Disclosure: I was not provided any discount or gifted item for this What do Do in Panama – The Best Panama City Panama Tours post. I simply wrote this post because Joey at PTY Life is THAT awesome, and I want the world to know it.
Finding the Best Panama City, Panama Tours
Being the planner that I am, it may surprise you that we planned our end-of-summer trip at the very last minute and showed up without a single scheduled item on our agenda. Upon our first day in Panama, I did a search for tours in Panama City, Panama. I was scrolling through Travel Advisor reviews when I came across PTY Life. PTY Life is a travel blog based around Panama City, but the owner/editor also gives Panama City, Panama tours – walking tours.
Ah-mazing walking tours.
There appear to be quite a few tours of Panama City. Granted, I haven’t been on the other tours. However, when we return, I will be reaching out to PTY Life again for more tours in Panama City!
Of course, when I first payed the $75 or so fee for the Hubs and I to have a Panama City tour, my husband questioned how legit this company was that I had just sent money to. Also, he questioned how well he would be able to understand this Joey while he explained things to us. Even though I speak Spanish (somewhat fluently but not perfectly), the Hubs does not speak any. I told the Hubs this guy seemed to have a great handle on English based on our email exchanges.
How surprised the Hubs was when a young American walked into our hotel lobby (yes, he came to us) and introduced himself as Joey. He had a pretty good handle on English, I would say. Haha! Joey mentioned that it was rather rare he had an opening at the last minute – so it was our lucky day!
What to Do in Panama City, Panama in Six Hours
When I filled out my application for a tour request, Joey had asked if we had ideas of what to do in Panama City, Panama.
Truly, he filled up our six-hour tour with as many of our interests as possible. I did tell him that I didn’t have know exactly what to do in Panama City, other than looking for Kuna art and jewelry. I am obsessed with Kuna goods! Although my mom’s family is from Panama, I spent many of my visits in the outlying, rural regions rather than in Panama City. So I needed a tour in Panama City, Panama as much as the next person!
We started our tour, and he introduced us to using Uber to get around. He recommended Uber over using a Taxi, and I am 100% with him on that! It seems so much safer, and I like having an estimate up front of what I will be charged.
Visit Ancon Hill (Cerro Ancón) in Panama City
First, we took at Uber that would take us to the top of Ancon Hill (Cerro Ancón). Here, on this hill that towers over 600 feet, we took in the beautiful view of Panama City. During the Panama Canal era, this area was used for administrative purposes by the Panama Canal. Various military superiors were housed in this area. Now, the homes are occupied by non-military but the vibe was still kind of “exclusive” feeling to me. Maybe it was the narrow streets that really can only handle one car at a time. Maybe it was the privacy most of the houses seem to have with nature surrounding them. I’m pretty sure had we stayed longer, we likely would have seen some Panamanian wildlife. The area has a jungle-like lushness to it.
There are several viewing platforms so you can really take in the city.
Explore Casco Viejo
Next, we drove to Casco Viejo, Panama’s historic district, and toured the area, including several Kuna markets, including the Mercado Cinco de Mayo. Casco Viejo was once a run-down area of Panama City, full of peril and violence. It has been undergoing revitalization efforts and is seeing a rebirth. We went into some adorable boutiques, a super nice grocery store, and some cute cafes.
Joey is a wealth of information, eager to share at every corner we turned. Joey told us of former gangsters who are putting their energy to good use by helping and by recruiting young guys to help with the revitalization of the area.
Visit Avenida Central and Surrounding Neighborhoods
Next, we walked around Avenida Central and its surrounding areas such as the Santa Ana and San Felipe neighborhoods. We made several stops into stores, cafes, grocery stores, and we visited several park areas. (TIP…bring your own sunscreen so you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg!)
We made a stop in the Cafe Coca Cola, which is famous for hosting Che Guevara back in the day.
We paid a visit to Iglesia San Jose with its altar of solid gold.
I couldn’t help myself but to have my picture taken under the impressive ficus trees in the park and gazebo area of Santa Ana.
Visit and Eat at the Panama City Fish Market
Last of all, we made a stop at Joey’s suggestion to the Panama City fish market. He also showed us how to use the new-to-us metro system. You can see more details and photos of this visit here.
Man, the tour was fantastic! We learned so much about all of the areas we covered. There is simply no way we could learn so much and see so much on our own in such a short period of time. To boot, we wouldn’t have known to be as swift about transportation, and we likely would have spent close to $70 in taxi fees alone in our naivety.
Joey also gave us some suggestions on what to do on some of our other days – such as visiting the Atlantic-Pacific Restaurant. He left us with no shortage of things to do in Panama City, Panama!
No questions asked, the Hubs and I highly recommend any visitor to book Panama City, Panama tours with PTY Life. You surely won’t regret it! As the Hubs said, he felt like the PTY Life setup is like a “rent a friend.” The time with Joey truly feels like spending time with a longtime friend.
We certainly hope to catch up with him again on our next visit!
Linking up my PTY Life Review post at the following travel link ups!
Joey Bonura
Had a great time showing you all around and so glad you enjoyed the tour!