Bayano Lake is a jewel of Panama, with a spectacular environment that is home to hundreds of birds and other animal species, some of them very rare. Chief among its many splendors, is found in the caves of Lake Bayano in Panama.
The caves were formed over many centuries by an underground river that still flows today, the erosion of limestone, and a combination of several factors as wind and floods. The path inside the cave lasts about four hours, with a degree of difficulty with easy parts but some parts moderately difficult, requiring more physical effort. The terrain include river crossings, large rocks, slippery ground etc.
There are areas where light penetrates to areas where we need to use lamps. There will be deep waters within the caves, so the swimming is necessary. Inside you will see water drops from the ceiling giving the appearance of waterfalls, different rock formations and a diverse fauna.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
7:00 AM
Next available
Thu, Oct 15
Adult (ages 18–65)
$200
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $356.
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 14.
Tour Options
Bayano Canyoning from Panama City
Pickup included
Itinerary
Bayano Caves
Admission included120 min
Guided hike thorough an incredible limestone canyon formation that does turn into a cave for a while provided with pdf, helmets, and headlamps
What's included
Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Professional guide
Use of helmet with headlamp
Lunch
Round-trip shared transfer
Not included
Gratuities
Pickup Locations & Times
We only pick up from Panama City Hotels. For other locations such as Gamboa and Veracruz(Dream & Westin) an additional ground transpotation fee can be arranged and pickup is usually 30 minutes earlier than specified on trip description
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
20 reviews
5
20
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Panama City
Rated higher than 86% of 285 reviewed tours in Panama City
Starting price $200 is 21% above the typical $165 for tours of similar length in Panama City
Excurgo comparison of 856 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Who can go? Any person from twelve to seventy years old, in good health. Minors must travel with a responsible adult
What should be brought? Wear comfortable clothing (short pants, shirt), a sun hat and a bathing suit. Closed up shoes above the ankle or sneakers with good grips; wear insect repellent and sunscreen
What no to bring? No sandals. Any object than can be deteriorated by water or valuables like jewels, cash, credit cards, etc
This tour requires a 2 person minimum to book
PLEASE NOTE:
A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
It is not for people afraid of darkness and bats
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bayano Canyoning from Panama City take?
Bayano Canyoning from Panama City lasts about 10 hours. The itinerary has 1 stop.
How much does Bayano Canyoning from Panama City cost?
Prices start at $200 per person for this Panama City experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $356. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Bayano Canyoning from Panama City run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 7:00 AM.
Can I cancel Bayano Canyoning from Panama City for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. We only pick up from Panama City Hotels. For other locations such as Gamboa and Veracruz(Dream & Westin) an additional ground transpotation fee can be arranged and pickup is usually 30 minutes earlier than specified on trip description
What languages is Bayano Canyoning from Panama City offered in?
The experience is available in EN, EN, ES, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 12 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Bayano Canyoning from Panama City worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 20 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Adventures Panama.
Reviews(20)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
S
Sherpa38464336508
August 17, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Okay, this is an adventure with a great guide and a delicious finish
It is a really fantastic program! Our guide was absolutely great — friendly, kind, funny and genuinely caring. He shared lots of interesting information with us, but never overwhelmed us with talking. Informative when we wanted to know more, and quiet when we simply wanted to enjoy the adventure.
The cave itself was the perfect length. Long enough to feel like a real adventure, but not so long that you come out exhausted — just pleasantly tired and very satisfied. We honestly didn't expect to see so much wildlife along the way. Definitely one of those moments when you think, “Okay, this is an adventure!” 😄
The cave is great fun to explore, with some more adventurous sections along the way. Headlamps are provided by the organiser, which is very useful. Looking back, our only regret is that we didn't bring a camera in a dry bag. A waterproof GoPro would definitely be a good idea.
And then came the lunch — absolutely delicious! The local people who prepared it were incredibly sweet, friendly and welcoming. I was curious about how they made the food, so I asked, and they happily showed me and explained the recipe.
Overall, this was a memorable experience from beginning to end. Great adventure, great people, beautiful surroundings and some genuinely unexpected moments. Highly recommended!
Operator response
Thank you very much for your excellent review. I hope we share with you again in our other adventures.
S
SergioM_P
May 18, 2026 · via Viator
Gator gaze
What is expected and so much more. Bring good water shoes and be ready for alot of walking. Careful not to get stuck in the mud walking toward the boat. 3 small alligators inside the cave wan a real real unexpected surprise. A wee bit scary for that yet highly recommend.
Operator response
Thank you very much for your excellent review. I hope you trust us in another adventure soon
O
Odyssey369764
September 20, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
We went to Panama City and asked our Hotel for a reference to a tour guide. They recommended these folks. They were al
We went to Panama City and asked our Hotel for a reference to a tour guide. They recommended these folks. They were also mentioned in our Fodors Travel book. We were not disappointed. We have NEVER taken a guided tour anywhere. We drove out of the City through the Panamanian countryside. The lake is stunning and we had a great boat ride. The cave and canyon are a once in a lifetime experience. The footing is pretty good. I'm a bit short to step up out of the cave at end of the tour but no big deal. This is a real nature lovers tour with bats, cool water, fish, dark, light, insects and knowledgeable people. We were treated to snacks, cervezas and Cokes afterwards. We had lunch in a countryside restaurant where we saw a family of Howler Monkeys. We met some beautiful indigenous people. Totally terrific and we will go back.
Operator response
Thank you very much for your excellent review. I am looking forward to share with you our other adventures
5
548lindam548
April 16, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Best natural trip to Bayano Caves!
We highly recommend this trip with Javier to see this spectacular cave. We enjoyed the drive, the boat ride on the lake to access the cave and all of the nature in the surrounding area. The cave tour was fantastic; refreshing waters, unique wildlife, beautiful cave formations. It is a ‘must-do’ adventure to discover a unique version of Panama’s special beauty.
Operator response
Thank you very much for your excellent review. I am looking forward to a new adventure with you.
2
224sarahc
January 12, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Magical Experience!
This tour was spectacular! I highly recommend it. The cave itself was gorgeous w/ many interesting formations and shapes, and there were multiple pools where you could swim. There were many dark parts where you used a headlamp and also areas where there were holes and natural sunlight came through-I enjoyed the juxtaposition. There are also lots of bats at a certain part of the cave but they do their own thing.
It felt truly magical. It's also not super challenging, but does make you work a little which sweetens the experience. Before you get to the cave, you take a boat across Bayano Lake which was also beautiful. At the end of the cave tour, you get some delicious homemade fish and platonos!
Don't miss this tour!
Operator response
Thanks you very much for trusting your time to Adventures Panama. I enjoyed it very much sharing The Bayano Canyon with your party and I hope to take you to other exciting destinations in a near future. Take care !
P
pascalpD1266WN
October 19, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Bayano Cayoning
This was one of the best experience of my life. The guide, Javier was amazing and I really recommend other people to try it!
Operator response
Thank you very much for your excellent review. Your group was great !
S
Sightsee41157326867
February 17, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Best tour in Panama!
We went on the Bayano Canyoning tour with Javier and his companion. It was the best tour I've been on in a while. How often do you get to walk through a water cave with thousands of bats flying over you? Javier and his companion were very experienced. We felt perfectly safe throughout the whole tour.
The hike wasn't to bad. It took us about 1 hour to get to the other side of the cave and only 30 mins to get back. I highly recommend to wear good hiking boots. Because it's dark and slippery in thr cave.
After the hike we got to enjoy a delicious meal made by the local villagers. I'm definitely coming back for another tour next time I'm visiting Panama!
Operator response
Thanks for your comments. It was fun !
V
V4620VDbriank
March 30, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
Bayano Canyoning Mar 2023
We went on the Bayano Cavern trip with Javier. Javier was very responsive and flexible with our needs. The whole trip was very smooth, well organized and safe.
Both the lake and the caves are an amazing place to visit. On the boat trip to the caves, we got great views of the lake and lots of birds including cormorants and ospreys.
Entering the cavern, we waded through the river and saw the beautiful formations inside. Walking in the water over the slippery rocks takes some care and getting used to, but is not particularly difficult for people used to hiking. Hiking boots are a good idea, and the water temperature is cool.
We saw lots of wildlife including frogs, fish and many bats inside the cave. In some places it is dark and requires headlamps, in other places the light passes through the tops illuminating the cave with cool light. At the end of the cavern we swam in the clear water of the lagoon, where we also saw a toucan and hummingbirds. We returned to the entrance on the same route, and then ate a delicious lunch before getting back on the boat to return to the car, change clothes (and watch some monkeys), then drive back. The caverns are a unique and beautiful place and there's great opportunities to see wildlife. Javier is experienced and responsible and knows the area very well. Overall the trip was a great experience.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your excellent review ! Our Bayano Canyoning trip is one of Adventures Panama top tours.
M
melissamlasko
February 26, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
Melissa Mlasko
The guide was great! The bats were amazing and in the
millions. Hard walk and climb but worth it. Don’t let the time commitment overwhelm you, it goes by fast
Operator response
Thanks Melissa for your excellent review on our Bayano Canyoning. I enjoyed it very much sharing with your party.
M
Michael_K
March 1, 2020 · via Viator
Must do adventure in Panama
This was an absolutely amazing experience. Our guide, Orlando was knowledgeable and made the journey fun and educational. Lake Bayano is massive and after a boat ride to the other side of the lake you enter the cave/canyon system. The hike through the caves was filled with challenges like climbing over large rock formations, wading through chest high water and even an opportunity to do a little cliff jump. After the hike you have a hot lunch waiting with fresh fish, tostones and some of the juiciest fruits I have ever had. If you are visiting Panama I highly recommend this excursion and make sure to ask for Orlando.
Operator response
Thank you very much for your Excellent Review on our Bayano Canyoning.
We are glad you enjoyed. It is an entry platter of our adventures menu. We appreciate your preference and trust in Adventures Panama.
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