Private tour in Panama City Mario G

Casco Viejo, Amador Causeway & Downtown - Panama Shore Excursion

4.9

(13) reviews

-
Hours icon 4 hours 30 minutes
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours 30 minutes
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Mario G.

5.0

Guide rating

72

Reviews

Tours delivered

3 hrs

Avg. response time

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.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Mario G.

Overview of your Panama City tour

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, 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 culture of the Panamanian people. Even though we're able to start at any time before 2 pm, mainly because of our weather and temperature, it's always best to start early. I suggest you bring sun screen, raincoat or umbrella, plus light, comfy clothing & proper walking shoes. Also, make sure you've had a good breakfast and keep hydrated throughout the tour. Customizable itinerary:

Recent Reviews

Amy M.United States
May 2026

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

Anita L.United States
April 2026

Ask for Mario. He gave us a fantastic road tour. Wish I could rate his tour with a 10 star. You won't be disappointed and you will receive your monies worth.

Martha F.United States
January 2026

Marco made getting from the Airport to our Hotel the perfect entre to the Panama City area. We saw old ruins, learned the city's history, he took great photos of us from at least 10 locations, including the Bridge of America's, Amdor Causeway, cruise terminal, and Casco Viejo (old town). We enjoyed an extensive walking history tour of Casco Viejo to include history, interesting churches (including one of the most extensive Nativity display), shopping opportunities of various quality that included Prada to lovely indigenous crafts. Since we were already scheduled for a Cabal Discovery Day, Marco happily customized our City to to cover other areas. This was the perfect overview tour for first time visitors or layover guests. Marco is a highly educated, distinguished, gracious, knowledgeable host who speaks better English than most Americans. Thank you for a lovely day.

Teresa M.United States
December 2025

Mario was fabulous! We certainly enjoyed our day with him! He communicated with us at every turn-adapted to the traffic and weather of the day..the day was very informative and relaxed! We are certain that we experienced the best! Thank you Mario!

Paul C.United States
December 2025

Mario was a wonderful guide. His knowledge of the area was amazing and he tailored the itinerary to make best use of the time and weather. His English is better than mine. My only regret would be that we couldn't spend more time with him

Stefanie W.United Kingdom
November 2025

We really enjoyed our tour with Mario. He arrived on time in his comfortable vehicle and took us to all the places we wanted to see. Mario’s local knowledge was fantastic and it was very interesting to hear about his life. We highly recommend Mario.

Your Panama City tour itinerary

·We will start once I come to pick you up from your lodging, the port or airport located at downtown Panama City, to then drive to the Ruins of Panama Viejo. ·Once we get our admission tickets at visitor's center, a trolley will take us to the museum & archeological site area. ·At the museum we'll walk for around half an hour through the exhibits where I'll tell you of the foundational history of Panama City in 1519, all the way to its destruction and evacuation on 1671. ·Next, we'll walk across the ruins of the Archaeological site, also for around half an hour. ·We'll then drive for 20 mins by the main 3 arteries of downtown Panama on our way to Casco Viejo (Old Town). ·On arrival, we'll walk through the narrow streets with Spanish architectural style in the ancient town of San Felipe. ·Afterwards, we'll drive through the Old Canal Zone and the Amador Causeway. ·We'll then proceed to take pictures at the Panama Sign & Bridge of the Americas. ·We'll be able to stop by a souvenir shop before drop-off.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Suv

A clean and well kept 2015 Lexus LX570 Luxury SUV, with a 5.7 liter V8 gasoline engine, all wheel drive, automatic transmission, leather seats, moon roof, front and rear air conditioning, cool box, 10 speaker sound system, bluetooth, dvd and 5 doors.

What's included
Other: Bottled water.
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. - Lunch time is not included.- A surcharge of $50 will be charged when an Airport Drop-off or Pickup is required. - A surcharge of $150 will be charged when pickup at Colon Cruise port is required. - A surcharge of $150 will be charged when drop-off at Colon Cruise port is required.
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets: Panama Viejo Archeological Site & Museum. $17 per person. - Church Admissions $10 pp
Services: Cruise Terminal Pickup / Drop Off Fee ($10 per person)
Meeting location

Panama City, Panamá Province, Panama

Airport: Tocumen Intl. Airport; Panama Pacifico Intl. Airport; Marcos Gelabert Albrook Intl. Airport,Cruise; Panama CruiseTerminal (Amador); Hotel in Panama City

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Museums
City Highlights
History
Tour reference number
1198613
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

4.9

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Panamá City best suited for?

This private tour in Panamá City is perfect for travellers who want to explore both the historic and modern aspects of the city. It's especially suitable for those interested in history, architecture, and culture, as you'll visit significant sites like Panama Viejo and Casco Viejo. The tour is also kid-friendly, making it a great option for families. Additionally, it's ideal for cruise ship passengers looking for a shore excursion.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Panamá City be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

Is this private tour in Panamá City suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 4 hours 30 minutes
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours 30 minutes
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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