
Local to the Not so Local Food and Drink Tour: Panama City
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 22 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Local to the Not so Local Food and Drink Tour: Panama City worth booking?
Local to the Not so Local Food and Drink Tour: Panama City is a 4-hour experience in Panama City, Panama, from $70 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 22 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (22)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $70 per person
Experience the food and social fabric of Panama as the locals do, from the simple to the elegant, with a local that has roamed the streets of Panama extensively. This tour will provide the best tour for low level to high class in both food and drink, with a cultural immersion that will tantalize the senses. As a person who has traveled, the focus of all my tours is to provide clients with the best tour for the best value. It will be a pleasure to share my passion with you! My preference is to keep the groups small for greater enjoyment for both the client and myself. Be aware that this experience is primarily in the Santa Ana neighborhood (a Panamanian low middle class area) with about 5 blocks on the edge El Chorrillo (the folks are very welcoming) that is different and with locals of darker complexion. The neighborhoods have many unique odors. All food stops follow local health code but they are not tourist food locations. The experience prioritizes safety throughout.
What you get
About this experience
Experience the food and social fabric of Panama as the locals do, from the simple to the elegant, with a local that has roamed the streets of Panama extensively. This tour will provide the best tour for low level to high class in both food and drink, with a cultural immersion that will tantalize the senses. As a person who has traveled, the focus of all my tours is to provide clients with the best tour for the best value. It will be a pleasure to share my passion with you! My preference is to keep the groups small for greater enjoyment for both the client and myself. Be aware that this experience is primarily in the Santa Ana neighborhood (a Panamanian low middle class area) with about 5 blocks on the edge El Chorrillo (the folks are very welcoming) that is different and with locals of darker complexion. The neighborhoods have many unique odors. All food stops follow local health code but they are not tourist food locations. The experience prioritizes safety throughout.
What's included
Included
- Dinner
Not included
- Snacks
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Panama City
By the native sellers by near the stairs that lead up to the street. This area is generally in the shade.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
By the native sellers by near the stairs that lead up to the street. This area is generally in the shade.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Fri
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Jon Shumaker
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- for people 18 years of age and over
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 22 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
9 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
22 verified traveler reviews for Local to the Not so Local Food and Drink Tour: Panama City. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Food rollercoaster ride
We just loved this. Food was outstanding and riding around Ho Chi Minh on the back of the bikes was so much fun. Albert and his team were lovely, so attentive, full of interesting information and genuinely fun to be with
via Tripadvisor
True Food and Authentic people!
I absolutely loved this tour because it’s not the typical tour! Jon is a very friendly host, and you can tell he is passionate about the experience he provides. I was very appreciative he did this tour for a solo traveler! This tour is NOT about 5-star dinner or famous chefs. It is the true heart of the city of Panama and it’s people. Such a wonderful fusion of different types of food. It is obvious Jon has created very special relationships with the fonda and tienda owners. He is respectful and provides a special insight to each place. I highly recommend this experience to anyone who loves food and wants to get past the “tourist” stops. You will walk the streets and learn about areas not offered on other tours. Plenty of places to stop and rest, but it is Panama City, so it's hot! You will EAT and LOVE it!
Response from the operator: Amy, thanks so much for the positivity and looking forward to having some soft-shelled crab in a few months with you both!
via Viator
Fantastic guide who has...
Fantastic guide who has built solid relationships with various spots in the community. There’s big portions of great authentic food. Highly recommend.
via Viator
Amazing food tour!
Very knowledgeable and personable. Had deep knowledge and insight into current and past neighborhoods. 10/10 would recommend!
via Viator
Authentic Tour Showcasing the True Flavors and prices of Panamá
If you’re looking for a tour that lets you taste authentic local food, I highly recommend this one. Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be walking through different areas and truly experiencing Panamá. The tour guide was friendly, informative, and offered great insight into the local culture. I tried so many delicious foods that by the end of the tour I was full and even had to take some home. Overall, this tour is perfect for anyone seeking adventure and a deeper look into local Panamanian life.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Fri
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Local to the Not so Local Food and Drink Tour: Panama City: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Panama City.
How much does Local to the Not so Local Food and Drink Tour: Panama City cost?
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Prices start at $70 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 Local to the Not so Local Food and Drink Tour: Panama City take?
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Plan for about 4 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 Local to the Not so Local Food and Drink Tour: Panama City worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 22 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Panama City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Local to the Not so Local Food and Drink Tour: Panama City?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Local to the Not so Local Food and Drink Tour: Panama City suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Local to the Not so Local Food and Drink Tour: Panama City?
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Around 8 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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Local to the Not so Local Food and Drink Tour: Panama City 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 Local to the Not so Local Food and Drink Tour: Panama City?
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Included: Dinner. Not included: Snacks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Local to the Not so Local Food and Drink Tour: Panama City?
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By the native sellers by near the stairs that lead up to the street. This area is generally in the shade. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Local to the Not so Local Food and Drink Tour: Panama City offered in?
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It runs in English. 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 Local to the Not so Local Food and Drink Tour: Panama City?
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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.
Is Local to the Not so Local Food and Drink Tour: Panama City wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Local to the Not so Local Food and Drink Tour: Panama City 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: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Local to the Not so Local Food and Drink Tour: Panama City?
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Across 22 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, knowledge and storytelling. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
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