#1 Walking Tour of Casco Viejo Panama with Lunch included

2.5 (2 reviews) 5 hours Free cancellation

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2 reviews

2.5

#1 Walking Tour of Casco Viejo Panama with Lunch included — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

WALKING TOUR:

Lunch is included. This is a cultural walk where a knowledgeable local guide will take you through historic Casco Viejo (Old Town), visit important landmark, then to lunch. This is a great opportunity to stretch your legs while gaining knowledge about Panama's history, culture, heritage, architecture & food.. Small group (max. 15) private or mixed.

THE FOOD:

Lunch will be at Tantalo Hotel Kitchen or other comparable restaurant (Advanced reserv. required). Either way, we´ll make sure that you are served a delicious meal, with great prices and service.

DRINKS:

Water, Soft drink, Fresh Juice, and Coffee or Tea. ALCOHOL NOT INCLUDED.

END OF TRIP:

The tour ends after lunch.

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

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Historical Tours Walking Tours Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate Agent Low Quality Product

At a glance

Duration: 5 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English, Spanish
Operated by: Visit Panama Tours

Ages: Children (5–12 years) · Youth (13–17 years) · Adults (18–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Lunch plus Water, Soft Drink, Fresh Juice and Coffee or Tea. (Up to $20.00)

Not included

Not included: Private transportation
Not included: Alcoholic Beverages

Itinerary

Plaza de Francia

10 min

At the Plaza de Francia you will find Las Bovedas and the Estaban Huerta Promenade. Las Bovedas are the Vaults that surrounded and protected the Old Town from being invaded at the time by pirates at the time. In this area you will have an opportunity to purchase those special souvenirs to take back with you. Here you can purchase leather goods, Molas and handcrafts from artisans.
The Flat Arch of Casco Viejo

10 min

The Arco Chato has been considered one of the wonders of architecture, since, due to its incomparable engineering and its mystique, stories about its construction and details highlighting its history were formed. A majestic jewel guards the monumental complex of San Felipe, built in 1678. The structure remained intact for several centuries, withstanding two significant fires, which occurred on February 2, 1737, and March 21, 1756. But, the arch managed to save itself from the devastating sinister that threatened to collapse it, and it remained standing for almost two and a half centuries. On November 7, 2003, the structures no longer resisted, due to inclement weather and lack of maintenance and monitoring that led to the collapse of the historical heritage of humanity.
Stop 3

10 min

Iglesia de San Jose was built soon after the first Spanish settlement in the 16th century, with its main attraction being the famous 'Altar de Oro' (Golden Altar) which is made of pure gold. The Golden Altar was miraculously saved after the sacking of Panamá Viejo by British Pirate Captain Henry Morgan.

According to local legend, when word came of the pirate’s impending attack, a priest attempted to disguise the altar by painting it black. The priest told Morgan that the famous altar had been stolen by another pirate, and even convinced Morgan to donate handsomely for its replacement. Morgan is said to have told the priest, ‘I don’t know why, but I think you are more of a pirate than I am.’
Palacio de las Garzas

Passing by

Palacio de Las Garzas (Herons' Palace) is the Presidential Palace and Residence of Panama during the mandate. Its name comes from the herons that were brought in 1922 by then President Belisario Porras at the suggestion of friend and famed Panamanian poet Ricardo Miro.
Museo del Canal Interoceanico de Panama

Passing by

The Panama Interoceanic Canal Museum building was built in 1874, as the Grand Hôtel by Alsatian George Loew. It was later bought by Count Ferdinand de Lesseps for the Universal Company of the Interoceanic Canal; The New Canal Company was later sold to the United States with the concession for the construction of the Panama Canal. In 1915, it was purchased by Dr. Belisario Porras, President of Panama, to become the Posts and Telegraphs (Plaque is located at the entrance with this name). In 1996, the Canal Museum Board of Trustees rehabbed the building and in 1997 became the Panama Interoceanic Canal Museum.

The building has eleven exhibition rooms and an audio guide system, that tells the story of one of the greatest engineering feats from the French efforts to the construction by the United States. It reflects a life adopted by citizens in the Canal Zone.
Stop 6

1 h 30 min Admission included

After the walking tour of Casco Antiguo and the Canal Museum, we will head for lunch at the amazing Tantalo Hotel Kitchen. See sample dishes or visit https://www.tantalohotel.com for more information about their menu.
Museo de la Mola

one hour

Note: Please be informed that this tour is a substitute for #4 above when available. MUMO is still in the process of reopening after the Pandemic.

The Mola Museum (MUMO) renders an ode to The Mola, a hand-made textile that forms part of the traditional women's clothing of the indigenous Guna people from Panama. The Mola is hand-made using a reverse appliqué technique that includes various layers of different color fabrics, where the layers are then turned under and sewn down. Molas are often used by designers on their hats, purses, and clothing, after authorization from the Guna General Congress.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

'All Inclusive' Walking Tour of Casco Antiguo begins in Plaza de Francia at the Esteban Huerta Promenade where you'll have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs from artisans on the walk and ends with lunch at a local restaurant.

End point

Our Last stop. We've saved the best for last. Guest are able to sit down and enjoy a nutritious lunch or dinner at Tantalo Hotel 'Kitchen'. You can check out their menu before booking by going to their website. That way you are prepared and know before you go.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.