The Real Panamanian Private Food Tour through Panama City
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 172 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is The Real Panamanian Private Food Tour through Panama City worth booking?
The Real Panamanian Private Food Tour through Panama City is a 5-hour experience in Panama City, Panama, from $145 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 172 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (172)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $145 per person
This is an authentic panamanian experience! In 5-6 hours, we take you through our city and neighborhoods to ear like locals do, were locals do. This is a gastronomic journey, different, customized and with no agenda.
What you get
- Private transportation
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Fruits
- Food tasting items
- Driver/guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
About this experience
This is an authentic panamanian experience! In 5-6 hours, we take you through our city and neighborhoods to ear like locals do, were locals do. This is a gastronomic journey, different, customized and with no agenda. This experience will be delicious from beginning to end. and is on an air conditioned vehicle. With our tropical weather, we make sure you are comfortable at all times. You will taste the Real Panama from basic panamanian food to elevated dishes and everything in between. We get you into one of the TOP 3 restaurants in Panama, no waiting line, guaranteed!. Please come with an empty stomach because you will be in for many treats. This tour is different.. This tour isn’t the same for everyone, instead, every time is tailor made on the spot and we ensure this is a personal, enjoyable experience taking in consideration what you like. This is like a city tour, eating, drinking and eating some more. You’ll love it.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Fruits
- Food tasting items
- Driver/guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Beverages
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Panama City
You will taste anything you are willing to try. Simple!
240 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 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 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- The Real Panama Trs
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 172 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
8 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
172 verified traveler reviews for The Real Panamanian Private Food Tour through Panama City. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A tour you will never forget from a fabulous guide.
Sorhay was amazing, she customized the tour to match exactly our interests, gave us a chance to stretch our legs and walk through amazing parks and see the skyline of Panama City, we got to visit the market the locals frequent, we had cocktails, and tasted the most amazing local dishes all in the setting the people of Panama enjoy. If you like to embrace local culture and immerse yourself in the places you travel to then this our is for you. Exceptional Value and I could not recommend it more highly.
Response from the operator: That's it Mr Sean. Truly a pleasure to have you darlings. You saw "The Real Panama". No more to say. Much Love, Sorhay
via Tripadvisor
An amazing experience!
I cant say enough good things about this tour! Namely the guide, Sorhay was engaging, caring and simply the best tour guide i experienced ever. She felt like family and her choices of sites were top tier! She provided places and choices that represented all walks of life. Her historical knowledge of Panama was comprehensive. Even though the tour was about food the stops and information expanded/exceeded Food. One of the best tours ive ever had. If you go to Panama, a food tour is a must- this particular one. If you can get Sorhay, even better!!
Response from the operator: Woot woot! This review has a heavy weight because you my dear Mrs Melinda and the soon to be rich daughter of yours, like good stuff. Waking up and reading this was ...made me smile. Life is gOOd and more so, when you encounter souls that are light, kind and crazy at the same time, like yours (and mine). Lucky me to have met you ladies. Much love for you and Anisa Sorhay
via Viator
This Tour Ruined Other Food Tours for Us
This tour has ABSOLUTELY ruined other food tours for us. My partner and I are experienced travelers, and we make a point of taking food tours everywhere we go. Hands down, this was not only the best food tour we've ever been on, it was the best travel tour we've ever experienced. When we were researching excursions, we almost chose a more traditional food tour because this one was priced a little higher. Looking back, that would have been a huge mistake. Every dollar was worth it, and then some. From the moment we booked, Sorhay was communicative and thoughtful, making sure we knew exactly where and when she would pick us up. Once we met her, it became clear why this tour stands out. She is warm, energetic, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about sharing Panama with visitors. What makes this experience special is that it is completely personalized. Rather than following a rigid itinerary, Sorhay crafts the day around your interests while offering fantastic suggestions you would never think to ask for on your own. My partner and I arrived with a few ideas, and she transformed them into an unforgettable day of eating, drinking, learning, and exploring. Throughout the day, she whisked us around in her comfortable air-conditioned van, introducing us to foods, neighborhoods, stories, and viewpoints that we never would have discovered on our own. Every stop felt intentional. We learned about Panama's rich cultural influences, sampled incredible local specialties, explored markets, tried fruits we'd never seen before, and enjoyed food that reflected the country's diverse heritage. One of the things we appreciated most was that Sorhay knows where locals actually eat. If you've traveled enough, you know that's where the magic happens. This was not a tour of tourist restaurants. These were authentic places filled with incredible food and local character. When we mentioned an interest in Afro-Caribbean cuisine, she immediately knew where to take us. When we had questions about foods we had heard about, her attitude was essentially, "Why read about it when you can taste it?" and she found a way to work it into the day. At one point, after realizing there was one more stop she wanted us to experience, she even turned around in heavy traffic to make sure we didn't miss it. That level of care and attention really summed up the entire tour. Beyond the food, she shared fascinating insights about Panama's history, culture, and people. We visited local markets, spotted wildlife including sloths, and stopped at the Bridge of the Americas for an amazing photo opportunity. The entire experience felt less like a tour and more like spending the day with a knowledgeable friend who loves her country and wants you to experience the very best of it. Sorhay is also funny, easy to talk to, and a traveler herself, which made conversations flow naturally all day long. She even gave us recommendations for places to visit after the tour, several of which we ended up trying and loving. The day flew by. My partner and I left feeling like we had gained a deeper understanding of Panama, its culture, and its food. This experience created memories we'll be talking about for years. If we return to Panama, I would book this tour again in a heartbeat just to see where else Sorhay might take us. If you're considering this experience, stop thinking about it and book it. Come hungry, stay curious, and get ready for an incredible day of food, drinks, culture, and adventure. It was the highlight of our trip and an experience we'll remember forever.
Response from the operator: No more to say my darlings Mr Kareen and Mr Tyresse. You've said it all. I can only tell you that I enjoyed your conversation, your vibe and how effortless was the experience with you guys even though, the stakes were high because you guys have been around the world and you know... you know the world. You must be kicking it in Catagena with your folks right now... Hopefully Mr Tyresse is behaving.... hahahaha... Your energy is amazing. Much love for both of you! Sorhay
via Viator
Absolutely the best tour you could possibly buy in Panama
I genuinely have no words to describe how amazing either Sorhay or this tour are. It was, without a doubt, the best tour and one of the greatest travel experiences we've ever had. Perhaps the best way I can describe this tour is: we spent 10 days in Panama City, including a cruise to Aruba, Curacao, Cartagena, and our strongest lasting memory will be of Sorhay and this tour. If you're reading this review, you'll have already seen the price. Laura and I only had 3 days in Panama City before the cruise, so we wanted to get the most out of our experience while trying to balance a budget that was already "over-spent" on the cruise portion. I spent a LOT of time looking at tours, most at a much lower price point - but I kept being drawn back to this one, over and over, because it just sounded so perfect for what we wanted to do. Obviously, we decided to buy 3 tickets, and it was the single best decision that we could have made. The tour itself is really intelligently designed. It's something of a "choose your own adventure" where you can tell Sorhay what types of food you enjoy, and what order you want to eat in. She'll talk out some options with you (all while driving you through Panama and giving you a tour of the city), and then design a customized tour for you on the fly. Everything we ate that day was amazing - many of our best meals on the entire trip, far surpassing the food on our Royal Caribbean cruise. But what truly made this day so special was Sorhay. She was so incredibly sweet, knowledgeable and patient. It's hard for me to really describe what a pleasant day we had with her. She just genuinely did everything in her power to make our day special. She had no concern for her own time or agenda. We never felt rushed, and we just got to relax and enjoy a unique and incredible experience, all while she added so many small, nice touches - down to discreetly taking photos of us and sending them to us, so we could simply enjoy our experience.
Response from the operator: My darling Mr. Robert. First, I must apologize for the delay responding. I am speechless atfter reading this review. Wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. You have no idea of the impact of this comment on my state of mind right now. You set up the bar even higher and I will strive to improve and keep guests like you and your lovely family, happy and fulfilled. 789,546,777 Thank you's for taking your precious time to write such a detailed reviee. I will copy and paste this review and send it to the future guests when they ask me how is our tour or what to expect, because you described it better that I could.. Wowwwwwww. Much love for you guys. I was beyond honored to have beeen part (a small one) on your vacation. Sorhay
via Viator
See - and eat - Panama!
If you want to see and experience Panama City, Sorhay will make it happen! She showed us more than we could have possibly seen on our own, plus the food!! What an incredible evening we had!
Response from the operator: Aweee Mrs Dorian... Thank you sweethearts for hanging out and taken it all in... I enjoyed our time together. Good vibes. Cheers for many more trips. Much love, Sorhay
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 12+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $145 to $245
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 60
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by The Real Panama Trs, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.4.
See everything The Real Panama Trs runsWhy this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
The Real Panamanian Private Food Tour through Panama City: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Panama City.
How much does The Real Panamanian Private Food Tour through Panama City cost?
+
Prices start at $145 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 The Real Panamanian Private Food Tour through Panama City take?
+
Plan for about 5 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 The Real Panamanian Private Food Tour through Panama City worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 172 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 The Real Panamanian Private Food Tour through Panama City?
+
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 The Real Panamanian Private Food Tour through Panama City suitable for kids and families?
+
The operator sets a minimum age of 12. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 5-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book The Real Panamanian Private Food Tour through Panama City?
+
Around 60 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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does The Real Panamanian Private Food Tour through Panama City 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, Panama City Visit an Indian town Embera and waterfall with lunch, Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Safari, Agua Clara & Gatun Locks. 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.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for The Real Panamanian Private Food Tour through Panama City.
Pick your date
