portobelo where you can see the ruins of this once wealthy city. Then it’s onto the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. (NO MORE TRAIN RIDE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE) Complete your tour with a picturesque train ride from Colon to Panama City. This day tour throughout Panama brings you history, culture, technology and more. Be sure you don’t miss out!
What you get
About this experience
Visit three different cities and three different centuries on this fascinating tour of Panama. Journey to the world heritage site of Portobelo where you can see the ruins of this once wealthy city. Then it’s onto the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. (NO MORE TRAIN RIDE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE) Complete your tour with a picturesque train ride from Colon to Panama City. This day tour throughout Panama brings you history, culture, technology and more. Be sure you don’t miss out!
What's included
Included
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
- Train ride - Not Available
What you'll see and do
Portobelo National Park
Drive through the national park of Colon
Pass by without stopping
Museo de La Real Aduana de Portobelo
Watch a short documentary about the site, visit the museum and custom
30 minutes here · Admission included
Black Christ
Visit the church
30 minutes here
Panama Canal Railway
Train ride is Temporarily not Available on Week Days.
Pass by without stopping
Mega ships transit from the Atlantic to pacific ocean daily, mega ships of over with capacities of 15000 containers.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Visit Santiago de la Gloria Fort and San Geronimo Fort
60 minutes here
Panama Canal
Starting point- Drive through Panama city
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- LIVE FOLKS
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 12 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
12 verified traveler reviews for Historic Portobelo and Panama Canal Sightseeing Tour with Scenic Train Ride. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Beautiful city, beautiful people.
We stayed on the third floor of a one bedroom AB&B on Plaza de la Independencia in the Casco Viejo, the old part of town. Location is important. Many HUGE hotels in the "Business" side of town. We could walk to almost everything that we were interested in. $10 cab ride to the Canal Locks. Ate in twice each day and found small LOVELY places for lunch or dinner out. Shops, small grocery store, Indigenous women dancing, playing flutes, involving young people in the plaza. Cathedral bells tolling during the day. VERY kind cops who suggested directions and recommended The Coca Cola Café (Pancakes and coffee under $5.00. We've visited over 50 countries. Panama is one of the BEST.
Response from the operator: Thank you, Panama is in fact a very beautiful and warm county
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful Day
Due to Covid, the train was not running. However, we had the opportunity to visit San Lorenzo instead. It was BEAUTIFUL! We learned so much and had a wonderful time. We ended up having a private tour with Hector, who was so knowledgable about the history of all of the places we visited. The Aguas Claros Locks was fascinating, Portabelo and San Lorenzo were beautiful. And lunch was delicious! It was a great day and we would certainly book another tour when we return.
Response from the operator: We thank you for your feedback, we always want to do what is best for our customers.
via Viator
Absolutely fantastic tour
Our guide Hector was fantastic we enjoyed ever second of the trip. The two UNESCO sites he took us to were well worth the drive.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your great feedback, we really do appreciate it that.
via Viator
Fun and Educational
Awesome Tour!! Unfortunately, the train wasn't running, so if that is important to you, contact them to make sure. We saw the new locks and two ruins. It was amazing and the information Hector had was incredible. We learned so much. He was also great with our 9 year old son. Highly recommended.
Response from the operator: Thank you Sara, we appreciate your feedback, our commitment is to our precious Customers/Guests, your satisfaction is ours, therefore we do more than just enough because we care about You.
via Tripadvisor
Well worth the effort.
Great tour. A large amount of Historical information shared by our tour guide. He was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Did not rush. Explained things thoroughly. Tour was lengthy so come prepared for a long day but was well worth the effort. Would recommend to people who are prepared for a 10 to 11 hour day.
Response from the operator: Thank you Sir,we Are extemely happy with your feedback, knowing we made one more family happier. We differentiate ourselves by providing a High Standards and Quality service, from the moment you book our services to the moment you go on tours and we follow up afterwards. We guaratentee small group tours, We offer Semi-Private and Private excursions, which means you will always have enough time to explore each site, ask questions and have a fascinating experience. we do this to better serve you and to deliver on our promise of High Standard Tours Services.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 55
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Historic Portobelo and Panama Canal Sightseeing Tour with Scenic Train Ride: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Panama City.
How much does Historic Portobelo and Panama Canal Sightseeing Tour with Scenic Train Ride cost?
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Prices start at $245 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Panama City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Historic Portobelo and Panama Canal Sightseeing Tour with Scenic Train Ride take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Panama City is not rushed.
Is Historic Portobelo and Panama Canal Sightseeing Tour with Scenic Train Ride worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 12 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Panama City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Historic Portobelo and Panama Canal Sightseeing Tour with Scenic Train Ride?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Historic Portobelo and Panama Canal Sightseeing Tour with Scenic Train Ride suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Historic Portobelo and Panama Canal Sightseeing Tour with Scenic Train Ride?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Panama City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Panama City and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Historic Portobelo and Panama Canal Sightseeing Tour with Scenic Train Ride start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Panama City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Panama City?
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On Outty we rank every Panama City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Tour to a waterfall and Embera village with lunch included, Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Safari, Agua Clara & Gatun Locks, Half day of Panama city and canal tour: shared and private. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Panama City?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Panama City?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Historic Portobelo and Panama Canal Sightseeing Tour with Scenic Train Ride?
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Included: All taxes, fees and handling charges; Bottled water; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Personal expenses; Gratuities; and Train ride - Not Available. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Historic Portobelo and Panama Canal Sightseeing Tour with Scenic Train Ride include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 1 listed pickup location in and around Panama City. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Historic Portobelo and Panama Canal Sightseeing Tour with Scenic Train Ride offered in?
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It is offered in English, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Historic Portobelo and Panama Canal Sightseeing Tour with Scenic Train Ride?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Historic Portobelo and Panama Canal Sightseeing Tour with Scenic Train Ride if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Panama City. Standard cancellation terms apply.
What do travelers say about Historic Portobelo and Panama Canal Sightseeing Tour with Scenic Train Ride?
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Across 12 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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