Top Panama Day Trips - page 4

The tour was all I had hoped it would be! I remember reading about the Gaillard Cut (aka the Culebra Cut) back in elementary school. To cruise through this monument to human endurance and engineering ingenuity was a thrill. It was equally thrilling to enter the original hundred-year-old locks, sharing the chambers with a gigantic oil tanker as we descended in stages from Lake Gatun to the Pacific Ocean. The staff was friendly and the bus and boat were very comfortable. My only complaint is that the check-in process was hot and hectic. I got there quite early to myself time to find the check in spot (which turned out to be fairly easy. It's a small office-like kiosk outdoors, next to the big Panama letters.) But no one was there until 15 minutes before the check-in time and no check-ins were done until 5 minutes before the check-in time. In the meantime, travelers must wait in an area with little seating and less shade. However, once that was done, you can enter the air-conditioned bus. So, all was soon well.

Good overview of the canal and Casco with Dimos. After the canal visit and IMAX, most of the time was spent in the van (with A/C) driving over the Bridge of the Americas, Amador Causeway, and then around Casco Viejo with a few stops for souvenirs and snacks. Especially if staying in Casco, it’s a good way to start a visit to learn the canal history and function and then get a feel for the area.

Pick up and drop off from the airport was easy! Our guide spoke perfect English and Spanish and was very knowledgable about the history, culture and sites of Panama. He was willing to tailor our experience for our family. We even found a sloth! I really felt like we got to visit Panama City!

One of the highlights of my trip to Panama City! I was traveling alone and booked this excursion for one. It turned out that I was the only person who signed up for the 6am hike. Most tour guides would have canceled on me, but Rafael was so kind! He did the tour for just me! And I'm so glad he did because it was an incredible experience. He picked me up directly from my hotel and brought me to the Ancon Hill area for the hike. He brought a high-powered telescope and provided me with a high-quality pair of binoculars. He was so much fun to talk to, and very knowledgeable both about Panama's history and its natural resources and animals. Rafael helped me find and identify dozens of different kinds of birds, including beautifully colored migratory birds, parrots, and TOUCANS!! He also helped me find dart frogs, monkeys, sloths and such. I took some amazing photos and Rafael patiently waited while I took all the shots I wanted. He also shared the photos that he took with me after the hike! He answered all of my questions and gave me lots of fun facts, like introducing me to the tree from which Panama gets its name, helping me to understand the history of the Canal Zone and its transition from US to Panamanian control, and explaining the student protest that began the process of transferring the control back to Panama. He was so delightful to talk to! The hike and the viewpoints were beautiful, and the early morning hike was great for cooler temps and more animal activity, and I still had the whole day in front of me when I was done. Thank you, Rafa, so such an amazing experience!

It was great. Our guide, Eduardo, was excellent. Spoke fluent English and Spanish and gave info in both. Knew about history and areas, answered all questions, made us feel safe, was patient, gave tips on other things to do and places to go and how to get there without being a salesman. Just helpful. Super nice young man. Lots of smiles and laughs while seeing and learning about Panama. On request they also picked us up from Playa Bonita at our resort. Only a little bit extra and did not ask for anything more. Our driver, whose name I am sorry to say I forgot, was amazing. Quiet and focussed on the road which was great cuz the roads are super busy with everyone going every which way. He did it expertly and fast. I would highly recommend booking with them. Also, if you want to be dropped off at a spot along the way and go from there on your own - that’s ok too. Some people on the bus did that. Ooh - DO see the movie at Mileflores lock. May sound boring but it wasn’t at all. Thanks again. JO & Pat from BC

Great learning experience about the Canal of Panama. The tour guide (José) was very knowledgeable and gave the information in Spanish and English. He also answered all questions asked. The scenary is really pretty, especially if sitting on the right side of the ship. Things to consider, use a good sunscreen and reapply as the sun can be brutal. A hand fan can be beneficial if staying at the top floor of the ship. Otherwise, the view can be appreciated on the 1st and 2nd floor with AC. If you have food limitations, reach out beforehand or bring your own snacks as the menu is set and might not accomodate any dietary restrictions.

This tour is an excellent way to spend a long layover in Panama City or to even plan a long layover to experience. My tour guide, Javier, was extremely professional, knowledgeable and kind. As a solo female traveler, safety is always top of mind, and I felt very safe the entire tour. I would highly recommend this service to anyone.

Very informative tour of Panama Canal from Pacific to Atlantic. We got to see the impressive lock system and ships passing through the various parts of the canal. We also did a boat tour in the canal and Lake Gatun. We saw various monkeys, sloths and native species