From Riu Playa Blanca – Monkey Eco Boat & Old City Tour

The "From Riu Playa Blanca – Monkey Eco Boat & Old City Tour" promises an exciting adventure for eco-enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Participants can expect a scenic drive to the historic Casco Antiguo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before embarking on a high-speed motorboat tour across Gatun Lake. Along the way, they’ll have the chance to spot toucans and playful monkeys, all while seeing the rich culture and architecture of Panama City. With inclusions, costs, and accessibility details provided, this tour offers a well-rounded experience that’s sure to captivate the senses.

This experience made our list of the 8 Best Tours In Panama.

Good To Know

• The tour starts with pickup from Riu Playa Blanca at 7:30 am and includes a 1.5-hour drive to meet a bilingual guide.
• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Casco Antiguo, known for its colonial architecture and vibrant plazas.
• Experience a scenic motorboat tour across Gatun Lake to observe the rich flora and fauna, including monkeys and birds.
• The tour provides panoramic views of Panama City’s skyline and landmarks, such as Cerro Ancon and Amador Causeway.
• The tour is designed for eco-nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, with a maximum group size of 15 and prices starting at $99.00.

Tour Overview and Details

The tour is designed for eco-nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It starts at 7:30 am with a pickup from Riu Playa Blanca.

The 1.5-hour drive on the Panamerican Highway leads to a meeting with a bilingual guide. Travelers will explore Casco Antiguo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the colonial architecture and local arts.

They’ll also drive around Cerro Ancon and Amador Causeway for skyline views of Panama City. The highlight is a high-speed motorboat tour on Gatun Lake, where they can observe the flora and fauna.

The tour concludes around 3:45 pm back at the resort.

Inclusions and Costs

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle and a bilingual guide who speaks both Spanish and English. Round-trip transportation from Riu Playa Blanca is also provided. Lunch is not included, but the guide will suggest local restaurants. Participants will need to pay a $25 boat fee per person in cash. The maximum group size is 15 travelers, and the price starts at $99.00, varying by group size.

Inclusions	Cost
A/C vehicle	$99+
Bilingual guide	Per person
Round-trip transportation	$25 (boat fee)
Lunch not included	Cash only
Group size: max 15	–

Meeting and Pickup Information

The meeting point for this tour is Hotel Riu Playa Blanca, located in Río Hato, Provincia de Coclé, Panama.

The driver will meet you in the hotel lobby to begin the tour. Once the tour concludes, you’ll return to the same meeting point where the activity started.

The pickup and drop-off location is convenient, as it’s right at your resort. Just be ready in the lobby at the specified start time, and the guide will be there to greet you and begin the Monkey Eco Boat & Old City Tour.

Tour Participation and Accessibility

Confirmation for this tour is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate. Participants should bring $25 in cash for the boat ride.

The tour has a maximum group size of 15 travelers. The price starts at $99.00 per person, varying based on the group size.

Travelers should be prepared for an approximately 1.5-hour drive on the Panamerican Highway to meet the bilingual guide before exploring the Casco Antiguo, Cerro Ancon, and taking a high-speed motorboat tour on Gatun Lake.

Exploring Casco Antiguo

As part of the Monkey Eco Boat & Old City Tour, travelers have the opportunity to explore Casco Antiguo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colonial architecture and local arts.

This historic quarter offers a glimpse into Panama’s past, with its cobblestone streets, vibrant plazas, and well-preserved Spanish colonial buildings.

Visitors can:

• Admire the iconic Plaza de la Independencia and the majestic Catedral Metropolitana, a 17th-century cathedral.
• Stroll through the charming streets, browsing local shops and art galleries showcasing Panamanian crafts and artwork.
• Indulge in the rich flavors of Panamanian cuisine at one of the many cafés or restaurants in the area.

Scenic Vistas of Panama City

During the Monkey Eco Boat & Old City Tour, travelers will drive around Cerro Ancon and Amador Causeway to take in the stunning skyline views of Panama City.

Cerro Ancon is the highest point in the city, offering panoramic vistas of the modern skyscrapers and historic neighborhoods. The Amador Causeway, a 3-mile land bridge connecting the city to the Pacific Ocean, provides an excellent vantage point to observe Panama City’s impressive skyline.

Participants can snap photos of the iconic Biomuseo, Frank Gehry-designed museum, as well as the Bridge of the Americas, a key transportation link over the Panama Canal.

This scenic portion of the tour allows visitors to appreciate the diverse architecture and natural setting of Panama’s capital city.

Motorboat Tour on Gatun Lake

The high-speed motorboat tour on Gatun Lake allows participants to enjoy the region’s lush natural environment.

As the boat glides across the calm waters, guests can spot an array of vibrant flora and fauna. Some of the highlights include:

• Observing a variety of bird species, from colorful toucans to majestic eagles, in their natural habitats.
• Catching glimpses of playful monkeys swinging from the tree branches along the lakeshore.
• Marveling at the serene beauty of the surrounding tropical forests and the impressive Chagres River in the distance.

This boat tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to witness the ecological richness of the Panamanian landscape.

Reviews and Ratings

Travelers have left overwhelmingly positive reviews for this eco-nature tour, awarding it an impressive 5.0 overall rating across 5 reviews.

Guests praise the knowledgeable and engaging guides, who enhance the experience with their expertise. Many highlight the memorable activities like monkey feeding and an enjoyable lunch.

The tour is consistently regarded as a highlight of visitors’ trips to Panama. Reviewers appreciate the well-organized logistics, from the convenient pickup at the Riu Playa Blanca to the return to the same location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable, casual clothing is recommended. Wear lightweight, breathable fabrics suitable for the tropical climate and closed-toe shoes for the boat ride and walking portions of the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

While the tour does not include lunch, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks. The guide will suggest restaurant options, but participants can choose to bring their own refreshments if preferred.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour does not have any age restrictions. Most travelers can participate in the tour, but it’s not wheelchair accessible. The tour is designed for eco-nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts of all ages.

Can I Extend My Stay at the Destination?

There’s no information provided about extending the stay at the tour destination. The tour package details only cover the scheduled tour length and return to the starting point, the Riu Playa Blanca resort.

Is There a Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The tour has a cancellation policy, but details are not provided in the overview. Customers should contact the tour operator directly to inquire about any applicable fees or deadlines for cancellations or changes to their booking.

The Sum Up

The "From Riu Playa Blanca – Monkey Eco Boat & Old City Tour" offers an immersive experience for nature and culture enthusiasts. Travelers can explore the historic Casco Antiguo, marvel at the skyline of Panama City, and spot diverse wildlife during a thrilling motorboat ride across Gatun Lake. With its comprehensive inclusions and convenient meeting arrangements, this tour provides an unforgettable adventure for visitors to Panama.