Playa Burica property in Panama
There are a lot of great up-and-coming places in Panama that are perfect for those who want to relocate to the tropics but don’t want to pay the hefty price for a place in an established area. These locations are also ideal for any would-be pioneers who are looking for a rising hotspot that isn’t quite so “last week.”
So, whether you’re hoping to blaze a trail in an emerging area or just want to find your own piece of paradise with a slightly lower price tag, we recommend that you keep an eye on these 5 up-and-coming places in Panama.
1. Western Azuero
Unlike the eastern portion of the peninsula, the western coast of Azuero is much less developed. Known as the Azuero Sunset Coast, this area is sparsely populated and home to very few expats. While it has a couple of small towns–most notably, Torio, and Malena, a small fishing village–the region is mostly home to cattle ranches and those involved in other agricultural pursuits.
Situated on Panama’s Pacific Coast, the scenery on the Azuero is remarkable. Lush mountainsides, with cascading waterfalls, give way to deserted stretches of beach where you could easily find yourself to be the only sunbather or surfer for miles around. Speaking of surfing, this region, particularly Morillo Beach just south of Torio, offers some of Panama’s best and most consistent waves.
The Azuero’s western coast offers sightings of whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. It’s also home to world-class fishing, with an abundance of tuna, sailfish, marlin, dorado, wahoo, and yellow tail. And the rainforests of Cerro Hoya National Park are home to many endangered species.
Azuero coastal area does have some supermarkets and even a handful of new residential areas along the coast, but getting from point B to point B is indirect at best, however, if that doesn’t bother you, this area boasts one of the lowest costs of living in Panama.
With decent access to the larger city of Santiago, and even better access to more populated areas along the peninsula’s east coast (like Pedasi and Las Tablas), the western Azuero coast is a great fit if you want to live like a local without venturing terribly far away from modern conveniences.
2. Caribbean Coast
In contrast to Panama’s often rocky and varied Pacific coast, its northern coast borders the Caribbean, which offers pristine white sand and shady palms. Not to mention sparkling turquoise waters that offer crystal clear visibility.
Its beauty might suggest that Panama’s Caribbean coast would be its most desirable and home to many of its largest settlements. Not so.
One reason is its inaccessibility. The Pan-American highway, which stretches from Alaska down to the southernmost regions of South America (except for a brief gap through Panama’s Darien province), almost invariably clings tightly to Panama’s southern Pacific coast, making the Caribbean side of the nation much more difficult to reach by land.
Also, while there are areas such as Bocas del Toro that attract both tourists and expats in droves, they’re not the best bargains on the Caribbean coast. If you’re looking for a bigger discount, Panama’s northern coast also boasts miles and miles of virgin beaches that are great for the more adventurous destination-seeker.
Along with the discounted price tag, though, comes much less in the way of infrastructure. Think primitive roads, spotty internet, and fewer public water systems.
Additional challenges presented by Panama’s Caribbean coast include the large amount of protected land. With many national parks and indigenous lands, property is quite difficult to come by. Not to mention, the area gets a large amount of rainfall, roughly twice that of the Pacific Coast.
While the Caribbean coast offers opportunities to own stunning beachfront property at rock bottom prices, it’s not for everyone. We’d only recommend this region if you aren’t afraid to hurdle some obstacles in the buying process and are willing to contend with a lack of conveniences. At least, for now.
3. Burica Peninsula
In Panama’s southwest corner lies the Burica Peninsula, which juts into the Pacific Ocean and divides its territory between Costa Rica and Panama, which claims about ⅔ of the landmass. Accessible by a short scenic drive from David, the peninsula is home to Puerto Armuelles, which has shopping facilities and other modern conveniences.
However, Burica’s tropical wilderness, not its familiar amenities, are its real appeal. Covered mostly in rainforests, it contains beautiful flora and fauna and is home to many endangered species such as the Panamanian Red Spider Monkey.
The area also contains fields, where cattle graze, and rolling hills that often drop off directly into the Pacific Ocean. Its beaches are untouched and dotted with towering palms. In addition to lounging in a hammock on an isolated beach, the area also welcomes you to experience some of the world’s best sport fishing and a few of Panama’s secret surfing locations.
A drive down the recently completed road that leads all the way to the tip of the peninsula affords views of Volcan Baru, the country’s highest peak. You’ll cross a river and drive out on the beach, along the surf, to reach the Playa Burica community at the southernmost point. But only at low tide. Otherwise, you’ll need a boat to get there.
While this area is still up-and-coming, it likely won’t be for long. If you’re looking for an elusive destination that offers a remote feel, just a short distance from civilization, take a look at the Burica Peninsula.
Note: Article 121 is something one needs to research before buying here. Despite this Law most of the coastline is currently owned by foreigners.
4. Santa Fe
So, those are some beach areas. What about something for the mountain-goers?
The relatively small, albeit growing, town of Santa Fe, nestled into the Veraguas mountain range about 5 hours from Panama City, is a place we think you should watch.
Although surrounded by much higher mountains, Santa Fe sits at an altitude of just 1350 feet. That’s high enough to escape the heat and humidity of the lowlands, yet low enough to experience some nice warm days and no breathing problems.
While notes of traditional Panamanian culture still ring throughout, the city enjoys many modern conveniences such as clean drinking water and high speed internet. However, perhaps its biggest draw is its opportunity for adventure.
Santa Fe offers horseback riding, bird watching, and exploring…from mountainside coffee farms to waterfalls to orchid gardens. Among the town’s inhabitants are toucans, hummingbirds, and rare butterflies.
Also relatively rare in Santa Fe are expats. Sure, there are some. But rather than living isolated by themselves in gated communities, expats in Santa Fe often reside on large plots of land that they can use for coffee farming, reforestation, or even simply growing their own organic fruits and vegetables.
Santa Fe is a great value if you’re an outdoor enthusiast who wants community and conveniences, but in a place that’s rich in authentic culture and relatively unspoiled by developers.
5. Ruta Sur
Ruta Sur refers to the new stretch of road that was built to bridge the gap between Boquete and Volcan. Meaning “Southern Route,” it covers what is essentially 15 miles, as the crow flies, in many more winding miles of unmarked (and sometimes unpaved) roads.
Much different from the highly-developed and densely populated towns it connects, areas traversed by the Ruta Sur are rural and contain few inhabitants. The route takes you past miles of coffee and vegetable farms, by orange groves, past Volcan Baru, alongside waterfalls, through canyons and lush valleys, and finally to fields used for cattle farms and greenhouses.
Once fairly unknown, this region offers, not only new and improved access, but many opportunities for enterprise. Residents of this area are able to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and also earn a living operating a dairy farm or a spa retreat high in the mountains.
As the road begins to become more traveled, the region will likely gain popularity. However, it could take a while. The route is largely unlabeled, with only a telltale painted yellow stripe marking the way, much like Dorothy’s fabled quest for the land of Oz.
The areas along the Ruta Sur are perfect if you want to enjoy a life lived a little further off the beaten path and use your land as your livelihood. Shop for property along this stretch of road if you want to embrace life along the journey, not at the destination.
Situated in the northwestern province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, Nosara is the kind of place you dream about at your desk while plucking away at your computer keyboard. And the beaches in Nosara are certain to be a part of that dream.
The lifestyle is relaxed, where you can fill your day with yoga, surfing, or visit one of the four beaches which emulate this laid-back, you-can-do-it-tomorrow lifestyle.
1. Playa Guiones
JP Clover
Playa Guiones is the main beach in Nosara and is known as the best place to surf. No one can really tell you when the surfers started to come, but it is clear this group can be credited for getting Nosara known, and help set the tone of the place, that it is far less about touristy activities and more about the simplicity of a beautiful beach and nearly perfect waves.
2. Playa Pelada
Mark LoCastro
Want to take a great walk on the beach and hunt for seashells? Then Playa Pelada is the place. A rocky reef protects Playa Pelada, just north of the point, making it the local swimming hole and it’s the only other beach in town for swimming.
3. Playa Ostional
Organization for Tropical Studies
Playa Ostional is another of Nosara’s long and beautiful dark sand beaches. This is the place surfers come to ride the big, powerful and often hollow waves, but Ostional is probablay best known as one of Costa Rica’s most important turtle nesting sites.
4. Playa Garza
Micheal Banino
Take in the view under a shady palm tree, of white sandy beaches and calm blue waters at Playa Garza. If you get tired of lounging on the beach, take your chances with an activity on the water, as the beach is the main spot for sport fishing and boat trips.
What Are Your Favorite Beaches in Nosara?
Know of another great activity to do at one of the beaches in Nosara? Leave us a comment in the section below!
Channer Amos
Are you one of many expats who crave island living? If so, Roatan, Honduras, could very well be the ideal retirement spot for you.
With stretches of smooth beach and glittering blue water as far as the eye can see, life in Roatan can provide you with the opportunity to finally slow down.
If you need more convincing, here are five reasons why Roatan, Honduras, is the perfect island retirement destination.
1) Connectivity
Although you may be dying to leave behind the bustle of North American life, the prospect of being cut off from your loved ones back home may be keeping you from taking the plunge.
Luckily, Roatan can offer expats the best of both worlds.
You can have your peaceful island getaway, while staying in close proximity to the U.S.
The tropical paradise of Honduras is only a 2.5 hour plane ride from Houston, Texas, and it’s served by major airlines on a daily basis.
In fact, Continental Airlines offers daily flights from Houston and New York to the city of San Pedro Sula on mainland Honduras, and direct flights to Roatan are available every Saturday.
2) Diverse culture
Telfordkatie
For many expats, one of the major perks of retiring to or visiting a new place, is experiencing new people and new cultures.
And in Roatan, you will have the chance to do just that.
Made up of a unique blend of cultures, the end product is modern day Roatan. With a very colorful history, Roatan’s cultural background is a mixture of Caribbean, European, and African heritage. So if choose to make it your home, you will be exposed to a diverse collection of people on a regular basis.
In Roatan, English is the dominant language, which makes it an ideal spot for North American expats. But many of the locals also speak Spanish, and in certain areas, you will even hear traditional Garifuna spoken. Adding to the collage of cultures, the Garifuna are the descendants of native Indians who were deported from St. Vincent Island to Honduras, by the British in 1797.
3) There is so much to do
Marc AuMarc
Yes it’s true, island life can be tranquil and relaxed, but it can also be bursting with activity, and Roatan is filled with great options.
A snorkeler and diver’s dream come true, Roatan is encompassed by a barrier reef that lies around 300 feet from the sparkling, white sand shore.
With over 130 accessible dive sites (some with shipwrecks and Mayan artifacts to explore), snorkeling and diving in Roatan is sure to be an adventure.
And who knows, you may even catch a glimpse of the majestic whale shark, the largest fish in the world.
Of course, if diving isn’t really your thing, there are many other ways to pass the time.
Try catching a ride on a magic flying beach chair (much like a ski lift) and travel 1,200 feet in the air towards the private island of Mahogany Bay, or pull out your camera and snap some photos in the Carambola Botanical Gardens.
You may also wish to spend your days kayaking, hiking, coasting along a zip line, or simply watching the clouds roll by. It’s all possible in Roatan, Honduras.
4) Slow down and live the life of a beach bum
Adalberto.H.Vega
With unspoiled beaches and water temperatures averaging at 27°C (80°F), Roatan is definitely a beach lover’s paradise.
The most popular beach, West Bay Beach, was described as “pitch perfect” by Lonely Planet and it isn’t hard to see why.
Along with stunning beauty, there are dive shops, restaurants, and pubs scattered along West Bay, so you’ll never have to venture too far from the water as you stretch out with a drink and a good book.
And for those looking for something a little more low-key, the beaches along the northern coast are much more secluded and in some areas, you may even find yourself all alone.
5) Island hop
Dave C.
Once you’ve settled into Roatan life, take the opportunity to explore the other bay islands and all that they have to offer.
Utila is the flattest of the islands and is about 18 miles off mainland Honduras.
Here, almost the entire population lives in the island’s main town of East Harbor, and because the town is so spread out, you may want to rent a bicycle to cruise your way around.
Utila is also known to have one of the cheapest dive certification courses on the planet, so if you would like to receive quality dive training at an amazing rate, give Utila a try.
Guanaja is the eastern-most island and has sprawling beaches and reefs on all sides.
Dubbed the ‘island of pines’ by Christopher Columbus, Guanaja is the only island to be dominated by conifers.
The tallest of the bay islands, you can hike Michael Rock Peak (1, 350 feet) for breathtaking views of the turquoise sea, and because there is only one small road linking the towns on Guanaja, the majority of travel happens on the water.
Consider Roatan
Even though we only mentioned five, there are many reasons to consider making Roatan, Honduras, your final retirement spot.
So pack your bags, book your flight, and head down to this island paradise to start discovering some more reasons for yourself.
You won’t be disappointed and you may even find the island getaway of your dreams.
Central America has definitely become an expat hotspot, especially among North Americans, and although it remains one of the least visited countries in the region, Nicaragua is steadily gaining popularity.
So what is it about Granada Nicaragua that makes it an expat haven?
No longer too exotic for travelers, today expats are making their way down to this amazing country to experience the beaches, the volcanic views, and the picturesque, colonial city of Granada, all at a very affordable cost.
And while you may think that you know a thing or two about Nicaragua, and Granada in particular, there are a few things that you may not have known that might just tip the scales in Granada’s direction.
1) Granada is considered the ‘colonial jewel’ of Nicaragua and is becoming a gateway to tourism growth
Dubbed ‘La Gran Sultana’ or the ‘Great Pearl’, the ancient city of Granada is the oldest city in Central America and has been settled for over 500 years.
A city rich in history and beauty, Granada has become the most developed tourist spot in Nicaragua. And the industry is blossoming as expats and tourists alike head down to Nicaragua’s ‘colonial jewel’ to enjoy the historic architecture, the shores of Lake Nicaragua, and the ideal, spring-like climate.
In Granada, your days can be spent taking canopy tours of Mombacho Volcano, viewing the picturesque churches, or even taking a carriage ride through the city, which will definitely take you back in time.
2) Granada is sister city to Antigua, Guatemala
Founded by Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba in 1524, Granada was originally the sister Capital city of Central America, along with Antigua, Guatemala.
Having a lot in common, both of these beautiful, colonial cities are safe and well-preserved, and are both tourist hotspots in their respectable countries.
3) Granada was once a prime target for pirates
Another thing you may not have known about Granada, is that it has a history of being sacked by pirates on numerous occasions.
It didn’t just happen in the movies. Between the years 1665 and 1857, Caribbean pirates roamed the clear waters of Lake Nicaragua, the largest fresh water lake in Central America that is connected to the Caribbean Sea by the San Juan River.
Making its home on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, Granada was an important trading post, which made it a prime and frequent target for these rogue buccaneers.
Arguably the most famous of these pirates was William Walker, who settled in Granada with the master plan to become the ruler of all Central America. Needless to say, he did not succeed, but he left his mark by setting fire to the city and leaving behind the words ‘Granada was here’. Luckily, it’s still here.
4) Life in Granada is cheap
Although on the rise, Nicaragua is not yet choked with the high volume of tourists that you will find in other areas of Central America, and because of this, the cost of living in Granada is very low.
In Granada, expats can soak in the scenic beauty, the unbeatable weather and the cobblestone streets without draining their savings in the process.
Renting a home in Granada is extremely affordable and a spacious one bedroom apartment with a large kitchen and all utilities included will run you anywhere from $350-500 a month, a mere fraction of what you would pay back in the States.
And with markets selling fresh, cheap produce and moderately priced restaurants, gyms, and even a movie theater, you can live a full life in Granada, on a low budget.
5) There is a green tourism movement
Ecotourism is experiencing a new wave of popularity when it comes to deciding on a vacation destination or retirement spot and Granada is definitely on board.
Working out of Granada, the Rainforest Alliance (a group working to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices, and consumer behavior) is currently working on an urban sustainability tourism project that will make it easier for travelers to choose sustainable tourism options when they decide where to vacation, or retire.
In Granada, you will find that a lot of energy is going into sustainable development and nature conservation. Certain hotels are recycling and efforts are currently going towards making the Isletas (small islands around Granada) a natural reserve.
This is all in order to prove that Granadean hotel owners, tour operators and other business owners working in a sustainable manner, can in fact, fuel the local economy.
6) Granada is filled with great restaurants
Mainly due to the fact that Granada is Nicaragua’s main tourist destination, Granada is a hub for amazing dining experiences.
In Granada, you can indulge in a diverse range of cuisine at very reasonable prices, so it can be all too easy to go overboard when it comes to dining.
Feast on local dishes like gallo pinto (rice and beans) and tostones (fried plantains), but if you’re itching for something different, there is much to try in Granada.
Get your fill of Indian food at Buddha Viva where you can purchase the dinner buffet for $7, savour tasty, handmade pizza at Pizzeria Don Luca or fill up on delicious Mexican food at Tequila Vallarta.
And if cooking is your thing, head down to the local market to stock up on fresh, local ingredients like beans, rice, peppers, garlic, and potatoes to make your own meals.
7) Willy Wonka, Nicaragua style
Orange Bompton
Although not as well-known for their chocolate as the Swiss or the Belgians, Nicaraguans make fantastic chocolate that can be tasted and observed at the ChocoMuseo in Granada.
If you make a trip to the ChocoMuseo you will be able to witness the chocolate making process, as it moves from cacao bean, to a smooth bar of chocolate.
And if you’d like to experience more, you can try a chocolate making workshop where you can learn to make chocolate bars, decadent truffles, and even chocolate ganache.
Is Granada the city for you?
Now that you know a few more things about the beautiful city of Granada, Nicaragua, plan a trip and come down to experience this colonial gem for yourself.
With perfect weather, scenic beauty and a low cost of living, consider Granada, Nicaragua, and all of the great things it has to offer. And who knows, while you’re down there, you may just find the perfect spot to call home.
The quaint yet lively highland town of Otavalo Ecuador is a wonderful place to visit. It’s around half an hour away from Cotacachi, and is surrounded by the Cotacachi and Imbabura mountain ranges.
Otavalo is best known for its vibrant Inca market. Not only does the market give tourists and expats a brilliant opportunity to soak up some of the Andean culture, it also sells treasures like woven wall hangings, clothing, and ornaments. The market traditions date back to pre-Inca times. Jungle traders would journey to these Andean crossroads on foot thousands of years ago in order to meet, trade, and prosper.
Today, the town has a solid cultural identity all of its own. The indigenous Otavaleños people have strong Andean roots, and are extremely proud of them. They have successfully held onto the traditions of their ancestors, and are every bit as talented textile makers and business people.
The Market in Otavalo Ecuador
In truth, Otavalo doesn’t have just one market, it has several. Just outside the town you’ll find a livestock market, where many hundreds of animals are bought and sold every week. This is where you’ll find local farmers doing what they do best: showing off their wares and bartering to make sure they get the best deal. To see this animal market in full swing, it’s best to visit first thing in the morning.
In the heart of Otavalo is the Artesania market, otherwise known as the textile and handicraft market. This is a large market that stretches the length of a network of streets, starting at the appropriately named ‘Poncho Plaza’. The first thing you’ll probably notice about the Artesania is the color of it. The textiles, clothing, and decorative items that are available are usually made of bright, inviting shades like turquoise, cerise, and gold.
Beyond the textile and handicraft market, visitors will discover the produce market. Much of this is housed within a covered market area. Along with fresh fruit and vegetables, there are also a wide range of meat stalls to choose from.
The Surrounding Countryside
Visitors to Otavalo should set aside some time to visit the city’s surrounding countryside. The Cotacachi and Imbabura volcanic mountain ranges give the area a majestic feel, and there are many beautiful sights to see.
One of these sights is the Lago de San Pablo. This clear blue lake is surrounded by eucalyptus trees and aloe vera plants. It takes about a day to hike around the lake, and there are a number of great accommodation options there. It’s also possible to enjoy water sports on the lake, along with taking in the view of the stunning Imbabura volcano.
Other natural places to visit include the Peguche Waterfall, the extinct Cerro Cayambe volcano, the Chachimbiro hot springs and the Cuichoca Lake, which is actually a deep volcanic crater.
What Else Does Otavalo Have to Offer?
The real beauty of Otavalo is that it provides visitors and residents with the very best of both worlds. The city, with its Spanish-inspired architecture and traditional culture, is only minutes away from the glorious countryside. The Andean farmland and mountainous valleys that surround the city make for a very relaxed and laid-back way of life.
As Otavalo is located near the equator, the weather in the city is close to consistent all year round. Whatever the season, you should expect to enjoy daytime temperatures of around 70ºF, with the weather dropping down to 40ºF at night.
Whether you plan to visit the town for a day or two to take in the famous market, or whether you plan to settle down and start a new life there, this is a city that will welcome you with open arms.
How Do You Get There?
Getting to Otavalo Ecuador is easy. Most people travel via Quito and Cotacachi. You can fly into Quito, and from there it’s a two hour bus ride to Cotacachi, then a further twenty minutes to Otavalo. Bus fares are very cheap in Ecuador. From Quito to Cotacachi you should only expect to pay around $6, with a couple more $s for the last leg of your journey to Otavalo.
If you’d rather take private transport, taxis are readily available. Most hotels will be happy to arrange a driver for you, and this will probably cost around $60 from Quito to Otavalo.
What are you waiting for?
VivaTropical
Deciding where you want to live, invest, or spend your retirement abroad can be tough. If you’ve picked Panama, then we think you’ve made a good choice.
But now you may be wondering exactly how to find your dream property in Panama.
The decision ultimately depends on your particular set of values and how you envision spending your retirement. There’s no ideal community or city that’s perfect for everyone.
However, with some careful consideration and self-examination, we’re confident you can find the place that’s the best fit for YOU. Here’s a map of Panama, with some popular expat destinations labeled on it, for you to reference as you go along.
What is my dream?
While it sounds cliché, a good place to start is with the good ole “Close your eyes and imagine yourself in paradise” trick. So, go ahead. Close ’em. Can you picture it? Save that image in your mind, so you reflect on it as needed.
Now let’s examine that vision. How did you visualize yourself spending your retirement?
Were you in a hammock on a deserted beach with monkeys chattering in the trees and toucans flying overhead? Or maybe in the lush mountains picking fresh organic vegetables from your very own garden, or tending your hillside coffee farm? Or maybe you envisioned yourself sipping a glass of wine at a table outside a small cafe in a bustling cosmopolitan city.
Whatever that dream, it can be a reality for you in Panama. You’ll just need to consider a few more factors to help you narrow your search, from an entire country, down to a short list of areas that are best suited for you and your values.
Am I a beach or a mountain person?
This question should be a fairly simple one and one that can probably be easily answered based on a quick survey of how you’ve spent most of your pre-retirement vacations. It’s also a pretty important question, since the difference between the beach and the mountains in Panama may be an even more drastic one than you’re accustomed to.
There is some variance depending on the area but, in general, Panama’s beaches are hot and humid, with highs in the upper 80’s and very little seasonal variation. The only real difference in the seasons is between dry and wet, as a vast majority of the country’s annual rainfall occurs from April to December. Panama City and Santa Catalina have this kind of climate.
While they also experience little temperature variation, Panama’s mountain areas enjoy a more spring-like climate year-round (with temps dipping down into the 50’s at night). As a result, vegetables and flowers can be grown all year.
Temperatures continue to decrease the higher you go and, rather than just having the one main attraction (the beach), the mountains have rivers, waterfalls, and a wide variety of ecosystems. Santa Fe and Boquete are two popular mountain destinations.
If I’ve decided to live near the beach, which side should I choose?
Since Panama runs from West to East, it’s bordered by the Caribbean to the north and the Pacific to the south. And the two are vastly different.
The Caribbean boasts most, if not all, of Panama’s most beautiful beaches. With white, powdery sand, a crystal-clear turquoise sea, and shady palm trees, it looks exactly like a postcard.
Not so fast, though.
While unquestionably breathtaking, Panama’s Caribbean coast presents its own set of challenges. Because it is so far removed from the Pan-American highway, most of the cities along the Caribbean coast are quite difficult to access by land. As a result, there are few areas with any kind of established city to live in. Bocas del Toro is a great one.
Its inaccessibility is further intensified by the large portions of Caribbean coast that are designated as protected areas or indigenous lands, making it difficult for individuals to own property there. The Caribbean coast also experiences significantly more rainfall than its Pacific counterpart.
The Pacific coast on the other hand, is ever-so-slightly cooler and gets about half the amount of rain. However, its beaches are much more varied and maybe the tiniest bit less picturesque, depending on your tastes. With coarse, gray sand and sometimes rocky coastlines, the Pacific offers great surfing and sport fishing opportunities.
Panama’s Pacific coast is also much more accessible and available to would-be property owners. As a result, it offers many more settlements that are as unique as those who reside in them, from quiet fishing villages like Pedasi to up-and-coming luxury destinations like Boca Chica.
Rori Ablilia
Do I want to be near a lot of other expats?
Think back to that vision of yours. Whom else did you see in it? Locals? Other expats? No one at all? Knowing the kind of community, or lack thereof, that you want is a major factor in helping you find your dream property in Panama.
Like many who have gone before you, you may welcome the opportunity to live among like-minded individuals who understand where you’re coming from and what you’re going through. If so, you may find that a place with an established expat community provides you with the support group you need to help you more easily acclimate to your new surroundings. Panama City and Boquete are both home to thousands of foreign residents.
If being surrounded by people just like you sounds like it defeats the entire purpose of retiring overseas at all, then you might be better suited for a place like Las Tablas or Volcan. You can find expats there, but they’re carefully woven in among the locals and a little bit harder to find.
If you don’t want to see other expats, or anyone at all for that matter, more remote areas like Playa Burica and the western Azuero Peninsula offer the opportunity to pretend you’re Robinson Crusoe. All alone with your thoughts.
I know where I want to be. Now what?
Once you think you know where you want to settle, the final step is finding your actual piece of paradise. You can start by shopping for properties online. But use caution. Make sure you really feel out the sellers to weed out any that are less than credible.
Buying property in Panama can be challenging, but the key is finding a seller, agent, and attorney you can trust. Asking a lot of questions, even ones to which you already know the answers, is a great way to find out who’s honest and who isn’t.
Once you’ve narrowed your search down to a handful of promising options, plan a trip down to Panama to check them out. Set up meetings with the agent and attorney you plan to work with. Confirm those appointments. Several times, for good measure. When you finally find the right place, a trustworthy attorney can handle much of the actual transaction for you, another reason to make sure you’ve picked a credible one.
Now that you know how to find your dream home in Panama, what are you waiting on? Close your eyes. Get started.
The stunning nature, fertile land, and native super foods make Costa Rica an easy place to become health conscious. Expats looking to lead a healthier lifestyle have been planting their roots in Costa Rica for years, making healthy living even more accessible for future transplants. Here is why life just seems to be healthier down in Costa Rica.
Indigenous Health Foods
Some of the healthiest foods in the world grow naturally in Costa Rica.
Young coconut is cheap, plentiful and full of nutrients. The fresh coconut water contains vitamins and minerals, is incredibly hydrating, and has shown significant anti-ageing, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-thrombotic effects.
The tree fruit noni grows wild and is praised for its immune boosting effects and cancer fighting properties. Concentrated fermented noni juice is available in most pharmacies, farmer’s markets, and in some healthy cafes.
Antioxidant rich cacao and coffee farming is a huge source of industry. Fresh, local coffee is sold everywhere as well as dark, pure chocolate made with raw cacao.
Healthier Outdoor Activities
With national parks, volcanoes, rivers, and miles and miles of beach, Costa Rica is an outdoor lover’s playground. Being fit and having fun could never be easier. Surfing is an extremely healthy form of exercise and is a huge part of the culture in Costa Rica. Calmer bodies of water allow for paddle boarding and kayaking. The many national parks, mountains, and volcanoes make for great hikes, or one can simply take long walks and runs on the beach.
Established Yoga Community
The influx of expats has spread yoga all over the country. Most towns have at least one, if not several, studios offering daily classes. In addition to burning calories, building strength, and improving flexibility, yoga facilitates in digestion, detoxification, and stress release, making it a holistic form of exercise.
Organic Cafés, Stores and Farmer’s Markets
Local food in Central America is delicious and a must-try for a cultural experience, but it is certainly not the healthiest cuisine. Unlike many other Central American countries, health food is very accessible in Costa Rica. Most towns have organic vegetarian cafés, shops selling all natural products, and farmer’s markets with organic local produce, cold pressed coconut oil, and raw foods.
Fernando Reyes Palencia
Panajachel is one of Lake Atitlan’s busiest and most built-up lakeside settlements.
Known for its market, where the Maya from surrounding villages come to sell their handicrafts to tourists, Panajachel is a melting pot of locals and visitors, both of which are drawn to the stunning shores of Lake Atitlan.
Have you been to Panajachel yourself? We welcome your comments below about your trip to Lake Atitlan and Panajachel.
It was bound to happen. At some point, the elegant city of Granada would be discovered by a tourist trade, fascinated by the early colonial architecture settled tranquilly by the fitful waters of Cocibolca, with the dormant volcano, Mombacho, rearing triumphantly a few miles away. The idea of living in Granada would also attract a residency of expats and retirees, searching for their paradise, or just an escape from the political pressure and economic instability of their native countries.
The freshly painted buildings gleam next to the domed cathedral, the central plaza, the shaded park, the antique cannons reminding the visitor of an era of pirates and land struggles.
The streets seem nearly deserted. Late model cars line up in front of sheltering canopies, supported by equally freshly painted pillars, while a few pedestrians wander back from the market, woven shopping bags clinging to their arms.
Living in Granada: The Expat’s World
Inside the sedate buildings is a vigorous lifestyle. The post-preppie generation has moved in with coffee shops, health food stores, arts and crafts displays, sports equipment and gyms. As the day winds down, they come out to cluster around cafes and restaurants, with tables and chairs spilling out the doors and into the streets. They chatter about philosophy and politics, rising prices, places they’ve been and haven’t been yet, and sometimes, nothing at all.
Away from the decidedly middle to upper class central, there is a different life, a different beat. Traffic edges bumper to bumper, on rain-eroded pavement, competing with ox-carts, bicycles, and pedestrians for momentum in narrow avenues sliding by multi-colored concrete block store fronts and dwellings. Bright orange and yellow umbrellas hang over street stands loaded with hand prepared candies, freshly picked fruits and sea foods simmering in their juices. Hawkers demonstrate the wonders of plastic toys, carved bamboo flutes, incense, and religious candles.
Living in Granada is a choice between carrying your home with you, blending your expat life with dips in a private swimming pool and participation in the numerous Nicaraguan festivals, or immersing yourself completely in local culture. Typical of Central American countries, the poor set up homes in barrios and make-shift shacks next to the more affluent residents, the modern gas stations, video stores, and Internet cafes. There is no zoning committee. There is no careful separation of economic social classes offering shopping malls, theaters, and boutiques undisturbed by low-income housing.
Beyond the Hub
A walk down to the lakefront reveals a mother supervising her children on a rusting swing set. A little girl in a fluffy pink dress walks along a stone pier, bits of rock bubbling away into the dust from years of neglect. Under the banyan trees, their exposed roots bleached and twisted, a family peacefully picnics. An old man plays a xylophone, while at one end, a purple-headed parrot listens and sometimes bobs to the music.
In the evenings, the local community is alive with sound. Youths straddle their bikes like a motorcycle gang, although their ride is nothing more than a bicycle, and they’ve come to watch the show, not make trouble. The show is a set of musicians, one setting the beat with bongos, while Spanish guitars and trombones pick up the melody. A circle is cleared within the crowd, and four young boys demonstrate their break-dancing skills. The jugglers appear, one tossing around fire brands, another machetes, and yet a third, popping crystal balls from his arm muscles.
The town, so quiet, so unnoticed just a few years ago, now contains a modern supermarket. While expats fill their carts with favorite products from home, and examine the fresh produce, the locals walk through the aisles in awe. They remove a few boxes of crackers and cookies, shake them and sniff. Their fingers rove over the jars of spaghetti sauce, prepared Texas salsa, and catsup. They finally settle on a box of cereal and a few packages of maizena.
Their own outdoor market hums with the steady flow of brisk business. Folded tee-shirts, flounced little girl dresses on hangers, sexy women’s wear, plastic shoes and sandals threaten to burst from the confines of the tented shelters, while fruits, freshly caught fish, herbs and vegetables pile up in pyramids.
The Meeting of Cultures
The stark difference between local life in Granada and the newly found prosperity of Granada central doesn’t seem to bother the international community of retirees and expats. Some brag about their ability to exist on a three hundred dollar a month budget, by living in humble apartments, sacrificing air-conditioning and surrendering their Internet privileges to monitored time at a cyber-café. Others delight in their ability to afford maid service, dining out at restaurants three times a week, and cruising to Ometepe in a boat for the classic get-away-from-it-all.
There is however, a strong sense of volunteer service within the community. Although the country has been striving for a population-wide literacy program, the average native Nicaraguan has no more than a fourth to fifth grade education. The small sub-class of educators has stretched its resources. Many of the expats are committed to improving the quality of life for the friendly people who have welcomed them into their country, and have organized schools teaching both Spanish and English skills.
There is also an internal sense of community. Within the loose network of colonial home owners, expats gone local, rural back-to-earthers, and island hoppers, is a cyber-linked information center for showing newbies the ropes. The wired-in rookie can find apartments for rent, directions to legal counsel, tips for shopping places, activities, excursions, and places to hobnob with the crowd.
Choosing Your Rhythm
With so much diversity, it would seem there isn’t much any two people agree upon. Some state that the scaled- back, simpler life of Ometepe island is better than the quickly modernizing colonial hub. Some state renting a house among the local populace is too noisy, others claim it’s the magic touch for integrating into the populace.
Living in Granada, after all, is an explosion of sight and sound. It is music flooding from the streets and drifting from the windows of early morning risers. It is a party set up with amplifiers piled one on top of another, secured with bamboo poles, a tangle of wires leading to a heavy electric cable, while piñatas swing from the trees. It is long rolling months of hot, sunny days, relieved only by a rainy season, which usually begins in May and ends in December.
The rain brings its own music, tinkling on metal roof tops, sliding down garrets, tapping against windows and thudding against tent style canopies. For some, it’s a lull in the busy tourism industry, and they restlessly wait for the drier season. For others, it’s the eagerly waited moment when their carefully cultivated gardens begin to bloom and fresh greenery unfolds on the hillsides.
Making the Adjustment
For all the differences of opinion, there are some things the community of retirees and expats are agreed on. While Granada is incredibly beautiful, you should rent a place for a few months first before deciding it’s where you want to live. Although there are over a thousand expats living in the city, the numbers are lost among two hundred thousand residents. Its flavor, its color, its vibrancy is local.
For this reason, you should also learn to speak Spanish. While there are many English speakers, especially among businesses and services, Spanish is the dominant language. Without learning it, your options are limited, as well as your understanding of the people.
Granada not only has excellent medical care (though you might have to travel to Managua for it), it is cheap, with services that undercut even those of Mexico, Costa Rica, or Panama.
Granada is the place they settled on because it’s vibrant and alive. It’s filled with opportunities. It has a vision, multi-cultural and tolerant of new ideas, new customs, and diversified lifestyles. The freedom of expression that had once characterized American democracy and has become lost in bureaucratic red tape has been found again in Granada.
The Ecuador 3 Count, where we bring you 3 Ecuador stories that you shouldn’t miss.
Casey Ramlur
1. Is Cuenca the Next Expat Hotspot?
The latest place that is appearing on the potential expat radar is Ecuador and more specifically the laid-back city of Cuenca. Does it have what it takes to be the next expat hotspot?
2. Cuenca or Medellin: Who Wins as Top Retirement Destination?
You can buy a nice, two-bedroom apartment in both Cuenca, Ecuador and Medellin, Colombia for less than $100,000, two of the top retirement options in Latin America right now, but which one is better for you? You might be surprised to learn it will take more than number-crunching to name a winner.
3. Cuenca, One of the 6 Most Affordable Places to Live in the World
Here are six places where Americans could live well on the cheap. The rankings were in accordance to 12 main factors, including climate, whether English is spoken, cost of living, health care, and infrastructure, to determine the best cities to retire.
There’s a lot of buzz about the incredibly low cost of living in Panama. But just how cheap is it? And how do you know it isn’t just a bunch of lies fabricated by marketers and real estate brokers?
You might have even found some information about the costs to rent or buy a property, but still have questions about–for instance–how much food costs in Panama. To answer that, take a look at a typical grocery bill for a family of four.
This isn’t a gimmick. This is just based on our observations during our last couple of trips to the market.
And just for fun we had a friend back in the U.S. give us the current prices on the same items there. Take a look at the side-by-side comparison.
| Item | Panama | U.S. | %Discount |
| 1 dozen eggs,organic | $2.08 | $3.18 | 35% |
| 2 filet mignons teaks (12oz.total) | $4.86 | $14.99 | 68% |
| 1 liter milk | $1.59 | $3.19 | 50% |
| 2 lbs. bananas | $.80 | $1.18 | 32% |
| 3 lb. bag laundry detergent | $2.53 | $5.45 | 54% |
| Soap (3bars) | $1.59 | $3.65 | 56% |
| Yogurt (4servings) | $2.40 | $6.00 | 60% |
| Pineapples, 3 small | $1.00 | $4.99 | 80% |
| Grapefruit, 4 | $1.00 | $2.29 | 56% |
| Cheese, largeround(16oz.) | $1.57 | $6.99 | 78% |
| 3 heads organic lettuce | $1.00 | $5.07 | 80% |
| Bouquetof fresh flowers, large | $3.50 | $12.99 | 73% |
| Ground organic coffee(12oz.) | $4.04 | $5.99 | 33% |
| 1 dozen fresh panacitos (rolls) | $2.40 | $5.58 | 57% |
| 1 rotisserie chicken, whole | $4.19 | $7.39 | 43% |
| Rack of porkribs, frozen | $12.13 | $8.98 | -35% |
| 3.5lb chicken breasts, frozen | $6.47 | $9.79 | 34% |
| 2lbs langostinos(shellfish), frozen | $6.18 | $19.98 | 69% |
| Cereal, boxed | $6.29 | $4.29 | -47% |
| Total | $65.62 | $131.88 | 50% |
Because your grocery bill will be every bit as varied as your individual tastes, it’s impossible for us to tell you exactly what YOUR food costs in Panama would be. However, as you can see above, we spend about half what we would pay in the U.S. For the exact same items!
We should point out here that not every food item in Panama costs less. On some things, like cereal and other pre-packaged items, you may even pay a little more if you insist on having the same brand you’ve always eaten for breakfast. On a few items, there may not be enough of a savings to even warrant mentioning, like yogurt.
This may appear to be the case on quite a few items. However, another factor to consider is the QUALITY that you are paying for. Take coffee for example. While it’s about the same price, coffee in Panama is no comparison to what we drank back in the States. This stuff is out of this world.
Likewise fruits and vegetables here are organic and as fresh as you can find, and they run about $8 per week for a family of four. Not to beat a dead horse, but this can really vary depending on the types of fruits and vegetables you prefer.
As you probably noticed, our diets haven’t suffered as a result of our decision to move to Panama. Neither have our wallets. So no matter how delicate your palate or tight your budget, you shouldn’t be disappointed with the options available to you in Panama. Cheers!
It’s as Beautiful as They Say
There is a very good reason Costa Rica has enjoyed its spot as a number one tourist destination and settlement area of choice among retirees for years. Apart from an accommodating residency plan, a stable government, and ease in exchanging the dollar for the colon, one of the facts about Costa Rica is that, for a country not much larger than the size of Vermont, it has one of the most diverse environments and climates imaginable.
Those who live there and those who visit, rave about the explosions of colorful birds that decorate the sky, and the exquisite flowers creating equally colorful explosions across Costa Rica’s virulent landscape. People come to Costa Rica not only for its magnificent mountains, studded with volcanoes, its rain forests and sparkling beaches, but because of Costa Rica’s progressively greener policies.
Quick Facts about Costa Rica Geography
The diversity of its climate is due to its structure. The central spine of Costa Rica contains a range of towering mountains, divided into the Cordillera Central, and the Cordillera de Talamanca. These mountains separate the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea watersheds, on the tapering Central American tail, measuring no more than approximately 100 miles across at its narrowest point.
The tallest mountain in Costa Rica is located in the Central Range, the active volcano, Irazu, at 11,259 feet. Three other active volcanoes nestle within the Cordillera Central Range, although most of the 67 volcanoes in Costa Rica are dormant or extinct.
Although Costa Rica enjoys twelve hours of sunlight per day, with a mean average temperature of eighty degrees, the temperature can rapidly grow cooler in the higher elevations. Travelers using the mountain passes are advised to have layered clothing; shorts and tee-shirts for the central plains, sweaters and long pants for the elevations. During the rainy season, they are advised to carry rubber boots.
Costa Rica’s Bio-Diversity
The various micro-climates of Costa Rica create the perfect setting for bio-diversity. Nearly five percent of the world’s bio-diversity can be found in this tiny country. Of its 12,119 species of plants, 950 are unique; native only to Costa Rica. It also has over 100 native trees and 1,400 types of orchids.
The combined numbers of various birds, freshwater fish, amphibians, reptiles and mammals equal over 1,700 species. Because Costa Rica understands its role as stewards of such a unique heritage, in recent years, it has placed into practice some very progressive and successful, environmental laws. In 2010, it was named the winner of the Future Policy Award at the global summit on bio-diversity held in Nagoya, Japan.
Facts about Costa Rica’s Entrance as an Environmental Leader
Costa Rica has been making conservation history. Although it had taken substantial losses in deforestation, Costa Rica passed a National Forestry Law in 1969 to initiate recovery from the environmental damages. The policy was slow in gaining headway. Due to the insistence by the World Bank and the IMF to increase agricultural exports to service their debt, Costa Rica lost an additional 29% of its forests to cattle ranching and farm cultivation between the years 1970-1980.
In 1996, Costa Rica attached a “payment for environmental service” program to its Forestry Law. Land-owners were compensated for the benefits gained by society as a whole for maintaining sound environmental practices. Taxpayers’ benefits included the provision of fresh water for consumption and hydro-electric purposes, the mitigation of green house gasses, and the protection of bio-diversity for the purposes of research and the preservation of its natural beauty.
Costa Rica currently has 25 National Parks and 58 wildlife refuges. Combined with its forest reserves and protected zones, 27% of its national territory is now under environmental protection laws.
Eco-Tourists Love Costa Rica
The pay-out for recovering its wilderness lands wasn’t immediately economical. One of the interesting facts about Costa Rica is that, lacking a military, it can pour a great deal of its tax base into other programs. However, Costa Rica suffered its own years of inflation, with a 20% poverty level that had not been reduced in fifteen years, despite urban growth. It actually fell from 28th place to 47th in the Human Development Index between the years 1990 and 2005.
In the last few years, however, it has seen a thriving industry in eco-tourism. This has caused a trickle-down effect, stimulating the economy as a whole. The towns close to the national parks are directly benefitted as tourists use the services of hotels, restaurants, transportation, and handicraft shops.
Swinging from the Trees
More than one quarter of Costa Rica is covered with rain forest. Since rain forests have very dense brush, as well as a high canopy of trees, hiking through one can give you the feeling you live in a shadow world as a hobbit who has lost his way into his village. Costa Rica, however has a solution for this. The hiking trails often contain walkways or skywalks and bridges, so you can walk above the tree canopy for some spectacular views of the tumbling forest below you.
For the truly adventurous, there is the canopy tour. First developed by U.S. scientists who wanted a way to study trees without disturbing the plant, insect or animal life, the canopy tour consists of platforms built into the strongest trees, with a zip line strung between them. Tourists may then swing from tree to tree throughout the forest with the use of a harness. Canopy tour operators can be found within all the national forests of Costa Rica. There are some risks, however. Occasionally, an operator will use broken or substandard equipment, so it’s best to know something about the sport before zip-lining.
The Not So Green Facts about Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s early urban and agricultural development were largely responsible for the critical deforestation experienced before the 21st century. Agriculture continues to be the biggest threat to Costa Rica’s green image. According to the World Resources Institute, Costa Rica is the biggest importer of pesticides in the world. The use of pesticides has been concentrated enough to pollute crucial waterways enough to even cause chemical poisoning in humans.
Experts state that the reason is because Costa Rica has not yet created a strong agricultural policy for the education and use of organic techniques. Farmers still rely on the methods used by corporate farmers, applying the same pesticides to their land over and over again.
Another issue that has erupted to the surface is the proposal to remove 1,000 hectares of the Rincon de la Vieja National Park for the development of a geothermal energy plant. Opponents state the project would disrupt the eco-systems within this National Heritage Site.
The Sustainable Future
Although eco-tourism has become one of Costa Rica’s biggest industries, Costa Rica cannot ignore the needs of its inhabitants. Agriculture continues to be a major export, and energy solutions still need to be addressed. Costa Rica’s challenge will be in finding ways to balance their ecology with development, but the good news is, typical of Central American thinkers, Costa Rican leaders view challenges as a means of exercising innovative thought. Considering the policies they’ve already implemented to make Costa Rica both a green and thriving economy, their problem-solving methods are sure to continue to gain global acclamation.