Private tour in Panama City Mario G

Downtown Panama City and Panama Canal - Express Layover Tour

5.0

(19) reviews

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Hours icon 4 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 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
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 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

Panama City is a wonderful and unique place you can't miss if you happen to have a long layover at the airport or cruise ship. 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.

Recent Reviews

Kathryn H.Australia
April 2026

Mario was extremely informative and personable. We only had a short time in Panama City and he made sure he tailor made the tour to fit our wishes.

Frada S.United States
April 2026

We had a most wonderful evening tour with Mario. Something new and different given our ship's arrival departure time. We highlighted everything from the day trip but added a few wonderful experiences after sunset, highlighting with a visit to the rooftop bar at La Campania . The night lights and ambience were wonderful. Mario knows his city and did not disappoint with his colonial/historical knowledge and the 100 year US knowledge. Not to be missed for a short stay in Panama.

Judy B.United States
September 2025

We had only an 8-hour layover in Panama City and wanted to see the Panama Canal and the City. We signed up for the Downtown Panama City and Panama Canal – Express Layover Tour with Mario G. When we landed Mario was there to immediately take us to the Canal. Along the way he constantly talked about Panama, Panama City and the Panama Canal. He was very informative and made the time flyby. He is a born Panamanian and very proud of his country. His English is very good and we had no issues communicating. If you want a deep dive into Panama Canal and Panama City and only have a short layover in Panama this tour is a must. Mario was there on time and got us back to the airport with plenty of time to catch our flight. Next time we’re in Panama City we will sign up for this tour again.

Carole T.United States
May 2025

We loved our tour and especially Mario our guide. So knowledgable, friendly, flexible and genuinely nice. He is a very interesting and charming man and was willing to answer all our questions, even some personal ones. Felt like he became a friend in our short time together! Highly recommended!!

Greg L.
April 2025

Mario was a fantastic tour guide. Professional and engaging. He had a nice vehicle and was an excellent driver. We enjoyed the information he shared about Panama City. He glad adjusted the tour to our interests and objectives. I highly recommend him.

Dennis B.United States
February 2025

Mario did a great job and gave us the perfect tour for what we wanted to see. He was very knowledgeable, quite clear and cogent in his presentation and manged to drive thru crazy traffic with ease. We would strongly recommend Mario as a guide.

Your Panama City tour itinerary

·Tour starts upon pick up at the airport (Tocumen, Panama Pacifico, Albrook) or at the Amador Cruise Ship Terminal in Panama City. · First, we'll drive by the Old City of Panama. · Then, through downtown Panama City · After we'll drive through Casco Viejo's (Old Town) narrow streets with Spanish architectural style in the ancient town of San Felipe. · Afterwards, we'll drive through the Old Canal Zone on our way to the Pedro Miguel Locks at the Panama Canal. · We'll then return and stop at the Souvenir shop to pick up some mementos of your Panama layover. · We'll drive to the Amador Causeway, and proceed to take pictures at the Panama Sign & Bridge of the Americas. · Lunch break at a restaurant of your choosing (1 hour). . Drive back to the Airport (Tocumen, Panama Pacifico, Albrook) or Amador Cruise Ship Terminal in Panama City, Panama. The itinerary is flexible, for any changes please let me know.

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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. For mobility restricted guests, you must be able to get on and off the SUV.

What's included
Other: - Bottled water. - A one hour time window for a meal at the restaurant of your choosing. - Round trip fare to and from the airport / port within the Panama City area. (Tocumen Intl. Airport, Panama Pacifico Intl. Airport, Marcos Gelabert Albrook Airport) (Amador Cruise Ship Terminal).
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. - Meal expense is not included in the price. - Snacks expense is not included in the price.
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets: 17.22 per person only If you choose to visit the Miraflores Visitore Center
Services: Cruise Terminal Pickup / Drop Off Fee ($10 per person)
Meeting location

Panama City, Panamá Province, Panama

Cruise Ship: Panama Cruise Terminal (Amador) Airports: Tocumen Intl. Airport; Albrook Marcos Gelabert Intl. Airport; Panama Pacifico Intl., Panama City hotels: I will meet you at the entrance lobby of the hotel.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
City Highlights
Layover
Tour reference number
1213363
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

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

This private tour in Panamá City is perfect for travellers with a long layover at the airport or cruise ship passengers looking for a shore excursion. It's also ideal for those who want to explore the city's iconic sites and the Panama Canal in a short amount of time. The tour is kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for families and travellers with mobility concerns.

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?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 4 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 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
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 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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