Viva Tropical Radio
The Darien Gap is a roadless, jungle-covered gap of land that stretches from the Caribbean to the Pacific ocean, covering the edge of the Panama-Colombia border.
It is referred to as a gap because there are no roads and it is the only space or gap in the Pan-American Highway that stretches from Alaska to southern Chile. It is not the biggest undeveloped jungle area, but it is probably the most dangerous.
People who know where it is stay away based on a history of FARC kidnappings and well documented lawlessness. Most that venture into the area don’t want to be found.
Author Martin Mitchinson tells how he ended up in the Darien and spent 18 months there. Tune in and listen to his story and why he wrote a book about it called The Darien Gap, Travels in the rainforest in Panama.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Why the Darien is not as dangerous as they say
- Darien Gap’s storied history all the way back to conquistadors
- What indigenous groups live there
- What Martin did on a daily basis while he was there
And much more.
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The Show Notes
Get Martin Mitchinson’s book here
Viva Tropical Radio
This week we are joined by Karl Spaeth, expat business entrepreneur and Nosara Costa Rica resident.
He talks about his long road to figuring out how to support himself while living in paradise. Karl finally came up with the right formula and his business is booming. His product? Temple of White Dog ginger beer.
Join our discussion to find out how Karl went from driving deliveries of his ginger beer on his motorbike to getting approached by an American juice entrepreneur who just sold his own company to Starbucks.
In this episode, we discuss:
- How you can start a similar business.
- How Karl got the attention he needed to sell his ginger beer.
- What licenses he needed, if any.
- If you have your idea, how to get it noticed in Costa Rica.
And much more.
Listen to the show
You can listen to the show using the player above or grab it and listen on the go via one of the following options:
- Click here to download the mp3
- Click here to subscribe via iTunes
- Click here for the RSS feed (non iTunes)
- Click here for the show archive
React to the Show
We appreciate your reaction to episodes of Viva Radio and feedback about how we’re doing.
Send us your thoughts any time in an email or comment below.
The Show Notes
- Viva Tropical’s Complete Guide to Nosara, Costa Rica
- Learn more about Temple of the White Dog Ginger Beer
Tired of living or vacationing on the mainland and only enjoying the view of the islands from a distance? Maybe it’s time you gave island life a try.
Island living offers all of the amazing things you love about being in the tropics. Except it comes with a panoramic 360 degree view and without all the tourist traps and high-rise developments you might have to endure on mainland beaches.
It’s also entirely attainable!
Whether you choose to find a quiet lot on a larger, more developed island or even go looking for an entire private island for sale, here are 20 pics to remind you what you could be waking up to every day if you decided to call an island your home.
Boca Chica, Panama
VivaTropical
Off Panama’s Pacific Coast, in the Gulf of Chiriquí, lies an archipelago of over 50 islands, which National Geographic described as “myriad emerald isles strewn like jewels in a sapphire sea.”
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Planet Gordon
Located roughly 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands were described by Charles Darwin as a place where, “in both space and time, we seem to be brought somewhat nearer to that great fact–that mystery of mysteries–the first appearance of new beings on this earth.”
Marietas Islands, Mexico
Khayla
Off the coast of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, lie Las Marietas Islands. Now a national park, thanks to efforts first championed by Jacques Cousteau, they’re home to the island of Playa de Amor which is pictured above. More commonly known as Hidden Beach, this area is accessible only by swimming through a short tunnel from the open ocean.
South Water Caye, Belize
Jorge Torres
Belize’s South Water Caye Marine Reserve is another protected marine park. It offers long stretches of white sand, some gorgeous views, and a resort with luxury accommodations.
Roatan, Honduras
John Colby
Direct flights from the U.S. make Roatan an ideal destination for tourists and expats alike. It’s just developed enough to offer a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and other goods and services. Yet it doesn’t suffer from the overcrowding that plagues a lot of islands that offer these same great amenities.
Little Corn Island, Nicaragua
August Gregg
Little Corn Island is one of Nicaragua’s best kept secrets. It’s home to beautiful beaches, a number of diving and snorkeling spots, and some of the Caribbean’s friendliest folks. It’s a great place to get away and relax, while still enjoying a few modern conveniences.
Utila, Honduras
Simon Hooks
One of the Bay Islands of Honduras, Utila is one of the most affordable places to enjoy a scuba diving vacation. It offers over 60 dive spots on and around the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, as well as some amazing sunsets.
Isla del Cano, Costa Rica
Jason Barnes
Located near Costa Rica’s Drake Bay, Isla del Cano is significant for both its environmental and archeological value. On land are headstones that are believed to mark the graves of pre-Colombian indigenous tribes, and in the waters surrounding the island are a wide variety of coral and a wealth of marine life.
Bocas del Toro, Panama
Roman Königshofer
The islands of Bocas del Toro are one of Panama’s most popular Caribbean destinations. From lush rainforests to crystal clear reefs to thick mangroves to authentic indigenous villages to pristine beaches to a slow, laid-back lifestyle, they have everything they need to compete with the top spots in the region.
Isla Holbox, Mexico
D. Aniela
Located in Quintana Roo, north of Cancun, Isla Holbox is a welcome break from the high-rise hustle and bustle. Its sandy streets and open-air bars and restaurants offer a much more relaxed atmosphere. It’s also a great place to see whale sharks, which feed in the plankton-rich waters that surround the island.
Laughing Bird Caye, Belize
D. Scott
Just over 10 miles off the coast of Placencia, Belize, lies the photogenic Laughing Bird Caye. While no overnight stays are allowed on the island, it’s a popular stop for diving and snorkeling outfits due to its many unique coral formations. Its picnic tables and grills make it a convenient spot to break for lunch.
Dunbar Rock, Honduras
Sonja Stark
Dunbar Rock is a privately-owned island and home to Dunbar Villa, which offers gracious accommodations, amazing views, and a top-notch diving experience. It’s also a great example of what you get when you combine island ownership with a little imagination and ingenuity.
Tortuga Island, Costa Rica
Mauricio Diaz E
Tortuga Island lies off the tip of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. Its many opportunities for adventure make it a popular place for day tours. These attractions include tranquil beaches, zip line canopy tours, snorkel and dive sites, and plenty of places for hiking or enjoying aquatic activities.
San Blas Islands, Panama
Ben Kucinski
Also known as the Kuna Yala archipelago, these islands total 378 in number although only 49 are inhabited. Located just east of the Panama Canal, they’re home to mostly Kuna Indians. Visitors, however, are entirely welcome, with accommodations and meals consisting of small huts and the local fishermen’s catch of the day.
Cozumel, Mexico
Mega Udonitron
Also located near Cancun is the island of Cozumel, which has become increasingly popular among tourists in recent years. Mexico’s largest island, it offers attractions in every category, such as snorkeling, bird watching, and shopping. February’s Carnival is a festive celebration and a great time to visit.
Ambergris Caye, Belize
Ian Morton
Claiming over half of all tourists to Belize, Ambergris Caye was also named the #1 best island in the world by the users of TripAdvisor. For the second year in a row. It’s convenient due to its proximity to the mainland as well as to the Belize Barrier Reef and some of the world’s best diving. It’s a great place to live or visit. Laid-back, but with all the modern conveniences.
Cayos Cochinos, Honduras
Dennis García
Also part of the Bay Islands, the Cayos Cochinos are two small islands and 13 small coral cays that occupy a land area of less than 1 square mile. They’re part of a protected marine area, which National Geographic described as “a marine biologist’s dream: protected by the government, off-limits to commercial divers and fishermen, and busy with creatures that may not yet have names.”
Ometepe Island, Nicaragua
Ashokboghani
With a name that means “two hills” in the native language, Ometepe Island houses two towering volcanoes connected by a small strip of land. Its fertile soil and excellent fishing allow its local population to thrive. They also warmly cater to tourists who come to the island, located in Lake Nicaragua, to enjoy its beautiful landscapes, rich archaeological history, and hospitality.
Coco Island, Costa Rica
Petrusbarbygere
Costa Rica is ripe with pirate tales, and none of its locales can top the rich history of Coco Island. Dubbed the world’s most beautiful island by Jacques Cousteau, this destination was considered for one of the new seven wonders of the world. It’s easy to see why its miles of rugged coastline might be popular among marauders or merely adventure-seeking vacationers.
Contadora Island, Panama
Gaspar Serrano
Part of the Pearl Islands archipelago, Isla Contadora is a popular tourist destination located in the Gulf of Panama. With regular flights to and from Panama City, it’s a convenient and easily accessible destination. A resort island, it’s also dotted with impressive homes owned by wealthy Panamanians.
Living on or owning your own island may not seem like a possibility to you. But the reality is, it’s easier than you think.
Depending on the level of development and amenities available, island ownership can be surprisingly affordable. And Central America is a fantastic place to score a tropical island getaway for a fraction of the cost of what the rest of the globe has to offer.
To learn more check out our listings, updated frequently, of Central American islands for sale.
Not every tropical island looks like something you’d see on a postcard. But if you’re looking for a destination that’s both picturesque and serene, then these five Panama islands are your hands-down best options.
San Blas Islands
Ben Kucinski
Although they’ve suffered a bit of an identity crisis (with the name being changed to Kuna Yala and then finally Guna Yala in 2011, although San Blas is still the moniker by which they’re best known), this archipelago is one of Panama’s most visually and culturally stunning destinations.
Made up of a total of 378 islands, of which only 49 are inhabited, the islands are almost entirely occupied by the Guna (or Kuna) Indians. The hundreds of white sand islands, spread out across the turquoise water, are dotted with palm trees and the thatched huts of the local inhabitants.
The Guna people are welcoming to visitors, yet not to big business, which allows for an authentic cultural experience with no tourist traps or ugly hotels to spoil the vibe. The islands have been featured numerous times in National Geographic for their perfect marriage of tropical beauty and bona fide culture.
Rated the #3 tropical paradise in the world by Lonely Planet in 2011, the San Blas Islands offer opportunities for snorkeling, diving, sailing, and kayak tours of the islands. On land, you can also explore the dense rainforests or visit one of the Guna Indian villages.
Bocas del Toro
Marc Wisniak
The number one tourist destination in Panama, the islands of Bocas del Toro perfectly fit the bill of what most people are looking for in a Caribbean getaway. They offer white sand beaches, towering palms, aquatic adventures, and the most adorable little clusters of cabins built on stilts right out in the water.
Bocas Town, on Isla Colon, is a city of about 13,000 and boasts plenty of restaurants, hotels, bars, and other tourist attractions. However, if you’re looking for a bit more solitude, there are plenty of places where you can find a practically deserted stretch of beach or hike through thick rainforests with nothing but a few rare birds to keep you company.
The islands also claim some of Panama’s best surfing, with a wide variety of surf breaks for all skill levels. Catamaran tours are a great way to see the islands, as well as the mangroves, dolphins, manatees, and the red dart frogs that live exclusively on one of the islands.
Make sure you don’t miss the gorgeous Zapatilla Keys Beach where a whopping 18 different countries have come to film their “Survivor” series. There are also a number of great spots for snorkeling and diving, as well as river tours that lead to an authentic Ngobe Bugle Indian village.
Pearl Islands
Gaspar Serrano
Located in the Gulf of Panama about 30 miles from Panama City, the Pearl Islands archipelago includes about 100 islands, many of which are uninhabited. Also home to three seasons of CBS’s “Survivor,” the islands offer some of the country’s most beautiful scenery.
The most popular of the islands is Contadora Island. Its small airport makes it easily accessible. And its luxury hotels, restaurants, and 9-hole golf course are conveniently tucked in among the island’s 13 beautiful beaches.
The island’s name means “counter” in Spanish, aptly named since the island served as a spot where Spanish conquistadors would go to tally their pearl harvest. Thousands were found during the 16th century, including a 400-year-old, 31 carat pearl now owned by Elizabeth Taylor.
You can still buy pearls on the islands today, but their biggest attractions are their sparsely-populated, postcard-worthy beaches.
Isla Grande
2 BP
Just a few miles off the coast of Portobelo, a picturesque town with rich Spanish history, lies Isla Grande. Home to the popular Bananas resort, it’s a top destination among Panama City residents who want to get away from the hubbub of the city and relax on the island’s palm-lined beaches.
The quaint little island is home to only a few hundred people who mostly earn their living off fishing and coconuts, trends that are evident in the island’s cuisine. It boasts a relaxed vibe and a considerable amount of rainfall due to its location on the country’s northern Caribbean coast.
Isla Grande also offers some excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. The waters between it and Portobelo claim a number of shipwrecks and coral reefs.
Boca Chica
VivaTropical
Located in the Gulf of Chiriqui, Boca Chica boasts over 50 islands scattered throughout the gulf off the coast of the town of Boca Chica. The islands are easily accessible thanks to a newly widened highway to the city of David, where the large international airport will soon be receiving flights from the U.S. and other destinations.
Newly emerging as an up-and-coming tourist destination, the area has a few lodging options, including a fishing lodge and an eco-boutique hotel. But what it currently lacks in tourist infrastructure, it easily makes up for in impressive scenery and uninhabited islands waiting to be explored.
There are ghostly mangroves, otherworldly ancient rainforests, white sand beaches, and a myriad of flora and fauna. On Boca Chica Island itself is Monte Vida Park, a 50-acre crowd-funded park that’s the first of its kind.
Also nearby are Coiba Island and Hannibal Bank, which are home to some of the best fishing in the entire world, as evidenced by the astounding number of world record catches that occurred in their waters. Popular species include yellowfin tuna, blue and black marlin, sailfish, and dorado.
See our Panama articles for more information on these and other popular destinations. You can also check out our listings of islands for sale if you’re interested in making your tropical paradise experience a little more long term.
Paul D’Ambra
Almost everyone has at some point found him- or herself on vacation in a tropical setting, looked across the water to a secluded island, and thought…I want to vacation there.
For the more intrepid traveler, maybe it even goes a step further. Perhaps you’ve found yourself wanting to actually LIVE there. Or, heck, even own the whole stinkin’ island for yourself.
But then there’s that little voice in the back of your mind that beckons you back to reality. You know the one. The little whisper reminding you that there aren’t any 24 hour pharmacies on that island, that there are however a number of poisonous critters, and that there may also not be any internet access to speak of.
So you wonder. Could you really do it? I mean, sure you could survive there for a few days, or maybe even a week. But could you really live on a sparsely populated, or even…[gulp]…DESERTED island?
It’s true that island life isn’t for everyone. It’s basically a matter of considering your priorities and values, as well as weighing the pros and cons of living in a remote setting. We should also add that a number of those pros and cons pull double duty, as what is one man’s ideal picture of paradise might be another’s vision of absolute hell on earth.
It’s a weighted ranking system, really. And one where only you can assign each positive or negative attribute the importance it deserves. But to help you out, here are a few of the best and worst realities about living on an island.
Paul D’Ambra
Pro: Their undisturbed beauty is unrivaled by any planned development you can fathom.
Picture it. Powdery sand beaches, colorful splashes of tropical flora…with no signs of human intervention other than a hammock slung between two trees that’s gently calling your name. All this sits on the shores of the warm turquoise waters of your own private swimming pool that stretches infinitely toward the horizon.
There are no high-rise condos to block your view, no obnoxious souvenir vendors peddling their wares, and no loud neighbors blaring Jimmy Buffett on constant replay. Just you and whomever and whatever you’ve elected to bring with you.
Con: Sometimes a little development is a good thing.
Sure you’re considering island life because of its simplicity. But keep in mind that many islands, particularly the smaller, undeveloped ones, lack any utilities or infrastructure whatsoever. There may be no electricity, no hot water, no phones, no convenience stores.
What’s more, some islands that aren’t developed have remained that way because it’s not possible to get permission to develop them. So you can’t assume that you can later add some of the amenities you desire. That’s not always an option.
Compromise: If you’re someone who absolutely has to have a little bit of development to feel content or secure, you have basically two options available to you.
The first option is to choose a relatively larger island that has a few more amenities. There are some great options, like Roatan, Honduras, or Ambergris Caye, Belize, that offer all of the perks of island living but also have access to goods and services you might not find on a smaller island.
You won’t exactly be living the life of Robinson Crusoe, unless you can find a secluded lot somewhere well off the beaten path, but you’ll have those creature comforts you crave. You’ll also pay considerably more for property on one of these more developed islands.
Another alternative is to choose a secluded, private island that’s NEAR a place that has more development. A perfect example is Boca Chica Island, Panama. (Unashamed plug for our island!) There you can be completely alone with your thoughts and then, after only a 10-minute boat ride, find yourself on the mainland with access to all of the basic necessities you might need. For even more variety, the large city of David is only another half hour away once you reach the shore.
Salvatore Freni Jr
Pro: Island living is the epitome of freedom and easy living.
With no nosy neighbors, no authorities, no subdivision covenants, no schedules or deadlines, island life gives you the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live your life exactly the way you want to.
You make the rules. You set the agenda and the dress code. You essentially create your own reality. You can get up when you want to, spend your time doing whatever it is that fuels your existence, maybe take a siesta, and then get up and do it all again.
Con: There’s such a thing as something that’s too easy and too free.
While some people might jump at the chance to live a life of leisure and do nothing but swim, surf, fish, or snooze, there are others among you who might already be asking yourself what you’re going to do AFTER you’re done doing all those things.
The truth is that, for some, island life can become a bit monotonous and…well…downright boring without something productive to do or some way of contributing. Cabin fever can set in really quickly, especially if you’re living somewhere that’s completely deserted.
People from first-world countries have been conditioned to seek challenges and find satisfaction in overcoming obstacles. And by that we mean something a little more difficult than just figuring out how to get the coconuts down from that really tall tree.
Without enough healthy struggles, many people might quickly become frustrated with an all-too-easy lifestyle.
Compromise: Again another option is to choose a more populated or developed island with a few more options for socializing or a wider variety of activities to participate in.
You can also stick with the more secluded place and just look for other ways to find your purpose. A lot of island dwellers choose their locations because they’re the perfect setting for working remotely. The solitude and natural surroundings are great fuel for uncluttered thinking and ultimate productivity.
WWT
Pro: There’s an unlimited supply of fresh fish, fruit, and more.
Talk about fresh, organic, wild-caught foods. It doesn’t get any more natural than all of the amazing ingredients that are readily available on a tropical island.
You’ve never caught fish so easily in your life. And everything that grows on the trees is such a great natural complement to the flavors of the seafood. Coincidence? We think not.
So many people report weight loss and better health after moving to a tropical destination, even if they aren’t even trying to focus on their health. It’s just a natural consequence of island living, which is also often much more inherently active than even other tropical living options.
Con: On an island there’s little else in the way of supplies and consumer goods.
Depending as always on the level of development of your particular island, there may be very little access to the goods and services you need. You may have no stores at all, maybe just one, or perhaps only a boat that comes periodically to the island from the mainland and may or may not have the things you’re after.
The level of inconvenience to you will also depend on how high-maintenance your needs are. If you’re only slightly bummed that the local store doesn’t carry your brand of breakfast cereal, than that’s no biggie. If you absolutely can’t handle the fact that you never know whether the supply boat will have milk this week or not, then that’s a bigger issue.
There’s also the issue of paying slightly more for what’s sometimes lesser quality items, due to the added cost of transporting the goods. Transportation and availability become even more time- and money-consuming when it comes time to build an island home or make repairs or renovations as everything has to be brought over by boat.
Compromise: There isn’t really a whole lot you can do about this issue. What’s available is what’s available and your best bet is to just learn to have an extra measure of patience and to sweet talk the local business owners every opportunity you get.
This is also another area where living on a more populated island, or one that’s closer to civilization, affords you a much higher number of options in terms of goods and services. You just have to find the right balance between solitude and convenience.
Paul D’Ambra
Pro: Owning an island will make you a big hit at parties.
Let’s face it. Island ownership is the ultimate status symbol. Islands are the real estate equivalent of diamonds, extremely beautiful and valuable in their own right, but made even more desirable by their rarity.
Islands convey exclusivity, freedom, power, and a lot of other qualities associated with celebrities and other elite groups. It’s like having a yacht, except it’s a solid investment in real property.
Nothing shuts up the token show-off or the one-upper who’s bragging about his last blowout vacation like when you casually mention, “Yeah, that sounds kind of like my private island.”
That’s not to say that you should buy an island just for the bragging rights. In fact, that’s far from the mindset of most people who invest in island real estate. But there’s still the satisfaction of knowing you could brag about it. If you wanted to.
Con: There probably won’t be many parties on your deserted island.
Unless you’re willing to throw a soiree and somehow transport several dozen of your closest friends out to the island to attend it, you’re probably going to have to go elsewhere to find the above-described cocktail party.
Otherwise you’re going to have to be the one traveling to maintain any semblance of a social life. For that matter, you’re also going to have to travel a considerable distance for things like matches, movie nights, boat repairs, and access to postal services.
These occasional trips might not be a big issue to some, but it can be frustrating to run out of paint with ¾ of your room completed and a 45 minute one-way haul to the nearest hardware store.
Compromise: When loneliness creeps in or you discover your significant other just ate the last slice of bread you’ll get for a week, the best solution is to remind yourself of all of the amazing benefits to island living that far outweigh the occasional inconvenience.
Running out of eggs is a small price to pay for a panoramic view of both sunrise and sunset from your wrap-around porch. Spotty internet is not a bad trade-off when compared with the ability to enjoy complete solitude and total silence, save the howler monkeys and toucans flitting overhead.
Island living isn’t for everyone. And it isn’t for the faint of heart. But if you’re one of those for whom this lifestyle is a perfect fit, you’ll spend the rest of your days wondering why you didn’t make the leap sooner.
Don’t waste another one merely staring at that island in the distance. See what’s available and give island living a try for yourself.
If there’s any link between immigration and economic growth, then it’s high time U.S. politicians took a page from the Panama visa playbook.
While that may sound odd, to suggest that a developed nation should take political cues from a third-world country, it makes a bit more sense when you consider the fact that Panama has posted GDP growth rates averaging around 8.5% over the past decade.
During that same time frame, the U.S. has hovered mostly between 0% and 4%, with a lovely plunge down to -8% circa 2009.
During this period of starkly contrasting economic up- and down-turns, the two nations have also seen their governments’ stances on immigration diverge in opposite directions.
Lady Liberty Is a Liar
First the U.S. Historically a nation that welcomed immigrants from troubled nations, particularly those who had something to offer the economy, the U.S. has become home to over 11 million undocumented workers, a limited number (85,000 to be exact) of work visas for foreigners, and a talented pool of international students who are having to go elsewhere to find work following graduation.
What happened to The New Colossus? “Give me your tired, your poor.” I have a feeling the ancestors of many U.S. residents are rolling over in their borrowed graves.
Oh, and despite this willing group of skilled workers, 39% of U.S. employers reported having trouble filling jobs last year, according to a survey conducted by the Manpower Group. Yet unemployment still held steady between 7% and 8%. Go figure.
Washington’s response? Uh, well, they don’t seem to have one. At least, not yet. Immigration reform is a topic that’s been debated, delayed, and avoided by politicians on both sides of the aisle. Currently, there’s still no resolution in sight.
Panama’s Predicament
Contrast this with Panama. It’s a country that hasn’t been all that hospitable to foreign workers.
Most Panamanian visas prevented immigrants from working for domestic companies, and strict labor union policies kept companies from employing foreigners to fill more than 10% of their available jobs (15% for experts and those in skilled technical roles). All in an effort to keep outsiders from taking jobs away from Panamanians.
These tactics worked,and Panama has enjoyed low unemployment rates (currently near 4%). However, it’s also been blazing a trail as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
In a race to catch countries like Singapore and position itself as a communications, logistics, finance hub, Panama has been a frenzy of activity. The construction of new hotels, office buildings, and housing complexes have created a demand for service and construction workers. A multi-billion dollar canal expansion alone has generated more than 30,000 jobs.
Good news, right? Well, yeah, all except for the fact that it’s a bit of a stretch for a country of only 3.5 million people that has no way of importing additional manpower with any kind of quickness.
Not to mention, many of the jobs needing to be filled couldn’t be staffed with Panamanians due to languages or other special skills needed. This kind of training could be provided, but that takes time. So do improvements to the country’s education system, although those were still implemented anyway.
Michaelseangallagher
If You Can’t Beat ’em, Find a Shortcut
Panama needed a solution fast, and President Ricardo Martinelli delivered one when he signed an executive order offering immediate permanent residency to citizens of 48 countries that “maintain friendly, professional, economic, and investment relationships with the Republic of Panama.”
Known as the “Specific Countries” or “Friendly Countries” visa, the decree created a fast track to citizenship for skilled workers who could help meet Panama’s increasing demand. Not only can they meet immediate staffing needs, they can also help train Panamanians for technical jobs and management-level positions they couldn’t have otherwise attained.
It’s quite brilliant really. Rather than fight the labor unions or create a virtual filibuster of political back-and-forth, Martinelli just handled it.
Labor unions want 90% of workers to be citizens? Well, now new residents are attending mass legalization ceremonies called “melting pots” where they’re immediately granted a work permit. They legalized over 5,000 foreign workers in April alone.
Panama is serious about sustaining its record growth and embracing the talent of skilled workers from all corners of the globe. For now, anyway.
There’s a New Sheriff in Town
A new president, Juan Carlos Varela, will take office in July of this year. It remains to be seen whether he will repeal Martinelli’s Friendly Countries visa, as is generally the custom of new incoming administrations.
The president-elect of Panama usually undertakes, as their first order of business, the act of cleaning house and replacing and reversing all the people and policies employed by the previous leader. Hopefully, though, he too has been solidly convinced by the incumbent’s actions and will leave the groundbreaking visa program as is.
The majority of the nation has taken note of the tremendous success the country has seen by acknowledging the need for a talented and diverse workforce in order to sustain its economic growth.
Now, if only Washington would follow suit.
Park Wilson, professional real estate investor, founder of Viva Tropical, Emerging Terrains and island owner joins the show. You may not know him yet, but he is Josh’s business partner and today they talk about everything you need to know about investing in real estate.
With over 30 years combined experience this is a can’t miss episode for anyone considering buying or investing in Central America.
Don’t miss this podcast/investment course on today’s show.
In this episode, we discuss:
- What makes property values increase
- How to avoid getting killed on your investment
- How to evaluate markets
- How to approach investing like a professional
- Find out how to spot appreciation
- How to control a market
- How assumptions çan kill your deal and what to do about it
And much more.
Listen to the show
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The Show Notes
- Park and Josh’s island
- Get Pay Dirt! Our investment book free!
- Learn more about Real Estate Market Stages
- Our Panama Real Estate Listings
- Our Costa Rica Real Estate Listings
So, just how happy are you? Do you feel respected? Well-rested?
What about yesterday? Did you smile a lot? Or laugh? Did you learn or do anything interesting?
These are some of the questions participants were asked in Gallup’s recent survey, which compiled respondents’ “yes” answers into a Positive Experience Index. The survey queried residents of 138 countries and, not surprisingly, a whopping 9 out of the top 10 most positive countries are in Latin America.
Central America Dominates the Leaderboard
More specifically, of the 7 countries in Central America, 6 of them appeared in the top 11 slots. Panama took #2 with an estimated 86% of its population claiming positive emotions.
(The missing Central American nation was Belize. Only because it wasn’t one of the countries surveyed. And we’d easily argue that there are some darn positive people there as well.)
Paraguay, in South America, topped the charts for the 3rd year in a row, with 87% of respondents reporting positive emotions on the previous day. After Panama came a 3-way tie between Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Ecuador (83%) and then another tie (at 82%) between Costa Rica, Colombia, and Denmark (the only non-Latin American country in the top 10, which consistently reports high levels of happiness and well-being).
Honduras, El Salvador, and Venezuela, each of which has been plagued by political unrest and slow economic growth, came in next with 81% of their residents reporting positive feelings. The U.S. tied with 8 other countries for 19th place, at 78% positive.
Proof that Money Doesn’t Buy Happiness
What’s interesting about these results is that, while Latin America is certainly known for its laid-back atmosphere and satisfying quality of life, the region (particularly Central America) is also home to some of the world’s highest rates of poverty, murder, and social and economic inequality. Those are stats that aren’t often met with exuberance.
However, the survey’s results found that, while money does seem to influence people’s happiness levels, it’s only to a small extent. In the U.S., for example, previous research found that a higher income does impact an individual’s overall happiness, but only up to $75,000.
Beyond that amount, income seems to have little effect at all. In fact, the population least likely to report positive emotions was that of Singapore (36%), one of the wealthiest and most developed nations in the world.
So it would appear that some of the most prosperous nations in the world can also be some of the most unhappy ones. While those whose residents live in the depths of poverty bask in positivity.
Is It All a Facade?
You may be tempted to ask, as many critics already have, whether Latin America reports more positive emotions merely due to a cultural tendency to hide behind a smile and try to focus on the positive. It’s possible, as the region does seem to generally try to avoid negative statements regardless of their true feelings.
This naturally positive outlook could easily cause them to respond to these, or any, types of questions in a more favorable way than some of their counterparts. A valid point, but you’d have a hard time making a case for why that’s a bad thing.
Contrast this with countries like Iraq, Afghanistan, and Haiti where feelings of unhappiness are what’s socially acceptable. Or Armenia, for example, whose residents feel ashamed about positive experiences such as success.
Other critics claim that Latin Americans, while unarguably positive, are perhaps just emotional in general. This is evidenced by the fact that they also scored the second highest as a region (after the Middle East) in negative emotions.
Sure they laugh a lot, but they also claim to experience a considerable amount of emotions such as anger and worry. In response to this polarization, some Latin Americans agreed that the findings merely highlighted their culture’s habit of focusing on positive elements like family, friends, and religion despite leading day-to-day lives that can often be incredibly challenging.
Funky Tee
What Latin Americans Have to Say About the Results
Nothing explains the survey’s findings better than the words of the respondents themselves. Take the 33-year-old businessman from wealthy Singapore who said the following about his outlook on life:
“We work like dogs and get paid peanuts. There’s hardly any time for holidays or just to relax in general because you’re always thinking ahead: when the next deadline or meeting is. There is hardly a fair sense of work-life balance here,” he said.
Compare this to a 30-year-old surfing instructor in Guatemala, a country that barely ranks higher than Iraq on the U.N.’s Human Development Index, which measures factors like education, life expectancy, and per capita income.
“In Guatemala, it’s a culture of friendly people who are always smiling. Despite all the problems that we’re facing, we’re surrounded by natural beauty that lets us get away from it all.“
Perhaps no one said it better than the street vendor in #1 ranked Paraguay who wasn’t discouraged at all by the country’s tough economic conditions.
“Life is short and there are no reasons to be sad because even if we were rich, there would still be problems. We have to laugh at ourselves.”
It’s true that much of Latin America has struggles that first-world countries know nothing about. But this data proves those difficulties are doing little to get them down.
And if putting on a smile and facing one’s troubles with the world’s documented most positive outlook is wrong, then we don’t want to be right.
If you’re a would-be expat who has your sights set on an island destination, then it’s likely Roatan, Honduras, has found its way onto your radar. It’s relatively inexpensive, yet offers a well-developed tourist infrastructure.
And, hey, if some of the globe’s top cruise lines have added Roatan to their list of stops, then surely there must be something there worth seeing, right?
Roatan is great, and its recent spike in popularity has certainly been warranted. But just in case you’re looking for a little less tourist traps and a little more authentic island atmosphere, let’s see how it stacks up against Boca Chica, Panama.
Viva Tropical
Round #1: Accessibility
Winner: It’s a Tie
Thanks to recent and coming improvements in both countries’ transportation options, you’ll find both of these islands incredibly easy to get to. Roatan, Honduras, is now accessible via direct flights from several major U.S. cities, such as Houston, Miami, and Atlanta.
You can basically hop on a plane and be there in as little as 2 hours. Not too shabby. This is a drastic difference from a few years ago when the only way to get to the island was via a ferry to the island or a separate domestic flight from the mainland.
Similar improvements are soon to come to fruition in Boca Chica as well. While Panama is also already accessible by way of a short international flight, Panama City has historically been the only option for arrivals.
That’s about to change when David’s Enrique Malek International Airport opens its runways to flights from the U.S. and other nations for the first time. Once you land, it’s only a 30 minute drive and a 10 minute boat ride and you’re on an island archipelago that feels more like you’re hours from civilization.
So, while Roatan is a slightly quicker trip (for now, anyway), Boca Chica stomps its Honduran counterpart in terms of access to other nearby destinations. If you need something that you can’t get on the island, you have to take a 90 minute ferry ride to the mainland.
Boca Chica’s islands require only a quick trip in a motorboat. Once on land, there are a ton of options for everything from shopping and dining to getting your boat repaired or picking up your dry cleaning. You can also explore nearby places like Boquete, Volcan Baru, and other popular tourist attractions in the Chiriqui province.
Round #2: Consumer Goods and Services
Advantage: Boca Chica
Speaking of dry cleaning and repair shops, that’s another area where Boca Chica wins out over Roatan. In Roatan you’re pretty much limited to the options available on the island. Most consumer offerings are located on the west end in places like Coxen Hole and French Harbour.
The options are decent, but the prices reflect the fact that they’ve had to be shipped over from the mainland. Plus if the island doesn’t have what you need, then back on the ferry you go.
From Boca Chica island, you can motor over to the mainland where the town of Boca Chica has enough to meet your basic needs. However, if you’re seeking something a little less common all you have to do is drive the half hour to David which is guaranteed to have what you’re looking for.
It’s so convenient that it wouldn’t be unheard of for someone to spend their day out exploring deserted islands in the archipelago, then shower, change, and head into David for a world-class steak dinner. In the city you’ll also find hardware stores, modern hospitals, government offices, and even a Mailboxes Etc.
James Willmore
Round #3: Investment Potential
Winner: Boca Chica By a Large Margin
The fact that you’re at least somewhat familiar with Roatan, Honduras, but may have never even so much as heard of Boca Chica, Panama, should be your first clue as to which has the greatest potential for appreciation.
Roatan is a well-developed tourist destination that’s been drawing international attention for a while. Boca Chica Island is a hidden gem. The mainland town of Boca Chica attracts a few tourists, mainly because of its popularity as a sport fishing mecca. But most of the islands of its archipelago are virtually untouched.
Roatan has a fair share of real estate that’s a little further off the beaten path as well, but its prices still reflect the level of development available on the island itself. Boca Chica, on the other hand, offers the same (if not better) gorgeous scenery and opportunities for adventure and exploration. But at rock-bottom prices.
Not to mention, that airport expansion we mentioned is about to cause the entire Chiriqui province, including Boca Chica, to explode. More and more travelers from all over the globe will begin visiting the area. Infrastructure will continue to improve. New businesses will open. And the result will be a tremendous spike in property values.
These projections are huge for investors.
Round #4: Atmosphere
Outcome: It Depends
Both Roatan and Boca Chica are great destinations with a really cool laid-back vibe. They also both have a good bit of variety if you’re willing to move around a bit. But each excels in a particular genre the other lacks.
In the more populated areas of Roatan you’ll find your typical Caribbean atmosphere. There are your usual tourist developments and hotels within walking distance of bars and restaurants that offer a vibrant night life.
Boca Chica doesn’t have that. There are good times to be had in Boca Chica, but they generally come in a more low-key format, like a relaxed happy hour spent on a restaurant patio.
By contrast, Boca Chica offers opportunities for complete solitude that would make even Robinson Crusoe drool. You can relax in a hammock on your private patio with nothing but your thoughts and a few howler monkeys to keep you company. Roatan has a few more secluded spots too, but they don’t compare.
Viva Tropical
Round #5: Tourist Infrastructure
Advantage: Roatan by a Landslide
Whereas Roatan has all the activities and tourist offerings you’d expect of any world-class vacation spot, Boca Chica’s options are drastically skewed towards one genre: aquatic adventures. It’s a great jumping-off spot for deep sea fishing, sailing, and other seafaring activities. For much more than that, you’ll need to venture to one of the other destinations in the province.
Roatan has a variety of options for dining, lodging, and other amenities. It’s a well-developed tourist hotspot. But that also has its drawbacks. Like the hordes of cruise ship passengers that crowd the beaches every few days or so.
It’s important to note though that Boca Chica’s relative lack of tourist offerings represents another great area that’s primed for growth. As the number of visitors to the area increase, there will be tremendous potential for entrepreneurs looking to profit by opening attractions like yoga retreats and sport fishing operations.
Michael McDonough
Round #6: Host Country
Advantage: Easily Panama
Outside of Roatan, there just aren’t a lot of expats flocking to Honduras. With the world’s #1 highest intentional homicide rate (82 of every 100,000 deaths), to say the country has a crime problem is a gross understatement.
Likewise its education system is fair, and its infrastructure is well below average for the region. You can’t drink the water, and many cities have inadequate wastewater treatment systems. Health care is also subpar, with only 57 physicians per 100,000 people.
Contrast this with Panama, whose infrastructure rivals that of first-world countries in some of the larger cities. It has good roads, reliable public transit, and some of the best internet and cellular access in all of Latin America.
There are a number of established expat communities where large numbers of English-speaking immigrants have more than paved the way for newcomers. There’s also Panama City, a bustling cosmopolitan city that many compare to Miami.
Panama’s schools are good. Its healthcare is great. It’s also one of the safest countries in the region, with less violent crimes in a year than New York City has in a day.
Panama’s government is pro-business, pro-investor, and extremely friendly to foreigners. Its pensionado program, with discounts as high as 50% on things like entertainment and travel, is the reason it’s often dubbed one of the best places to retire in the entire world.
Round #7: Snorkeling
Winner: Roatan
Boca Chica has a few private beaches where you can spend an afternoon snorkeling. Most notably there’s nearby Islas Secas, which is a 45 minute boat ride away, or Coiba National Park. It’s one of the largest marine parks in the world, but it’s a good 2-3 hours by boat.
In the waters surrounding Roatan there are over 100 diving and snorkeling sites, many of which are accessible directly from the beach. And since the island is so popular with cruisers, there are a number of outfits offering snorkeling excursions for tourists.
Round #8: Diving
Verdict: Boca Chica by a Nose
Roatan does have the benefit of being located near the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which reaches down to the island from Belize. As a result, it attracts many divers and is great for beginners.
However, Boca Chica lies in close proximity to a spot that offers some of the world’s best dives, according to National Geographic. Just 27 miles south is Islas Ladrones, which is teeming with schools of jack, snapper, and barracuda. There are also smaller species like surgeonfish, parrotfish, triggerfish, angelfish, and more that can be seen year round.
You can also spot several species of shark and, at certain times of the year, giant manta rays and humpback whales. Visibility near the island is 30-80 meters.
Further away, as mentioned for snorkeling, is Isla de Coiba, where you can explore a 330,000-acre reef which contains 60 of the world’s 75+ species of hard and soft coral. In these protected waters you’ll also find mullet, stingray, puffers, moray eels, and gentle sea turtles.
Snowmanradio
Round #9: Fishing
Winner: Boca Chica Hands-Down
Due to the abundance of species represented in Boca Chica, the fishing in its waters is second to none. A large majority of its tourist accommodations are comprised of fishing lodges, and the number of world record catches that were landed in and around Boca Chica is remarkable.
Most of these were snagged near Hannibal Bank, a world-famous fishing hotspot where the ocean floor rises sharply from thousands of feet deep to a mere 120 feet. Where this cliff juts out, tremendous schools of inshore fish merge with the offshore species who feed on them. Marlin in excess of 1,000 pounds and tuna over 300 pounds have been caught in these waters, as well as snapper, amberjack, and snook.
Since the island actually started as a commercial fishing hub (until tourism began to dominate), you won’t be disappointed with the fishing in Roatan. That is, unless you’ve already experienced the fishing around Hannibal Bank in Boca Chica. That’ll definitely ruin it for you.
Viva Tropical
Round #10: Land Exploration
Verdict: Boca Chica Takes the Round
Roatan has a few areas available for exploration if you’re willing to venture over to the east side of the island and get away from the more heavily touristed areas. There are botanical gardens and nature trails, but it’s also somewhat of a controlled environment.
By contrast, the jungles and rainforest of the Boca Chica archipelago are absolutely prehistoric. There’s an abundance of old growth trees and entire islands that are completely covered in dense untouched forest. There’s also a general attitude of preservation and conservation among the local population, as well as the developers who are starting projects in the area.
Take for example Boca Chica Island, the site of our latest Adventure Colony. It’s a place where like-minded expats can own their very own unspoiled piece of nature. It’s a community with a shared vision of living in harmony with the environment, as evidenced by Monte Vida, the world’s first crowd-funded park.
Viva Tropical
Grand Champion
Just like many of the individual categories, the verdict of which island destination is the right place to establish your expat home is one that’s best left for you to decide.
If you’re looking for an established spot with amenities already in place and a thriving expat community, then check out Roatan. If you’re a more intrepid expat who wants to be one of the first on the scene, for both investment potential as well as bragging rights, then Boca Chica might be the place for you.
Map of Boca Chica
Boca Chica Fast Facts
- Population: About 1,200 (Numbers are hard to nail down, but this is a good guestimate)
- Typical temperature: From 70 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit
- Nearest airport with U.S. flights: Tocumen Airport. Domestic flights to Panama City, Panama and international flights to Costa Rica depart from Enrique Malek International Airport in David
- Nearest U.S. consulate: Panama City, Panama
Map of Roatan
Roatan Fast Facts
- Population: 50,000
- Typical temperature: From 80 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit
- Nearest airport with U.S. flights: Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport
- Nearest U.S. consulate: Tegucigalpa, Honduras
A discussion with off-grid specialist Eric Youngren, one part adventurer and one part alternative energy expert. Eric is the perfect person to talk about off-grid technology for Viva Tropical readers and listeners. With extensive experience in remote and third world locations we set out to learn some practical advice from a qualified person. Eric can install systems anywhere in the world which makes him a potential candidate for any project you might have.
Tune in and find out if off-grid living is worth it for you.
In this episode, we discuss:
- How do you know how much energy you need?
- What system is right for you?
- Is living off-grid hard?
- What do I need to know before considering getting off the grid?
And much more.
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The Show Notes
When looking at lists published by international living gurus citing the best places to live in and retire to overseas, the nations of Ecuador and Panama consistently appear among the places with the highest rankings.
As beautiful, affordable tropical destinations go, they’re among the best of the best. And, while they’re both excellent overall as places to retire, raise a family, start a business, or just live for a short time, each has certain areas where it shines brighter than the other.
We’d be hard-pressed to say which country is the best or, even more specifically, which one is the best for YOU and your particular situation. That decision is best left up to your family, based on your individual needs and priorities.
What we can do is highlight a few categories that are important to expat families and tell you which country excels in that area.
D. Bmcnicol
Round #1 – Lifestyle Hacks
Winner: It’s a Tie
One of the coolest things about living abroad is the ability to enlist help for tasks that you might be fed up with doing yourself, but would’ve never had the means to hire out in North America. Some examples are maids, gardeners, drivers, tutors, and nannies.
And domestic help is abundant and affordable in both Panama and Ecuador. We’d be tempted to give this category to Ecuador for its lower cost (around $10 per day for the services of a maid vs. $15 for the same work in Panama).
However, as is often true, you tend to get what you pay for. So some might argue that the quality of service you receive from domestic helpers is superior in Panama.
Eddie Codel
Round #2 – Connectivity
Outcome: Panama By a Nose
This is another area where both countries excel far beyond the reach of most of their Latin American neighbors. And, up until recently, this category would have gone to Panama by a landslide.
However, Ecuador is aggressively working to improve its internet coverage. As a result, the country’s connectivity is increasing by leaps and bounds with a goal of access in 50% of households by 2015. (It’s currently closer to 35%.) Free public access centers are also widely available across the country.
While Ecuador’s connectivity is great, Panama’s is excellent due in part to a long-standing U.S. military presence. In fact, it ranks #2 in all of Latin America for technology and internet penetration and #1 for wireless availability.
Most Panamanian cities offer affordable broadband service, and there are free wi-fi hotspots nationwide. Because of its technological advances, companies such as Dell, 3M, and Philips have chosen it for their regional headquarters and customer service centers.
Pavel Kirillov
Round #3 – Living Options
Slight Edge: Panama
Both Ecuador and Panama have a lot to offer in terms of variety of living options. When it comes to mountain towns, Cuenca, Ecuador, and Boquete, Panama, are among some of the top expat destinations in Latin America. There are others as well, such as Loja, Quito, and Vilcabamba in Ecuador and Volcan, El Valle, and Santa Fe in Panama.
There are also popular beach towns in both countries. Salinas, Ecuador, has been compared to Miami’s South Beach. There’s also Montanita and Manta. Panama has Bocas del Toro, the quintessential Caribbean beach town, as well as Coronado and Pedasi.
Panama City trumps places like Ecuador’s Quito and Guayaquil if you’re looking for something that more closely resembles a first-world city. The other place where Panama takes the cake is with its options for island living. Ecuador has the Galapagos Islands, a great place for tourists to visit or explore but not necessarily live.
However, Panama offers options like Boca Chica Island, which offer nature-loving expats the opportunity to own their very own piece of a private island that’s only a hour away from the country’s second-largest city and an international airport.
Wogo 24220
Round #4 – Green Living
Winner: Ecuador
While Panama has long had its sights on continuing to improve its infrastructure and commerce, it lags a bit behind in its sustainability initiatives. However, it is making some strides in the right direction. Take for instance the village of Kalu Yala, a development that has a goal of becoming the world’s most sustainable residential community.
Most green efforts in Panama are more grass roots and less government-driven. On the other hand, Ecuador has the unique distinction of being the only country in the world where the rights of the natural environment are protected by the nation’s constitution.
Sustainability issues are on the government’s radar in Ecuador as it battles issues like the threat of drilling in its Yasuni National Park, the most biodiverse place on earth.
Vilseskogen
Round #5 – Cost of Living
Clear Winner: Ecuador
Ecuador and Panama both offer the ability to live satisfying lifestyles for a fraction of the North American budget. As you can imagine, prices vary greatly from one city to the next, with some of the more developed areas running much closer to U.S. prices.
However, overall the cost of living is considerably less in Ecuador. In fact, it’s often one of the country’s biggest selling points, with many expat couples claiming to live just fine on a mere $1200 per month including rent, which averages around $450. This includes luxuries like high speed internet and once-a-week maid service.
Both countries have great discount programs for their senior adults, with Panama’s pensionado program being one of its most attractive benefits for retirees. However for most expats, particularly young families, it’s cheaper to live in Ecuador.
Rivera Notario
Round #6 – Ease of Access
Advantage: Panama
This was an easy one. Mainly because the majority of Ecuador’s incoming flights have layovers in places like Panama City (as well as Miami, Bogota, and places in the Caribbean). As a result, travel to Ecuador is longer and a bit more expensive.
It does have great public transportation once you fly in to Quito or Guayaquil, as well as connecting flights to a number of regional airports.
By contrast, Panama’s recently expanded Tocumen International Airport receives direct incoming flights from multiple U.S. cities, as well as various points in South America. David’s Enrique Malek International Airport will also soon begin welcoming international flights, opening up the western regions of Panama to expats and tourists from all over the world.
Matthew Straubmuller
Round #7 – Business Climate
Champion: Panama, Hands Down
To decide this category, you only need to look at the stats. The International Finance Corporation ranks Panama 55th in the world for ease of doing business, compared to Ecuador’s rank of 135th. This survey is based on factors that affect one’s ability to start and operate a local business.
This comes as no surprise, as Panama’s government has historically been extremely pro-business and pro-investor. It’s also somewhat of a tax haven and an increasingly popular place to open an offshore bank account. Panama also offers a whole host of visa options, with the number of choices increasing frequently.
Ecuador, on the other hand, has a reputation of being a bit unstable and unpredictable. It struggles with issues such as high government turnover rates and an economy that is based a bit too heavily on petroleum.
However, Ecuador’s economy is growing. The country is also taking steps to reduce the government’s influence in certain business sectors.
Gaspar Serrano
Round #8 – Banking
Advantage: Panama
Both Ecuador and Panama benefit from having a dollarized economy. However, both have seen requirements tightening in recent years due to laws like FATCA and other U.S. tax evasion agreements. As a result, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for foreigners to open an account.
That being said, the banking process is far more friendly to foreigners in Panama. It’s home to a number of international banks and is emerging as a major player on the global banking scene.
Ecuador, on the other hand, suffers from inconsistent regulations and subpar accounting standards, although its banks’ performance has improved in recent years. Due to the inconsistencies, however, the process of opening an account can be a bit long and tedious.
thinkpanama
Round #9 – Investment Opportunities
Our Pick: Panama
When you look at the ingredients for a savvy investment, they include factors like low costs, massive infrastructure projects, a focus on tourism, and government incentives. Both Ecuador and Panama have all of these. And lots of them.
Panama just has more. Its real estate is still affordable. The government has recently invested $15 billion in projects like airport expansions, new roads, and a metro system. There are tax breaks on everything from the importation of building materials to build a hotel to income tax on land purchased for reforestation.
Ecuador offers many of those same advantages, and often at a lower cost. So you could argue that in Ecuador there’s a bit more room for appreciation. However, the benefits of investing in Panama are just still too good to award this category to anyone else.
Presidencia de Republic de Ecuador
Round #10 – Health Care
Outcome: Another Tie
Ecuador and Panama both benefit from having excellent health care systems, with skilled medical staff and modern facilities. English is widely spoken by doctors in both countries, many of whom trained in the U.S, and hospitals offer the latest in technological advancements.
The low cost of care is also a big plus, with procedures generally running about ¼ of the price for the same service in North America. Health insurance is also affordable and widely available.
Both countries suffer from the same main drawback in this category: availability in rural areas. While they both have state-of-the-art hospitals, they’re found only in the largest cities. Clinics in more remote locations may be limited to basic services or even first aid only.
ThinkPanama
Round #11 – Consumer Goods
Winner: Panama
Both Ecuador and Panama have a surprisingly good selection of consumer goods. As a result, you usually need only drive to the nearest city to find exactly what you’re looking for, or at least a comparable replacement.
Where Ecuador suffers in this arena is due to its ever-increasing taxes. Many items have become more difficult to find, or at least more expensive, in recent years. Consequently, fewer and fewer items (like vehicles and cell phones) are being imported.
Panama, on the other hand, has become quite the shopping hub for folks all across Latin America. This is due in part to its low value-added tax of 7% (vs. 12% in Ecuador). We’ve even seen people who traveled from Ecuador to Panama City to buy several flat-screen TV’s due to the better prices and availability.
D. Rorfold
Round #12 – Foreign Land Ownership
Victor: Panama
In both Ecuador and Panama, foreigners who buy property have their rights protected by the constitution just the same as nationals of that country. There are also few restrictions on what land they can buy. Well, there’s only one really, and it’s in Panama where foreigners can’t own land within 10 kilometers of the border.
Both countries offer an abundance of land available at, in some cases, rock-bottom prices. However due diligence is absolutely necessary before buying land in either country.
Purchasing real estate as a foreigner can be a challenge, but the whole process is a bit easier in Panama. A good attorney is a must, so choose one who’s experienced in land transactions and can handle things like researching the title, drafting contracts, and registering the deed.
D Rorfold
And the Grand Champion Is…
Nah. We didn’t keep score. There’s just too much to love about both of these countries for us to try to give the trophy to one or the other.
What’s more important than our opinion is your own experience with each of these fine countries. So, if Ecuador and Panama are on your short list of potential expat destinations, then we suggest you open a new tab and start looking for flights. There’s no better way to pick a winner than to just let the two duke it out firsthand.
Map of Panama
Panama Fast Facts
- Population: 3.8 million
- Typical temperature: Temperature typically varies from 72°F to 91°F
- Nearest airport with U.S. flights: U.S. bound flights leave daily from Tocumen International Airport
- Nearest U.S. consulate: Panama City
Map of Ecuador
Ecuador Fast Facts
- Population: About 15.49 million
- Typical temperature: Ecuador is known for its micro climates.
- Major airports with U.S. flights: Quito, Cuenca and Guayaquil. Complete list of airports in Ecuador.
- Nearest U.S. consulate: Quito and Guayaquil
A R Vindgrove
There are so many good reasons to live in Panama. Some make the move for the climate, the friendliness of the Panamanian people, and of course because it is home to one of the best retiree discount programs in the world.
So it’s easy to see why Americans are choosing this country as their retirement haven.
But sometimes the best advice and position on life in the tropics comes from those who are living the expat lifestyle every day. Today, in our Expat Interview series we focus on three expats in Panama who share their living experiences and reasoning behind their decision to pick up their lives and move them to the tropics.
Expat Interview #1: Kris C.
Kris C.
Why did you choose to move to Panama? And how long have you lived there?
We were nearing retirement age and realized we didn’t have enough money to retire comfortably where we were, and that was if we worked until we were 70. We needed something more affordable.
We made a checklist of what we wanted – close enough to the US for visits to family, warm climate, stable government, crime under control, decent infrastructure…. and Panama just rose to the top of the list. We visited Panama City first and loved the country, but not the hectic pace of the city. Next we looked at David and knew it would work for us. We have been here 1-1/2 years and are very happy!
Where were you living previously?
Sarasota, Florida for 17 years.
What do you do with your time?
I don’t know how I stay so busy every day! There are still the usual daily chores, and I tend to cook from scratch more with all the great produce available here. I have more time for my photography hobby. I write a blog which is growing, and more and more people contact me through the blog. I’ve been riding my bicycle almost every day which is good exercise, and I’m also getting to know the city better and meeting new people.
I enjoy spending time with my friends. I try to study Spanish a bit every day. I like to work in the yard. I like to sew. Well looking at that list, it’s no wonder I stay busy. We are also traveling more both in and out of Panama.
What surprised you when you first came to Panama?
It is SO beautiful here. I think I loved it from the moment I saw those lush green mountains from the airplane window. I expected it to be really hot but it’s actually more comfortable than Florida in the summer. We hardly ever see mosquitoes and rarely get bitten or stung by anything even though we are outdoors a lot. The people are so friendly and welcoming, and adjusting to life here has been much easier than I expected. We have been made to feel like a part of the community, and members of a number of families.
If given a chance, which other South American country would you want to live in, and why?
When we decided that Panama was good for us, we really didn’t research other options. Something would have to change a lot before we’d consider moving. If it came to that, maybe Mexico, or Nicaragua? I hope to travel through Central America so when we get a chance to visit these other countries we should have a better idea of where else might work for us.
Expat Interview #2: Christopher Powers, Panama for Real
Chris Powers
Why did you choose to move to Panama? And how long have you lived there?
I chose to move to Panama because my wife, Marlene, is Panamanian, we lived 8 years together in the U.S., and we just decided we wanted a fresh, new start. Since she’d given my country a try for so long, it just made sense to try hers. Plus, I’d constantly moved our family from one place to the next in the U.S., at the whim of my employer, and it got to where my family was alone all the time.
For holidays, birthday, and any other significant event, it was only us. We’d just had twin boys, making it 4 kids total, and we wanted our kids to be surrounded by family and a warmer atmosphere. Panama is very family-oriented. Now, my kids have more of a life than we do. It seems they’re always at a cousin’s birthday party or a family get-together. We’ve lived in Panama going on 5 years.
Where were you living previously?
Prior to moving to Panama, we were living in Columbus, Ohio.
We’ve lived all over the place though. We started our family in Anchorage, Alaska, when I was stationed there while in the U.S. Air Force. From there we moved to South Florida (Boca Raton and Palm Beach Gardens) and then on to Chicago, Illinois before finally landing in Ohio.
What do you do with your time?
I spend most of my time working on my website, which is a site dedicated to helping people understand everything about Panama before they make the decision to move here. We (my family and I) travel all over this country. I write detailed reports and put together videos about each province, town, and neighborhood in Panama.
I tell you all about the cost of living, entertainment, utilities and infrastructure, medical care, and everything else you need to know. Plus, I write a lot of blog posts and articles giving people tips and pointers about living in or visiting Panama.
For example, I just wrote this post about the new Metro train system in Panama or my newest, probably most popular post yet on dating in Panama and if you just want to learn about one of the neighborhoods, here’s a video on the most popular beach town in Panama.
When I’m not working on Panama For Real, I’m busy punching out my next novel. If you happen to like dark urban fantasy (very action-packed and violent) check out my first novel, Mirror Images Book 1: The Darkness of Man. It’s only $.99 right now on Amazon (for Kindle).
What surprised you when you first came to Panama?
What surprised me most about Panama is how easy it actually is to live here. You spend so much time contemplating and trying to make sense of everything involved in a move overseas.
Then, when you finally do it, you realize it’s not all that difficult. You just have to adapt to your new lifestyle. The two most difficult things are learning Spanish (something I’m still struggling with all these years) and learning to truly relax.
Most people move to Panama because they want a slower pace, but they don’t realize what that actually means. Yes, it’s much more chill here in Panama. Everything slows down, but you have to realize that means EVERYTHING, to include anything involving the government. Don’t expect to get any paperwork filed easily. It takes forever here.
If given a chance, which other South American country would you want to live in, and why?
This is a tough one. Which country other than Panama would I like to try? If I could afford it, I think I’d have to say Argentina. Have you ever seen the photos and videos of the Argentina vineyards? I’m not even a wine drinker (I like my beer), but I think owning a vineyard would be awesome. And Argentina just looks so stunning. Yes, I’ll go with Argentina.
Expat Interview #3: Elizabeth Vance
Elizabeth Vance
Why did you choose to move to Panama? And how long have you lived there?
My former executive position brought me to Panama six years ago. We’ve lived since then – almost six and a half years.
Where were you living previously?
In the Chicago, Illinois area.
What do you do with your time?
I’m a writer and the bestselling author of two books about Panama. They include The Gringo Guide to Panama: What to Know Before You Go, and The Gringo Guide to Panama II: More to Know Before You Go. Both launched in the last 18 months, and have hit #1 and #2 for books about Panama on Amazon during that time.
In addition to writing, I run our household (which is more than it sounds like, but this is a developing nation, so everything takes longer than expected), and I consult part-time with companies considering moving to Panama and setting up business in Latin America.
What surprised you when you first came to Panama?
Ha! Almost everything. Probably the biggest thing that surprised me was that the city of Panama appears so glamorous with all the skyscrapers and glitzy night clubs and gorgeous hotels, but when you get down to conducting business and day to day life, the inefficiency and processes of getting anything accomplished can be exhausting.
Things here generally take three times longer to get done than they might in the U.S. I talk a lot about this and the realities of acclimating to life as an expat coming from North America to Panama in my first book.
If given a chance, which other South American country would you want to live in, and why?
I adore Colombia for the people and the culture. Bogotá is my favorite place, and my husband loves Medellín. The people are welcoming and warm. The food is delicious, and the shopping (especially for silver and leather goods) is fantastic.
Add that to the stunning mountain backdrop of either city and you have a winning combination. The ability to travel easily from Panama to every other capital in Central and South America is another reason why we chose to relocate here. That’s also a topic I cover in the second Gringo Guide book.
You can read more about me and my stories about Panama here.