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We only had a few days to spend in Panama City, Panama, so we decided to do this tour last minute (as in about 5 hours before it was supposed to begin).  What better way to learn about the city, people, culture and general area than from an expert native Panamanian? 

We were fortunate to be the only two people on the 1:30pm Friday tour.  Raphael picked us up at our Airbnb in Casco Viejo area, right on time, and off we went!  He was a great communicator before we even began the tour, from the messages he sent to let us know his ETA, to his actual tour and conversation.  His English was great!  I struggle with accents when I first meet people sometimes, but this was no issue at all.  He’s the kind of guy you just want to hang out with, so much fun!  Plus his tour van was comfortable and we appreciated the drinks and snacks. (Strawberry Soda was YUMMY!!)

Because we were the only two people, we were able to stay longer or shorter in some of the tour areas as we desired.  For example, we didn’t care anything about shopping in Amador Causeway mall area, but I wanted a photo in front of the Panama sign.  He accommodated us and it made the trip so much more fun!

Raphael took us to a little sweets shop in Casco Viejo and we bought a couple of chocolates that were DELICIOUS!  The place was called Oro Moreno and they served our chocolates on a tree cookie (like a plank of wood).  Such a great recommendation! 

It was fun to walk through the old city area with him, even though we had already walked through it on our own earlier.  It was so much better when you have someone with you to explain the history and make it come alive.  He even had some little tidbits that weren’t written on plaques or common knowledge on websites.

We visited Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal and watched the boats go through for a little while.  It was neat to see the gates open and close, the mules and people steady ships and learn about the Pilot of the boats.  Raphael also recommended that we watch the video on the history of the Panama Canal, which is about 45 minutes (extra $10/person–totally worth it), and it was amazing.  Raphael said he tries to pick good times to go to the Canal that will allow his guests to see the ships coming through, but with less crowds.  This was exactly what we experienced and it was spectacular!  (By the way, I didn’t expect the canal to be nearly as awesome as it was, so this ended up being a great surprise for me).  Including the movie, which is an IMAX 3D film, we spent about 1.5 to 2 hours at the Canal.  

We drove up Ancon Hill, but unfortunately it was raining, so the sloths were not out and about.  It was still a pretty ride and there is a lot of history and information about the canal workers, administration and general factoids that were really interesting.

We have a great interest in Panama as a potential retirement location and Raphael was willing and able to answer so many of our questions – topics on hospital care, crime, government, schools (all levels) and tuition, places to eat, popular Panamanian foods, things to do, places that ex-pats live, etc.  He was so incredibly knowledgeable and easy to chat with the entire time. 

We tried out one of his recommended restaurants and it was delicious and definitely more a local spot.  It was called El Trapiche (Via Argentina/El Cangrejo area).  Hubby Joe enjoyed an Americano!

Conclusion:  This tour, available through TripAdvisor by Viator hits so many of the “must do” places on a trip to the city, so if you’re short on time and don’t want to aimlessly drive/walk around, book this tour!  It’s a little more than we wanted to spend, but it turned out to be worth it and the highlight of our trip (mostly due to our guide).

If you can, request Raphael as your tour guide!