WHY PANAMA CITY
More than a stopover between two oceans
Many people pass through Panama City on their way to the islands. It deserves at least a couple of nights: within a few kilometres you have a UNESCO World Heritage colonial quarter, the Canal linking the Atlantic and the Pacific, tropical rainforest half an hour from downtown and internationally acclaimed restaurants. We show it to you privately, with a local guide and at your own pace.
Casco Antiguo
Cobblestone streets, squares and churches in a UNESCO World Heritage quarter, on foot with a local guide.
The Canal, up close
Watch ships pass through the Miraflores Locks and understand how it works.
Rainforest half an hour away
Soberanía National Park is about 30 minutes away by car, and Gatún Lake and the Emberá communities make a great day trip.
The Panamanian table
From ceviche at the Seafood Market to dinner at Maito or MASI, plus Geisha coffee, which breaks world records at auction.
BURWA EXPERIENCES
Private experiences in and around Panama City
Prices "from", per person. All include private door-to-door transport unless otherwise stated.
IN THE CITY
RAINFOREST AND COMMUNITIES
DAY TRIPS
DESTINATION GUIDE
Panama City, told by those who live here
HISTORY IN FIVE DATES
1519 Panama is founded, the first European city on the Pacific coast of the Americas.
1671 The pirate Henry Morgan attacks the city, which burns almost entirely. In 1673 it is rebuilt in today's Casco Antiguo.
1903 Panama separates from Colombia.
1914 The Panama Canal opens.
1999 The Canal passes into Panamanian hands.
Practical information
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Getting there. Tocumen Airport (PTY). Direct flights from Madrid, Miami or Bogotá.
How long. 2 to 3 nights. For the city, the Canal and a day trip.
When to go. All year round. The dry season runs from December to April.
Good to know. US dollar (USD) and Spanish. You pay in dollars and Spanish is the main language.
From the city. Your starting point. Portobelo 1.5 h and El Valle 2 h by road · San Blas and Bocas, a 1 h flight.
What to see
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Casco Antiguo. The colonial quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Panamá Viejo. Best on foot, in the morning or at sunset.
Panama Canal. The Miraflores Visitor Center, overlooking the locks, with an IMAX 3D film.
Cinta Costera, Amador Causeway and Biomuseo. Seafront walks with skyline views and the biodiversity museum designed by Frank Gehry.
Panamá Viejo. The ruins of the first city, founded in 1519.
Metropolitan Natural Park. Tropical rainforest inside the city and the Cerro Cedro lookout, with views over the city and the Canal.
Where to eat
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Seafood Market (Mercado de Mariscos). Ceviche and the catch of the day, as authentic as it gets.
Fonda Lo Que Hay. Contemporary Panamanian cooking, one of the most acclaimed in the city.
Maito, MASI and Villa Ana 1928. For a special dinner.
Geisha coffee. The Panamanian variety that breaks records at world coffee auctions.
Where to stay
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Rather than a specific hotel, choose the right neighbourhood:
Casco Antiguo. Boutique hotels, rooftop terraces and restaurants, all within walking distance.
Obarrio and Marbella. In the banking district: central, with plenty of restaurants.
Punta Pacífica and Costa del Este. Seafront towers next to the Corredor Sur, the motorway to Tocumen.
We'll help you choose a hotel to suit your trip.
Getting around
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From the airport. Metro Line 2 has reached Tocumen Airport since 2023 and connects with Line 1 at San Miguelito.
In the city. Uber and taxis; Casco Antiguo is best explored on foot.
Excursions. Our experiences include private door-to-door transport unless otherwise stated.
Burwa tips
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The Canal. Go early; ship transits through the locks change every day.
San Blas in a day. Departure is around 5:00 a.m.: the Guna Yala checkpoint opens at 6:00 and closes in the afternoon.
Rain. It rains more from May to November; September and October are the wettest months.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What people ask us before they come
How many days do I need in Panama City?
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With 2 or 3 nights you can see Casco Antiguo and the Canal and still have time for a day trip: rainforest and Emberá communities, Portobelo, El Valle de Antón or San Blas.
Is the Panama Canal worth visiting?
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Yes. At the Miraflores Visitor Center you see the locks up close and understand how they work. It's included in our Panama City & Canal private tour. Go early: ship transits change every day.
Can you visit San Blas in a day from the city?
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Yes, with our private express getaway, from USD 320 per person. You leave around 5:00 a.m. to reach the Guna Yala checkpoint when it opens at 6:00.
What do the experiences include?
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All include private door-to-door transport unless otherwise stated. Guide, entrance fees and meals depend on each experience; you'll find the details in the catalogue.
When is the best time to visit Panama City?
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You can go all year round. The dry season runs from December to April; from May to November it rains more, especially in September and October.
KEEP EXPLORING
