Guide #62455
I come from a family of hard working entrepreneurs who taught me self respect, global business, common sense, humility, family values, and respect to God, country, fellow human beings, all living creatures and nature in general. Above all, I am a husband and a father to six exceptional girls and boys who make me very proud. I've long enjoyed traveling, for my family owned a construction business as well as the best marble and tile factory in Panama so this required me to travel throughout Europe, Asia and North America since I was 17 years old. I love deep sea fishing around the Peal Island Archipelago in Panama's Pacific Ocean. I also enjoy cooking for my friends and family as well as dinning out at the best European and Chinese restaurants that Panama has to offer. During the pandemic, construction was null and we were on lockdown for almost a year. Later, when we were allowed out again around March 2021, I had to find an alternate business in order to provide food for my family and fulfill my financial commitments. Thank God one of my grade school friends who owns a tour and excursions company, offered me to come and help him with his clients. Since I was educated in the USA, speak fluent English and drive a luxury SUV, so he considered I was perfect for the job. I soon became his student as he taught me all he had learned over the past eight years providing tours and excursions to over 4, 000 guests visiting Panama. Hosting and making friends, showing people my beautiful country, that I love so much, comes very natural to me. The fact that I went to a military school in the USA also gives me the knowledge on the culture and ways of the American traveler as well as being courteous and always on time to all meetings, appointments and events. With tourism I actually found a beautiful side of both, Panama and myself that I didn't know existed. The Monkey Island that travelers enjoy so much, the Sloth Sanctuary, the Embera Indigenous Village Tribe, the rainforest zip-line, the canopy tower at Pipeline Road, the hiking trail at the Metropolitan Park, the history of "Casco Viejo" (Old Town), Panama La Vieja (Old City of Panama), the San Lorenzo Fortress on the Caribbean side, the building and operations of the Panama Canal, the Miraflores visitor center on the Pacific and the Agua Clara visitor center on the Atlantic side of Panama, El Valle Mountain with its waterfalls, thermal water wells, wild animal refuge, mountain hiking, etc. Also the Caribbean Island of Isla Grande, being in the Pacific and Atlantic sides with only one hour apart from each other is priceless. I love Panama and would love to show it to you through my eyes. I enjoy hosting and entertaining guests from all over the world, not only as a local tour guide, but as a friend or family member abroad would do. If you have any questions or special requests, don't hesitate to contact me, I'll make sure we figure out together how best to solve any issues that may be preventing you to make an educated decision. I'm very flexible and easy to work with. I look forward to meeting you and your loved ones on your next visit to Panama. Take good care. Safe travels, Mario Associates of Arts Degree from Valley Forge Military College | June 2nd, 1990. Bachelor of Science Degree from Nova Southeastern University | July 31st, 1994. Panama Tourism Authority General Tour Guide License #28098 | May 2nd, 2021 to present.
Panama City

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71 reviews
Mario was outstanding. Took us everywhere we wanted to go and had answers to all our questions. Highly recommend.

Replied from Mario G.
Thank you Mrs. Marshall! It was my pleasure. All the best, Mario
Mario got us to the canal ahead of the crowd right on the railing. Knew the history and all the details. When I couldn't get tickets to the sloth place he called a contact and we pivoted to a private boat tour of Gatun Lake, where we saw 3 types of monkeys, sleeping bats, cayman, sloths and more, all in 2 hours. Afterwards we stopped at a fabulous coffee shop. Nice...

Replied from Mario G.
Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Kelley! I’m very happy you enjoyed the time spent on tour with me. Hope you guys have a wonderful vacation. Take care, Mario
Mario knows Panama City like a book. Thoroughly explained the history, knew the stories behind all the monuments, gave us a great dinner recommendation. Personable and knowledgeable. Highly recommended.

Replied from Mario G.
Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Kelley it was a real pleasure spending the afternoon with you guys sharing the history of the Oldtown. Thank you for your kind review. Take care, Mario
Mario was knowledgeable, courteous and flexible in customizing the itinerary to our needs. It was informative and interesting, with a lot of details. His vehicle is well-maintained and comfortable. We enjoyed the tour.

Replied from Mario G.
Thank you Mrs. Rema! It was a pleasure hosting you guys. I hope you had a nice vacation in Panama. Take care, Mario