Legends of Casco Viejo Tour: Uncover Hidden Gems and History in Panama City's Vibrant District
4.8
597 Ratings
Panamá
Uncover hidden gems and history on the Legends of Casco Viejo Tour in vibrant Panama City. Explore stunning architecture, local spots, and fascinating tales with a knowledgeable guide.
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Panama City - Regardless of the option you choose when booking this tour, either starting at a meeting point or with the picking up option at your hotel or accommodation in Panama City Downtown. Our guide will welcome you and applying all the biosecurity protocols will guide you to this incredible time full of amazing surprises!

  • Casco Viejo - Casco Viejo (Old Town), also known as San Felipe, is the historic district of Panama City. We will walk around this part of the city visiting the main sites of this area and learning some history by the hand of our expert tour guide.

  • Plaza Tomas Herrera - Departure Point

  • Salsipuedes - Enjoy a market of artisan products, traditional hats, dresses, souvenirs and discover the most incredible murals with graffiti in Panama City

  • Iglesia Santa Ana Panama - Pass by this church destroyed by fire in the year 1854 and was completely renovated only in the twentieth century

  • Cafe Coca Cola - The oldest Panaminian Restaurant in Town

  • Iglesia de la Merced - The Majestic Church of the Religious Order of the Mercedarians, which models the rocks of its original construction in the ancient city invaded by Henry Morgan and his cronies in 1671. Here you will appreciate the once entrance of the new city of Panama, the beautiful architecture that begins to parade before your eyes will captivate you. You will have the opportunity to enter the church and admire the religious art that has survived since the 17th century

  • Mano de Tigre Panamá - Pass By

  • Church of Saint Joseph - The legendary Golden Altar, which survived the looting perpetrated by Henry Morgan and his men, is today the subject of legends and admiration. Here he discovers one of the greatest Christmas nativity scenes in the republic.

  • Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria the Ancient - You could not miss a visit to our Majestic Basilica Cathedral and its Plaza surrounded by History and beautiful buildings.

  • Government Ministry - Government Ministry

  • Arco Chato - Old Convent of Santo Domingo that preserves the remains of the most emblematic architectural piece of the Old Town at the end of the 18th century. Believe it or not, this same piece of architecture EL ARCO CHATO (Flat Arch), was the key during the Panama Canal negotiations between the United States and France.

  • Plaza Carlos V - Plaza Carlos V

  • National Theatre - The National Theater was conceived by the Italian architect Genaro Ruggieri in a neoclassical style. It was inaugurated on October 1, 1908. On its facade there are two sculptures that represent the muses of music and lyrics. We also found six medallions, which honor Wagner, Shakespeare, Moliere, Rossini, Cervantes and Lope de Vega.

  • Paseo de Las Bovedas - The Monumental Ensemble of Las Bóvedas or Las Bóvedas is the name commonly known as the set of works that form the walls that surround the Plaza de Francia. The monumental complex consists of seven vaulted spaces that formed the system city defensive.

  • Palacio de las Garzas - The Palace of Las Garzas, is the seat of the President of the Republic of Panama. It also houses the Ministry of the Presidency and the Institutional Protection Service

  • Independence Square - The Plaza de la Independencia (Cathedral Square) is the main public space of the Old Town. It was the space chosen by Panamanians to celebrate the great landmarks of the city’s history, such as the independence of Spain and later of Colombia. The Plaza is surrounded by the main historical buildings such as the Cathedral, the Municipal Palace and the Panama Canal Museum. During the summer months she dresses in pink by the flowers of the trees that surround her.

  • Plaza Bolivar - This small square is surrounded by beautiful old buildings, as well as restaurants and bars. The original name of the square was San Francisco, but in 1883 it was decided to change it in honor of Venezuelan General Simón Bolívar. In the center of the square you will see a sculpture of Bolivar standing under a great Condor with the legend ‘The nations of America to the liberator Simón Bolívar.

  • France Square - You have reached the end of this incredible journey. Before, the Spanish military headquarters, then it belonged to the Colombian armed forces and prisons in our Colombian era, and finally in our republican era, at the beginning of the twentieth century, our nation honors the French effort for its gallantry in being the initiators of such a difficult project. As you walk on the walls facing the sea, enjoying the delicious breeze from the Pacific Ocean and delighting in shopping for handicrafts exhibited by the artisans themselves, we will end this incredible tour. You can decide if you want to return to our starting point, to take you by car to your hotel in the city or simply stay to taste the gastronomy of the area.

What's Included
  • 2-3 Hours Hidden Alleyways & Passages Guided Tour of Casco Viejo
  • Explore several alleys and popular points of interest
  • Professional and Licensed Local Guide
  • Stroll through the quaint and charming streets of the historic district
  • Small-Group for a more personalized experience
  • Learn about the history and events that shaped Panama
  • Umbrella provided if it rains
Additional Information

Step into the enchanting world of Panama City’s Casco Viejo with a local guide who’s passionate about sharing the stories, history, and culture of this vibrant part of town. Our “Legends of Casco Viejo” tour takes you on a journey through time, where you’ll discover the hidden gems, stunning architecture, and authentic local spots that only insiders know about. Our knowledgeable guide will captivate you with fascinating tales of love, glory, and fortune, as well as stories of intrigue, war, and conflict that have shaped this remarkable area. You’ll also receive insider tips on the best places to eat, drink, and experience the city like a true local. This tour is perfect for anyone who loves outdoor walks and wants to connect with a friendly and personable guide who truly loves this city. Choose to meet us at the starting point or enjoy the convenience of a hotel pick-up from any location in Panama City. Rain or shine, we’ve got you covered with plenty of umbrellas.

Location
Plaza Tomás Herrera
Avenida A
The meeting point is at monument of Tomas Herrera right in the middle of Herrera Square in Casco Viejo. Just in front of the American Trade Hotel. Your guide will be holding a "PanamaVibes" sign.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(597 Ratings)
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James_l
Apr 15, 2024
Must go to Casco! - Informative, friendly, knowledgeable guide. We learned so much about the incredible history here, and are already looking forward to our next trip.
Review provided by Viator
Isabelle_t
Apr 14, 2024
Great history lesson. - Fantastic guide, Richard George. Very knowledgeable and very professional. Very good pace despite the extreme heat. I highly recommend the tour and the guide.Thank you!!!
Review provided by Viator
Shanasha_t
Apr 13, 2024
Definitely worth the money!! - Great tour!! Definitely worth the money as I would have not seen these places by going alone. I was visiting solo from Chicago and met some really nice people in the group. We all had a great time.
Review provided by Viator
Shelly_k
Apr 12, 2024
Wonderful - Alex is a wonderful guide. Do the morning tour…..it was hot, I can not imagine trying to do the afternoon. I am Canadian….so my heat tolerance is lower than most. Lol
Review provided by Viator
Jermaine_m
Apr 10, 2024
Hot but worth it! - Richard was amazing. Very knowledgeable, and knew his history and city. Great passion for what he does and avoided controversy topics and took a neutral stance when explaining events of the past and encouraged everyone to continue research and draw their own conclusions.
Review provided by Viator
David
Apr 10, 2024
Great tour - Excellent tour guide who spoke about growing up in the area as well as sharing the wider story of the city. A culturally rich area to visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nikki_s
Apr 10, 2024
A great tour - Richard was fantastic, so much local knowledge and a proud native! He faced a lot of questions, and handled them well, especially when a few rude ‘guests’ looked bored whilst he answered their questions-I guess they only had capacity to listen to one word answers 🙄. Saw some amazing spots, definitely recommended for first time visitors
Review provided by Viator
Jim_c
Apr 9, 2024
Best tour EVER!! - Tour was awesome! Tour guide was the best, very knowledgable, and professional. My wife was having difficulty walking and the guide went out of his way to be helpful with her. Can't thank him enough and would recommend this Tour to everyone!!
Review provided by Viator
J_lios305
Apr 8, 2024
Excellent tour - Casco Viejo - We took a walk of around 2 hours and 30 minutes through the historic area of the city. We visited squares, streets and monuments. I think the only thing left to do was visit the Canal Museum, which was transferred from the Miraflores lock to here, Casco Viejo. The guide was extraordinary in the quantity, quality and detail of the information/descriptions given along the route. The weather didn't really help this type of excursion, due to the heat (34 to 35 degrees) and high humidity, but if it had been raining it would have been much worse. Sunscreen, a cap/hat (or panama) on your head, water, good footwear and, why not, mosquito repellent are important. This is undoubtedly an icon of the city and the country. It was excellent.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lana_c
Apr 7, 2024
Wonderful tour! - Do not miss out on this tour! Elmer was very knowledgeable and personable. I am so glad we booked a tour versus wandering around and to understand more about Panama’s history and culture. History buffs should visit Panama Viejo first and then Casco Viejo.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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