Discover Panama Beyond the Beach – Tours from Riu Playa Blanca
Staying at Riu Playa Blanca in the Río Hato area offers not only beautiful beachfront relaxation but also access to some of Panama’s most exciting tours. Located about 2 hours from Panama City (depending on traffic), the resort serves as a great base for exploring highlights like the famous Panama Canal. One of the most popular stops is the Miraflores Visitor Center, where guests can watch ships pass through the locks—typically between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, and again in the afternoon between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Entrance costs $17.22 for adults and $7.22 for children, offering access to the viewing platforms, museum, and a short film.
Another exciting option is Monkey Island, located in Gatun Lake, where guests take a boat ride through the canal to spot howler, capuchin, and tamarin monkeys in the wild. Visitors can also explore Panama City’s modern skyline along with the historic Casco Antiguo and the former U.S. Canal Zone, rich in history and architecture.
For those seeking cultural immersion, the Emberá Indigenous Village tour is a longer but truly rewarding journey into the rainforest, where guests experience traditional dances, canoe rides, and handmade crafts. Tour prices vary depending on whether it’s a private experience or a group tour, and it’s important to plan ahead—traffic between Monday and Friday can be heavy, so weekend tours are generally more relaxed and efficient. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or culture, Riu Playa Blanca is your gateway to discovering the best of Panama.
Prices
Tour prices from Riu Playa Blanca vary depending on the destination and whether you choose a private or group option. Private tours offer more flexibility and personalized service, while group tours are more budget-friendly. For example, a day tour to the Panama Canal and city typically ranges from $95 to $160 per person, while a Monkey Island tour may range from $110 to $180, depending on group size and inclusions. The Emberá Indigenous Village tour, being longer and deeper into the rainforest, is usually priced higher, starting around $140 per person.
Tour Desk at the hotel
At Riu Playa Blanca, you’ll usually find a tour operator desk in the lobby area offering a variety of pre-arranged excursions, such as city tours, canal visits, or adventure activities. These tours are often managed by external companies partnered with the hotel. In addition, transportation services are available at the lobby for guests who prefer to hire a driver and explore on their own or with a custom itinerary. However, it's important to note that drivers provided through the hotel typically speak limited English, so communication may be basic unless a bilingual guide is specifically included in the tour. While booking through the hotel is convenient, prices may be higher than independent options, so comparing based on service, language support, and tour content is recommended.
Important details about insurance and guides
When booking a tour or private transportation in Panama, especially from areas like Riu Playa Blanca, it’s important to confirm that your vehicle and driver are properly insured for tourist services. In Panama, vehicles authorized for tourism must display two license plates at the back, one of which includes the letters “SET” (Servicio Especial de Turismo), or they should have a visible tour operator logo on the doors (e.g., "Arcoiris Tour Operator"). If the vehicle lacks these identifiers, you may be riding in a private car without proper tourist coverage, which could put you at risk in case of an accident. Always ask your provider to confirm insurance coverage. Additionally, all certified tour guides registered with the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP) are required to wear their official badge visibly on the chest. If the person guiding you does not show this badge, they may not be a licensed guide. Since the ride to Panama City can be long and road conditions vary, it’s best to take every precaution. We also strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance, as public medical facilities in Panama may not meet international standards for tourists.
Extra Costs
When booking tours in Panama, it’s important to be aware of common extra costs that may not be included in the advertised price. For example, boat rides at Monkey Island are often charged separately, with prices ranging from $30 to $20 per person, depending on the group size. In many cases, lunch is not included, especially on full-day tours. If meals are not provided, expect to pay around $25 per person at tourist-oriented restaurants, while more local spots like Niko’s Café offer complete meals for around $10. At the Panama Canal Visitor Center (Miraflores Locks), entrance fees are $17.22 for adults and $7.22 for children. Tickets can be conveniently purchased online, but be sure you have a reliable Wi-Fi connection before attempting to book, especially if you're buying them on the go. Buying in advance can help you skip lines and ensure availability during peak visiting hours.
To avoid surprises, always ask your provider in advance what is included and what is not, including entrance fees, transportation type, meals, and boat costs.
Passport
You must bring your original passport when taking a tour from Riu Playa Blanca. By law, all foreigners in Panama are required to carry their real passport at all times—a copy is not considered valid in Panama, unlike in some other countries. When traveling from Río Hato to destinations like Panama City or the Canal, you'll be crossing multiple provinces (Coclé, Panamá Oeste, and Panamá), and there may be random police checkpoints along the way. To avoid delays or complications, it's best to play it safe and carry your original passport with you during any tour.