🟢 The San Blas Islands are OPEN for tourists. Yeah!
If you are vaccinated, only bring a copy of your Vaccination card 📍
If you are NOT vaccinated, an Antigent Test (Negative) is highly recomended 📍
The tour will includes 2 islands and the natural swimming pool as established by the Guna General Congress. UPDATED as of October 12.
Overnight stays are also allowed.
www.therealpanamatours.com/san-blas-islands1.html
🟢 The Panama Canal Visitors Center of the Miraflores Locks near Panama City) where you go to see how the ships are lowered or raised and how the Panama Canal actually works is OPEN.
Please click on the link below to register your account and make your reservation
https://reservascvm.delcanal.com/reservacvm/registeruser.aspx
🟩 The Panama Canal Visitors Center of Agua Clara in Colon (1 hour away feom the City, each way) where you go to see how the ships are lowered or raised and how the Panama Canal actually works is OPEN with reservations only.
Please click on the link below to register your account and make your reservation
https://reservascvm.delcanal.com/reservacvm/registeruser.aspx
Most of the restrictions DO NOT affect any of our experiences during weekdays and we just need to plan visits to Colon and Anton Valley Monday through Friday which is kind of the way we operate anyway.
Our beautiful Embera tour is available Monday through Saturday and Monkey Island is possible everyday at anytime.
If you are vaccinated, only bring a copy of your Vaccination card 📍
If you are NOT vaccinated, an Antigent Test (Negative) is highly recomended 📍
The tour will includes 2 islands and the natural swimming pool as established by the Guna General Congress. UPDATED as of October 12.
Overnight stays are also allowed.
www.therealpanamatours.com/san-blas-islands1.html
🟢 The Panama Canal Visitors Center of the Miraflores Locks near Panama City) where you go to see how the ships are lowered or raised and how the Panama Canal actually works is OPEN.
Please click on the link below to register your account and make your reservation
https://reservascvm.delcanal.com/reservacvm/registeruser.aspx
🟩 The Panama Canal Visitors Center of Agua Clara in Colon (1 hour away feom the City, each way) where you go to see how the ships are lowered or raised and how the Panama Canal actually works is OPEN with reservations only.
Please click on the link below to register your account and make your reservation
https://reservascvm.delcanal.com/reservacvm/registeruser.aspx
Most of the restrictions DO NOT affect any of our experiences during weekdays and we just need to plan visits to Colon and Anton Valley Monday through Friday which is kind of the way we operate anyway.
Our beautiful Embera tour is available Monday through Saturday and Monkey Island is possible everyday at anytime.
#1 Private fun fun Panama City Tour
Our fun City Tours show the good, the reality and the awesome places in Panama.
There are Three options:
Duration: 6-8 hrs (Depending on the activities chosen)
Starting time: Whenever you want to
We make sure you experience Panama with your 5 senses, You will see everything there is to be seen; our noisy and hectic city will wake you up; you will smell the delicious tropical fruits we have and taste our traditional snacks like carimañolas, hojaldres, etc.
Of course, one of the first stops is Casco Viejo or Old Town: historic site, home of Presidential Palace. Here, we can visit the Leaf of Gold Altar, the Old dungeons and chic places for coffee or beer.
Other points of interest visited are: The America's Bidge, The Cinta Costera with a stunning view of the modern city; Amador Causeway, the Fish Market, Central Avenue, Calidonia Avenue, the Panama Canal (currently closed), famous and relevanr neighborhoods and much more.
We can remove and add activities depending on what will make you happier.
What is included?
*Minimum 2 guests
Group rates apply for 6 or more guests
There are Three options:
- City tour Only,
- City Tour + Panama Canal Locks or
- City Tour + Panama Canal Locks and Monkey Island Boat Ride
Duration: 6-8 hrs (Depending on the activities chosen)
Starting time: Whenever you want to
We make sure you experience Panama with your 5 senses, You will see everything there is to be seen; our noisy and hectic city will wake you up; you will smell the delicious tropical fruits we have and taste our traditional snacks like carimañolas, hojaldres, etc.
Of course, one of the first stops is Casco Viejo or Old Town: historic site, home of Presidential Palace. Here, we can visit the Leaf of Gold Altar, the Old dungeons and chic places for coffee or beer.
Other points of interest visited are: The America's Bidge, The Cinta Costera with a stunning view of the modern city; Amador Causeway, the Fish Market, Central Avenue, Calidonia Avenue, the Panama Canal (currently closed), famous and relevanr neighborhoods and much more.
We can remove and add activities depending on what will make you happier.
What is included?
- Private Transfer hotel- attractions - hotel
- English Speaking Guide
- Beverages
- Snacks (fruits)
*Minimum 2 guests
Group rates apply for 6 or more guests
#2 Private boat at Panama canal’s gatun lake + wildlife
This is the coolest way to learn about one of the engineering marvels of the world and our pride: Our Panama Canal
It is a short and sweet boat ride, next to the ships transiting from ocean to ocean. Fantawesome!... Adults and kids looove it.
If we are lucky we may get really close to panamanian wildlife and "if possible", we walk through the real jungle looking for the howler monkeys, white Faced Capuchin and the adorable Mono Tití.
Bring your swimsuit because you may want to jump on a natural swimming pool, only for you (only during rainy season if water level permits it). We also have an option to do a mild jungle walk until we reach natural holes with fresh water to re energize you.
Suggested starting times are 8:30 am, 10:00 am or 2:00 pm
Travel Time: 35 minutes aprox.
Duration: 4-5 hours
What is included?
*We adapt the tour to your physical capabilities and interests
It is a short and sweet boat ride, next to the ships transiting from ocean to ocean. Fantawesome!... Adults and kids looove it.
If we are lucky we may get really close to panamanian wildlife and "if possible", we walk through the real jungle looking for the howler monkeys, white Faced Capuchin and the adorable Mono Tití.
Bring your swimsuit because you may want to jump on a natural swimming pool, only for you (only during rainy season if water level permits it). We also have an option to do a mild jungle walk until we reach natural holes with fresh water to re energize you.
Suggested starting times are 8:30 am, 10:00 am or 2:00 pm
Travel Time: 35 minutes aprox.
Duration: 4-5 hours
What is included?
- Private transportation from and to hotel
- English speaking guide
- Private Boat Ride
- Hike (if possible)
- Drinks
- Fruit snacks
*We adapt the tour to your physical capabilities and interests
#3 Awesome Embera Experience
This is one of my favorite experiences. I never ever get tired to visit my cuties and will never miss the opportunity of eating that delicious fresh tilapia with fried plantains.
Starting time is 8:00 am.
Travel Time from Panama City is 1 hr and 15 minutes aprox.
Length of this fun tour: 7-8 hours (including commuting time)
With this tour, we want you to open your eyes. We want you to see how in this 20th century there are still indigenous cultures alive, fighting really hard to keep their traditions and proud of who they were and who they are.
We would ride on an indian canoe, then hike through the jungle until we reach the refreshing waterfall and finally will meet the amazing Embera Indigenous Tribe.
We don't go to this Village to see the indigenous dancing... We enjoy seeing them singing in their own dialect, we focus on the human side, on the real people..
WIth us, you get to experience the real Embera way of living, you will know them by their names, you'll get free hugs from the kiddos, you'll get a warm handshake from the guys and will leave with a different mindset about aboriginals. When you go to the Embera Village wih us, you'll never forget them, because they are amazing.
Cesarin will ask you all kind of questions, Efrain will start shooting at you with his imaginary gun (if he is around), Alanis will hug you all day long, and I can go on and on and on...
No more details, come and experience it!
What is included?
*We adapt the tour to your physical capabilities and interests
Group rate applies for 6 or more guests
Starting time is 8:00 am.
Travel Time from Panama City is 1 hr and 15 minutes aprox.
Length of this fun tour: 7-8 hours (including commuting time)
With this tour, we want you to open your eyes. We want you to see how in this 20th century there are still indigenous cultures alive, fighting really hard to keep their traditions and proud of who they were and who they are.
We would ride on an indian canoe, then hike through the jungle until we reach the refreshing waterfall and finally will meet the amazing Embera Indigenous Tribe.
We don't go to this Village to see the indigenous dancing... We enjoy seeing them singing in their own dialect, we focus on the human side, on the real people..
WIth us, you get to experience the real Embera way of living, you will know them by their names, you'll get free hugs from the kiddos, you'll get a warm handshake from the guys and will leave with a different mindset about aboriginals. When you go to the Embera Village wih us, you'll never forget them, because they are amazing.
Cesarin will ask you all kind of questions, Efrain will start shooting at you with his imaginary gun (if he is around), Alanis will hug you all day long, and I can go on and on and on...
No more details, come and experience it!
What is included?
- Private transportation from and to hotel
- English speaking guide
- Visit to the Village + dances
- Waterfall
- Indigenous Lunch
- Drinks
- Fruits
*We adapt the tour to your physical capabilities and interests
Group rate applies for 6 or more guests
#4 The "ONLY” Real Panamanian Private Food Tour
We will show you e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g about our food: Hojaldres, carimañolas, tamales de olla, ceviche, chocolates, a stranger delicious bbq chorizo, tasty tropical fruits, the best desserts and much more.
We don't take you only around Casco Viejo (Old Town) to try cocktails that aren't a true representation of Panama.
We don't do what is easy, we do what is best, that’s why we get you out of the touristy areas so you can try real panamanian "chombo" style caribbean food, street snacks and besides having fun, you get a feel for who we are.
The Real Panama Trs is so out of the ordinary, that we may have a homemade "arroz con pollo" cooking on fire for you... the options are endless.
We go with the flow and once we get to meet you, we take it from there because that is the best way to do a tour, kind of planned but not really.
Just to give an idea of how we roll, here is a recent anecdote:
My guests and I we were walking through Old Town and a delicious smell was coming out of a house. The smell was so strong that I asked Mrs. Alla if she wanted to find out what were they cooking: she said: Yes!!!. So right away we enter an alley, of an unknown panamanian house with multiple apartments inside (of working class people) and there was this guy, shirtless, with a pony tail, sunglasses, playing some music and enjoying himself making some chorizo (sausage). I told him that I had tourists and they were curious because it smelled delicious. This awesome panamanian reaction was to hand a chorizo to my guests, from his heart, no one asked. I then try to give him a couple of dollars and he refused. He did it in good faith. Mrs. Alla was so overwhelmed by this act of kindness, she said; if the tour ended right then, she would be very happy already. That's the way we do it. Organic, natural, awesome.
Check out the pictures below.
This is my Panama!
We don't take you only around Casco Viejo (Old Town) to try cocktails that aren't a true representation of Panama.
We don't do what is easy, we do what is best, that’s why we get you out of the touristy areas so you can try real panamanian "chombo" style caribbean food, street snacks and besides having fun, you get a feel for who we are.
The Real Panama Trs is so out of the ordinary, that we may have a homemade "arroz con pollo" cooking on fire for you... the options are endless.
We go with the flow and once we get to meet you, we take it from there because that is the best way to do a tour, kind of planned but not really.
Just to give an idea of how we roll, here is a recent anecdote:
My guests and I we were walking through Old Town and a delicious smell was coming out of a house. The smell was so strong that I asked Mrs. Alla if she wanted to find out what were they cooking: she said: Yes!!!. So right away we enter an alley, of an unknown panamanian house with multiple apartments inside (of working class people) and there was this guy, shirtless, with a pony tail, sunglasses, playing some music and enjoying himself making some chorizo (sausage). I told him that I had tourists and they were curious because it smelled delicious. This awesome panamanian reaction was to hand a chorizo to my guests, from his heart, no one asked. I then try to give him a couple of dollars and he refused. He did it in good faith. Mrs. Alla was so overwhelmed by this act of kindness, she said; if the tour ended right then, she would be very happy already. That's the way we do it. Organic, natural, awesome.
Check out the pictures below.
This is my Panama!
#5 My Granny’s hometown: Portobelo + 2 caribbean beaches
In loving Memory of the strongest and kinder human being I’ve ever known, my beloved abuelita: Myrtha Simons de Castillo (1936-2021). “ Forever in my heart”
This is the province were I was born and raised. To enjoy Colon, I have to take you personally.
Colon is raw, organic, not touristy, it is the real deal.
With us you'll see it all, the not so good and the awesome areas. It is what it is!
Colon is the home of UNESCO historic sites such as Portobelo and San Lorenzo, were black people who arrived in the 1600's from Africa and from the caribbean islands who helped us build the Panama Railroad in the mid 1800's and some more for The Panama Canal construction, settled.
In Colon you can choose between:
- going to a caribbean island with palm trees and stunning rocks in the back
- transparent green caribbean beaches surrounded by thick vegetation
- explore our gorgeaus mangroves with it’s beautiful natural swimming pools on a kayak or a boat
- A beautiful river horseback riding,l through our rainforest, mountain views and at the end… uyuyuyuyuyyyy… a refreshing natural swimming pool
The day in Colon will be packed. You decide if you want to lat on the beach or kayak through de mangroves.
Decisions, decisions, decisions… life is hard… I know… lol
Suggested starting time is 8:00 am.
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
Duration: 8-10 hours
We recommend to go on weekdays to avoid crowds at the beaches.
Colon is raw, organic, not touristy, it is the real deal.
With us you'll see it all, the not so good and the awesome areas. It is what it is!
Colon is the home of UNESCO historic sites such as Portobelo and San Lorenzo, were black people who arrived in the 1600's from Africa and from the caribbean islands who helped us build the Panama Railroad in the mid 1800's and some more for The Panama Canal construction, settled.
In Colon you can choose between:
- going to a caribbean island with palm trees and stunning rocks in the back
- transparent green caribbean beaches surrounded by thick vegetation
- explore our gorgeaus mangroves with it’s beautiful natural swimming pools on a kayak or a boat
- A beautiful river horseback riding,l through our rainforest, mountain views and at the end… uyuyuyuyuyyyy… a refreshing natural swimming pool
The day in Colon will be packed. You decide if you want to lat on the beach or kayak through de mangroves.
Decisions, decisions, decisions… life is hard… I know… lol
Suggested starting time is 8:00 am.
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
Duration: 8-10 hours
We recommend to go on weekdays to avoid crowds at the beaches.
#6 Private Anton Valley (A dormant volcano experience)
If you want to go to a place that very few do; bumpy roads with stunning mountain views, unusual transportation and a paradise at the end, we can take you to a post card location at a dormant volcano crater called: Anton Valley.
Anton Valley is located 2.5 hrs away from Panama City (each way) and it's known as the town of the eternal spring for it's perfect weather year round.
To get to Anton Valley, we go West, pass over the Americas Bridge, see some of the new Province of West Panama and stop wherever we feelt here is something to see.
Breathtaking views from the mountains, the best Queso empanadas and our traditional panamanian chicheme, waterfalls, a local market, horsebackriding and more are to be expected.
Anton Valley is small town, were locals use bycicles as their main transportation, no one is in a hurry, food is simple and delicious and you can energize at the hot springs.
There are different hiking options for your level of fitness and natural swimming pools galore.
Aviel Kornfein rode on the back of a local transportation, on a rough country road, walked down the steepy hill, looked at this crystal clear blue waters of the blue hole, jumped in, swam for a while and came over to me and said: this adventure should be called: The Beauty and The Beast. and that is the official name of thus adventure.
I could tell you much more but I don't want to. Book the tour and find out the rest.
Duration: 12 hrs
Time on the road: 2.5 hours each way
Starting time: 8:00 am
What is included:
*Zip lining (available - not included)
Are you ready? This is Only for real adventurous people
Anton Valley is located 2.5 hrs away from Panama City (each way) and it's known as the town of the eternal spring for it's perfect weather year round.
To get to Anton Valley, we go West, pass over the Americas Bridge, see some of the new Province of West Panama and stop wherever we feelt here is something to see.
Breathtaking views from the mountains, the best Queso empanadas and our traditional panamanian chicheme, waterfalls, a local market, horsebackriding and more are to be expected.
Anton Valley is small town, were locals use bycicles as their main transportation, no one is in a hurry, food is simple and delicious and you can energize at the hot springs.
There are different hiking options for your level of fitness and natural swimming pools galore.
Aviel Kornfein rode on the back of a local transportation, on a rough country road, walked down the steepy hill, looked at this crystal clear blue waters of the blue hole, jumped in, swam for a while and came over to me and said: this adventure should be called: The Beauty and The Beast. and that is the official name of thus adventure.
I could tell you much more but I don't want to. Book the tour and find out the rest.
Duration: 12 hrs
Time on the road: 2.5 hours each way
Starting time: 8:00 am
What is included:
- Private transportation from and to Hotel
- English Speaking Guide
- Moderate to medium hike (optional)
- Awesome mini canyon or waterfall (depending on the season and what is safe to do)
- Hot springs and volcanic mud treatment
- Fruit tasting at local Market
- Horse backriding
- Drinks and more
*Zip lining (available - not included)
Are you ready? This is Only for real adventurous people
#7 The amazing san Blas islands
THE ISLANDS ARE STILL CLOSED
San Blas or Guna Yala is simply: paradise.
No other description needed.
This is a group tour on a vehicle shared by 6 people and shared boat. Boats can have up to 20 people during our high season. You must go with an open mind, respect the traditions and rules of the guna indians and you will have a great day.
***Private tour option is available for 5 guests or more.
Crystal clear caribbean waters, palm trees, fresh fish and plantains and the opportunity to interact with our guna indigenous people.
Starting time: 5: 15 am
Returning time: 6:45 pm (you will be back at the hotel approximately at that time)
Travel Time: 2.5 hours
Duration: 12 hrs
This is how it goes, step by step:
*It is mandatory to bring passports, no copies, original passports only.
If you need to be pampered and guided every moment, this may not be your best option. This tour is for experienced travelers.
What is included?
The pristine, clear, turqoise waters of San Blas will make you want to go back, for sure!
Cost per person during high season $160
Cost per person during low season $155
Cost for kids would vary between $75 and $125 depending upon their size and age. All kids must be seated.
No other description needed.
This is a group tour on a vehicle shared by 6 people and shared boat. Boats can have up to 20 people during our high season. You must go with an open mind, respect the traditions and rules of the guna indians and you will have a great day.
***Private tour option is available for 5 guests or more.
Crystal clear caribbean waters, palm trees, fresh fish and plantains and the opportunity to interact with our guna indigenous people.
Starting time: 5: 15 am
Returning time: 6:45 pm (you will be back at the hotel approximately at that time)
Travel Time: 2.5 hours
Duration: 12 hrs
This is how it goes, step by step:
- Pick you up at your place between 5:15 am and 5:30 am
- Quick stop at the grocery store for last minute purchases
- We head up to the beautiful mountains of San Blas. Don't miss the view (if you are awake, of course, lol). Roll the windows down and inhale that fresh air.
- Around 8:50 am you should be arriving at the port of Cartí
- My team is waiting on you to take you to the boat (you dont need to figure anything out, we willl take you from the car to the boat). My team is conformed by indigenous and their english is limited and that is part of the experience. Let's regain the ability to communicate with smiles and sign language if needed.
- The tour begins.
- You will visit 3 different islands and the natural swimming pool (we change islands at my team discretion. We always look for islands with less people)
- My team will not tell you every move they make, because that is not the way the indigenous work. They will keep the eye on you and approach you when is time to hop from one island to the next.
- Lunch is included and it would be the catch of the day + friend plantains + rice + salad.
*Losbter could be ordered at an additional cost - By 3:30 pm we will be exiting the last island to comply with the regulations of the Guna congress
- By 6:45 pm you should be at your hotel
*It is mandatory to bring passports, no copies, original passports only.
If you need to be pampered and guided every moment, this may not be your best option. This tour is for experienced travelers.
What is included?
- Shared Transportation from and to your hotel (6 guests per vehicle)
- Indigenous guide (companion) with limited english
- Shared boat
- All taxes and we mean, all the taxes
- Lunch
- Tour through 3 islands and the natural swimming pool
The pristine, clear, turqoise waters of San Blas will make you want to go back, for sure!
Cost per person during high season $160
Cost per person during low season $155
Cost for kids would vary between $75 and $125 depending upon their size and age. All kids must be seated.
Our top choice right now ...
the pacific retreat...
It’s a 3 days 2 nights experience, away... 5 hours away... including accomodation (rustic), transportation, tour to mini canyon and onto our only Pacific crystal clear water destinantion (breathtaking).
The breakfasts, water and fruits are included (lunch and dinner are on you).
You may wake up to the howling of monkeys and for sure, to the sound of the waves. Total and absolute relaxation and a real vacation time!
The sunsets ... the sunrises... everything will be magical...
The minimun required for this tour are 4 adult guests and the maximum is 8.
Full payment and reservation is required at least 3 weeks in advance.
The breakfasts, water and fruits are included (lunch and dinner are on you).
You may wake up to the howling of monkeys and for sure, to the sound of the waves. Total and absolute relaxation and a real vacation time!
The sunsets ... the sunrises... everything will be magical...
The minimun required for this tour are 4 adult guests and the maximum is 8.
Full payment and reservation is required at least 3 weeks in advance.