Written by Chillie Falls, April 26 2023
I will be in Colon, Panama on Cinco de Mayo (May 5, 2023). Since I now have the option of using my Scootaround scooter, or a light weight power wheel chair, I have begun investigating excursions. Most of my past cruises had little or no accessible excursions. Please understand I am in no way endorsing any of those listed as I have not done any of them. But if you are going there and looking for yourself, maybe my findings will give you a leg up in finding an excursion in Colon.
Legends of Casco Viejo Sightseeing Tour
Step into the enchanting world of Panama City’s Casco Viejo with a local guide who’s passionate about sharing the stories, history, and culture of this vibrant part of town. Our “Legends of Casco Viejo” walking tour takes you on a journey through time, where you’ll discover the hidden gems, stunning architecture, and authentic local spots that only insiders know about. Our knowledgeable guide will captivate you with fascinating tales of love, glory, and fortune, as well as stories of intrigue, war, and conflict that have shaped this remarkable area. You’ll also receive insider tips on the best places to eat, drink, and experience the city like a true local. This tour is perfect for anyone who loves outdoor walks and wants to connect with a friendly and personable guide who truly loves this city. Choose to meet us at the starting point or enjoy the convenience of a hotel pick-up from any location in Panama City. Rain or shine, we’ve got you covered with plenty of umbrellas. $37.50
Gamboa Rainforest Guided Tour with Lunch
Explore the Panamanian rain forest while gliding smoothly through treetops on an aerial tram. Learn the jungle’s most interesting facts from a naturalist guide. Watch colorful birds flying around you.
Take a boat ride through the Panama Canal, observing marine life. End your tour with a delicious lunch. Board a tram bound for a 280-feet peak surrounded by leafy jungle. While going up to the observation tower, enjoy fabulous views of the Chagres River, the Embera indigenous community, and much of the Soberania National Park. Gamboa is home to many natural labs including a butterfly farm, an orchids center, and a frog pond. See around 20 species of butterflies native to Panama at the Butterfly House.
Get up close to the sloths at the Sloth Sanctuary. This sanctuary hosts a rehabilitation and training program for injured, sick, and orphaned sloths. Enjoy a scenic boat tour along the Panama Canal’s waterways. Observe the fascinating tropical wildlife of Gatun Lake and the surrounding forest. Get a chance to spot crocodiles, caimans, sloths, monkeys, and a host of birds with the help of your guide. $165
Small-Group Miraflores Locks and City Tour
Starting the day early will give you the chance to learn even more about the Panama Canal. Skip the traffic and arrive at the Miraflores Locks visitor center when it opens, so you can watch the action in peace.
After the canal, head to Casco Viejo, the second city of Panama built in 1673. Walk around and enjoy the architecture and hear about its historical relevance. Drive over the Bridge of the Americas for amazing views. Stop at the viewpoint to hear more about Panama City and its future. The Amador Causeway, Panama City’s bustling boardwalk, is one of the most refreshing places in the city.
End the tour with some recommendations for lunch and further exploration from your guide, leaving you with the tools to get the most out of your visit to this beautiful and modern city. $65 for 6 hour tour
Panamá Viejo Guided Tour
We invite you to Panama Viejo where you can discover the history of the first city founded by Spaniards on the Pacific coast of the American continent and the vestiges of its pre-Hispanic inhabitants. Panama La Vieja are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive places in Panama City. upon entering you will be able to visit and move with the narration of our guide, you can admire the old capital and contemplate the views from the Tower of the Cathedral. The city of Panama towards the seventeenth century had an area of approximately 60 hectares, currently the Historic Monumental Complex of Panama Viejo comprises around 28 hectares, which include both the ruins of some of the most important buildings of the colonial era, as well as the vestiges archaeological sites of the pre-Hispanic and colonial periods. On July 5, 2003, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee included the Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo on the World Heritage list as an extension of the Historic District of Panama. $75
Gatun Lake Kayaking Tour
In the early morning your guide will meet you at your hotel lobby and take you to the Gamboa public ramp or Gamboa resort where you will start the kayaking trip. From the ramp your guide will take you into the Chagres River to explore the nature of the area from your kayak. Explore rowing on a kayak the beautiful Chagres River before it merges at the Gatun lake where the huge vessels and boats transit from Ocean to Ocean. The Chagres river is the main tributary of waterof the Canal. A quite waterway, enjoying the sound of the wild life of this dense tropical forest. You will have the opportunity to see a sloth in a tree, a colorful bird peacefully living in the jungle or at the top the water plants, caimans, turtles among many others species of the local fauna. After a short hike to the small port used by the Embera indigenous at Gamboa, the tour last about 1 hour and 45 minutes (in the kayak) always accompanied by a bilingual guide and probably also by an Native Indigenous guide from the area who has knowledge of the jungle. (optional option for one hour at $40 entrance with local lunch) After this amazing adventure, you guide will take you back to the Gamboa public ramp where you transportation awaits to take you back to your hotel.