Before Panama City became a gleaming skyline of glass towers and banks, it was home to something a little grittier: Panamá la Vieja, the first European city built on the Pacific coast of the Americas. Founded in 1519 by Pedro Arias de Dávila, this bustling port was a gold-laden hub of trade (and, let’s be honest, a bit of smuggling too). At its peak, over 10,000 people lived here, with riches from Peru flowing in and out on their way to Spain.
But then came the pirates. In 1671, the infamous Sir Henry Morgan rolled into town with his crew, looted the city, set it ablaze, and left it in ruins. The survivors decided, “Yeah, maybe let’s not rebuild here,” and moved a few miles down the coast to what is now modern Panama City. The abandoned ruins of Panamá la Vieja sat quietly for centuries, slowly being reclaimed by time — until now.
On this express guided walking tour, our bilingual guides will help you imagine the grandeur that once was: massive stone cathedrals, convents, colonial homes, and the iconic cathedral tower that still stands tall over the site. With expert storytelling (and a little imagination), you’ll walk the same streets that merchants, soldiers, and scoundrels once did.
Highlights of Panamá la Vieja UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The Cathedral Tower – the ultimate photo-op and symbol of the old city.
- Ruins of churches & convents – including San Francisco and La Compañía de Jesús.
- The old city walls – remnants of defense that clearly weren’t pirate-proof.
- Museum of Panamá la Vieja – artifacts and exhibits that bring 16th-century life into focus.
Why Visit Panama la Vieja?
Because it’s where Panama’s story began! This is the
original Panama City — a place of gold, glory, and a good dose of chaos. With a knowledgeable guide to bring the history alive (trust us, the signage alone won’t cut it), you’ll piece together how this once-thriving city rose, fell, and paved the way for the modern metropolis you see today.
Short on time? No problem. This express tour packs centuries of history, swashbuckling adventure, and plenty of photo-worthy ruins into just a few hours.
Express Walking Tour of Panama La Vieja Ruins Tour Details
Express Panama La Vieja Tour Includes:
- * Round trip transportation from most Panama City hotels & Panama City cruise terminals*
- * Certified bilingual tour guide
- * Entrance fee to Panmaa La Vieja UNESCO site
- * Guided walking tour of Panama La Vieja Ruins
Departures: Daily at 9:00 am or 1:00 pm from Panama City Hotels and Panama City Cruise Terminal. Exact meeting instructions will be provided on your confirmation voucher.
Length: Approximately 4 hours.
Express Panama La Vieja Tour Recommendations:
- * Comfortable layered clothing
- * Good walking shoes
- * Eco-friendly bug repellant
- * Bio-degradable sunscreen or UV protective clothing
- * Sunglasses / sun hat
- * Raincoat or rain poncho
- * Refillable water bottle
- * Camera
- * Cash for tour balance, souvenirs and tips for your amazing guide
Children: All ages welcome! Children pay the same as an adult.
Restrictions: This is a very family-friendly tour great for all ages and activity levels. This is a small group tour so we can walk at your pace. If you have any physical limitations, we do request you notify us in advance to be sure we can accommodate you.
Insider Tips: It is actually quite sad that the government took until just recently to finally recognize the importance of this site so it was not as well preserved as most important sites. The recent upgrades and restoration make it all worthwhile and having a guide bring it all to life for you is absolutely essential… especially if you cannot read Spanish. There is little literature and signage on the site, and what is available is primarily only in Spanish.
*Transportation is included from your hotel in Panama City, and the cruise ship terminal in Panama City only. Transportation can be provided from Colon cruise ship pier or the Panama International Airport for an additional fee, please contact us for details.
Bonus!! Cruise passengers in Panama City wishing to make the most out of their transportation can be dropped at the Albrook Mall (Largest mall in Latin America) to do some shopping instead of being returned directly back to your ship. (Return taxi from mall not included).
About Your Online Reservation: Booking online does not guarantee that spaces are available and your reservation is confirmed. Our reservation offices are open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm CST daily and we do our best to confirm your reservation and send your confirmed voucher with meeting instructions within 24 hours. If you are booking a tour in less than 24 hours in advance, we recommend you contact us to check availability for you.
IMPORTANT NOTICE!!! If you are not a Panamanian citizen, you MUST have your passport on you at all times in Panama.
Reserve Your Panama La Vieja Express Tour Now
Pricing
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Adult:
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Retail: $100.00
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Real Deal: $80.00
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Child:
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Retail: $75.00
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Real Deal: $55.00
Panama La Vieja Express Tour deposit is $15.00 per Adult and $10.00 per Child.
(The balance of $65.00 per Adult and $45.00 per Child must be paid in cash the day of the tour)
This tour departs at 9:00 AM & 1:00 PM from Panama City Hotels and Panama City Cruise Terminal Daily.
The Real Deal Tours 
