
Panama Canal, City & Former US Canal Zone Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 173 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Panama Canal, City & Former US Canal Zone Tour worth booking?
Panama Canal, City & Former US Canal Zone Tour is a 6-hour experience in Panama City, Panama, from $55 per person. It scores 88 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 173 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 88 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (173)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $55 per person
Discover Panama City, the former U.S. Canal Zone, and the Panama Canal lock system on an amazing tour conducted entirely in English with a professional English-speaking guide. Explore the historic Casco Antiguo (Old Town), enjoy the views along the Amador Causeway, discover the former U.S. Canal Zone, experience local markets and city life, and visit the Panama Canal lock system. Learn about the fascinating history of Panama and discover how this incredible engineering marvel connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. From the historic streets of the Old Town to the modern city skyline and the impressive Canal, this experience brings together some of the most remarkable highlights of Panama in one unforgettable tour.
What you get
About this experience
Discover Panama City, the former U.S. Canal Zone, and the Panama Canal lock system on an amazing tour conducted entirely in English with a professional English-speaking guide. Explore the historic Casco Antiguo (Old Town), enjoy the views along the Amador Causeway, discover the former U.S. Canal Zone, experience local markets and city life, and visit the Panama Canal lock system. Learn about the fascinating history of Panama and discover how this incredible engineering marvel connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. From the historic streets of the Old Town to the modern city skyline and the impressive Canal, this experience brings together some of the most remarkable highlights of Panama in one unforgettable tour.
What's included
Included
- 100% Private Tour, just you and our guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Tolls (No hidden charges)
- Professional & fully Bilingual guides!
Not included
- Panama Canal fee per person ($17.22 adults & $7.22 kids 6-12 yo)
- Lunch or Breakfast (our guides knows nice local places)
- No pickups from Cruise Terminal unless is a group +7
What you'll see and do
Miraflores Visitor Center
Miraflores Visitor Center offers a fascinating look at the world-famous Panama Canal in action. From the viewing platforms, you can watch the massive ships crossing the locks — usually around 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. and again after 1:50 p.m. Inside, the IMAX Theater shows a captivating film narrated by Morgan Freeman that tells the incredible story of the canal’s construction and expansion. Please note that the visitor center is currently under renovation, so there may be some lines and minor discomfort, but it’s absolutely worth the visit for the amazing views and the chance to witness this engineering marvel up close.
90 minutes here · Admission not included
Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador)
Amador Causeway, a scenic road built on the breakwater that once protected the former Fort Grant, connecting the mainland to four small islands. This area offers incredible views of the Panama Canal entrance and the city skyline. Along the way, we often spot sloths resting in the trees, a true highlight for nature lovers. We’ll also make a stop by the Biomuseo, a colorful and iconic building designed by Frank Gehry, where we’ll take a short walk outside to admire its unique architecture and ocean views. To finish, we’ll stop at the famous Panama sign, the perfect place to take fun and memorable photos.
30 minutes here
Casco Viejo
Casco Antiguo, also known as the Old Town of Panama City — a charming neighborhood full of history, culture, and color. As we walk through its narrow brick streets, you’ll see beautifully restored colonial buildings, cozy cafés, and lively plazas where locals and visitors gather to enjoy the atmosphere. This area is home to some of the city’s most important landmarks, like the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Presidential Palace, along with plenty of boutique shops and rooftop bars offering stunning views of the skyline and the bay. It’s the perfect place to soak in the authentic spirit of Panama.
60 minutes here
Panama City
During the tour of modern Panama City, we’ll take a scenic drive along Cinta Costera, a beautiful coastal boulevard that offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the impressive city skyline filled with modern skyscrapers. As we cruise along this area, you’ll see locals enjoying the parks, bike paths, and waterfront views. We’ll also visit the Fish Market (Mercado de Mariscos), a lively spot where fishermen bring in the day’s catch and you can experience the authentic flavor of Panama with fresh ceviche. This part of the tour perfectly combines the modern elegance of the city with its traditional local culture and vibrant atmosphere.
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
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- R&E Transfer Panama
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The Miraflores Visitor Center is currently undergoing renovations, which may affect some areas of the facility. Visitors should expect potential construction zones and limited access to certain exhibits.
- This tour is only from Tocumen or Albrook Airport Airport not from City Hotels or Dreams Playa Bonita
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 171 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
171 verified traveler reviews for Panama Canal, City & Former US Canal Zone Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A nice way to enjoy a long lay over
Iveth was kind, excited about her work and country, and gave me time to enjoy the experience. It was a good way to spend my long lay over.
via Viator
Great cultural learning experience.
it's very informative. Wear comfortable shoes. You will learn a lot. Muy informative. Pone zapatos comfortable. Vas aprender mucho! Ricardo speaks English & Spanish. He provided wealth of knowledge. He accommodated our special request.
via Viator
Saul is a fantastic tour...
Saul is a fantastic tour guide! He shared so much interesting historical information with us along the way, really helped us appreciate the sites when we arrived. We highly recommend him!
via Viator
Amazing layover tour with Levy — Panama City & Canal
We had an 11-hour layover in Panama and wanted to make the most of it, and Levy delivered beyond expectations. His English was flawless, making conversation and questions effortless throughout the day. He picked us up right on time and had us back at the airport at exactly the right moment to catch our next flight — zero stress. The tour covered the old city and the Panama Canal, and Levy's knowledge was incredible. He had endless interesting facts about Panama's history and culture, and he was so easy to talk to that the day flew by. As a bonus, he even spotted capybaras and sloths in the wild for us — a highlight we never expected to fit into a layover! Levy also offers several other tours around Panama, and after this experience, we're already considering a longer trip back just to explore more with him. Highly recommend if you want a knowledgeable, friendly, and reliable guide who makes the most of your time.
via Tripadvisor
Nice tour during layover
Our driver and guide Leonel arrived on time and was friendly and patient. We stopped on a layover and he brought us through the old town, wonderful lunch with locals and canal. I would recommend.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $55 to $79
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 61
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by R&E Transfer Panama, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.9.
See everything R&E Transfer Panama runsWhy this scores 88
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Panama Canal, City & Former US Canal Zone Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Panama City.
How much does Panama Canal, City & Former US Canal Zone Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $55 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 Panama Canal, City & Former US Canal Zone Tour take?
+
Plan for about 6 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 Panama Canal, City & Former US Canal Zone Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 88 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 173 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Panama City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Panama Canal, City & Former US Canal Zone Tour?
+
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 Panama Canal, City & Former US Canal Zone Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Panama Canal, City & Former US Canal Zone Tour?
+
Around 61 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?
+
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 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Panama Canal, City & Former US Canal Zone Tour start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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, Panama City Visit an Indian town Embera and waterfall with lunch. 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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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 Panama Canal, City & Former US Canal Zone Tour?
+
Included: 100% Private Tour, just you and our guide; In-vehicle air conditioning; Tolls (No hidden charges); and Professional & fully Bilingual guides!. Not included: Panama Canal fee per person ($17.22 adults & $7.22 kids 6-12 yo); Lunch or Breakfast (our guides knows nice local places); and No pickups from Cruise Terminal unless is a group +7. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Panama Canal, City & Former US Canal Zone Tour include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 3 listed pickup locations in and around Panama City. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Panama Canal, City & Former US Canal Zone Tour offered in?
+
It is offered in English 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 Panama Canal, City & Former US Canal Zone Tour?
+
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 Panama Canal, City & Former US Canal Zone Tour if the weather is bad?
+
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 Panama Canal, City & Former US Canal Zone Tour?
+
Across 173 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Panama Canal, City & Former US Canal Zone Tour.
Pick your date




