• Plaza de Francia - At Plaza de Francia, visitors can explore Las Bovedas and the Esteban Huerta Promenade. Las Bovedas, or the Vaults, once protected the Old Town from pirate invasions. This area offers a chance to purchase unique souvenirs, including leather goods, Molas, and handcrafted items from local artisans.

• El Arco Chato - El Arco Chato is celebrated as an architectural marvel, renowned for its exceptional engineering and mystique. Stories about its construction and historical significance abound. This majestic structure, part of the San Felipe complex built in 1678, withstood two major fires on February 2, 1737, and March 21, 1756. Remarkably, the arch survived these disasters and stood for nearly two and a half centuries. However, on November 7, 2003, it succumbed to harsh weather and insufficient maintenance, leading to the collapse of this historical treasure.

• Church of Saint Joseph - The Church of Saint Joseph, constructed shortly after the first Spanish settlement in the 16th century, is renowned for its ‘Altar de Oro’ (Golden Altar) made of pure gold. The altar was miraculously preserved during the sacking of Panamá Viejo by British Pirate Captain Henry Morgan. According to legend, a priest disguised the altar by painting it black and convinced Morgan it had been stolen by another pirate. Morgan, impressed by the priest’s cunning, even donated generously for its replacement, remarking, ‘I don’t know why, but I think you are more of a pirate than I am.’

• Palacio de las Garzas - The Palacio de las Garzas, or Herons’ Palace, serves as the Presidential Palace and Residence of Panama. Its name originates from the herons introduced in 1922 by President Belisario Porras, inspired by his friend, the renowned Panamanian poet Ricardo Miro.

• Museo del Canal - The Panama Interoceanic Canal Museum, originally built in 1874 as the Grand Hôtel by Alsatian George Loew, was later acquired by Count Ferdinand de Lesseps for the Universal Company of the Interoceanic Canal. The New Canal Company was eventually sold to the United States for the construction of the Panama Canal. In 1915, Dr. Belisario Porras, then President of Panama, purchased it to house the Posts and Telegraphs. In 1996, the Canal Museum Board of Trustees restored the building, and in 1997, it became the Panama Interoceanic Canal Museum. The museum features eleven exhibition rooms and an audio guide system, narrating the story of one of the greatest engineering achievements, from the French efforts to the U.S. construction, reflecting the lifestyle of Canal Zone residents.

• Tántalo Hotel / Kitchen / Roofbar - After touring Casco Antiguo and the Canal Museum, enjoy lunch at the remarkable Tantalo Hotel Kitchen. Sample dishes or visit https://www.tantalohotel.com for more menu details.

• Museo de la Mola - Note: This tour serves as an alternative to #4 above when available. MUMO is in the process of reopening post-pandemic. The Mola Museum (MUMO) celebrates The Mola, a handmade textile integral to the traditional attire of Panama’s indigenous Guna women. Created using a reverse appliqué technique with multiple fabric layers, Molas are often incorporated into hats, purses, and clothing by designers, with authorization from the Guna General Congress.

• Lunch

• Private transportation
• Alcoholic Beverages

WALKING TOUR:
Lunch is provided. This cultural walk features a knowledgeable local guide who will lead you through the historic Casco Viejo (Old Town), visit significant landmarks, and then enjoy lunch. It’s a wonderful chance to stretch your legs while learning about Panama’s history, culture, heritage, architecture, and cuisine. Small group tours (maximum 15 people) are available, either private or mixed.

THE FOOD:
Lunch will be at Tantalo Hotel Kitchen or a similar restaurant (advanced reservation required). Rest assured, a delicious meal with excellent prices and service will be provided.

DRINKS:
Water, soft drinks, fresh juice, and coffee or tea are included. ALCOHOL IS NOT INCLUDED.

END OF TRIP:
The tour concludes after lunch.

NOTE: For any special dietary needs or other concerns, please email at least 72 hours in advance. Lunch requires 48 hours advance reservations for weekdays and 72 hours for weekends at Tantalo; slots may fill up. Additionally, note that #4 Palacio de Las Garzas may be replaced by #7 Mola Museum (MUMO) on the itinerary.

• There’s going to be a lot of walking but there will be opportunities to rest.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.