Private or Small Group Panama Canal & City Half-Day Tour

Presented by Preview World

From £52.00

What makes this tour unique is that in just 5 hours you will discover the best of Panama City and the Canal, ideal if you have little time. Unlike mass tours, we offer small groups or private service, with flexibility and personalized attention. You will travel in a modern air-conditioned vehicle, accompanied by a bilingual local guide who shares history, culture and authentic anecdotes.

6 hours (approx)

Instant Confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Free Cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance

Group Size: 15

  • Bottled water
  • Pick-up and drop-off at Panama City Hotels
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Bilingual Guide
  • Panama Canal

Meeting point

We pick you up at the meeting point or request pick up at your hotel

End point

No end description available

Mirador de Las Americas

2 hours 0 mins

Plaza de Francia

20 mins

Panama Canal

1 hour 30 mins

Bridge of the Americas

20 mins

Casco Viejo

45 mins

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.


Reviews

4.8

618 Reviews

5 star
570
4 stars
22
3 stars
11
2 stars
2
1 stars
13

5.0 Unforgettable

Colleenl01, June 2026

Jennifer, our tour guide, was amazing! We have been on a lot of tours in many places but this was undoubtedly ine of the best ever and we attribute that to her! She made sure we saw everything and learned so much!! Highly recommend this tour and I hope you get Jennifer!

5.0 Great tour of Panama and the Canal

Traveler05505939567, May 2026

We had a great day by and with our guide Jennifer. She knew a lot about the country, the city and the Panama Canal. I definitely recommend her!!

5.0 Excellent Tour Guide and fun Day Spent Exploring

640tiffanyw, May 2026

Jennifer was an excellent guide. She was knowledgeable and friendly. The vehicle was clean and comfortable. I enjoyed our time seeing the Panamá Canal and old town Panama.

5.0 Canal and old city

Nigella F, May 2026

Our Tour Guide Jennifer was absolutely wonderful. She was very knowledgeable, friendly and she spoke perfect English. She also knows the history of Panama very well. The tour was very good. We enjoyed learning how the canal works and walking through the old city. This tour is a must do in Panama.

5.0 I highly recommend this company. I had a wonderful time on a small group tour

Neil_F, May 2026

It was a great experience. Jennifer was an excellent tour guide. She was very knowledgeable and command of the English language was excellent

5.0 Half day in Panama

John J, May 2026

Truly wonderful morning with Alex as our guide. Alex is very knowledgeable and accommodating. I mentioned that I’m an artist and he took us to an art studio.

5.0 Panama Canal and its Surroundings

masatomot, May 2026

I came to Panama for a family vacation. I entered the Panama Canal because I wanted to see it. If you just wanted to see the canals, you could go there yourself, but with stops along the way, they guide you through the history of Panama, the background to the canals, and the various stories involved, including only recently. The story is also very interesting. It was a lovely half day. Since we decided to participate in the group, the participants got to know each other and after the event, the group participants had lunch together. Thank you.

5.0 Great Visit

Sherwie, May 2026

A great tour...Jose was very knowledgeable and was very helpful to give us a complete overview of Panama in a few short hours. Highly recommend.

5.0 Amazing Panama City & Canal Tour — Informative and Fun!

Kaknabs, April 2026

We had an excellent tour guide - Jennifer, for our Panama Canal and Panama City tour! She was knowledgeable, energetic, and matched the vibe of our group perfectly. She took us to the best spots around the city, - a great lunch spot, and even showed us both the good and the rougher areas to give us a real feel for Panama. She shared so much history and made the entire experience engaging and memorable. Highly recommend!

5.0 Fun and memorable

E5710FGdianan, April 2026

Our tour guide Jennifer made the tour fun , memorable and with a good experience…. She was also patient with all 16 of us ladies and ensured we didn’t get lost and all that we all equally had a good time..

5.0 Jennifer is the very very best tour guide.

lillianjulieto, April 2026

Our girl Jennifer...Simply the best of the best!!!!!! She needs a promotion! Her expertise on everything related to Panama, her passion while narrating and simply the warm way in which she interacted with us made us want to definitely come back to Panama again and book with your company. I have made several referrals of this company to my friends and asked them to ask for none other than Jennifer. God bless that girl for me. Simply love her.

5.0 Awesome Panama City Tour

dorismW3001SP, April 2026

We enjoyed our tour! Jennifer was awesome! She arrived before our scheduled time. She was polite and patient with us. She explained everything and answered all our questions. She was cooperative and worked with us and made sure all our needs were met during the tour. We were a big group but she was great the entire time.

5.0 Panama from Colonial times to modern financial center

I102GUrichardb, April 2026

Very enjoyable tour showing the old and new Panama City and the canal. Juan accommodated us by varying the itinerary to match our needs. He was very friendly and knowledgeable. My only quibble is that I did not need the chocolate shop upsell

5.0 Miraflores Locks and surrounding area tour with Jose

lajonw2026, April 2026

Jose gave us a wonderful tour today of the Miraflores locks, the islands and the old town where he recommended a wonderful restaurant. He accommodated our specific interests and was very helpful, caring and informative the entire time. We really appreciate the kind attention he gave us.

5.0 Fun tour and excellent guide!

philipg865, April 2026

The tour went very well. Our tour guide, Jennifer, was outstanding. Friendly and knowledgeable, she took us around providing an interesting history of what we were seeing. She knew all the best places to stand for views of the canal, and places for pictures. Following her through the streets of Panama City, we felt like VIPs as she knows everyone along the route and that made our access very easy. She showed us all sides of Panama City, from the Presidential areas to the more unfortunate neighbourhoods. My wife immensely enjoyed the tour as well.

5.0 My Panama Tour with Jennifer

662cecilel, April 2026

The tour was just awesome, and that was mostly because of our tour guide, JENNIFER. Jennifer was so very knowledgeable, and articulate. Her personality is very suitable for the job. She is a sweet soul and a true asset to this company. Keep up the good work Jennifer. We love you, and will see you when we come back to Panama. YOU ARE A TRUE GEM...👍🏾👏🏾👏🏾💞❤️💯✨️✅️✅️

5.0 Panama Canal and City tour

carolinewO4217WG, April 2026

Our tour guide, Jennifer was great and knowledgeable about the area, she took very good care of us, she went above and beyond to help us and made our visit memorable.

5.0 A time was had in Panama, excellent service, patient tour guide , knowledgeable

Joanne A, April 2026

5/5, service, patient tour guide, punctuality was experienced

5.0 Awesome tour!

judithrD4216GU, April 2026

Jennifer with Panamaroutes was awesome! She was very patient with our big group. She is very knowledgeable and friendly.

5.0 Wonderful tour guide !

Riekie R, April 2026

Our tour guide Jennifer was so knowledgeable in many different subjects and a wonderful history buff. She went over and above to accommodate us

5.0 We had a great experience...

Qin_T, April 2026

We had a great experience with our tour guide Jennifer. When we walked out of the airport, Jennifer was there already waiting for she. The minivan was comfortable for the six of us and all our luggage. Jennifer was super knowledgeable and easy to talk to. She’s very flexible to accommodate our needs. We had a great time and would highly recommend this tour and Jennifer as the guide.

Response from Host, April 2026

Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a great experience with Jennifer Jimenez. It’s wonderful to know she was already waiting for you at the airport and that everything—from the comfortable minivan to the flexibility of the tour—met your expectations. Jennifer truly takes pride in making every experience smooth, informative, and enjoyable, so your words mean a lot. We’re especially happy that she was able to accommodate your group and make your time in Panama memorable. Thank you again for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back soon! Warm regards, The Panamaroutes Team

5.0 Great tour of the Canal!

N918HUdant, April 2026

Alex gave us a great tour of the canal and city. He grew up in Panama City so knows a lot about its history. We had a great time! We highly recommend this tour, and also recommend Alex!

5.0 Don't miss Panama

Lourdes S, April 2026

Panama is a very nice place worth knowing andbif you do it with the guidance of a Panamanian, not only will you enjoy it but you will learn thoroughly from the history and culture

5.0 100% satisfaction.

L9839GFjaimes, April 2026

We were blown away by the level of professionalism and expertise displayed by Mr. Alex Marriott . He went above and beyond to ensure our conform and satisfaction. Highly recommended.

5.0 Passion Enjoyed all the places.

Tourist56007959652, April 2026

Amazing information and very passionate about Panamá!

5.0 Amazing Private Tour!

breonah2023, April 2026

Our private guide was Jose Odigada! He was amazing!! Very friendly, personable and knowledgeable!! Me and my husband learned a lot about the history of the Panama Canal and the city of Panama!! It’s lovely here! He went above and beyond! Recommend 5/5!!

Response from Host, April 2026

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you and your husband had such a great experience with José Odiaga. His friendliness, knowledge, and dedication truly make a difference, and it’s great to know he went above and beyond to make your tour memorable. We’re also glad you enjoyed learning about the Panama Canal and the city—there’s so much history and beauty to discover here! We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again in the future. Warm regards, The Panamaroutes Team

5.0 Thanks Jennifer

fabiocatani21, April 2026

Jennifer was an excellent guide. Thanks for all the comprehensive explanations.

Response from Host, April 2026

Thank you very much for your kind words. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your Panama Canal & City tour and that Jennifer made your experience even more special with her excellent guidance and comprehensive explanations. We will be sure to share your comments with her. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope to welcome you again for another memorable experience in Panama. The PanamaRoutes Team

5.0 Airport layover tour

Y4480PLmd, April 2026

Great tour! Jose was right on time and took us to see all of the Panama City sites before getting us back to the airport for our flight home. We had a long layover and this was the perfect way to spend it. We loved our time with Jose and enjoyed learning about the beautiful Panama City!

Response from Host, April 2026

Thank you very much for your wonderful review. We are delighted to hear that you had a great layover tour and that Jose made the experience so enjoyable. It is wonderful to know that everything went smoothly, from visiting the highlights of Panama City to getting you back to the airport on time for your flight home. We are so glad you chose to spend your layover with us, and it means a lot to know that you enjoyed learning about our beautiful city with Jose. The PanamaRoutes Team

5.0 A Great Way To Get a Feel for Panama

BJDOO, April 2026

Jennifer picked our group up right at the ship. She was a real professional and did a wonderful job guiding our group of 12 throughout our tour which required some special assistance for one member of our party. She managed the process flawlessly and gave us a good overview of the canal and city. We finished the tour with a terrific meal. They adapted the tour to fit the requirements of our cruise schedule and were great to work with. Thanks for a job well done.

Response from Host, April 2026

Thank you very much for your thoughtful and detailed review. We are truly pleased to know that Jennifer provided such professional and attentive service to your group. It is especially meaningful to hear that she was able to handle your group’s special assistance needs with care and professionalism while ensuring that everyone enjoyed a smooth and enriching experience. We are also glad that the tour was well adapted to your cruise schedule and that you had the chance to enjoy both the highlights of the Panama Canal and the city, finishing with a terrific meal. It was a pleasure assisting your group, and your kind words mean a great deal to us. The PanamaRoutes TeaM

5.0 The best guided tour ever 👍👍👍

nooraE5026VG, April 2026

My daughter and I can’t thank Jenifer ( tour guide) for her professional, friendly and informative service. We’ve had many guided tours over the years and this guided tour is one of the best if not the best. Jenifer is very knowledgeable of the areas she took us to Panama exploring its streets , culture and people.. She’s the friendliest tour guide and we are very lucky to have experienced the beauty of Panama 🇵🇦 by her. Highly recommended 👍👍👍👍👍

Response from Host, April 2026

Thank you so much for your wonderful and heartfelt review. We are truly delighted to know that you and your daughter had such a memorable experience with Jenifer. Your kind words about her professionalism, friendliness, and knowledge mean a great deal to us. It is especially rewarding to hear that this tour stands out as one of the best guided experiences you have had over the years. Panama has so much beauty, culture, and history to share, and we are very happy that Jenifer helped make your visit so special. We will be sure to pass along your lovely comments to her. Thank you again for your recommendation. It was a pleasure being part of your time in Panama, and we hope to welcome you both again in the future. The PanamaRoutes Team

5.0 Fun day touring Panama City highlights

NikiSGu, April 2026

We had an absolutely fantastic experience with our tour guide, Alex! From start to finish, he was punctual, professional, and incredibly accommodating to our needs. He worked with us to reschedule because our plans went haywire at the last minute. His knowledge about the Panama Canal and the history, culture, and hidden gems of Panama was truly impressive—it felt like we were getting insights you just wouldn’t find anywhere else. He explained everything in a way that was engaging and easy to understand, even for the kids. Speaking of which, my 3 teen children, absolutely loved him! He was patient, friendly, and made a real effort to include them, which made the whole experience even more special for our family. Beyond all that, he’s simply a kind and genuine person who clearly cares about giving his guests a great experience. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide and would highly recommend him to anyone visiting Panama!

Response from Host, April 2026

Thank you so much for your incredible and thoughtful review. We are truly delighted to hear that you had such a fantastic experience with Alex. Your kind words about his punctuality, professionalism, flexibility, and genuine care mean a great deal to us. We are especially glad that he was able to accommodate your last-minute schedule changes and still make everything smooth and enjoyable for your family. It is wonderful to know that you enjoyed learning about the Panama Canal, as well as the history, culture, and hidden gems of Panama. We are even happier to hear that your children felt included and had such a great time, as creating memorable family experiences is something we value deeply. Thank you again for your warm recommendation. It was a pleasure to be part of your visit to Panama, and we hope to welcome you and your family again in the future. The PanamaRoutes Team

5.0 Great option to visit the canal

E2686JWcarlost, March 2026

Good service, great knowledge of the channel and its history. responsible and fluid handling. New vehicle in impeccable condition

Response from Host, April 2026

Muchas gracias por su excelente comentario. Nos alegra saber que tuvo una buena experiencia con nosotros y que pudo disfrutar del recorrido con un servicio de calidad. Valoramos mucho que destaque el conocimiento sobre el Canal de Panamá y su historia, así como el manejo responsable y la comodidad del vehículo. Fue un placer atenderle, y esperamos tener la oportunidad de acompañarle nuevamente en otra experiencia inolvidable en Panamá. The Panamaroutes Team

5.0 So worth it!!

Abi S, March 2026

Jose was absolutely amazing! He was so well educated and informed us on all there is to know about the history of Panama! We explored so much that we would have never been able to get to without him. He even expanded our tour a bit to see more than we could have on our own. His recommendations were also incredible. Definitely book this! It was so worth it. We did the private tour and Jose became part of our family!

Response from Host, April 2026

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We are truly delighted to hear that you had such an amazing experience with Jose. It means a lot to know that you enjoyed learning about Panama’s history and that the tour allowed you to discover so much more than you would have on your own. We are also very happy that his recommendations and extra touches helped make your experience even more special. Your kind words about Jose becoming part of your family during the tour are incredibly meaningful to us. Thank you for choosing our private tour and for your warm recommendation. We hope to welcome you back to Panama for another unforgettable experience. The PanamaRoutes Team

5.0 A MUST DO!

rlJ6104NF, March 2026

Alex was phenomenal. Knowledgeable, personable and flexible… and we really challenged him! Being from Panama his perspective was welcomed. The history of the different areas was at his fingertips, recommendations were flowing and suggestions were at-the-ready. I cannot recommend him enough.

Response from Host, March 2026

Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊 It was truly a pleasure to spend time with you and share a bit of Panama’s history and essence. I’m really glad to hear you enjoyed the experience and found the recommendations helpful. I also truly appreciated your curiosity and the challenging questions—they made the tour even more engaging! I hope to see you again soon so we can continue exploring together. A big thank you once again for your recommendation!

5.0 Awemazing

834lanitar, March 2026

Jennifer was such an attentive and knowledgeable tour guide. We loved her energy, pride for her country and love for her job. Excellent customer care. I highly recommend her!

Response from Host, March 2026

Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊 We’re thrilled to hear that Jennifer made such a positive impression. We’ll be sure to share your feedback with her—she’ll be delighted to know her energy, passion for Panama, and dedication to her guests truly stood out. Providing excellent customer care is something we deeply value, so it means a lot to know you felt well taken care of. Thank you again for your recommendation—we truly appreciate it and hope to welcome you again soon!

5.0 A fun well rounded tour of Panama City

fadekem2025, March 2026

We had the most amazing time with our guide Mr Jose. He picked us up in a clean and spacious ride that fit our family of four perfectly considering my son’s long legs. We had an excellent tour of New and “old” Panamá, thanks to the most wonderful tour guide Jose; a true Panamanian. We learned so much about the culture and history of Panamá that we would be happy to relocate anytime. Mr Jose, my family truly appreciate all you did for us and the extra care you took to make sure we were comfortable. Thank you so much for your kind heart and warm personality. You made our visit to Panama City fun, exciting and memorable.

Response from Host, March 2026

Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful review! 😊 We’re absolutely delighted to hear that you and your family had such an amazing experience with José. It’s great to know that everything—from the comfort of the transportation to the tour of both modern and historic Panama—met your expectations. We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to him. He will be truly touched to know that his care, warmth, and dedication made your visit so memorable for your family. Thank you again for trusting us with your experience, and we hope to welcome you back to Panama City in the future!

5.0 Fun and Informative Panama Canal & City Tour

I3300WOmyriamr, March 2026

Our guide, Jose, was extremely knowledgeable about the canal and Panamanian history. He was helpful and considerate during the tour, and stuck with us for longer than the original schedule to make sure we saw what the city had to offer.

Response from Host, March 2026

Thank you so much for your kind feedback! We’re delighted to hear that José’s knowledge of the Canal and Panamanian history made your experience so enriching. It’s also wonderful to know that his helpfulness and consideration stood out, and that he went the extra mile to ensure you could fully enjoy everything the city has to offer. We’ll be sure to share your comments with him—he’ll truly appreciate it!

5.0 Wonderful Panama!

I1743BFchriss, March 2026

An Unforgettable Half-Day Private Experience! ​If you are looking for a way to truly "feel" the spirit of Panama in just a few hours, look no further. We recently took a private half-day tour with Jose, and it was the absolute highlight of our visit. Panama is such a beautiful city with a unique blend of high-energy modern vibes and deep, soulful history—and this tour captured all of it. ​The Highlights ​The Panama Canal & Bridge of the Americas: Seeing the canal in person is a bucket-list item, but Jose made it special by explaining the intricate details of how it impacts daily life here. ​Casco Viejo (Old Town): Walking through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town was like stepping back in time. The architecture and culture are stunning. Jose took us around the old town starting with an old map of the city and explained the layout, hidden tunnels, the churches and their meanings to the Panamanian people's. What a rich history. The buildings are stunning. ​A Taste of Panama: We were treated to a wonderful Panamanian coffee and chocolate tasting. Learning about the local coffees and the rich history of their cacao while doing a bit of shopping was a delightful, sensory way to end the morning. ​Our Guide ​What truly set this tour apart was our guide Jose. He really did go above and beyond to ensure we didn't just see the sights, but actually understood the "vibe" of the city. His passion for Panamanian culture and ability to explain the nuances of local life made the experience feel personal and authentic rather than just a standard sightseeing trip. We we come back I will reach out for one of those local drinks; ​Verdict: Very highly recommended! Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, or just want to see the best of the city with a local expert, this private tour is worth every cent.

Response from Host, March 2026

Thank you so much for such a thoughtful and detailed review! We’re absolutely thrilled to hear that your half-day experience with José was the highlight of your visit. It’s wonderful to know that you were able to truly connect with Panama’s unique blend of modern energy and rich history. From the Panama Canal to Casco Viejo and the coffee and chocolate tasting, we’re so glad each part of the experience left a lasting impression. We especially appreciate your kind words about how José brought everything to life—his passion for Panamanian culture and dedication to creating meaningful experiences is something we’re very proud of. We’ll be sure to share your feedback with him; he’ll be delighted to know he made such an impact! Thank you again for your high recommendation, and we’ll be more than happy to welcome you back for that local drink on your next visit!

5.0 Panama Canal and Casco Viejo Tour

Mike N, March 2026

We arranged for a small group tour, but found ourselves on a private tour which allowed for some flexibility. We recommend buying the Panama Canal admission tickets online to avoid the line for buying at the location. Thankfully, our guide Ricky, arranged for us to do so. The canal is impressive, but there isn’t much to that part of the tour. The remainder of the tour was full of history, visuals, scents, people watching, exercise… we walked all over the UNESCO site of Casco Viejo and, due to our ability to be flexible, chose which additional activities we wanted to experience while there. We had some delicious Panamanian coffee and pastries at Duran and chose not to do any inside tours of buildings. Looking back to the frontage portion of the city provides for some beautiful panoramic views. The advice was to go back at night for a more social/party vibe. If you are able to add a visit to the Panama Canal Museum, consider doing it after this tour by having your guide drop you off back there after the tour is over instead of your standard drop off location. The museum closes at 3pm and isn’t open on Mondays. Maybe the tour group already offers a tour with this included. Our tour concluded with a drive through the Amador causeway. Looks like a great place to spend 3-4 hours milling through stores, savoring food, and utilizing the outdoor space for walks/bike rides/etc. While on the causeway, Ricky had us stop to look up into a tree where we found 3 sleeping sloths high up in the branches. Pretty special and unexpected. Most importantly, the tour company PANAMAROUTES, is very good at correspondence, which isn’t something we always experience.

Response from Host, March 2026

We’re delighted to hear that your experience turned into a private tour and that you were able to enjoy the added flexibility throughout the day. It’s great to know that Ricky helped make everything smooth from the start, including arranging the Panama Canal tickets in advance. We’re glad you enjoyed exploring Casco Viejo at your own pace and taking in its history, atmosphere, and beautiful views. Your tips and reflections—like visiting the museum afterward or returning at night—are truly valuable and will surely help future travelers. It’s also wonderful to hear about the special moment spotting the sloths along the Amador Causeway—those unexpected experiences often become the most memorable! We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Ricky, and we truly appreciate your recognition of our team’s communication—it means a lot to us. Thank you again for choosing PanamaRoutes, and we hope to welcome you back for another great experience in the future!

5.0 Amazing experiencia!!!

yordanr773, March 2026

We had an amazing experience exploring Panama. From the beginning, everything was well organized and very professional. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and made the entire tour both fun and informative. We learned so much about the history, culture, and of course the impressive Panama Canal. The transportation was comfortable and the tour moved at a perfect pace, allowing us to enjoy every stop. If you are visiting Panama and want a memorable experience, we highly recommend Panamaroutes and our guide Ricky for an excellent and enjoyable tour.

Response from Host, March 2026

We’re thrilled to hear that you had such an amazing experience exploring Panama and that everything—from the organization to the pace of the tour—met your expectations. It’s great to know that Ricky made your experience both fun and informative while sharing his knowledge of Panama’s history, culture, and the Canal. We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to him—he’ll truly appreciate it! We also appreciate your recognition of our professionalism and transportation comfort, as we strive to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for all our guests. Thank you again for your recommendation.

5.0 Fun tour

brooklynchile, March 2026

Ricky did a great job on our private tour of the city! Since our hotel was in Casco Viejo, we started with a walking tour there and learned a lot from him about the fascinating history of Panama as well as that area in particular. Afterwards he took us to Panama City proper where we stopped at several iconic locations to learn more and also take pictures. What's extra great is that, being familiar with the city's weather patterns, he timed things so that we missed the thunderstorms! From the other side of town, we could literally see the rain clouds enveloping the skyscrapers, right after we'd already left. Lastly, we stopped at the Panama Canal where we were able to see the IMAX story narrated by Morgan Freeman and then watch a ship progress through the canal. What was great about this was, Ricky timed things so that we already had our tickets purchased for the experience prior to arrival - to avoid any line - and literally went inside the building right before the skies burst open in a monster thunderstorm. And we also re-emerged from the IMAX, when it was dry, just as a ship was entering the canal (otherwise it could've been a 45 minute wait). Oh, and I almost forgot. He also stopped by the side of the road when he realized another group had spotted sloths in a tree! We had to look really high up and crane our necks to see, but it turned out to be the one and only sloth sighting we had during our entire trip - since they were nowhere to be found on our two trips to the jungle later in our stay. So, thanks for that Ricky! All in all I would say Ricky made this experience enjoyable. From his steady communication prior to picking us up, to the great knowledge that he shared of the country, to his weather forecasting 😅, to the general friendliness and attentive interaction - we found this to be a great way to kick off our stay in Panama.

Response from Host, March 2026

We’re absolutely delighted to hear that your private tour with Ricky was such a great way to start your time in Panama. From exploring Casco Viejo to visiting the city’s iconic spots and the Panama Canal, it’s wonderful to know that every part of the experience was both enjoyable and enriching. Ricky will be especially happy to hear your kind words about his knowledge, communication, and attention to detail. His ability to plan around the weather and timing—so you could make the most of each stop—is something we truly value, and we’re glad it made such a difference in your experience. And what a special bonus spotting the sloths! Those unexpected moments really do make a trip unforgettable. We truly appreciate your recognition of his dedication and friendliness, and we’ll be sure to share your feedback with him. Thank you again for choosing PanamaRoutes—we hope to welcome you back for another memorable experience in the future! 🙌

1.0 Fake tour!!! Horrible experience

MariaP343, March 2026

We did not receive the tour we paid for. We basically paid $285 for a ride to and from the canal. They pushed our start time back an hour later & still dropped us back to our hotel less than 4hrs later. Our guide kept saying this is basically just a canal trip which is not what it says in the itinerary. We did not make a single other stop as advertised on this tour. You do not go out on the platform as seen in other reviews pictures. We had a long wait in the bathroom line & our guide didn’t even wait on the crowded viewing platform to save us space. I understand traffic prohibited some stops but not a single one??? We even told our guide to use his discretion with traffic to plan which stops to make but next thing I knew we were at our hotel. I asked for a partial refund because we did not receive our tour & never received a reply. Please save your money & do not book this fake tour. You do not need a guide & Ubers are very cheap to only experience the canal.

Response from Host, March 2026

Dear Maria, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are truly sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations, and we appreciate the opportunity to clarify a few important details for future travelers. First, on the day of your tour the pickup location was different from the hotel listed in your reservation, which required some additional coordination from our guide to ensure a smooth start to the day. Regarding the start time, the guide suggested a one-hour adjustment in order to better align your visit with the ship transit schedule at the Panama Canal. This suggestion was made so you could have a better chance of seeing vessels passing through the locks, which is one of the highlights of the experience. However, the change was only a recommendation and guests are always free to keep the original schedule if they prefer. During the tour, our guide also adapted the itinerary based on your preferences. As mentioned during the trip, you had already visited Casco Viejo and preferred not to return there, and you also indicated that you had previously been to the Amador Causeway and did not wish to stop there again. Because of this, you chose to spend most of the tour time at the Canal viewing area instead of visiting those additional stops that are normally included in the itinerary. Additionally, you requested an earlier return to your hotel due to a dinner reservation that evening. Our guide respected that request and adjusted the schedule accordingly. We would also like to clarify the comparison with ride-sharing services. Our tours are designed to provide much more than transportation. Guests travel with a licensed bilingual guide who explains the history and operation of the Panama Canal, accompanies visitors inside the visitor center, and remains available throughout the experience. This level of service and guidance is something a simple ride service does not provide. At Panama Routes we always aim to be flexible and adapt our tours to our guests’ interests whenever possible. However, when itinerary changes are made at the request of guests, it can naturally alter the structure of the tour. That said, we always take feedback seriously and will continue working to improve communication so expectations are clear for every traveler. We wish you the best in your future travels and thank you again for visiting Panama. The Panamaroutes Team

5.0 A great tour from a seasoned professional guide.

jcjhiker, March 2026

Jose is a top notch guide who responded to our questions with suggestions for optional sites and provided additional information not related to the original itinerary. He exceeded our expectations.

Response from Host, March 2026

We’re delighted to hear that José exceeded your expectations and provided such a thoughtful and personalized experience. It’s great to know that his suggestions and willingness to go beyond the original itinerary made a positive impact on your tour. We’ll be sure to share your comments with him—he’ll truly appreciate it! THANK YOU!!

5.0 Great Private Tour

Amber_L, March 2026

Jennifer was an AMAZING guide. Her personality shined from the beginning! She knew everyone as we explored the city.

Response from Host, March 2026

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 😊 We’re delighted to hear that Jennifer made such a strong impression from the very beginning. Her energy, personality, and connection with the city truly make each experience special. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with her—she’ll love hearing this!

5.0 It was wonderful or tour guide was fabulous and very experienced. He tailored or tour to the Panamá Canal to our needs.

Inspiration589483, March 2026

Enjoy every moment of the tour and our tour guide was superb.

Response from Host, March 2026

We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed every moment of the tour and that your guide made the experience superb. That’s exactly the kind of experience we strive to deliver!

5.0 Very informative tour of Panama City

Stephanie B, March 2026

Jose had excellent knowledge about the area and tried to customize the tour to our liking. We were able to see a sloth on the Causeway, which made us happy. Our pickup at our hotel was prompt and everything was very well executed.

Response from Host, March 2026

We’re delighted to hear that José’s knowledge and efforts to customize the tour to your preferences made your experience even more enjoyable. It’s great to know everything was well organized and that your pickup was smooth and punctual. And how special that you were able to spot a sloth on the Causeway—those moments always make the experience even more memorable! We’ll be sure to share your kind words with José—he’ll truly appreciate it.

5.0 They are professionals in what they do with all this tourism and experiences

Diana maria R, February 2026

Surper I recommend them are very well spent are very punctual

Response from Host, February 2026

Gracias Diana, estamos Contentos que hayas disfrutado mucho de nuestros servicios Saludos para ti y tu familia !!

5.0 A great introduction to the Panama Canal

LeChat123, February 2026

A superb tour with Jennifer, a Panama native who was charming, knowledgeable, intelligent, thoughtful and more than willing to personalize the trip. We saw everything on the itinerary AND a sloth! She answered every question, made sure we were comfortable, and shared her personal perspective that enlivened our experience. A memorable experience.

Response from Host, February 2026

Hi, What an amazing review, you just made our day! 😍 We'll definitely pass your kind words on to Jennifer—she’ll be thrilled to know you enjoyed her company and the personalized touch so much. And how lucky that you got to spot a sloth! 🦥 Those are the magical Panama surprises we absolutely love. Thank you so much for exploring with Panamaroutes, we’d love to host you again for your next adventure! Warmly, The Panamaroutes Team.

5.0 Our visit was great. Our guide Graziano was amazing. We took pictures, saw the Panama Canal etc... I would definitely recommend

Daydream29385368965, February 2026

Our experience was a 5 out of 5.

Response from Host, February 2026

Thank you so much for the awesome recommendation! We're thrilled to hear you had a great time and that Graziano took such good care of you. The Panama Canal is always a highlight, and we hope you got some fantastic photos to remember the trip! 📸 We'd love to welcome you back anytime.

5.0 AMAZING TOUR

funtootravel, February 2026

Jennifer was the best tour guide. She knows so much about Panama - history, culture, current events and she has the best personality. She is fun and warm and made our trip one of the most memorable for all of our travels. Book your tour with this company now - it is FANTASTIC.

Response from Host, February 2026

Wow, FANTASTIC is exactly how we feel reading this! 🎉 Thank you so much for such an incredible review. Jennifer truly is a superstar, and we love that her mix of history, culture, and her warm personality made your trip so memorable. It means the world to us to be among your best travels! We’ll make sure to share your beautiful words with her right away. Thank you for the huge recommendation, and we hope to host you again in the future!

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