From RiU Playa Blanca – Old Town, Culebra Center & Panama Canal

Exploring the wonders of Panama City from the comfort of Riu Playa Blanca has never been easier. Set out on a captivating full-day tour that takes you through the iconic Panama Canal, the historic Casco Antiguo, and the captivating Punta Culebra Nature Center. With a knowledgeable bilingual guide and comfortable transportation, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Panama’s rich culture and heritage. This personalized experience, limited to 15 travelers, promises an unforgettable journey that will leave you eager to uncover more of what this vibrant destination has to offer.

Good To Know

• This full-day tour from Riu Playa Blanca covers the top attractions of Panama City, including the Panama Canal, Casco Antiguo, and Amador Causeway.
• The tour is operated by R&E Transfer Panama and includes round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, and entrance fees.
• Visitors can explore the iconic Panama Canal Administration Building and learn about its history and significance in global trade.
• The tour offers the opportunity to wander through the historic Casco Antiguo neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover local arts and crafts.
• The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience with attentive guidance from the bilingual guide.

Tour Overview

The full-day Panama City tour from Riu Playa Blanca highlights the iconic Panama Canal, the historic Casco Antiguo, and the picturesque Amador Causeway.

Operated by R&E Transfer Panama, the tour provides a rundown of Panama City’s top attractions. Travelers will have the opportunity to explore the Panama Canal, marvel at the colonial architecture of Casco Antiguo, and discover the natural beauty of the Punta Culebra Nature Center.

The tour includes round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, and entrance fees, though lunch isn’t included.

At the end of the day, you will return to their resort for dinner, having experienced the best of Panama City in a single, convenient package.

Inclusions

The tour includes round-trip air-conditioned vehicle transportation and a bilingual guide who can provide commentary in both Spanish and English.

It also covers the entrance fees for the Panama Canal and the Punta Culebra Nature Center. The Panama Canal entrance fee is $17.22 per adult and $7.22 per child (6-12 years).

The Punta Culebra Nature Center entrance fee is $10 per person. Lunch isn’t included in the tour price, so guests will need to budget for an additional cost.

The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience.

Pickup Information

The tour picks up and returns guests at the Riu Playa Blanca Lobby, as well as Decameron, Bijao, and El Rey Coronado.

All guests are picked up and dropped off at the same location. The tour starts promptly at 7:30 AM, so it’s recommended to be ready at the pickup point on time.

This full-day Panama City tour from Riu Playa Blanca provides a convenient and efficient way for guests to explore the highlights of the city, including the iconic Panama Canal, the historic Casco Antiguo, and the scenic Amador Causeway, before returning to the resort for dinner.

Panama Canal Administration Building

As part of the tour, travelers will pass by the Panama Canal Administration Building, which was inaugurated on July 15, 1914.

This iconic structure serves as the headquarters for the Panama Canal Authority, the government agency responsible for managing and operating the Panama Canal.

The building’s impressive architecture reflects the significance of the Canal’s role in global trade and transportation.

During the tour, the guide will provide insights into the history and importance of this landmark, giving visitors a deeper appreciation for the engineering feat that’s the Panama Canal.

Casco Antiguo Exploration

After exploring the iconic Panama Canal Administration Building, the tour moves on to the historic Casco Antiguo neighborhood.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to 1673, offering visitors a chance to wander through its cobblestone streets and discover the local arts and crafts.

The guide leads the group through Plaza de Francia, sharing the neighborhood’s rich history and cultural significance.

Travelers can expect to experience a unique blend of colonial architecture, indigenous influences, and vibrant street life.

With a maximum of 15 participants, the tour provides an intimate and personalized exploration of this captivating Old Town district.

Local and Indigenous Arts & Crafts

Within the historic Casco Antiguo neighborhood, visitors can discover a vibrant array of local and indigenous arts and crafts.

From intricate handwoven textiles to delicate beadwork and carved wooden figurines, the area is a hub for traditional artisanal creations. Visitors can browse the charming shops and galleries, interact with the talented artisans, and even purchase unique souvenirs to take home.

Three highlights include:

1. Vibrant textiles showcasing indigenous patterns and techniques.
2. Delicate beadwork jewelry and accessories.
3. Carved wooden sculptures and figurines depicting Panamanian culture.

This immersive cultural experience allows travelers to appreciate the rich artistic heritage of Panama.

Tour Capacity

The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, providing an intimate and personalized experience.

This small group size ensures travelers receive attentive care and guidance from the bilingual guide throughout the day.

With fewer participants, the group can navigate the historic sites of Casco Antiguo and the Punta Culebra Nature Center comfortably, without feeling crowded or rushed.

The limited capacity allows the guide to tailor the experience to the group’s interests and pace, creating a more enjoyable and enriching tour.

This personalized approach sets the tour apart from larger, less flexible group experiences, making it an appealing option for those seeking a more exclusive Panama City exploration.

Reviews and Ratings

With an overall rating of 5 stars from a total of 9 reviews, this Panama City tour is highly recommended for its private tour experience and knowledgeable guide.

Reviewers highlighted several key aspects of the tour:

1. The tour is customizable, allowing for a more personalized experience.
2. The bilingual guide is praised for their extensive knowledge of the Panama Canal, Casco Antiguo, and other attractions.
3. The tour’s small group size, limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, is valued for its intimate and exclusive feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Tour Departure Points Besides Riu Playa Blanca Lobby?

The tour’s pickup locations besides the Riu Playa Blanca Lobby include the Decameron, Bijao, and El Rey Coronado hotels. Travelers will be returned to the same pickup location at the end of the tour.

Can I Extend My Tour to Include Additional Activities?

Yes, the tour can be extended to include additional activities. The tour operator offers customizable options, allowing travelers to tailor the experience to their preferences and interests beyond the standard highlights.

Are There Any Discounts or Promotions Available for This Tour?

The tour company doesn’t currently offer any discounts or promotions for this specific Panama City tour. However, they may have seasonal offers or package deals available, so it’s best to check with them directly for the latest pricing and special offers.

Can I Request a Customized Itinerary or Modifications to the Tour?

The tour operator offers customizable itinerary options. Travelers can request modifications to the standard tour to suit their interests and preferences. Additional fees may apply for customized tours.

How Does the Tour Handle Vegetarian or Dietary Restrictions for Lunch?

The tour operator can accommodate vegetarian or dietary restrictions for lunch. Guests should notify the guide in advance so they can make arrangements with the restaurant to provide suitable meal options.

The Sum Up

Explore Panama’s rich history and natural wonders on this captivating full-day tour from RiU Playa Blanca. Marvel at the iconic Panama Canal, learn about the historic Casco Antiguo, and discover the Punta Culebra Nature Center. With comfortable transportation, expert commentary, and all entrance fees included, this personalized experience offers an unparalleled opportunity to uncover the vibrant culture and heritage of Panama.