Discover Casco Viejo Secrets
About this experience
Explore Casco Viejo's rich history from pirate raids to golden altars, and learn the secrets that most visitors never discover. This walking tour takes you beyond the surface of Panama City's UNESCO World Heritage site with an award-winning local historian. Your host Victor is a graduate in Law and Psychology from the University of Havana. His passion for Panama's history was inherited from his historian grandfather, giving him deep knowledge passed down through generations. Victor won TripAdvisor's Excellence Award in 2019 and the Traveler's Choice Award in 2020, recognizing his exceptional storytelling and expertise. Meet at the Monumento a Simon Bolivar and begin your journey through centuries of history. Visit Plaza Bolivar and see the Convent of San Francisco de Asis, where Victor reveals the first secrets of the tour. Walk through Plaza Mayor and admire the cathedral's amazing altar. Discover the famous Golden Altar and learn the fascinating history of the pirates who once terrorized these shores. Wander to the Flat Arch and hear new and old love stories connected to this romantic landmark. End at Plaza de Francia where you will understand the Panama Canal's importance and reflect on the day's discoveries. Victor approaches his tour not from a typical tourist perspective but from a global context that connects Panama to world history. His knowledge of how international events shaped this small nation is astonishing, making this far more than a simple walking tour. Guests ages 9 and up can attend.
What you'll do
131 reviews
Nawan
What a great way to learn the context and history that drove Panama city to be where it is today from the lens of the locals. Victor was knowledgable and a great story teller. I learned more insights and little details that help me appreciate Panama's past and present. The 2 hour length is just nice to see various aspects of the old town. Thank you Victor for making my short visit to Panama so vibrant and insightful. Nawan! I really appreciate your feedback and interest shown in the Tour!
Linton
Chicago, IL
Víctor was an excellent guide—knowledgeable, charismatic, and inspiring. He not only provided a comprehensive history of the area/city/country but also connected it to the contemporary culture and politics of Panama. Highly recommend!
Charlie
San Carlos District, Panama
Victor is a consummate host and guide. He approaches his tour of Panama's Old Town (Casco Viejo), not from a tourist perspective, but from a global perspective that starts and ends in Panama. Victor's knowledge of how the world works is astonishing, and he puts that knowledge to good use when explaining how Panama was the nexus (and not just physically) of many of the world's inner workings. We discovered secrets, both visual and academic, that no other guide has ever showed us. Highly recommended. Charlie 😀 I couldn't believe you booked me one More Time. I can't describe the joy. Always welcome. I really appreciate it!
Ellen And Jim
San Clemente, Ecuador
It was a well thought out tour. Victor was a truly wonderful, knowledgeable tour guide. Very informative and enjoyable. We would highly recommend! Ellen And Jinn, a really funny couple! Thanks to you now I'll always be a "human frijoles "🤣 Happy Christmas!
Angie
Issaquah, WA
Victor was exceptional. I highly recommend doing his tour. I learned a lot. He made the experience personable and enjoyable. I really appreciate your attendance to my Tour. I felt so nice serving you! Anytime you come again just let me know! Cheers!!!
Nawan
What a great way to learn the context and history that drove Panama city to be where it is today from the lens of the locals. Victor was knowledgable and a great story teller. I learned more insights and little details that help me appreciate Panama's past and present. The 2 hour length is just nice to see various aspects of the old town. Thank you Victor for making my short visit to Panama so vibrant and insightful. Nawan! I really appreciate your feedback and interest shown in the Tour!
Linton
Chicago, IL
Víctor was an excellent guide—knowledgeable, charismatic, and inspiring. He not only provided a comprehensive history of the area/city/country but also connected it to the contemporary culture and politics of Panama. Highly recommend!
Charlie
San Carlos District, Panama
Victor is a consummate host and guide. He approaches his tour of Panama's Old Town (Casco Viejo), not from a tourist perspective, but from a global perspective that starts and ends in Panama. Victor's knowledge of how the world works is astonishing, and he puts that knowledge to good use when explaining how Panama was the nexus (and not just physically) of many of the world's inner workings. We discovered secrets, both visual and academic, that no other guide has ever showed us. Highly recommended. Charlie 😀 I couldn't believe you booked me one More Time. I can't describe the joy. Always welcome. I really appreciate it!
Ellen And Jim
San Clemente, Ecuador
It was a well thought out tour. Victor was a truly wonderful, knowledgeable tour guide. Very informative and enjoyable. We would highly recommend! Ellen And Jinn, a really funny couple! Thanks to you now I'll always be a "human frijoles "🤣 Happy Christmas!
Angie
Issaquah, WA
Victor was exceptional. I highly recommend doing his tour. I learned a lot. He made the experience personable and enjoyable. I really appreciate your attendance to my Tour. I felt so nice serving you! Anytime you come again just let me know! Cheers!!!
Cara
Savannah, GA
Victor was an amazing host and extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of Panama City and many of the secrets it holds. Would recommend to any and all visitors looking for a great tour! I know I meet special people! All the Best in your life!
Meet your host
Carlos
Local Guide
Reviews
Rating
I'm a biologist and Certified Nature Specialist accredited by the Panama Tourism Authority. Living near Panama City, I've spent 10+ years studying the biodiversity of Soberania National Park. Join me to spot monkeys, birds, crocodiles, and unique plants around Gatun Lake. My passion is sharing Panama's incredible wildlife with visitors from around the world.
To protect your payment, never transfer money or communicate outside of the Bandits website or app.
About your guide
To protect your payment, never transfer money or communicate outside of the Bandits website or app.
I'm a biologist and Certified Nature Specialist accredited by the Panama Tourism Authority. Living near Panama City, I've spent 10+ years studying the biodiversity of Soberania National Park. Join me to spot monkeys, birds, crocodiles, and unique plants around Gatun Lake. My passion is sharing Panama's incredible wildlife with visitors from around the world.
Where you'll be
Panama City, Panama Province, Panama
Meet at Monumento a Simon Bolivar in Casco Viejo. Exact location and directions sent after booking confirmation.
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Vetted for quality
Every experience on Bandits is reviewed by our team to ensure it meets our quality standards. Learn more