Due to its location as the southernmost country in Central America, Panama has a unique, tropical climate. While many might expect the weather to be hot and sunny all the time, due to the country’s proximity to the equator, that’s not actually the case.
Panama does experience “seasons” just like the rest of the world. They’re just a little different than what most North Americans are used to. It’s also important to note that you can easily adjust the temperature and humidity, merely by moving to a slightly higher (or lower) altitude.
Here are eight photos that can help me explain a little bit more about the Panama climate.
It is very wet.
Natalia Perez Pabon
Panama gets a lot of rain. Especially during the “wet” season, which is generally April through December. It starts with frequent afternoon showers in May and then culminates in November with torrential downpours that can last for days. The rain falls much heavier on the Caribbean Coast, which can see twice as much rainfall as the cities on the Pacific Coast.
Also, while there is the occasional thunderstorm, Panama is outside the hurricane belt and therefore experiences few natural disasters.
And it can get really hot.
Marissa Strniste
Be warned. When the rain stops, the sun comes out. That means you can go from being cool and wet to being hot and humid in a matter of an hour. Again, temperatures on the Pacific Coast are a bit milder than on the Caribbean Coast.
Although sometimes it is just warm.
Kent MacElwee
Most expats would agree that the best days are those during the changing of the seasons. A cool breeze off the ocean means it is the perfect temperature most of the day. The rainfall is manageable. Those are the days when you should drop everything, grab a book, find a rancho, and spend your day in splendor.
And, on those rare days, it is dry.
Marce Sánchez
Dry days might be few and far between during the rainy season, but they do exist. When they do come along, they’re the perfect opportunity to lie in a hammock on the beach in a spot that might be too humid under normal circumstances.
And even cool.
F Delventhal
You might be surprised to know that there are some spots in Panama that can get surprisingly cool, particularly in the higher elevations. If you aren’t a fan of the heat and humidity, you might find your ideal destination somewhere in Panama’s beautiful mountain communities.
It can be damp.
Ken Mayer
Even though the official rainy season is April through December, showers are not at all uncommon year-round in Panama. People who live in mountain communities seem to be less bothered by the wetness, as the humidity is much less noticeable in the much cooler higher elevations.
As well as sunny.
Micheal Moink
When it isn’t raining, Panama gets more than its share of sunshine. Especially during the dry season, January through early April. During the dry season the capital, Panama City, might enjoy a low of 75 degrees Fahrenheit and a high of 86 degrees. Regardless, the temperature rarely exceeds 90 for more than a short time.
But those are the best days to go house hunting in Panama!
But, most importantly, it is spectacular!
descubriendoelmundo
What will tomorrow bring?
Attempting to forecast day-to-day weather in Panama is a virtual waste of time. Why? Because there is always a 90% chance that it will be hot and sunny during the dry season, and hot and humid with about a 40 to 50% chance of afternoon thunderstorms during the rainy season.
It doesn’t take a meteorologist to predict that!
Which Panama climate do you like best? Leave us a comment below about your favorite Panama climate!
Many people seeking the island life gravitate towards the islands in the West Indies or the Eastern Caribbean, but there are so many options out there. For instance, the Western Caribbean nation of Belize hosts a number of locations that make a great island lifestyle possible, including Ambergris Caye.
Once the decision to move down to a gorgeous tropical destination to live out your tropical lifestyle dream has been made, the real work can begin. And of course, start first with investigating all there is to know about living in Belize.
Rich MacDowell
We think a good place to start is Ambergris Caye. There are plenty of homes for sale for reasonable amounts of money, but that’s not the only reason to live there. Belize has plenty to offer, including English as its official language, an established expat community, and great ecotourism opportunities for fun in the sun.
From Fishing and Farming to Shopping and Fine Dining
Many of the island’s locals include immigrants from Mexico, as the island was once a large coconut producer and fishing town. Only recently has that changed as Ambergris Caye has become largely dependent on tourism. It’s the largest island in Belize (out of over 200), 25 miles long and over a mile wide in some spots.
The water there is the beautiful blue for which the Caribbean is famous. The second largest barrier reef in the world (over 190 miles long) protects the island and the coastline of Belize.
Though the island is quite long, San Pedro Town is the only part with inhabitants. The town itself is only a mile long and a mile and a half wide. You’ll find a lot of the usual tourist trappings here: gift shops, bars, and fancy restaurants for those on vacation. However it’s far from feeling “touristy.”
Ambergris Caye Is “Simply” Irresistible
Many people enjoy Ambergris Caye because they want the beach life, but they don’t want to live in a high-rise on South Beach or another built-up paradise. They love it for its simple charm. Like the dirt streets that are constantly watered down to prevent dust or the frequent hum of golf carts zipping by. Some buy land and build their own home, and find their creative spirit, like creating art from the driftwood that runs up on shore.
The simplicity also helps with keeping costs down. For example, $50 per year for golf cart insurance beats the heck outta hundreds or thousands for car insurance. And in this case, remote and simple doesn’t have to mean disconnected. Reliable internet service makes it easy to keep in touch with family back in the U.S. or operate a business from your home.
Quality medical care is also readily available and affordable. Dental procedures cost only in the tens of dollars, compared to a few hundred back home.
Amaury Laporte
Affordable, But Not Cheap
While we’re on the subject of cost, you may be wondering how much it really takes to live in Ambergris Caye. The truth is that, while it is one of the more expensive places to live in the country, due to its beautiful beaches and pleasant surroundings, you’ll still be saving a significant amount in comparison to the United States. And, just like anywhere, costs can vary greatly depending on your location and lifestyle.
Home costs can run as low as $300 a month for a basic house or apartment, but beachfront condos can run in the thousands of dollars. It is much cheaper over time to own the home, especially since property taxes are incredibly low. Electricity and other utilities may be expensive, depending on the usage. You can cut down costs by getting energy efficient appliances, and using air conditioning sparingly.
Groceries can be cheap, if you stick to non-American brands and a red meat-less diet. Alcohol is relatively cheap, but your wine habit may cost you a pretty penny. There’s a wide selection of consumer goods on the island, but anything else has to be shipped, which adds some additional costs.
One expense you’ll need to consider is getting to and from Ambergris Caye when visiting family back in the States. JetBlue, Spirit, and Southwest Airlines have made a run at many Caribbean and Central American nations, offering return flights for under $300 in some cases from as far as New York City. Belize, on the other hand, has fewer competitors vying for the destination, so you’ll see a lot fewer “flight deals” than to other places in Central and South America.
Cloud 2013
Stay Busy (or Not) on Ambergris Caye
If you’re worried about getting bored on Ambergris Caye, you may want to check out your priorities. With the aforementioned second-largest barrier reef on earth, you’ll find plenty of diving opportunities around (ever heard of that little thing called the Blue Hole?). Shark Ray Alley also allows you the opportunity to swim with sharks. And, with such a healthy reef just off the shore from your home, sport fishing is a popular activity in the area.
For land lovers, there are things to do on shore as well. If you’re an epicurean, there are dozens of restaurants that may tickle your fancy. Or, if you’re interested in nightlife, there are several late-night bars providing entertainment for tourists and locals alike.
There are even a few attractions underground! Since Ambergris Caye is a limestone atoll, there are actually caves that you can explore to escape the heat. Other eco-opportunities include Bacalar Chico National Park, Marco Gonzalez Maya Site, and escaping to the mainland of Belize which features an incredible amount of ecotourism, including cave tubing (yes, you read that right!).
Or, if a little relaxation is all you’re after, there are plenty of opportunities to just kick back and enjoy the beautiful vistas and the soothing sounds of the Caribbean waves and wildlife.
So, is Ambergris Caye the island for you? It combines the Caribbean island life, coupled with some authentic Belizean culture. Read more of what we’ve written about this Caribbean paradise, and see if you can make your island life a reality today by moving to Ambergris Caye.
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala has long been heralded as one of the most stunning lake vistas on the planet. Luminaries such as Aldous Huxley and Alexander Von Humboldt have labeled it as the most beautiful lake in the world.
The communities around Lake Atitlan have steadily gained popularity, among both tourists and expats looking for a unique destination off the beaten path. The nine lakeside communities that surround the lake have undeveloped potential waiting for those adventurous enough to take a closer look.
Nunavut
5 Truths That May Surprise You About Lake Atitlan Guatemala
There are some important facts about Lake Atitlan Guatemala that will dramatically impact how you view the potential of this highland community as a place to live and invest. The top five of these truths are listed below (in no particular order of importance).
Atitlan Is Easy to Access
Located in the highlands of the Sierra Madre de Chiapas mountain range, the pace of life in and around Lake Atitlan is certainly far less hectic than other, more populous locations. However, in spite of what may at first appear to be a remote location, the area is a short two and a half hour drive from Guatemala City. The international airport there is continuing to expand the number of international flights that will connect Guatemala with many U.S. and European cities.
After arriving in the lake region, getting to the various villages that make up the Atitlan, Guatemala community is accomplished by taking one of the many lanchas (small boats) that can be found at the docks. These water-going “buses” have no regular schedule but, generally, can be expected to run on the half hour. This local mode of commuting is both inexpensive and a great way to immerse yourself in the culture of “Lago Atitlan.”
Not Cheap, But Affordable
The truth is that real estate in Lake Atitlan Guatemala is affordable. This is not to say that it is cheap, however. Articles that make claims about living in this tropical paradise for $500/month, for example, are truly overblown.
For example, a modern apartment, utilities, groceries, some modest entertainment, transportation and miscellaneous expenses for two people could run in the $1,400 to $1,500 per month range. While this is certainly less than other Latin American locations, such as Playa del Carmen in Mexico, living lakeside still requires some budget considerations.
Nathalie Verwilghen
It Isn’t Crime-Free
Like any other area, the truth is that there is crime in Atitlan. After all, it is still Guatemala. While generally safe for expats and tourists, taking simple precautions (locking your doors, keeping valuables in a strong box, safe, or locked room, avoiding areas known for criminal activity, etc.) can certainly reduce the likelihood of become a victim.
As Guatemala continues to emerge as a growth opportunity, the disparity of wealth does lead to problems. However, this is no different than the situation in many American cities. Being aware of this simple truth can help make your Atitlan adventures safer and more enjoyable.
There Are Many Opportunities and Options For Investing And Living In The Atitlan Area
The several communities that border Lake Atitlan have great potential for those entrepreneurs looking to purchase land to either develop or hold as an investment in their portfolio. Additionally, there are turnkey properties that expats can immediately occupy. The variety of locations surround the lake range from modern to authentic. Here are some examples of what’s currently available.
- 3 bedrooms waterfront with car access – Located in the magical community of Santa Cruz La Laguna, on the north side of the lake, this all concrete house sits on a .75 acre lot with 200 feet of waterfront views and a caretaker’s house. The large windows make enjoying the beauty of Lake Atitlan a comfortable proposition. Fully furnished, the large master bedroom contains a king-size bed with ample closet space. The well appointed kitchen has modern appliances and plenty of pantry space. The second floor mezzanine can be an additional bedroom or den area. The $325.000 asking price also includes a 30 year, renewable, government lease contract.
- 3 bedrooms near the center of town – The community of Panajachel is the most visited community on Lake Atitlan and is the transportation hub for all the smaller lakeside communities that surround it. Priced at $165,000, these brand new three bedroom houses are just a block from the main pier to San Pedro, within walking distance to restaurants and tourist attractions. The design is ideal for a family retreat or a rental property for those who are seeking a second home in Latin America. Owner financing is possible during the pre-building stage (50% down, $5,000 per month for ten months, with the balance on delivery).
- Vacant lots for development or investment – The smaller, more rustic lakeside villages also provide an opportunity to purchase lots for development or holding for a later investment. The growing number of expats and tourists coming to Guatemala, and the highlands in particular, are providing a viable growth market and a wealth of opportunities for those with enough foresight to get in on the ground floor.
Michael Swigart
It Has 9 Completely Distinct Villages
In addition to the principal hub city of Panajachel, there are nine other villages that are located around and across Lake Atitlan. Each of these smaller towns have their own distinct flavor. San Marcos La Laguna, for example has the reputation of being a quiet community focused on meditation; San Pedro La Laguna is at the other end of the spectrum with a laid-back kind of vibe favored by the backpacker crowd.
San Antonio Palopo and Santa Catarina Palopo are authentic Mayan communities perfect for anyone wishing to immerse themselves in that timeless lifestyle. Similarly, Santiago Atitlan, the largest town on Lake Atitlan is famous for its Maximón shrine (blending Mayan and Catholic traditions). San Juan is becoming known for the stunning natural dyed fabrics made there.
And for those just looking to get away from it all while being surrounded by inspiring natural beauty and solitude, the villages of Santa Cruz la Laguna, San Lucas Toliman and Tzununa are the epitome of a magical highland, lakeside escape. Having so many options is a surprising and welcome truth about Atitlan
The Most Important Truth About Atitlan
Perhaps the single most important truth about Atitlan is that the region is definitely in the growth stage. The rich, vibrant Mayan culture of Guatemala is alive and thriving in Atitlan. Primarily consisting of two Mayan tribes-the Tz’utujil and Kaqchikel- this ancient cultural heritage is part of daily life in several of the smaller communities around the lake.
Being able to see and experience Mayan culture, not just as a tourist presentation, but as a way of daily life, is a profound experience that cannot be had in many places in the world. The moderate highland climate only adds to the ambiance of the region.
Combine that with the natural beauty, great climate, unique cultural blend all make this Guatemalan destination a place that must be seen and experienced firsthand to appreciate the potential for prosperity that it holds long term.
Bocas Del Toro has become recognized as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Panama. The rich biodiversity of the area, the sparsely developed shoreline, and the plethora of islands in the archipelago entice expats and investors who are seeking to find a less stressful way to live and enjoy island life.
There is certainly a transition curve to living a “Robinson Crusoe” style of existence in Bocas Del Toro. Yet there is also a great deal of untapped potential in terms of real estate and commercial growth that adventurers may find compelling.
photo by Panapro
Bocas Del Toro Is a Work in Progress
Like many areas that are experiencing growing pains, Bocas Del Toro does have challenges that may not suit everyone’s idea of a tropical escape. Knowing what to expect (or not) before deciding to move there is a sound way of making such a life changing decision.
Electricity Is Not a Given
Unlike larger, more developed communities, Bocas Del Toro does not have a power grid as such. The town’s electricity is supplied by diesel-powered Caterpillar Olympic Ready-to-Run Generators. As one might expect, outages do occur – especially during heavy usage periods like Carnival celebrations.
For those whose lifestyle requires a regular, mostly uninterrupted source of electricity, this somewhat rustic power solution may prove to be a hard obstacle to overcome. For others, however, there is a kind of romance to living in a place where the pace of life isn’t measured by the kilowatt hour.
Welcome to the Tropics
Bocas Del Toro is located on the Caribbean side of Panama. The weather is tropical; hot and humid. The average daytime temperatures year round are in the mid to high 80s. There are also two rainy seasons; May through August and December through the end of January.
When combined with the electricity status, air conditioning cannot always be counted on. Adjusting to the heat is something that could confound those who prefer a more moderate environment.
Limited Shopping and Services
What Bocas Del Toro has in abundance is beautiful shorelines, fantastic islands, and a great relaxed vibe. What the area is short on, however, are services such as banking, medical facilities, and shopping.
There is only one bank in Bocas Del Toro, the National Bank of Panama. The bank closes at 2:00 p.m. during the week (although it is open 9:00-12:00 on Saturdays), so planning ahead for any banking tasks is a good idea.
There are small shops and markets where you can find all your basic necessities. However, major items, such as appliances and electronics will require a trip to either Panama City or David.
There’s a definite trade-off between the rustic, laid-back Caribbean beach lifestyle and the amenities and conveniences of living in a faster-paced cosmopolitan city. You’ll have to decide if the loss of access to some consumer goods and modern conveniences is worth it.
Bocas del Toro via Celine
Investment Potential Is a Major Upside
The continued growth potential in and around the Bocas Del Toro archipelago promises a good return for investors looking to tap into the increasing popularity of the “Galapagos of the Caribbean.” Here are some great opportunities that are currently available, just waiting for those with a true entrepreneurial spirit.
Stunning Hotel on Isla Carenero
Located on Isla Carenero, this 5000 ft. beachfront property, known as Vista Azul Lodge, could be the ideal vacation home, bed-and breakfast, or idyllic tropical hotel. With six en suite bedrooms, each with its own king-size bed, and terraces that overlook the blue Caribbean, the name “vista azul” is certainly well deserved.
Additionally, there is a loft bedroom with two double beds that could increase the total number of guests to 14. Visitors can snorkel right off shore, explore the lush 4+ acres that make up the grounds, or enjoy the private pier and over 500 feet of coastline. The long term prospect for profitability makes the $1,300,000 asking price a reasonable initial investment.
425 Titled Acres with Ocean View and Unlimited Investment Potential
This parcel is for the entrepreneur who wants to dream big. The 425 acres (172 hecatares) are fully titled and are being offered for $689,000. In addition to stunning vistas of Bocas Del Toro islands, Changuinola River, and the Caribbean Sea, this parcel includes five small rivers, two waterfalls and a rainforest teeming with biodiversity.
There are over five kilometers of internal roads, many cleared lots, as well as a dedicated rainforest preserve that encompasses 1/4 of the property. With over $800 million in infrastructure improvements in the area, along with two housing projects nearby, the potential to turn this into an eco-resort, ranch preserve, or another type of development is limited only by the imagination.
Authentic Piece of History
There are also a number of possibilities for restoring some of the original residences built by the United Fruit Company in the early part of the twentieth century. For those seeking to capture the sense of those bygone days, these properties could be a wonderful opportunity to own a part of history.
S. McCallum
The Best Steps to Transition to Life in Bocas Del Toro
Knowing some of the challenges that await you as you look to finding your island dream can help you plan a course of action. Below are the best steps to begin your journey:
Set Realistic Expectations
When you realize that island living is a far cry from what you are used to, setting your expectations to include dealing with those differences can reduce the stress of adaptation.
Take Your Time
Remember that one of the big reasons island life was so appealing was that it was going to move at a slower pace. The flip side of that benefit is that things, like repairs, appointments, etc. are also going to be dealt with on a more casual basis. Take a breath, and remember you’ve got nothing but time…so enjoy it.
Become Part of the Community
One of the best ways to transition to any new living situation is to be willing to participate in your new community. As you become known to your neighbors and learn “how things work,” you will discover, one day, that you are no longer the outsider, but a part of the family.
Last, But Not Least…Don’t Lose Sight of Your Dream!
Island life isn’t for everyone; so congratulations if you’ve made the decision that this was a life path to follow. Even as you hit speed bumps while adjusting to your new environment, keep your dream close at hand. Bocas Del Toro is a place to reinvent and build new dreams. Go there and start the quest today.
Much media attention has been given to real estate in Ecuador and the amazing opportunity it represents for expats and retirees who are looking for an affordable place to live abroad. Cost aside, there are a lot of really great things to love about Ecuador, so it’s no wonder it’s become such a popular destination.
Ecuador offers easy access from the U.S., and its many visa options make the transition relatively simple. Many of its cities have good infrastructure, a wide variety of consumer options, and amenities you’d expect from a much more developed region.
There’s authentic culture, impressive ancient architecture, and climates to suit almost any preference. Not to mention the rich history, breathtaking scenery, and some of the friendliest folks you’ll ever find.
The Ecuadorian real estate market can also be a pleasant attribute. However, if you approach your house hunting journey with any misconceptions, it can also be a giant headache. Here are five facts that could, and should, change the way you think about buying a home in Ecuador.
Melosh
1. There’s no Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in Ecuador.
If you’ve ever bought a home in the U.S., then you (or your realtor) probably searched for available listings using the Multiple Listing Service, or MLS. Ecuador doesn’t have one of those. As a result, you’re on your own when it comes to finding properties for sale in Ecuador.
A good way to start is by hiring a buyer’s agent, since most real estate agents in Ecuador work for sellers, to help with your search. You can look for properties online via realty sites and expat forums.
It’s also a good idea, if you’ve narrowed your search to a particular area, to spend some time visiting and inquiring around about properties for sale. It may be that some of the expats or locals can connect you with someone who’s interested in selling, but may not have formally listed their property.
2. Ecuador is slowly becoming a buyer’s market.
Real estate in Ecuador was a hot commodity from 2006 to 2014 when the market could be best described as “booming.” This was largely because of the tremendous amount of media attention the country was receiving, touting it as one of the best places to retire or buy a second home.
However, the market has slowed as of late due partially to the drop in oil prices, as the economy depends heavily on its oil exports. To help boost the economy, the government has thrown around the idea of increasing property and capital gains taxes, and the real estate market is bracing for that possibility.
As a result of this uncertainty in the market, some sellers have started to lower their prices. One exception is in high-end neighborhoods where supply is low, demand is high, and the wealthy homeowners may be less desperate to sell. Prices in those exclusive areas have stayed the same or, in some cases, even increased.
Diez & Romeo
3. You’ll need a lawyer in addition to your realtor.
You’re familiar with the need, in the U.S., to hire an attorney to oversee the closing process and file the necessary paperwork. You usually sit down with them for no more than an hour, sign a stack of papers, shake hands, and that’s it.
Not so in Ecuador.
Just as you carefully research real estate professionals in order to find someone you can trust, you’ll need to do the same to find a qualified, bilingual (unless you’re fluent in Spanish) attorney who has experience handling real estate transactions for foreign buyers.
Their role includes ensuring there are no liens against the property or other restrictions that might delay or void the sale. They’ll research the property’s title and ownership history to make sure there are no concerns, handle all the paperwork associated with the sale, and then register your property once the transaction is complete.
4. Taxes and fees are pleasantly low.
Annual property taxes in Ecuador are typically 1% of the value of property as assessed by the local municipality, which is usually lower than the actual purchase price. And the total closing costs for someone buying property in Ecuador is between 2.3% and 4% of the price paid for the property.
Here’s how that breaks down. The transfer tax is a flat rate of 1% of the home’s value. There’s also a provincial transfer tax, which is $510 plus 0.11% of the value, and a registration fee that’s generally around 0.10% of the property value.
The notary fees can vary, but they’re generally 0.10% of the property’s value. These are all paid by the buyer. The seller only pays their realtor’s fee. Later on when you get ready to sell your property, you’ll also pay a capital gains tax of 10% of your profit.
Canoavilla
5. The transfer of cash looks very different.
Again, while you’re probably familiar with buying real estate via an escrow account, there’s no such thing in Ecuador. Instead, sellers will usually ask for a refundable deposit (as much as 10% of the purchase price). However, this should only be paid after all due diligence is done and there’s a signed and notarized promissory note.
Another hurdle involved in the buying process is the issue of transferring money into Ecuador. You’ll want to begin this process well in advance as wiring money into the country can take as long as 30 days.
Obtaining a mortgage is not out of the question. However, most financial institutions in Ecuador prefer very short-term financing in order to limit their exposure.
Buying property in Ecuador is a great proposition. However, before you start the process, make sure your head’s in the right place. Don’t be disillusioned by thinking it will mirror the same process in the U.S. Do your homework, and start your search today!