Panama Private Layover Tour

Starting from $80/pers$99/pers

While waiting for your next flight take advantage of your extra time. This specialy designed layover tour is the best way to discover Panama City

Panama has one of the most exciting airport layovers in the world — a modern city, a UNESCO historic quarter, and one of the greatest engineering feats in human history, all within 30 minutes of the airport. Make the most of your time between flights with a private guided tour, fully tailored to your schedule.

Two versions available depending on your layover schedule:

🕐 Short version — for layovers of 6 to 8 hours
🕑 Long version — for layovers of more than 8 hours

The itinerary below is a typical example and will be adjusted based on your actual flight schedule and available time.

Suggested itinerary

1

Panama Canal — Miraflores Locks Visitor Center

Located right in front of the Miraflores Locks on the Pacific side, this is where you’ll see the Canal in full operation — ships transiting through one of the original locks, up close and in real time.

🎟 Tickets can be pre-purchased during the booking process or paid on-site.
⚠️ Expect long lineups at the ticket booth — we strongly advise purchasing your tickets in advance.

2

Canal Administration Building

Inaugurated in 1914 at the foot of Cerro Ancón, this building is both a landmark of Panamanian history and the historic nerve center of Canal operations. Inside the grand rotunda, breathtaking murals painted by William B. Van Ingen depict the most dramatic moments of the Canal’s construction — considered among the finest murals in the Americas.

3

Amador Causeway

A stunning 6km road connecting Panama City to the Causeway Islands — built from rock excavated during the Canal’s construction. Today it’s a popular boardwalk with panoramic views of the city skyline and ocean. The best spot on the tour for photos, especially at sunset.

4

Cerro Ancón (Ancon Hill)

A 650-foot nature sanctuary rising from the middle of Panama City — the highest point in the city, with breathtaking views of the skyline, the port, and the Canal. Despite being surrounded by urban development, Ancon Hill has kept its wilderness: sloths, tamarins, coatis, and armadillos are regular sightings along the trail.

5

Casco Viejo — the Old Town

Panama City’s UNESCO-listed historic quarter, built in 1673 after the near-total destruction of Panama Viejo. Brick-paved streets, colorful pastel buildings, centuries-old churches, and vibrant plazas. Stroll during the day to discover the culture and history, linger in the afternoon for the best coffees and gourmet dishes, or stay after sunset to experience the nightlife and its rhythm.

⚠️ Important — please read before booking:

The sights listed above are suggested highlights based on a typical layover. The actual itinerary and number of stops will be adjusted based on your flight schedule and the time available. Your guide will prioritize the most important sights within your window. If you have a must-see sight, please mention it in the notes section during the booking process and we will do our best to include it.

  • Days availables

    Everyday

  • Duration

    Short tour: 3.5 to 5h

    Long tour: 6 to 8h

  • Included

    • Airport pick up and drop off
    • Private transportation
    • Private guide
    • Bottled water
    • Taxes
  • Not included

    • Entrance fee to Panama Canal Miraflores Visitors Center
      (tickets available for purchase during checkout)
    • Lunch / Meals
    • Gratuities
  • What to bring

    • Passports of all passengers (mandatory)
    • Hat / Cap / Sunglasses
    • Comfortable shoes
    • Light & comfortable clothes
  • Difficulty

    • Level: Easy
    • Details: Little walking (1h to 2h), some stairs.
    • Suggested age: All ages

Reservation

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    Perfect layover tour! We had a layover in Panama so figured we should make the most of it and it was absolutely worth it! Our guides name is Aldo and he had so much history and knowledge to offer on all the sites we were scheduled to see. There was so much to see that we’ll probably go back! Thank you.

    Shanta

    Date of experience: May 2024 | From: Tripadvisor

    We had an 8-hour layover in Panama between flights, so we booked a private tour with myself, my husband, and our 7-year-old son to see some sights. We got to see the Panama visitors centre with the colourful Panama sign, historical sights in the city, and the canal. The only downside is that we wanted our tour to last longer! Thank you so much!

    Passport25471616784

    Date of experience: August 2023 | From: Tripadvisor

    Above & Beyond. My family were fortunate enough to have a long layover in Panama City. I contacted Panama Your Way only a few days before requesting some information about a custom tour given our incredibly short timeframe. Danny was incredibly responsive, and within a few hours, had an itinerary together that met our needs. Thank you.

    Michael H.

    Date of experience: December 2021 | From: Tripadvisor

    The layover tour was amazing! Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable. We saw the Panama Canal and enjoyed fantastic city views. Perfect for a quick yet memorable experience in Panama City. I recommend without a doubt to book with them.

    Tom L.

    Date of experience: November 2023 | From: Tripadvisor

Fequent questions about this tour

  • Q: Where do I meet my driver?

    A:

    For airport pickups, our drivers will meet you at the arrival hall after you clear customs and exit the secured area. Your driver will be holding a sign with the name that appears on your booking confirmation.

  • Q: If my flight is delayed, will the driver wait for me?

    A:

    Yes! He will not leave without you. As best as we can, we try to monitor all flights and make sure that your driver is there when you arrive.

  • Q: What happens if my flight is cancelled or rescheduled?

    A:

    Please notify us ASAP. We will do our best to schedule a new driver for the time your rescheduled flight arrives (subject to availability) and based on our cancellation policy.

  • Q: What if my flight landed much earlier than anticipated?

    A:

    Tracking flights arriving earlier is much more difficult as fight trackers usually update the arrival time after the flight has landed. On rare occasions that your flight would arrive more than 30 minutes ahead of it’s scheduled time and you can’t find your driver, please wait as he is most certainly on his way. You can also contact us via WhatsApp for immediate assistance.

Any other questions?

See our FAQ page
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