Thoughts about investing in Panama by the Gringo

In recent years Panama has been growing in popularity among retirees, expats, and investors. In fact, International Living rates it as the No. 1 place to retire in the world, and not without good reason. Panama offers a higher quality of living at a lower cost and with less crime than typical Central American destinations although Panama City is rapidly getting to first world pricing.

The stable government is pushing the economy, and sees its future in the way of foreign investment. Tourism investments receive certain tax exemptions from import duties and residents pay no tax on foreign earned income. To encourage Read more

Having a Pampered Day in PC

It may seem a little self-indulgent, but spending a day at one of Panama City’s top spas may just be the perfect thing after romping around the countryside. The Aqua Spa located in the Radisson Decapolis hotel will help you to achieve the ultimate state of relaxation. All the standard services are offered: massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. Steam rooms and hot tubs add a little heat to the equation.

The biggest bonus about being pampered in Panama is that the price is less than half of what these services would cost in the states. So, even if it’s not an outing you typically indulge in, there is no better time than while in Panama. The Read more

Empanadas: The Real Deal

Every once in a while I get a craving for a good empanada… the kind that is getting hard to find in Panama these days.


Recently, I started on a campaign to find the a recipe for the traditional Panamanian empanada, and this is what my sources came up with. I thought I’d put it up here, that way no matter where you are in the world, you can enjoy a little taste of Panama.

• 1 Tablespoon of olive oil
• 1/2 large Spanish onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 pound ground pork
• 3/4 pounds ground beef
• Read more

Through the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is without a doubt the country’s most well known landmark and although it may not be first on your list of things to do while trekking through the countryside, if you have the chance it is a unique experience that cannot be had anywhere else in the world. Panama Marine Adventures offers a number of packages including a full transit, which takes about 8 hours, and a partial transit, which takes about 4. The partial transit is best, as the full can get a little monotonous

From aboard the yacht your bilingual guide will draw your attention to the amount of work that went into creating the locks and the Read more

Horseracing Panama Style

Panamanians love to gamble, especially on the horse races. From Panama City just head out east on Vía José Agustín Arango, to Juan Díaz Apdo.I in Zona 9A where you will find Hipodromo Stadium. Entrance is free and races are held on Thursdays starting at 5 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays, from 2 pm onward. In the Salon Presidencial, which is on the second floor, you can grab a bite to eat at the restaurant or something to drink at the bar that overlooks the track.

http://www.hipodromo.com/mercadeo/eventos/calendario_rpc.html

A taxi ride from town costs fewer than 5 US dollars and the bus ride is even cheaper, at less than 1 dollar. You can find out Read more

Navigating the Buses

The Albrook Bus Terminal serves as the main bus terminal in Panama City and the base for over 10 bus lines that provide service not only to in the interior, but internationally as well. It is a central hub of activity in Panama, always bustling with people. Despite the amount of traffic, both human and motor, it is easy to navigate, even for those who are Spanish-challenged.

The size and quality of the bus often depends on the destination, the line, and the price. Some buses are as nice as your standard Greyhounds, while other mini buses manage to scuttle their way along the highway, depositing passengers at every imaginable location.

If you have some time to Read more

The mountain country town of El Valle de Anton is one of the most picturesque places in all of Panama. Located in the crater of an extinct pre-historic volcano and at an altitude of 2,500 feet, El Valle offers a peaceful environment, and one of the most pleasant, cozy places to stay.

The Park Eden Bed and Breakfast is a family run B&B, just a short walk or a quick taxi ride from the center of town. Its eight rooms are warm and welcoming, as are its owners. Wandering the lush gardens that nearly fill the 2 acre property one quickly sees how the B&B got its name.

Guests Read more

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