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Private Layover Panama Canal & City Tour

This exclusive tour is designed for travelers passing through Panama who want to transform their layover into an unforgettable adventure. Enjoy a fully private experience with a passionate local guide as you discover the country’s fascinating history, colorful culture, and mouthwatering cuisine.
Make the most of your layover in Panama with our Private Panama Canal & City Tour, thoughtfully designed to give you a personalized and unforgettable experience. We’ll pick you up directly from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) at the time that best matches your flight arrival, ensuring a seamless and stress-free start to your adventure.
Your tour begins at the renowned Miraflores Visitor Center, one of the most iconic spots along the Panama Canal. Here, you can immerse yourself in the fascinating history and engineering marvel of the canal by watching a captivating IMAX film that brings its story to life.
Afterwards, you’ll witness firsthand the incredible sight of massive cargo ships as they pass through the canal’s locks, moving slowly through the water right before your eyes.
From there, we’ll journey through the historic former U.S. Canal Zone, a unique area rich in history and culture, and then stop at the picturesque Amador Causeway. This scenic stretch offers breathtaking views of the ocean and the Panama City skyline, making it the perfect spot to snap photos — especially by the famous colorful Panama sign. You’ll also have the opportunity to relax and savor a delicious lunch at one of the local restaurants along the causeway (lunch cost is not included).
Continuing the tour, we’ll take a leisurely and panoramic drive along the Cinta Costera, a beautiful coastal road that passes the lively Fish Market, where fresh seafood is traded daily, and offers stunning views of the city’s modern skyline filled with towering skyscrapers.
The experience culminates with a guided walking tour of Casco Antiguo, Panama City’s charming and historic district. Here, the narrow cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant plazas tell stories of the city’s rich past. This is the perfect place to browse for unique souvenirs, enjoy local cafés, and soak in the atmosphere of one of the most culturally significant neighborhoods in Panama.
This private tour can last up to six hours, providing plenty of time to enjoy each location at your own pace. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking to make the most of your layover, this journey offers an ideal mix of culture, history, and breathtaking sights — all tailored just for you.
Travel comfortably—you can bring your luggage or carry-on, as this is a private tour with more space.
This tour is easy to moderate difficulty: it includes light walking and some stairs, but most travelers can participate comfortably.
★ Please note that renovations at the Miraflores Visitor Center may affect the visitor experience. Our guide will do their best to time your visit so you can see ships in action. We recommend purchasing Canal tickets online, but first ask your guide about the ship schedule, which is updated daily around 7:50 AM. During the busy season (November to June), lines can be longer and may take up to 30 minutes to enter.
What is included?
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Air-conditioned transportation – Round-trip transfers from the airport in a comfortable vehicle.
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Expert guide – A professional and knowledgeable guide to ensure an enriching and enjoyable experience.
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Tolls – All tolls along the route are covered.
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No hidden charges
What is not included?
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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.
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Panama Canal Visitor Center Miraflores – Price per adult $17.22 and for children (6–12 years) $7.22. Payment can be made by credit card or U.S. cash.
What to bring?
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Passport is mandatory in Panama to carry your passport with you.
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US dollar Cash, as some stores may not accept credit cards.
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We recommend wearing a baseball cap or hat & sunscreen, as Panama is hot and humid.
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 spot. 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 adult for a tour of 6 hours:
$80 USD (up to 2 people)
$70 USD (3 to 5 people)
$60 USD (6 or more people)
Price per Child (2–11 años):
$45 USD
★ Discounts available for large groups
★ Solo traveler pays $145 USD
★ If you’d like a full 8–9 hour tour, just let us know — we’ll be happy to provide a custom quote tailored to your schedule.
Requirements to travel to Panamá
Information updated July 2025
- A passport valid for at least 6 months past the date of entry.
- A return ticket to the home country or onward destination.
- Sometimes immigration officers ask for economic solvency, which means that you should have $500 in cash or its equivalent, a credit card, or a bank statement. It is to show them not to turn it over.
- For more information about requirements for other nationalities, visit this link: https://www.tourismpanama.com/plan-your-vacation/advisories/
Frequently asked questions
Is a minimum number of participants required?
This activity requires a minimum of 2 participants. If you travel solo, the price for this tour is $145 USD.
How long is this tour?
This activity is approximately 6 hours.
Should I bring US cash, or can I pay using a credit card?
Yes. Since Panama is a developing country, not all small businesses accept credit cards, and you may also need US cash to pay any remaining balance for your tour or for small purchases along the way.
Where do I meet the guide?
The guide will enter 30 minutes after your plane lands and will be located in Terminal #2 by the door P-17 if you travel with Copa Airlines, United or KLM/Air France. You can also select at the form what time you need the guide to show up at the airport.
What happens if my flight gets delayed?
We can wait if your flight is delayed, as this is a private tour. We monitor the flight. If the flight is cancelled, unfortunately is something out of our control and the deposit will not be refunded.
How long does it take to exit the terminal or pass immigration?
Normally, it takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete the process from the time the plane lands to exit the terminal.
Free cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts. Any cancellations after this time or no-shows on the day will not be refunded.



