
Tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 148 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal worth booking?
Tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal is a 4.5-hour experience in Panama City, Panama, from $65 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 148 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (148)
- Duration
- 4.5 hours
- From
- $65 per person
Discover the best of Panama City on an unforgettable tour combining the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal with the history, culture, and modern beauty of Panama's capital. Your experience begins at the famous Miraflores Locks, and learn how this incredible engineering achievement connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Your guide will explain how the locks work, how ships move through the canal, and why this waterway is so important to global trade. Continue your journey through Panama City’s highlights, where modern skyscrapers, scenic waterfront views, and historic landmarks showcase the country’s unique character. Explore Casco Antiguo (Old Town) and discover its charming colonial streets, historic churches, colorful architecture, and fascinating stories about Panama's past. Along the way, your knowledgeable local guide will share interesting facts about Panama's history, traditions, culture, and everyday life, giving you a deeper understanding of this remarkable country.
What you get
About this experience
Discover the best of Panama City on an unforgettable tour combining the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal with the history, culture, and modern beauty of Panama's capital. Your experience begins at the famous Miraflores Locks, and learn how this incredible engineering achievement connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Your guide will explain how the locks work, how ships move through the canal, and why this waterway is so important to global trade. Continue your journey through Panama City’s highlights, where modern skyscrapers, scenic waterfront views, and historic landmarks showcase the country’s unique character. Explore Casco Antiguo (Old Town) and discover its charming colonial streets, historic churches, colorful architecture, and fascinating stories about Panama's past. Along the way, your knowledgeable local guide will share interesting facts about Panama's history, traditions, culture, and everyday life, giving you a deeper understanding of this remarkable country.
What's included
Included
- tour guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- pick-up and drop-off outside the city is only included in the price option "Hotels outside"
- The pick-up and drop-off at the airport is only included in the price option "Tour from airport"
Not included
- Lunch
- Pickups from the airport are only included from the price option Tour from the Airport
- Pickups from hotels outside the city will only be made from this option
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
Panama City
Tour of the modern city of Panama, the largest in Central America
Pass by without stopping
Panama Canal
Miraflores Locks Visitor Center immerse yourself in the history and operation of the eighth wonder of the modern world
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador)
Enjoy the beautiful view of Panama City and the Pacific Ocean where you can see the long row of ships waiting to cross the Panama Canal, one of the wonders of the modern world.
30 minutes here
Casco Viejo
Learn about the history of the second oldest city within Panama City founded in 1673 by Spanish explorers, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
60 minutes here
Plaza de la Catedral
Church of the Cathedral of Panama, the most important in the country. if it is open we can enter and appreciate this beautiful construction from the inside.
5 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Panama City
Megapolis outlet mall
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
Megapolis outlet mall
Options you can book
Private Tour
Duration: 5 hours private tour Pickup included
Hotels in the outskirts
Duration: 5 hours: Duration between 4.5 hours to 5 hours pickup: Pick up at hotels outside of Panama City only in the province of Panama and Playa Bonita Pickup included
Guided tour
Unselected hotels: Pick up at Hotels within Panama City and the Old Town Pickup included
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
- My friend in Panama
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 148 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
148 verified traveler reviews for Tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Thank you Cathy
Although the Canal Tour had to make adaptations due to the earthquake’s effect on canal operations, “Cathy “gave me an outstanding experience. I couldn’t have asked for more.
via Viator
Wonderful tour
You will be amazed at the knowledge it took to build the canal, and keep it working all these years.
via Viator
Not so perfect ending
The trip was great overall, but the ending left a lot to be desired. Our tour guide failed to mention that the IMAX experience was not included in the purchase price until five minutes before drop‑off. At that point, he casually informed us that each person in our group of 13 owed an additional $20 because he had already purchased the tickets on our behalf. That information should have been disclosed upfront so our group could decide for ourselves whether we wanted to participate, rather than having that decision made for us. It was an unnecessary and disappointing way to end an otherwise enjoyable
Response from the operator: The trip was great overall, but the ending left a lot to be desired. Our tour guide failed to mention that the IMAX experience was not included in the purchase price until five minutes before drop‑off. At that point, he casually informed us that each person in our group of 13 owed an additional $20 because he had already purchased the tickets on our behalf. That information should have been disclosed upfront so our group could decide for ourselves whether we wanted to participate, rather than having that decision made for us. It was an unnecessary and disappointing way to end an otherwise enjoyable, Additionally, we tried to contact you in different ways to explain everything that this tour included and did not include, and among the things that were not included was hotel pickup outside the city, which we provided as part of the service we gave you.
via Viator
Tour of Panama
Kati was the best ever. I was alone on the tour so it gave a more personal experience. Her friendliness made me so comfortable and her knowledge on the canal and her country was remarkable. Gracias
via Viator
Brilliant tour, very...
Brilliant tour, very knowledgeable guide and good timing and structure across the day to get the most out of Panama City and its sights
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 4.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $65 to $190
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 52
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 83
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Panama City.
How much does Tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal cost?
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Prices start at $65 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 Tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal take?
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Plan for about 4.5 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 Tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 148 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 Tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal?
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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 Tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal?
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Around 52 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 4.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal 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 Tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal?
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Included: tour guide; In-vehicle air conditioning; pick-up and drop-off outside the city is only included in the price option "Hotels outside; and The pick-up and drop-off at the airport is only included in the price option "Tour from ai. Not included: Lunch; Pickups from the airport are only included from the price option Tour from the Airport; Pickups from hotels outside the city will only be made from this option; and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 159 listed pickup locations in and around Panama City. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal offered in?
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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 Tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal?
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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 Tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal 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 Tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal?
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Across 148 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Private Tour, Hotels in the outskirts, Guided tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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