The sail into Panama City involves navigating through dozens of ships laid up and waiting their turn to pass through the Panama Canal. It’s quite strange to see so many large vessels stationary in the water.
Island Princess backs into berth outside a gleaming new cruise terminal on the Isla Flamenco peninsula. In the distance, the glittering buildings of the city proper seem to thrust out of the water, reaching high into the sky.
Initially we had planned to do an escape room, but we’re not sure about getting to the venue – or the pricing. Instead we decide to head into town and visit the local Hard Rock Café.
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Taxi time
The journey to the Panama Hard Rock Café involved breaking one of our travel taboos – getting a taxi. We don’t have anything against taxis, just prefer the certainty provided by public transport (routes, timing, costs etc).
According to Uber, the trip from the cruise terminal at Isla Flamenco to the restaurant costs just $5.60. The taxi driver we speak to after clearing immigration wants $20 (which is already better than the $50 estimated by Princess). I offer $5. The driver laughs and pretends I said $50. Eventually he agrees to $15 and wanders off to collect his SUV.
The taxi is licensed, which is nice, as is the air conditioning. The driving is… exciting. Lots of lane changes, late braking and speeding along the highway into town. We are treated to a flying journey along the Cinta Costera, a large ring road that loops the Historic District over a raised highway that arcs into the bay.
The journey takes less than 15 minutes and the driver is more than happy to help us unload the scooter safely outside the Megapolis Mall.
Top tip: Virtually everything in Panama City is billed – and paid for – in US dollars.
(Un)Hard Rock
Hard Rock Café Panama City is pretty much like every other HRC outlet on the planet. Only this one has been done up for Halloween. Blood, mummies, spiders, skeletons, the whole shebang, helpfully distracting from the relatively small collection of music memorabilia. There’s more to look at than in Gran Canaria and Amsterdam, but it’s still quite thin on the… walls.
Worse still, the music is distinctly not rock. More like Gen Z pop – and that’s not cool. In fact, I seem to remember someone writing a novel about that.
However, Linda is thrilled to see her favourite cocktail, Electric Blues, back on the menu.
After a quick drink, we take a look around Megalopolis. It’s quite amusing to see all the snowy Christmas decorations on sale in a country that probably never sees any of the white stuff.
Flying back to Flamenco
We hadn’t really planned the return journey but were lucky to find a taxi driver waiting right outside the Megapolis entrance. He agrees $15 without hesitation and begins the journey back to Isla Flamenco.
Along the way the driver points out a few areas of interest (“That’s the old town. It’s not very nice in there. Not very safe.”, the fish market, the local stadium). But his real passion is football, so we talk about the English Premier League and World Cup Qualifiers for most of the journey. The journey quite relaxed and enjoyable, even if the traffic is mental.
Hanging around
Just after sunset, Island Princess looses her moorings and heads half a mile out to sea, taking a place among the assembled tankers and cargo ships. We’ll be anchoring in the bay overnight, ready to begin our Panama Canal transit at 6am tomorrow.
After dinner, we are treated to a spectacular electrical storm crackling over the Panama City skyline. Awesome.
Linda’s comment
Our second taxi driver was great, giving us a running commentary on our journey back to Isla Flamenco. Make sure you agree a price before getting into the taxi – and don’t be afraid to barter!
The shopping mall and surrounding areas were very clean – and worth a visit if you are in the area.
What’s with the blog title?
Just in case you didn’t get the reference, this may help:
Accessibility info
Batteries used: 66%
Terrain: Pretty decent in the most touristed areas, particularly around the Isla Flamenco Cruise Terminal. The more developed parts of the city also seem to have well-maintained sidewalks.
However, photographs suggest that the historic old town is far less scooter/wheelchair friendly.
Public transport: Buses do run from near the Cruise Terminal into the city proper and they appear to be very cheap. We never actually saw one though, so cannot comment on whether they are accessible or not.
Taxis: Yes they exist. Yes, they can accommodate wheelchairs and scooters. And yes, they are reasonably priced if you’re willing to haggle.
Did you get a passport stamp?
Yes! Just ask at the immigration desk as you enter/leave the Cruise Terminal.
Would we go back to Panama City?
If we were passing through the area, absolutely. Would we make a specific trip to visit Panama City itself? We’re not sure…
Other activities in Panama City
Isla Tortuga is the hot destination in Puntarenas, but there are a few other activities you might like to consider:
Highlights Bike Tour in Casco Viejo & Cinta Costera
See Panama from a fresh perspective on a guided cycling tour that combines historic charm with modern energy. Setting off on one of the latest model bicycles, you’ll join an expert local guide who will lead you through both the atmospheric streets of Casco Viejo and the striking skyline of the modern city, offering stories and insights that bring each spot to life.
Your ride begins at the Go Panama Bike Tours store in Casco Viejo, the capital’s historic district bursting with colonial architecture, vibrant plazas, and colourful street art. As you pedal through the city, you’ll pass lively markets, ornate churches, impressive theatres, and monuments that capture Panama’s unique blend of cultures and traditions.
Balancing the old with the new, the tour also showcases the soaring skyscrapers of Panama’s modern financial district, where gleaming glass towers form a striking contrast to the charm of the Old Town. With a mix of history, culture, and breathtaking views, this bike tour offers cruise visitors an easy, active, and authentic way to discover the very best of Panama in just a few hours.
Book now
Waterfall and Embera Village Tour with lunch
Step into the heart of Panama’s rainforest with a full-day adventure through Chagres National Park, a vital water reserve and one of the country’s most biodiverse regions. Your journey begins with a pickup from your accommodation in Panama City before heading out to the lush park. From there, you’ll board a traditional canoe for a serene ride along the Chagres River, gliding through stunning jungle landscapes as your day of discovery unfolds.
A short hike through the rainforest leads to a pristine hidden waterfall, where you can cool off with a swim, take photos, or simply relax surrounded by untouched nature. After this refreshing break, the adventure continues to an authentic Embera village, where you’ll be warmly welcomed with lunch, traditional music, and cultural dances inside a thatched hut. Here, you’ll gain deeper insight into the Embera way of life through conversations with community leaders, learning about their traditions, crafts, and close connection to nature.
Blending natural beauty with cultural immersion, this excursion is a rare opportunity to experience Panama far beyond the city. Returning to Panama City in the afternoon, you’ll carry lasting memories of rainforest splendour, river journeys, and a genuine encounter with one of the country’s most significant indigenous communities.
Book now
Wildlife Boat Tour in the Panama Canal Lake
Set off on a one-of-a-kind boat adventure across the calm waters of Lake Gatun, a vital section of the Panama Canal surrounded by lush tropical jungle. As you glide along, take in the spectacular scenery and keep your eyes peeled for the wealth of wildlife that calls this region home. Colourful birds swoop overhead, while the lakeshore brims with unique flora and fascinating creatures, offering endless opportunities for discovery.
The highlight of your journey is a visit to Monkey Island, a protected reserve where capuchin, tamarin, and howler monkeys leap through the trees in their natural habitat. With a bit of luck, you might also spot sloths dozing in the canopy, iguanas basking in the sun, or even caimans lurking along the water’s edge. This close encounter with Panama’s wildlife makes for a truly memorable experience.
Adding another layer of intrigue, you’ll also witness huge ships making their way through the Panama Canal, travelling in both directions right alongside your boat. Blending vibrant wildlife encounters with world-renowned engineering, this immersive tour of Lake Gatun is the perfect experience for nature lovers and cruise visitors alike.
Book now
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