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.

If you happen to visit us for a couple of days prior to boarding your cruise ship Panama City is a wonderful and unique place you shouldn’t miss. This is the thinest piece of land between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans discovered some 521 years ago. It bridges the North and south American Continents making it a natural hub, middle ground, and the best location to build the renowned Panama Canal.

I'll pick you up at the airport / Amador Port to then drive you through the downtown Panama City area where you'll get a pretty good idea of our city's life, culture, and architecture. Following we'll drive by the Old Town where I will show you all the important and iconic buildings while giving you the historic heritage behind this beautiful city. Then we'll drive by the Pedro Miguel Locks at the Panama Canal, and on our way back we'll stop at the souvenir shop before going to the Amador Causeway Panama sign.

Lunch at the restaurant of your choosing may take place in between any of the above-mentioned places.

Lovelady Panama Canal Visitor Center & City Highlights Express Customized Tour

You haven't been to Panama if you didn't take the Panama Canal Tour. Considered the 8th wonder of the world, this engineering marvel cuts through 50 miles of land across the Isthmus of Panama, saving the vessels almost three weeks of travel time.

As my personal favorite tour, it doesn't matter how often I visit, the "WOW" effect is always there. Watching the ships being raised across 3 sets of locks 85 feet to the lake between the mountains is jaw dropping.

You'll have the opportunity to watch the ships go through the Miraflores Locks at the south end of The Panama Canal and then we'll drive across the Isthmus to the north en to witness the Agua Clara Locks transit.
It takes about 10 hours to complete the transit, so between 1:30 to 5:00 pm we may be able to catch the ships coming from the north and south sides, passing through each of the locks.

The following itinerary can be customized upon request:

Pirai's Atlantic - Pacific Panama Canal Customized Tour with UNESCO World Heritage Site

Back in the 1800's, visionary Simon Bolivar called Panama "Bridge of the World and Heart of the Universe". Today we call it "The Hub of The Americas", given our strategic geographical location and the size of our small but great nation. Let me take you on a four hour voyage through time and show you how Panama influenced the rest of the world, as still does today.

On this tour I'll show you Panama Viejo, Downtown Panama City, Casco Viejo, Old Canal Zone, Miraflores Visitor Center, Amador Causeway, Panama Sign and the Souvenir Shop . I'll also share the history behind some of the main buildings, churches, plazas, monuments, government headquarters and the local culture.

I suggest you bring sun screen, plus light, comfy clothing and proper walking shoes. Also, make sure you've had a good breakfast and keep hydrated throughout the tour.

Tour guide in Panama City Mario G.

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