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From RIU Playa Blanca Monkey Island, Sloth & Old Town Tour
This tour is perfect for guests staying at Playa Blanca resorts who want to experience Panama’s top highlights in a single day. Cruise by boat to Monkey Island, and explore the historic charm of Casco Viejo and the scenic Amador Causeway before returning to your resort.
Make the most of your time in Panama with this unforgettable 7-hour tour, perfectly designed for travelers who want to experience the best of the country.
Your adventure begins with a convenient 8:30 AM departure from Riu Playa Blanca or Decameron. Our Spanish-speaking driver will take you to the city, where you will meet your guide. We’ll start with a 1.5-hour scenic drive toward the lush rainforest area of Gamboa, nestled within Soberanía National Park. Upon arrival at the Gamboa Dock, you’ll board a covered motorboat and cruise for 30 minutes across the serene waters of Gatun Lake, one of the most biodiverse sections of the Panama Canal.
As you navigate toward Monkey Island, be on the lookout for a variety of wildlife, including capuchin and howler monkeys, iguanas sunbathing on the branches, and colorful tropical birds flying overhead. This peaceful immersion into the rainforest offers a rare and intimate glimpse of Panama’s vibrant ecosystem—just minutes away from the city.
After the boat tour, we’ll make a short stop at the Pedro Miguel Canal Locks for photos, where you might even witness a massive ship crossing the Panama Canal.
We’ll then continue to the famous Amador Causeway, a coastal road built from canal excavation rocks, where you'll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch with spectacular ocean and skyline views (meal not included).
To end your tour on a cultural note, enjoy a drive through Casco Antiguo. Admire its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and historic churches as your guide shares stories of colonial history, architecture, and local life.
Finally, after a well-rounded day of nature, wildlife, culture, and city views, we’ll return you to the resort around 2:30 PM, ensuring a comfortable end to your amazing Panama experience.
What is included?
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Expert guide – A professional and knowledgeable guide (Meet you at the city)
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Tolls – All tolls along the route are covered.
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Bottled water
What is not included?
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Boat ride not included – mandatory fee $20 per person, payable in US cash to the guide. Please hand it over to the guide.
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Tips – Not mandatory, but greatly appreciated by our staff and the service industry.
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Lunch – Our guide will recommend an excellent restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Panamanian flavors.
How to book?
Click the “Book Now” button and complete the reservation form. Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email with instructions to make your deposit and secure your seats & The final payment needs to be made 48 hours before the tour date. Payments are processed through PayPal, allowing you to safely use any major credit card on one of the world’s most trusted and secure payment platforms.
Price per person PRIVATE TOUR (Just you, your companion, and our staff)
$120 USD ( 2 people)
$95 USD ( 3 people)
$80 USD ( 4 to 9 people)
$75 USD ( 10 or more people)
★ Discounts available for large groups
Price per Children (2–11 años):
$50.00 USD
★ For the private option, a minimum of 2 participants is required.
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Price per person SHARED TOUR (You will be with other people in the same transportation & tour)
$85 USD ( 2 to 6 people)
$75 USD ( 7 to 9 people)
$65 USD ( 10 or more people)
Price per Children (2–11 años):
$40.00 USD
★ This activity requires a minimum of 4 participants. If you are 2 or 3, you can still book, and we will notify you once the minimum is reached.
★ We will ask for a 50% deposit to secure your seats. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, your deposit will be fully refunded.
★ As soon as we reach the minimum number of participants, we will inform and request the final payment.
★ We will notify you 48 hours before the tour if it needs to be canceled, giving you the option to receive a full refund or upgrade to a private tour for a more personalized experience.
Frequently asked questions
Why do we need to pay $20 extra for the boat ride?
There is a small $20 per person (cash) fee for the boat ride, which goes directly to the local boat captain to support his work and help maintain sustainable tourism in the area. For your convenience, you can simply hand the payment to your guide, who will take care of paying the captain on your behalf.
Should I bring US cash, or can I pay using a credit card?
It’s best to bring some US cash for this tour, as the boat ride ($20 per person) and small local businesses—like souvenir shops or community stands—often only accept cash. Credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and larger establishments in Panama City, but having cash on hand ensures you can easily cover all activities and small purchases during the tour
Should I bring my passport with me on this tour?
Yes, it is mandatory to carry your original passport while touring in Panama. Traveling from Riu Playa Blanca or Decameron, you will cross through three provinces, and there may be random checkpoints along the way. Carrying your real passport ensures you comply with local laws and avoid any potential issues during your trip.
How long is this tour?
This activity is approximately 7 hours.
Where do I meet the guide?
At the hotel Riu Playa Blanca or Decameron Hotel Lobby
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 7 days before the activity starts. Any cancellations after this time or no-shows on the day will not be refunded.