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Walkable History Lessons in Panama Viejo, Panama City
Panama Viejo, known as the “original” Panama City, stands as a carefully preserved UNESCO heritage site attracting visitors for its ancient ruins and unique blend of culture and identity. At the intersections of indigenous and Spanish culture, the influence of these two cultures remains seen through their many ancient ruins, telling history lessons that have shaped the country into what it is today.
Experience stone ruins surrounded by tropical and lavish greenery, where the quiet is paired with cooling breezes from the Pacific Ocean. In the distance, the Panama City skyline emerges, a historic and key travel and trade hub that connects two continents together. Founded in 1519, Panama Viejo remains the oldest European settlement along the Pacific coast, where tourists can appreciate ruins of settlements that reflect the country’s past.
Explore this landmark and history alongside a tour operator such as Caravan, where knowledgeable guides bring to life stories of early explorers, historic trade routes, and the city’s unfortunate destruction. While Panama is well known for its canal, there is so much more to discover. Panama Viejo is a walkable history lesson that reflects the influence of indigenous culture and Spanish colonizers. This site has stood the test of time, carefully preserved for centuries for the enjoyment of anyone who visits.
What Makes Panama Viejo So Important?
Spanish colonization of Panama began here in Panama Viejo (sometimes referred to as Panamá La Vieja), the site of the first Spanish-founded capital of Panama. Originally, as a key trade hub of Panama, visiting here often feels like taking a step into the past, where gold, silver, and other goods were transported across the globe. Listen to the quiet air and feel like you have been taken back in time to a place that saw a blend of Spanish influence and indigenous Panamanian culture.
Today, it is a carefully preserved archaeological site, originally attacked and destroyed by pirate Henry Morgan in 1671. This attack saw the complete abandonment of Panama Viejo and the relocation of the city’s capital to Casco Viejo. What is left today are unique ruins that have stood tall despite time’s influence. What was once a fortified military outpost and key trade hub that brought together a global community is now ancient history, with lessons from key timelines that shaped the country into what it is today.
Today, tourists are welcome to browse the ancient ruins, treating them with careful respect while observing Spanish colonial buildings, including trade posts and the central bell tower. The entire area maintains stellar views of both ancient and modern Panama City, and provides access to a local market that is host to many shops.
Support the local economy by spending directly with locals who provide gifts that reflect the ancient ruins found here. Shuttle bus services allow for simple access between modern Panama City and Panama Viejo. This is a must-visit spot on any trip to Panama, where you can take in the important history of the country that has shaped it into the important trade hub that it is today.
What You Will Discover at UNESCO Panama Historic Sites
Old and new remain key themes in this country, as Panama Viejo remains an important part of cultural identity that is still appreciated by thousands of visitors each year. What is left behind today are remnants of a different time that had a major cultural impact on Panamanian culture today. Without these ruins, these history lessons would be long forgotten.
Here is what you will see on your visit to Panama Viejo:
Panamá La Vieja Ruins: Stone Churches & Convents
Walk directly through remnants of churches, religious centers, and colonial administrative buildings that were once the main attractions of the city, bringing together merchants from across the globe. See the remnants of a different time and walk through a living and breathing history lesson for yourself.
The Old Cathedral Tower
What may be the most iconic structure of the site, here you can visit a tower that includes views of both modern and old Panama City. View the scenic and stunning skylines of modern Panama City while appreciating its storied past.
Old Panama Archaeological Site: Museum Exhibits
With so much to see and learn, the Museo de Panama Viejo carefully documents life in early colonial Panama, including its many trade routes, artifacts, and the many years of preservation and restoration.
Panama City Skyline Views
Appreciate the stellar views that come with visiting Panama City, contrasted by the ancient ruins of Panama Viejo. Many of the views here feel like they are from a postcard, creating the perfect photo opportunities that can create memories, but also act as a reflection of how far Panama City has come. Here, the views and vibes are truly immaculate, helping you appreciate the depth of history that comes with visiting this beautiful place.
Experiencing Panama Viejo Alongside Caravan
The hustle and bustle of visiting Panama City can feel overwhelming at times, and Caravan guided tours in Panama aim to make your visit as smooth and relaxed as possible. Caravan arranges every detail of your trip, from food, accommodations, and ground transportation. We ensure you never miss a single important detail of visiting places like Panama Viejo, offering incredibly safe, all-inclusive travel offerings that place your enjoyment of Panama above all else.
Our local, expert guides can share deep stories of the ancient ruins found in Panama Viejo. From trade routes to sea travel, you can learn more about the area by having guides who have deep knowledge of the area. Now, these ruins are walkable history lessons that tell stories but also feel as though you are stepping back in time.
Caravan travel itineraries are carefully crafted to ensure you have the perfect amount of time to explore the pathways and ruins of Panama Viejo. Develop a deeper appreciation for the history of this country, and take in the landscapes with important history lessons. Don’t worry about anything, as there is no need to navigate these heritage sites on your own. Our guides can help you understand every detail and ensure you never get lost in ancient history.
Travel Tips & What to Expect When Visiting Panama Viejo
We are excited as you are for you to experience Panama! Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions and start planning your trip today.
Is there walking involved?
Yes, mostly flat paths and some stairs. Comfortable footwear is highly recommended.
Is it hot?
The site is open-air and is considered warm and humid. Sun protection (such as sunscreen) and water are recommended.
How long is the stop?
There is enough time to explore key ruins and the museum with your guide at a relaxed pace.
Is the terrain accessible?
Main pathways are accessible, but some areas of grass or stone may be uneven. Caravan guides can help you select the best walking routes and help you better understand what to expect.
Are there shopping or rest areas?
Visitor facilities and small artisan/souvenir options are available. Guided tours include time for shopping.
Caravan Panama Tour Panama Viejo
Panama City has so much to see and experience, and taking in every important detail can be accomplished with a local guide. Caravan brings deep knowledge and experience, taking travel groups throughout Panama, ensuring you never miss an important detail. Our offerings are typically accessible to all age groups, including seniors and children.
Leave the challenges of booking such a trip to Caravan, with all-inclusive offerings that ensure you never miss an important landmark. Our tour groups are remarkably safe and easy-going, with a comfortable pace that includes things like ground transportation, food, and accommodation. Our offerings include no hidden fees, encouraging travelers to bring along additional money for souvenir shopping.
Take in important history lessons that would otherwise be missed out on, and instead, look to the travel specialists at Caravan to handle every detail of your upcoming tour.
Spaces are limited, and these tours often get booked up quickly. Book your trip today and experience the incredible landscapes and history of Panama.
Look To Caravan To Take You There!
Panama is a city like no other, and is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore South America.
Reach out to Caravan today and learn more about our fully-guided tours of Panama. We are thrilled to offer tours that are both flexible and accessible, allowing people from all walks of life to experience the beauty and charm of Panama at a comfortable pace.
Never worry about getting lost in a foreign place like Panama City, and instead, partner with a tour company that maintains experience and knowledge across South America.
Contact Caravan tours to learn more about available offerings to Panama. Call us, Monday-Saturday, during regular business hours at 1-800-CARAVAN or 312-321-9800.
We are happy to answer any questions you may have about our all-inclusive trips to Panama. We also offer customization of many of our tours, accommodating those who wish to extend their stay or add on additional beach days, based on your individual preferences. We look to place comfort in mind for all of our offerings.
Call us today to learn more and book your trip to Panama.
2025 Hotels
2025 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.
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.
2027 Hotels
2027 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
