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Exploring The Charm of Old Town Panama City
Old Town Panama City, sometimes referred to as Old Panama, takes visitors back in time where both history and modern Panama culture meet. A city that was once a global hub of trade now remains with ancient ruins, cobblestone streets, and stunning views of modern Panama City.
Dive into a living history lesson of Panama culture and step through what feels like a time machine to experience the remnants of time where European traders once used this destination for trading gold directly from the Inca Empire. Not only is this travel destination an incredible history lesson, but it also remains a hotspot for shopping, entertainment, music, food, and nightlife.
The old town truly offers an incredible blend of modern and ancient history in one destination, offering a unique taste of Panama culture and travel experiences that has to be experienced for yourself! Learn more about the incredible culture and history of Panama and use this guide to help you book a trip that includes the very best offerings of the Old City of Panama, and so much more.
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Stepping Through Ancient History
The history found within the ruins of Panama Viejo is truly incredible. Originally founded by Spanish settlers in 1519, what was the original Panama City is now left as ancient ruins. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage, the site remains available for visiting, where touristscana climb an ancient and historical bell tower that includes panoramic views of ancient and modern Panama.
From here, you can walk amongst ruins and browse through what remains of old churches, cobblestone pathways, and the site of pirate raids that were once searching for gold and other precious metals.
Originally built as one of the first European settlements in South America in 1519, the city itself was eventually burned down in 1671. What remains is a cultural heritage site carefully preserved and appreciated by visitors across the world. Just a short drive southeast of these ruins is the rebuilt modern Casco Viejo district, ready to be explored for yourself.
Experiencing Panama Viejo By Foot
Worth visiting is the Panama Viejo museum, offering deep insight into what transpired on these lands, including stories about the need for a new Panama City. The deep contrast between old and new allows visitors to get a taste of what life was like in ancient times, offering history but also great photo opportunities along the coastal backdrop of modern Panama City.
Walking through Casco Viejo offers a chance to appreciate ancient Spanish architecture, where old and new buildings sit side-by-side between charming shops, cafes, and restaurants. Take a stroll through these streets and indulge in shopping, food, and drink, where locals welcome visitors from around the world. Well known for its food, shopping, and culture, this area also boasts an impressive nightlife where locals and international travelers mingle.
What Makes The Old Town of Panama City So Unique?
There really isn’t a place in the world quite like Panama Viejo. Its unique mix of cultural charm and history makes it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience Panama. There are examples of both modern and ancient architecture everywhere you turn. The hustle and bustle of this neighborhood makes these streets come alive, where food, drink, and shopping meet ancient history lessons at every turn.
Taking a stroll through these streets is a great way to spend an afternoon or a couple of days, working to help immerse you in the great culture of Panama. As a city so well-known for its canal system, the Old Town of Panama is a gem of a travel destination that includes stunning ocean views and endless entertainment.
Travel Tips For Visiting Old Town Panama City For The First Time
Use these simple travel tips to make the most of your visit to Old Town Panama City.
Cash is King and Queen: Many merchants do not accept major debit or credit cards, and it is always a good idea to bring along cash for your visit. American dollars are generally accepted throughout the country.
Dress For The Occasion: The cobblestone streets of this neighborhood aren’t always suitable for exotic fashion trends, and wearing a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. Plan for plenty of walking, and wear clothing suitable for hot and humid weather.
Use Your Wits: Crowded spaces and busy streets are opportunities for petty crime like pickpocketing. Keep your valuables close to you, preferably in a fanny pack or a backpack that is tied closely to your body. Never travel alone at night and never flash large amounts of cash or other valuables in public.
Concerned about safe travel to Panama? Consider booking alongside a fully guided travel company that can facilitate every detail of your travel itinerary. Looking to those with experience traveling throughout Panama is a great way to enjoy your trip without worrying about safety or transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions For Visiting The Old Town of Panama City
Before your next trip, find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding visiting the old town of Panama City.
What Is The Best Time of Year To Visit The Old Town of Panama City?
Panama’s dry season is generally the best time to visit, with December to April having the least amount of rain. However, the old town remains a great place to visit all year long.
Is the Old Town of Panama City Safe To Visit?
Yes. Panama is considered a safe country to visit overall. It’s always a great idea to travel in groups, should you be concerned about safety. Consider avoiding walking alone at night and keep your personal belongings with you at all times.
Is The Old Town of Panama Accessible?
The Old Town of Panama is a very walkable city, suitable for families and people of all age groups. Some historic buildings or streets may be challenging for wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers. Some hotels or historical buildings will not have wheelchair accessibility or elevators.
Do Tourists Need To Speak Spanish in Panama?
Some merchants do speak basic English, but speaking small amounts of Spanish can be very helpful. Locals appreciate it when tourists speak Spanish.
Is Old Town Panama Good For Families?
Yes! The Old Town of Panama is perfect for solo or group travelers, including families. Children or teenagers will get an incredible history lesson amongst the ruins and ancient architecture, while parents will appreciate the stunning ocean views and exceptional food and dining opportunities.
Look To Caravan To Help You Experience Panama
The truth is that Panama is a country with an overwhelming amount of things to see and do. Having an experienced guide can help you appreciate every element of your trip, ensuring you never miss an important detail. Caravan is your first choice for fully-guided tours of the great country of Panama, offering deep knowledge and guidance with an all-inclusive travel package that includes the Old City of Panama.
Have a guide walk you through the ancient ruins of Panama Viejo, offering important historical context that you would otherwise never have known. Further, let your guide take care of the logistics and travel details while you sit back and enjoy your trip. Leave the stress behind and look to an all-inclusive tour of Panama that includes every major landmark, but also plenty of time for rest and relaxation. Panama is an amazing country loaded with culture, but also nature and outdoor adventure. The tours of Panama offered by Caravan include all of the very best travel opportunities, ensuring a trip full of fun and excitement!
Ready to get started? Book today, as spaces are filling up fast!
Call one of Caravan’s agents at 1 (312)-321-9800, or call 1-800-CARAVAN to learn more about our tour of Panama. Partner with a travel company dedicated to ensuring your enjoyment of Panama and so much more. Our deep knowledge and travel expertise ensure an incredibly safe and rewarding travel experience.
Contact us now and book for this upcoming travel season! Spaces are limited, so don’t delay!
2026 Hotels
2026 Hotels
Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are usually rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds.
Days 1, 2 • Panama City
Westin Panama
The elegant Westin Panama is ideally situated in Costa del Este neighborhood. Your hotel includes a fitness center, spa and outdoor pool. Your room includes an iron, hairdryer, safe, wi-fi and coffeemaker.
Days 3, 4 • Gamboa
Gamboa Rainforest Resort
The Gamboa Rainforest Resort is located in Soberania National Park, in the heart of Panama's rainforest. The resort is just north of the Continental Divide, on the banks of the Chagres River, near where it flows into Lake Gatun and the Panama Canal. Guest rooms feature a hammock and patio furniture on a private balcony with park and river views. All rooms are air-conditioned and include a mini-bar, in-room safe, hairdryer, iron/ironing board, coffeemaker, and satellite television. All rooms are non-smoking. Resort amenities include a large outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, beautiful gardens, and walking and jogging trails. Fitness equipment, a hot tub, thermal bath and sauna are available at the full service spa. For a fee, the spa offers massage, a beauty salon, body and facial treatments. Guided fishing in the Panama Canal is also available for a fee. Free internet access.
Days 5, 6 • Playa Bonita
Westin Playa Bonita Resort
The Westin Playa Bonita Resort is a spectacular beach resort located on Panama's Pacific coast. From the grand lobby you have sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Resort amenities include a private beach, multiple outdoor pools, swim-up bar, lounges, fitness center, beauty salon, and spa with massage services. The spacious guest rooms are air-conditioned and have cable TV. Free internet access.
Day 7 • Panama City
InterContinental Miramar Panama
The modern InterContinental Miramar hotel is located in Panama City in the middle of Panama Bay. Panoramic water and city views abound. A short stroll from the hotel takes you to the scenic walkway on Panama Bay . The InterContinental Miramar has tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, a beauty salon, and fitness center with massage, sauna, Jacuzzi, and Turkish bath. All rooms are air-conditioned, and feature cable TV, in-room safe, hair dryer, iron/ironing board and a coffee maker. Free internet access.
Airport Transfers
Airport Transfers
Arrival Transfers
Transfer on your own from the Panama City Tocumen Airport (PTY) to your hotel, the Westin Costa del Este (La Rotunda Ave, Costa del Este) in Panama City. Once you exit customs and baggage claim, proceed to the official taxi stand. The driving time from the airport to the hotel is approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic. The cost will range from $30-$40 US Dollars. When you arrive at your hotel, please identify yourself as a Caravan tour member to the front desk personnel.
Departure Transfers
Caravan includes a departure transfer from the Intercontinental Miramar hotel in Panama City to Tocumen Panama International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, Panama arriving at 5:30 am, 8:00 am and 11:00 am. on the day the tour ends. If you wish to leave at another time, you will need to transfer on your own, at your own expense. Taxi fares from your hotel to Tocumen Airport cost about $30-$40 USD. The driving time from the hotel to the airport is approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.
Passports & Visas
Passports & Visas
Panama requires a current U.S. passport valid for six months after your date of entry. Non U.S. citizens, please check passport and visa requirements. Note: If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, you should carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws. See Travel Tips for more details.
Weather & Clothing
Weather & Clothing
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Panama City | ||
|---|---|---|
| Temp | Rain | |
| Jan | 87/75 | 1.6 |
| Feb | 89/75 | 0.6 |
| Mar | 91/75 | 0.6 |
| Apr | 91/75 | 3.4 |
| May | 87/75 | 7.9 |
| Jun | 86/75 | 7.5 |
| Jul | 87/75 | 7.3 |
| Aug | 86/75 | 7.8 |
| Sep | 86/75 | 7.1 |
| Oct | 84/75 | 10.3 |
| Nov | 86/75 | 8.9 |
| Dec | 87/75 | 5.3 |
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panama City | ||||||||||||
| temp | 87/75 | 89/75 | 91/75 | 91/75 | 87/75 | 86/75 | 87/75 | 86/75 | 86/75 | 84/75 | 86/75 | 87/75 |
| rainfall | 1.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 3.4 | 7.9 | 7.5 | 7.3 | 7.8 | 7.1 | 10.3 | 8.9 | 5.3 |
Clothing Tips
This is a casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for evenings is casual. Suit jackets for men and dresses for women are never required. See Travel Tips for more details.
Travel Tips & FAQs
Travel Tips & FAQs
These are only the first 14 Travel Tips. Read all 61 Travel Tips It is recommended to bring at least one pair of quick-dry pants and one quick-dry shirt. The quick-dry pants that zip at the knee to convert into shorts are particularly popular. Be sure to also bring a sweater or jacket for the cooler night temperatures. Caravan does not make product endorsements, but many feel that Avon Skin So Soft oil (not cream), or Avon's Expedition anti-mosquito spray is effective protection against mosquito bites in the jungle. Caravan does not endorse any vitamin, but please note that Central American pharmacies sell 500 milligram Vitamin B-1 tablets, a non-prescription vitamin, as "anti-mosquito" pills. Many people take Vitamin B-1 pills and eat garlic for about two weeks prior to and during their visits to the jungle because they believe that the smell of Vitamin B-1 and garlic repels mosquitoes. If you believe this may be of value, consult your doctor for further information on Vitamin B-1 and garlic. Many also avoid eating bananas in the rainforest, as it is believed that this smell attracts mosquitoes. Also, it is wise to wear light-weight quick-dry long-sleeved pants and shirts in these tropical areas. Included meals for each tour are listed at the end of each day. Meals are shown by B (breakfast), L (lunch) and D (dinner). Full, buffet, or deluxe continental breakfasts are included everywhere. Free bottled water is provided on the motorcoach. Alcoholic beverages are not included unless specified. Virtually everything! Hotels, most meals, all of the activities described in the itinerary, airport departure transfers, gratuities to hotel porters and restaurant staff. Caravan’s professional Tour Directors and local guides will be with you every step of the way, ensuring a worry free vacation. They are fluent in English, experienced and fun, ensuring a worry-free vacation. Prices do not include air travel, country entry or departure fees, airport porters, visas, phone calls, valet, laundry, all items of a personal nature, extra food and beverages not on the regular menu, and tips to the Caravan Tour Director, driver, and local guides. Usually, you find a mix of different age adult travelers on a Caravan Tour. Children age five (5) and older are welcome, and children usually join tours offered during Christmas holidays, summer vacation and spring break vacation. A well-paced and unhurried itinerary is our goal, after all, you are on vacation! Touring days begin and end at reasonable hours and include frequent stops. While the occasional early morning departure is necessary, we do our best to ensure a leisurely vacation. Group sizes will vary depending on the reserved rooms at the hotels and the capacity of the boats and motorcoaches used. Usually, group sizes range from 30 to 44 passengers. Caravan has been offering fully guided tours worldwide under the same family ownership and management since 1952. Caravan understands and truly cares about your great expectations. The farther in advance that you book, the more likely it is that your preferred tour will be open. Late bookings are welcome if the space is still available. Families are always welcome on any of our tours, but we do not have any programs specifically for or limited to families. Families can make specific requests for connecting, adjacent, triple or quad rooms, when available. Children must be at least 5 years old. Caravan accepts payment (in U.S. funds only) via MasterCard, Visa, or Discover. Caravan Travel Protection offers peace of mind if you cancel for any reason whatsoever prior to the departure of the tour. The travel protection plan also includes air, baggage, evacuation, medical, and quarantine coverage. The cost is $129. Children age five (5) and older are welcome on tour when accompanied by an adult. Usually, children travel during the school vacation months of June, July and August, and also during spring and winter school breaks. If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.Preparing for the Tropics
Are meals included?
My Tour Price Includes
My Tour Price Does Not Include
Age of Travelers on a Caravan Tour
A Well-Paced Itinerary
Size of Tour Group
Fully Guided Tours Since 1952
Many Tours Sell Out Each Year
Family Trips
Forms of Payment
Caravan’s $129 Travel Protection
Children on Tour
International Travel with Minors
Customer Reviews
Customer Reviews
These are only the first 7 Customer Reviews. Read all 244 Customer Reviews "Hotels were excellent!! Really enjoyed the Westin Playa Bonita and Gamboa!!!The rainforest was fascinating. My sister and I really enjoyed this tour and would highly recommend this tour!!" "I question the government of Panama that requires safety vests while in the boat which if overturned would have crocks close by." "We loved the tour. Very informative. We felt like the pace of activities was just right. We saw and did a lot the first few days. The last couple days gave us time to relax and recharge. I wish I had better educated myself on Panama in general as well as the Panama Canal prior to the tour. Not a negative with respect to our tour guide or Caravan; just advice for future travelers. There is so much to do, see, and learn it is hard to take it all in during 7 days. Highly recommend Caravan Tours. Great value. Really good way to get to know the various destinations." "I think it was a great tour it lived up to being a tropical tour and I liked learning about the history of Panama." "The hotels we stayed at were well above the average you find on other tours, if not substantially above average." "Loved the variety between history (i.e. Panama Canal, early Panama City, etc.), the opportunity to take boat tours of the Canal and Gatun Lake and ships and wildlife. The local guide at Gamboa was wondeful. The resort pools were beautifully maintained. The food delicious. The drives not so long. The Kuna market was a bit of a disappointment for me, but others may have found it good." "Tour was a very relaxing tour, not rushed at all, yet we saw so much."
Read All 244 ReviewsClick Here to Read All 244 Customer Reviews
Why Travel with Caravan?
Why Travel with Caravan?
Excellence Since 1952
You can trust our years of experience with tours of superb quality and excellent value. Caravan has enjoyed the same family management and ownership since 1952.
Caravan Care
For your safety, Caravan cancelled most 2020 and all 2021 tour departures and refunded 100% of all payments received. See Caravan’s Covid-19 Terms of Travel.
Caravan's Proud History
In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two-hour CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then, Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel. You can trust in our stability, experience and dedication to quality.
Great Hotels
Stay at park lodges, scenic resorts, and excellent hotels in great locations. See hotel descriptions on each tour page.
Meals
Most meals included within Latin America. For USA and Canada tours, included meals are listed on each itinerary page. Bottled water is provided on motorcoaches in Latin America.
Complete Sightseeing
Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides.
Fully Guided by Tour Directors
All tours conducted from start to finish by professional tour directors, who are fluent in English, experienced, and fun.
All-inclusive
Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.
Shopping Freedom
Caravan will not bring you to overpriced shops in exchange for payments. Caravan gives you ample opportunity and time for great shopping, and the freedom to choose where and when to shop.
Great Value, Book Early
Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. Most of our tours sell out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best airfare.
How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost?
Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best prices. We in turn pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours. As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever.
Trade Association Memberships
Caravan is a member of NTA (National Tour Association), ABA (American Bus Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and ACMA (American Commerce Marketing Association).
