Driving up into the hills, I am suddenly surrounded by orange trees. They are currently laden with hard green fruits. In September, though, there will be an abundance of ripe, fragrant oranges as plump as you please. Then the Orange Fair will draw locals from all the surrounding villages.

It’s a sight to see: the men sharp as daggers in their crisp white shirts and pintado hats…the petite women doll-like in pollera dresses, gold ornaments in their hair. They dance, play games, hold singing competitions (the idea is to improvise rhymes with which to tease each other), and of course, enjoy plenty of sweet, cold oranges.

All this takes place in Penonome, founded by the Spanish in 1581. Back then, the city’s importance was its location—not only was it founded at Panama’s geographical center, but it also lay on the historical route known as el Camino de Cruces. America’s first interoceanic trail, this stone marvel defied the ravages of time and the even more savage tropical jungle. The crossing saw immeasurable treasure and tragedy centuries ago, when silver and gold still crossed the isthmus in caravans.

About 94 miles from Panama City, Penonome is today known as a symbol of agricultural wealth. The town serves as a business center for many farmers and ranchers. The reason is, once again, due to its central location, as Penonome is more or less equidistant from major cities Panama City, David, and Santiago. It’s also less than an hour from some of Panama’s most legendary beaches.

The bustling business town looks small and perhaps even unimpressive. But don’t let the men on horseback fool you—there is some serious money rolling through here. And thanks to that money, Penonome offers sturdy infrastructure and many comforts. In addition to grocery stores, drug stores, and restaurants, Penonome boasts banks, hotels and resorts…and one of Panama’s best-known Carnival celebrations.

The ranches and farms are not Penonome’s main attractions, though. Today’s travelers are discovering the area and its many eco-tourism opportunities. Balneario Las Mendozas is a popular spot to take a fresh-water dip. If the river isn’t your thing, head to Juan Hombron beach, just 15 minutes from the main plaza. The sands and waters here are smooth and pristine, and the birds and tiny fishing boats make for picturesque vacation shots.

If you’re itching to drive an all-terrain vehicle and see a Panama less-traveled, head to Omar Torrijos National Park. More commonly referred to as El Copé (pronounced “El Kop-eh”), it’s named after former dictator General Omar Torrijos, who died here in a mysterious plane crash.

The massive park is backed by mist-topped mountains and dense with primary forest growth. Most visitors head here to see the plentiful birdlife. Sight snowcap and green thorntail hummingbirds, as well as the rare bare-necked umbrella bird, whose call sounds strangely more like a roar than a chirp.

Penonome’s signature eco-attraction is Guacamaya Hill, named after the region’s loud, flamboyantly colored Macaws. It offers the best views in the district from several lookout points along its hiking trail. Along the way, you’ll see small villages, natural caves and views of the sparkling Grande River. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a piggy little peccary or a sleek, sloe-eyed ocelot.

If you don’t have time to go hiking or visit the national park, there’s enough in the village to keep you busy. Head to the Cocle Crafts Market, known as one of Panama’s best. You’ll find traditional souvenirs, including soapstone figurines, hammocks, diablito (or “little devil”) masks and even exotic flowers and plants. Be sure to take a look at the sombreros pintados, a hat worn during traditional dances and originating in the La Pintada area of Penonome.

If you’re looking to learn more about local handicrafts and traditions, you can visit the nearby saddle shop, where saddles are worked entirely by hand. Or spend some time at the soapstone mine. You can watch and take pictures…or get right in there and work alongside the locals.

Despite the excellent infrastructure and location, you’ll find very few expats living in Penonome. As a result, property prices are still very low. Buy a lot of over 10,000 square feet for as little as $18,000 or a three-bedroom Panamanian cottage…on a lot of nearly 4,000 square feet…for $46,000. Now that’s what I call the real Panama.

Read the original article published by International Living here.

Steve Hartwig lives on an island that’s approximately three miles long. He leads a quiet life, running a small Bed-and-Breakfast. He’ll tell you there isn’t much to do—that is, outside of contemplating the bright blue water and the many species of rare and colorful birds. And that’s just fine with him.

On a quiet day, Steve may send his guests on a tour…after making them a tropical island breakfast. He’ll then take a 10-minute boat ride to the “main island.” He’ll do some shopping and then head to a pub on the water. The waves wash up on the shore and the cool breeze rustles through the deep green jungle growth and spindly palms.

Locals call out to Steve, some waving from the bar and some shuffling over to give him a peck on the cheek or pat on the back (the local “hello”). He is content with this acceptance and affection from his new friends. “The locals are probably my favorite part of life here,” he says. He speaks little Spanish, but gets along just fine with his own brand of sign language and a limited Spanish vocabulary.

The tiny island where Steve lives is Isla Solarte, one of over a hundred that form the Bocas del Toro archipelago. The “main island” is Isla Colon, the site of the provincial capital. The part-mainland, part-island province of Bocas del Toro is on Panama’s Caribbean coast—some 300 miles northwest of Panama City.

Best known for its islands, Bocas is Panama’s most beautiful province. The crystalline waters rival those of the Bahamas (without all the violent crime and sprawling hotel compounds). From the perfect sands of Zapatilla Island to the starfish-strewn Boca del Drago, this area boasts a jaw-dropping amount of pristine beaches.

Bocas also boasts a unique cultural diversity. Indigenous tribes govern reserve lands here, while the people of Bocas town are mostly of African or Afro-Caribbean descent. Today many locals speak an English-Spanish patois (though many speak standard English, too).

Right now, due to the global economy, travel to Bocas is down and the small, tourism-based economy has been affected. Some of the smaller hotels are hurting, as are some upscale restaurants that are geared toward tourists, but too expensive for most locals. Perhaps because of this, property prices have started to come down.

You can get a two-bedroom house on the water for around $200,000. Something special—made from solid hardwood, a big 2,700-square-foot house on an acre lot with ocean views—would cost closer to $500,000.

Read the original article published by International Living here.

My friend Paul lives in a mountain community that used to be reserved for the Panamanian elite. I was surprised to find out that his twenty-something son lives there, too. Ever the city girl, I don’t understand. “Doesn’t he get bored? Wouldn’t he rather live in Panama City?” Paul shrugs: “We’re only 30 minutes from the city, so we come into town regularly. We don’t feel isolated.” A cool mountain location with easy access to the buzzing capital? The real estate must be sky-high…

Not so. The town of Cerro Azul, where Paul lives, was one of the trendiest places to have a home until the late 1980s or early 1990s. Then, for no apparent reason, the elite turned its attention to beach locations like Coronado, making Cerro Azul feel like something of a ghost town. From 2004 to 2008, when real estate prices all over Panama were steadily rising, Cerro Azul stayed surprisingly affordable. This was probably because expats flooding the country didn’t know about it. They were too busy in trendy locations like Boquete and Bocas del Toro.

But little Cerro Azul couldn’t remain a secret forever. Word got out, little by little, and a small expat community began to grow here. Today, Paul says at least 70 expats live in Cerro Azul. The effect has been a revitalization of sorts. Members of the Panamanian elite have rediscovered Cerro Azul as a weekend destination—just 30 minutes by car and you’ve left the city and its madness behind. And the full-time population continues to grow…

I went recently to check it out. The drive out of Panama City was easy, thanks to the excellent road. As we ascended, it seemed we were driving up, up, up into the clouds. Passing dairy farms and ranches, we came upon a colorful Chinese arch—an exotic accent amid the greenery and a signal that we were there.

Some people say that Cerro Azul is an “energy center,” and that in certain areas you can watch your compass go haywire. Perhaps this is why local groups come here for yoga and other spiritual retreats. Or perhaps they come simply because the pines and mountain peaks are an uplifting sight, complimented by jewel-toned hummingbirds and ginger flowers as tall as a ten-year-old.

You will find plenty of property for sale here, and if you get here now, you’re sure to uncover some real bargains. One lot for sale here is just off an unpaved road and has water and energy service already installed. The lot is in a residential zone and is well over a half acre. Asking price: $17,600. For $40,000 you can get a half-acre lot in a gated community. A creek runs through the lot, which is in a cul-de-sac and has a distant ocean view.

If you prefer to buy a house and move right in, you’ll find even more options, from inexpensive cottages to big mountain mansions. One home is on offer for $80,000 and comes furnished. The four-bedroom, two-bath home comes with maid’s quarters with separate bath and a covered terrace. Another four-bedroom home is on offer for $90,000. It sits on a lot of nearly half an acre and comes with a pool, storage locker, and two covered terraces.

If your budget is in the $100,000 to $150,000 range, you will have even more options to choose from. One Swiss-style chalet is on offer for $120,000 features four bedrooms and two baths, a balcony, and a patio.

Almost anything grows in abundance, from orchids to bromeliads that pop up wherever you look. It’s close to Panama City and to the international airport, but quiet and peaceful. Far from the city’s light pollution, you can actually see the stars…and there’s no noise to keep you from hearing the nightly symphony of frogs and crickets.

Most importantly, Cerro Azul may be right for you if you want breathtaking views but don’t want to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for property.

Where did I find these great property listings? Join me this April 18-20 at the Live & Invest in Panama Seminar in Kobbe Beach, and I’ll reveal all. You’ll also hear more about Cerro Azul and other great bargain locations (including safe, central neighborhoods in Panama City and on the Pacific coast).

It may have been a sign of the times–health care was on everyone’s mind at our just-completed 2009 Live and Invest in Panama seminar.

No wonder, with the growing storm over health care reform in the U.S.

Many of our 235 attendees in Panama City told me they had no idea what kind of U.S. health care system would be waiting for them when they got back.

Some didn’t want to go back at all. In fact, several decided to stay…to act on what they heard during our three days of presentations and make a better life for themselves there in Panama, starting right then.

They were thrilled with what they learned about the Panamanian medical system. Local physicians and expatriates report it’s just as advanced as that in the U.S.–with many American-trained doctors and even a Johns Hopkins-affiliated hospital. Only the costs for care, medications, and insurance are significantly cheaper than what you’re used to paying.

As one attendee told me after listening to Panama expert and IL legal counsel, Bob Bauman: Panama could be the last refuge of sanity, sense, and free-market values in the Americas today.

Thanks to a booming economy anchored by the Panama Canal and a new, business-minded president, Panama is looking more like the America many attendees remembered from the “good old days” than the one they actually live in now.

And the opportunities are great when it comes to living a better life at a lower cost in any of Panama’s stunning tropical beach or cool-weather mountain communities.

As our resident foreign real estate expert, Ronan McMahon, told us during his presentation, a recent history of overbuilding in the country’s capital means a market in which those who know where and how to look can find remarkable deals today.

If you’re considering your best options for comfortable, easy living overseas and you missed this event, don’t despair.
Some years back we began recording our conferences at the request of attendees who said there was just too much good stuff to remember. They begged us to provide a complete and comprehensive recording so they could go home and review the content at their leisure.

Today we do. And we’re happy to offer you the same recording package they receive.

It comes with not only a full audio record of every session from every speaker, but also all their Power Point slides, handouts, special reports, and more. We call it our Fast Track Panama Package, and it really is the next-best thing to being there in person.

If you’re trolling for an affordable, easy place to live outside the States–where you can enjoy all the comforts of home for a fraction of what you’re used to paying–Panama should be at the top of your list.

The 2009 Fast-Track Panama Package hands you the most efficient, cost-effective way to get a current, right-from-the-ground look at what your best options are there today.

P.S. The full price to attend this sold-out event was $1,195–but you can reserve a copy of our 2009 Fast Track Panama Package in your name today for just $349–a small fraction of what it would have cost you to be there in person.

So grab your 2009 Fast Track Panama Package today for just $349, here now.

By Susan Haskins, Event Insider for International Living

Aug. 11, 2009
Kobbe Beach, Panama
Live from the Live and Invest in Panama Seminar 2009

What would you think if I sang out of tune, would you stand up and walk out on me?

Lots of folks were standing, but no one was walking out during today’s session of the International Living Live and Invest in Panama Seminar.

It’s a sold-out event. And everyone here is more than excited about today’s opportunities in Panama, as I told you yesterday.

I’m Suzan Haskins, reporting from the seminar at the beautiful Playa Bonita Resort just outside Panama City. If you’re like me, and you grew up listening to music from the likes of The Beatles…and you still have (even just a tiny bit) of idealism left… keep reading. I want to introduce you to some friends of mine.

But first…let me tell you about today’s session. It started this morning with Greg Adams, from Sovereign International Asset Management Company. All eyes were on his list of the private companies, programs and sectors recently nationalized (or proposed to be) by the U.S. government: G.M., Fannie Mae, AIG, executive compensation plans, the health care industry, the financial industry.

And next…our retirement plans?

If you take away only one thing from this article, let it be this:

It’s time to take personal responsibility for your happiness and your financial well-being.

Lend me your ears and I’ll sing you a song, and I’ll try not to sing out of key.

If anyone is singing out of tune these days, it’s the U.S. government. That’s what Greg thinks. And from the reaction he received, most of the audience agrees with him.

“Congress is holding hearings on overhauling our retirement system,” he said. “The option of nationalization came up and the committee chairman said that ‘nothing was off the table’.” And that includes a mandate about what types of vehicles you can or cannot invest in with your personal IRA and pension funds…the money you’ve worked hard all these years to earn and save.

Greg believes there are three “panic scenarios” that may occur:

#1 – The government will tell your bank to purchase U.S. treasuries with 50% of your retirement plan or worse…like 100%

#2 – The government will tell your banker to stop any transfers outside the U.S. to offshore accounts

#3 – The government will tell your banker to confiscate all gold or other real-value assets in your plan “for the sake of the country.”

Greg also believes that a window of opportunity is, for a short time, still open to protect ourselves against these possibilities.

“There are six things you probably don’t know about your IRA account, but you should,” he said. “You can take your IRA offshore, you can open a non-U.S. bank account, an LLC, or a non-U.S. annuity. Or you can buy international real estate with it…”

Can you guess where this is going? If you want to start a new life beyond the U.S.–in a place like Panama–you need to know this. Act now and you can move your money to Panama, and you can use your IRA funds to buy real estate here.

This is the kind of invaluable, need-to-know information we’re getting at this Live and Invest in Panama conference.

Oh I get by with a little help from my friends…

I’ve been attending these conferences for a number of years now, and most of the people taking the stage here are friends of mine. Like Greg Adams. And real estate investment expert Ronan McMahon. And attorney and family trust expert Joel Nagel. At conferences like this, we get a chance to catch up, but more than that, I get to listen to them talk about things they’re experts at…things they’re passionate about.

Tuey Murdock, for instance, from First American Title Company, knows all the ins and outs of real estate title issues. She should–she’s been doing this for 34 years now….advising individuals (and major corporations) about how to identify solid real estate opportunities, and importantly, how protect those investments in the long run.

“There are different rules when buying real estate outside your home country,” Tuey says, “and it can be risky. But it doesn’t have to be… as long as you do a few simple things….”

And yes, Tuey told us exactly what those things are…she’s good at that. (And I say that fondly…she’s a very good friend, after all–and if your friends can’t tell you want to do, who can?)

You Can Learn What the Rest of Us Have Learned Here in Panama…

As I told you yesterday, we’re recording this conference. All 40 of the presentations. We’re also making copies of the handouts and PowerPoint presentations.

I don’t think I’ve yet mentioned the theme of this conference. It’s “The Hidden Affordable Panama.” And the goal is to uncover some of the still undiscovered opportunities this country has to offer. Believe me, we’re doing that…in spades.

Today, Ronan McMahon told us more about where to find the country’s best real estate buys. Rainelda Mata-Kelly told us where and how to get a mortgage…some banks are more flexible than others and Rainelda told us exactly which banks to approach and what kinds of information to furnish them. (Importantly, she also told us what information should not be divulged.)

Jeff Duda talked to us about how to find the best rental apartments in Panama…and how to vet rental management companies and find reliable renters for any rental properties we might own here.

This is all invaluable information for anyone contemplating a move to Panama. And you can get every bit of it…

The Next Best Thing to Being Here (and at a Fraction of the Price)

The full price paid to attend this sold-out event was $1,195–and those who traveled here to Panama had to pay another $1,500 (or more) for airfare, hotel, meals, ground transportation, etc.

Certainly they’ve gotten their money’s worth. It’s an invaluable experience to be able to ask personal questions and spend one-on-one time with our expert speakers and advisors, to rub shoulders with Panama expats and network with fellow attendees…

But it’s not always possible to attend a conference. We understand that. And we want you to have the same opportunities as those of us here in the audience in Panama. So we’re making the information from this seminar available to you at an incredibly affordable price. Order now, in fact, and you’ll get it at the lowest price possible.

We guarantee our Fast Track Panama Package will help you fast track your plans of moving to…or investing in… Panama. And we’re offering it to you now for only $349… a mere fraction of what attendees paid to join us here in Panama City.

To sweeten the deal, we’re throwing in a $100 voucher toward any future International Living event or seminar you may be interested in. (We do want you to join us at one of these events very soon!)

To complement your Fast Track Panama Package, we’ve created a special report, called Property and Lifestyle Secrets of the Hidden Affordable Panama. In it, you’ll find insider information about exactly where to buy bargain real estate in Panama…places outside the mainstream. You’ll also get insider tips (from lifelong Panama residents) of how to stretch your dollars when you live here…where to shop, where to eat, how to qualify for discounts you might not otherwise be aware of, and more.

(By the way, Panama has the world’s best retirement program. You’ll learn all about it, and how to qualify for it, when you order our Fast Track Panama Package.)

Reserve Your Recordings Here.

Here’s what’s included in your Fast Track Panama Package:

• Audio recordings of all our Panama experts’ presentations
• Copies of all PowerPoint presentations
• Copies of all hand-outs and visual aids
• Plus your special bonus report, “Property and Lifestyle Secrets of the Hidden Affordable Panama.” (This report is only available to conference attendees and to you when you order the Fast Track Panama Package.)
• And…a $100 voucher toward any of our future conferences anywhere, any time. There is no expiration date on this voucher!

I’ll send the information about how to obtain your Fast Track Panama Package as soon as we’re finished making copies of the recordings, the handouts, the PowerPoint presentations, etc.

And Remember: If You Don’t Feel This Information Is as Valuable As I Say it Is, You Pay Nothing

This is your best chance to learn everything you need to know to make a move to Panama, including:

• A low-risk investment that may bring big returns and qualifies you for a Panama resident visa
• The best places in Panama to buy a second home in exciting Panama City, on the beach, or in the temperate mountainous countryside
• How to start that business you’ve been dreaming about (Don’t miss best-selling author Winton Churchill’s presentation on this topic.)
• Why a Panama trust or other offshore vehicle is the best way to protect your hard-earned investments…

As always, we guarantee this product. The information in our Fast Track Panama Package will help you make your Panama dreams come true…whatever they are. If you don’t agree, we’ll return every penny you paid.

You have nothing to lose: If you don’t think the Fast Track Panama Package is as valuable as I say it is, call us at any time in the future–next month…next year…or next decade–and tell us that. We’ll give you back your $199. And your $100 conference voucher, good toward any future event, is still yours to keep.

Would you believe in a love at first sight?

Before I sign off, I want to tell you about a presentation made today by Steve Johnson. He and his wife, Linda, have been friends of ours for a couple of years now. Steve and Linda made the move to living in Panama full-time just 10 months ago.

“We came to Panama on an International Living tour a couple of years ago,” Steve said, “and we fell in love with the place right away. But you need to do your homework.”

Steve gave our audience an unvarnished view of what he and Linda have gone through in the last year.

“We sold everything we owned, and we moved down here with two cats, a big dog, and a couple of suitcases,” Steve said. “And we had the same concerns you do…what about health insurance, home insurance, visas… can we get internet, phone service, can we get all the sports channels? Yes, you can get it all…”

Steve offered some very important tips about how to adjust to your new life in Panama. And he ended with this thought: “The added bonus is the friends you’ll make….with people you’d never be friends with back home. You learn from each other, you rely on one another, and you come to be like family.”

Yes, I get by with a little help from my friends…

Aug. 10, 2009
Kobbe Beach, Panama
Live from IL’s Live and Invest in Panama Seminar

There’s a constant droning in my ears. It can’t be stopped. Can’t be relieved.

Yesterday, on the way into the Panama City from Tocumen Airport, it was so loud I couldn’t hear myself think. Not only that, I was on visual overload. I almost didn’t recognize the place.

Gone were the riverside shantytowns that used to border the highway. Instead, scads of workers in yellow reflective jackets (they call them ants) were busily cleaning trash from the roadside. And gone, too (or so it seemed), were the honking taxis and smoke-spewing, lane-careening Diablo Rojo buses that used to clog the thoroughfares and add to the chaos.

In just one year, since my last visit, the new Cinta Costera, built to bypass frantic Balboa Avenue traffic, has been completed. Instead of crawling along in bumper-to-bumper traffic, the drive from the airport to the gorgeous Playa Bonita beachside resort was an unimpeded pleasure. We buzzed right along.

But that’s not the only “buzz” I’m talking about.

I’m here in Panama for the International Living’s Live and Invest in Panama Seminar with nearly 250 readers with a thirst for learning what this country is all about and 50 presenters and exhibitors who can’t wait to tell them.

Why, of all the places in the whole wide world, are all these people so interested in Panama?

I couldn’t help wondering that. I mean…there are other places that are closer to home. Places that are cheaper…more exotic…

But, if nothing else, I’ve learned anew that there’s no place else like Panama.

Panama has always had a lot going for it. And according to those who took the stage today…despite a global recession and even despite the air being let from this country’s real estate balloon…there’s never been a better time to pay attention to Panama.

Why? First, there’s the “general buzz”:

Low Cost of Living. You can live very well for $1,200-$2,200 per month in Panama City, and for $890-$1,200 per month in the “interior”–outside the city in a beach or mountain community. That’s according to International Living’s Panama editor and lifelong Panama resident Jessica Ramesch. (A loud frenzy of whispers from the audience…yes, a buzz…ensued after she showed a photo of a brand new house selling in David for $30,000.)

Speaking of real estate… yes, the market has faltered in Panama as it has elsewhere in the world. But armed with some insider insight, there’s still room to prosper…

Active Panama Real Estate Opportunities. “Although Panama is a small country, there is a huge diversity of real estate opportunities. Panama has it all.” So said Ronan McMahon, Editor of International Living’s Real Estate Trend Alert. Ronan has researched real estate markets around the world, and he’s still keen on Panama.

“Three or four years ago, the opportunities in Panama were in pre-construction,” Ronan said. While that’s no longer true, Ronan gave us eight tips for how to succeed in today’s Panama real estate market, including exactly where to sniff out the deals and exactly how much to pay in each of these places. He told us about one in particular…an island in the Pacific… “It looks like the Caribbean, but it’s not…it has white-sand beaches, turquoise waters…but today, you can buy a fully outfitted villa at 1999 prices.” Again, the audience was abuzz….

What’s behind it all? Political stability and economic security…a rarity in the Americas these days. During the first coffee break, I chatted with attendees–two of whom have already bought retirement or vacation homes here in Panama. They both said the same thing: “We’re here to stay. There’s too much uncertainty anywhere else, including at home. But Panama’s the greatest. And the new president here is making things even better.”

Their comments were still ringing in my ears as I checked my e-mail.

One of my news feeds was about the “LatAm Five”–Latin America’s five star countries. Front and center: Panama, where the economy is “experiencing fast growth and growing importance.” What a difference a few thousand miles makes, huh?

Panama is expected to post Latin America’s highest GDP growth rate this year. Even though residential projects are being impacted by the global recession, say analysts, both local and foreign investors are bullish on Panama, thanks in part to the new government of supermarket mogul Ricardo Martinelli, who assumed the presidency just last month.

What a concept, huh? And it matches what International Living experts and expats here at the seminar are saying: Panama may be the best place in this hemisphere to live or invest these days.

Your Inside Track to all the Information Shared at this Seminar

I’m Suzan Haskins, and for the next few days I’ll be reporting to you from here in Panama. I’ll be your eyes and ears both inside the conference hall and behind the scenes.

I’ve been an International Living editor for nearly a decade now. I’ve attended a lot of conferences in a lot of different countries. And despite what’s going on in the rest of the world right now…despite the sharp left turns by many governments in this part of the hemisphere and the downbeat of recession…things are straight ahead and positively upbeat in Panama.

By all accounts, President Martinelli is smart, market-friendly, and will continue the positive trend of the economy. Already a wealthy man, he’s refused to take a salary. And he’s urged other “financially comfortable” members of his administration to do the same.

As Ricardo Diaz, from Panama’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry told us, it’s a new era. “I am from the new government. We’ve been in power for only about the last 30 days. Panama has been known as a country of transit. That’s changing. Two words being uttered by business analysts everywhere are ‘China and Panama.’ We’re going to exceed all expectations. It’s an exciting time to be here.”

There was that buzz again…

The air was electric. You could feel it. People are excited to be here. And why not? Panama is a teeny tiny country, but it has a world-class city, lush green mountains, some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. And it’s incredibly inexpensive.

It has financial stability, political stability, and maybe most importantly, it’s populated by stable people.

As former U.S. Congressman Bob Bauman (who also researches and writes about the world’s best privacy and tax havens) says, “Panama is the most American-like country in this hemisphere. But Panama is not going to be told by the U.S. government what to do. The president here has advocated some very good policies…stay tuned.”

Stay tuned, indeed. If you’re looking for the perfect place to live or invest, keep your eyes on Panama. Just try to keep the buzzing out of your head. Because if the information we heard today is any indication, the volume is going up.

Your No-risk Way to Learn What we’re Learning

There’s so much more from today’s session to share. There’s far too much, in fact, to put into this e-mail. (And there’s more to come in the next two days.)

But… there’s a way that you can get every bit of the important information from the Live and Invest in Panama Seminar…

It’s the next best thing to being here…

You can have all the most important information and benefits from this event…

Ronan McMahon identified eight places in Panama where you’ll find extraordinary real estate bargains…

Attorney Joel Nagel explained asset protection…. “It’s not a scheme to evade taxes,” he said, “it’s a way to protect what is already yours.” And he outlined seven ways to do just that.

Panama attorney Rainelda Mata-Kelly gave us the inside scoop on the country’s visa options, including a complete rundown on her favorite…one that’s easy to get and favorable to both you and the country. “We expect this president to be more lenient,” Rainelda said, “and he may even lower the investment amount requirement for (for instance) the ‘person of means’ visa.”

And what about healthcare? This topic is on the agenda for later this week, but in one of today’s more sobering moments, expat Harry Hunt told us about a healthcare scare he had…his doctors here in Panama ordered a CAT scan early on…something that just wouldn’t happen in the States. He believes they saved his life.

Is your head buzzing yet? Mine still is. But listen up…

We’re putting together a complete package of nearly everything that’s happening at this event.

We’re making audio recordings of all 40 of the presentations.

We’re also making copies of the handouts, PowerPoint and visual presentations. And you get the complete dossier we give to each attendee when they showed up here at Playa Bonita for the Live and Invest in Panama Seminar. Everything but a rum punch cocktail. (And if we could figure out how to send you that, we would!)

We call it our Fast Track Panama Package. And we guarantee it will help you fast track your plans of moving to…or investing in… Panama.

Reserve the Fast Track Panama Package at the Lowest Price Possible

The full price to attend this sold-out event was $1,195–but you can secure yourself a copy of the Fast Track Panama Package for only $199… a mere fraction of what attendees paid to join us here in Panama City.

And to sweeten the deal, we’re throwing in a $100 voucher toward any future International Living event. Use it to attend next year’s Panama seminar (or any future event you may be interested in).

But, this is a limited time offer only.

Once the Fast Track Panama Package is available for download and the initial orders have been placed, we’ll increase the price to $349.

To recap, the discounted price includes:
•    Audio recordings of all our Panama experts’ presentations
•    Copies of all hand-outs and slideshows
•    Plus a special bonus report, titled: Property and Lifestyle Secrets of the Hidden Affordable Panama (This report is only available to conference attendees and to you…when you order the Fast Track Panama Package.)
•    And a $100 voucher toward any of our future conferences anywhere, any time. There is no expiration date on this voucher!

Reserve your copy today by completing our secure online form and save $150 on the Fast Track Panama Package.

Reserve Your Recordings Here.

But remember, we’ll only offer this low price until we have the recordings ready to deliver to you. At that point… we’ll charge the full price of $349.

There won’t be a more affordable time to reserve your copy. This special conference discount is only available until we’re ready to deliver the recordings to you.

After that, we’ll charge the regular price.

I’ll send the information about how to obtain your Fast Track Panama Package as soon as we’re finished making copies of the recordings, the handouts, the PowerPoint presentations, etc.

If This Information… These Tips and Secrets… Don’t Work, You Pay Nothing

As I said, we guarantee that the information in our Fast Track Panama Package will help you make your Panama dreams come true…whatever they are. If you don’t agree, we’ll return every penny you paid.

You have nothing to lose: You can call us at any time in the future–next month…next year…or next decade–and tell us the information didn’t help you. (Or don’t tell us anything. Just ask for your money back.) We’ll give you back your $199. And your $100 voucher, good toward any future event, is still yours to keep.

If you’re serious about tapping into the opportunities available in Panama, I urge you to reserve your Fast Track Panama Package now.

Just one caveat and one more guarantee: have your earplugs handy. Because when you listen to these recordings and hear about all that Panama has to offer, your head will be buzzing, too.

Until tomorrow,

Suzan Haskins
Your Conference Insider, International Living

P.S. Remember, you get $150 off the regular price of the Fast Track Panama Package, and a $100 voucher toward any of our next events or conferences. But this special conference discount is only available until we’re ready to deliver the recordings–after that the price goes up.

Don’t wait. Because if you do, you’ll pay more. Learn more about the Fast Track Panama Package now.

The “official” price per square meter of a condo in Panama City is $2,742. This means an average 100-square-meter condo will set you back close on $280,000. This represents a 2.9% increase on last year.

I know you can do better. Much better in fact. With the right contacts and information you can buy a quality condo for $1,500 per square meter–more than 40% less than that official price.

There is no MLS in Panama…and real estate agents guard actual sales prices and volumes like state secrets. Agents and sellers use this secret info to keep prices high for the general public. But if you know where to look, and have access to the right information and contacts, you can buy high quality Panama city condos for 40% less than what they would list for.

My trusted real estate contacts will join us at International Living’s Live and Invest Panama Seminar. I’ve told them that IL readers aren’t interested in paying the sticker price promoted elsewhere. We want units of the highest quality offered by motivated and realistic sellers. Somewhere you’d be happy to call home…or will throw off a double digit rental yield. I’ve asked them to present deals that could save you as much as $100,000.

These contacts have come up with some gems. They have done the hard work, rattled the bushes and come up with an incredible list of resale condos. Some are even priced at $1,000 per square meter.

The past five years has seen an unprecedented boom in the construction of condos in Panama. As condo buildings complete, some buyers (mostly from the U.S.) find themselves unable to raise the funds to close on their condos. They need to sell or they will lose their deposit and maybe more. Many buyers had planned on raising funds from lines of credit in their home country. This route is no longer available to them. This is where we come in.

Three to five years ago the opportunity in Panama was to buy pre-construction. Today, the opportunity is to buy resale units from a motivated seller. You could spend three months on the ground in Panama and still not figure out how you can access the best deals. That’s where we come in…and the contacts I am going to introduce you to at the Live and Invest in Panama Seminar.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Reserve one of the last remaining seats at the Live and Invest in Panama Seminar here.

We’d like to give you a sneak preview of what awaits you at the upcoming Live and Invest in Panama Seminar by sharing with you the recording of Jessica Ramesch’s Panama real estate overview:

Exposing the Hidden Panama – Jessica Ramesch Introductory Presentation at the Live and Invest in Panama Seminar 2008

Read the original article published by International Living here.

Every day, Gretchen and Jon awake to the intense blue of the Pacific Ocean. It glistens outside their massive bayside windows. They take their coffee on the balcony, where they enjoy the cool breeze and soft morning sunlight.

They didn’t have to move to the boondocks to get this lifestyle. This couple found their haven right in Panama City. Comfort and serenity, city lights and night life…the beauty of oceanside, palm-lined living, and the hustle and bustle of a major world hub…they have it all.

Panama’s Panama City: Everything You Need

When they first visited Panama, visions of piña coladas dancing in their heads, they scouted out the islands. But the challenges of island living and lack of creature comforts got them thinking: “there’s got to be a better way.” Luckily, they had scheduled a few days in Panama City before their return home. Turns out the last place they thought of…offered the First-World comfort they needed.

Where else in the region can you live in a real city? Plus, in Panama City you are an hour or two away from mountains, lush rainforest, and beaches that rival the Caribbean’s best. Live the life you enjoyed back home–great roads, fast Internet, the best flight connections–for much less.

Buy exotic fruit and vegetables bursting with color every time you shop…local El Rey supermarkets offer the comfort of familiar products from the U.S. and Europe and wow you with fresh mangoes and avocadoes for less than a dollar a pound. (You can find these for free, too, falling off trees all over the city.) Have dinner and wine at local favorite Pomodoro, a trendy Italian eatery that’s big on ambience, for less than $20 per person. Or see a European troupe at the plush National Theater for $10.

The best part: there’s a wealth of affordable property. In a safe residential area, you can buy a 1,000-square-foot apartment for $50,000; the unit I saw comes with a nine-year property tax exemption.

Or you can buy an 850-square-foot apartment in a building with social area, pool, and BBQ–plus a 14-year property tax exemption–for $78,000. Indeed, it’s hard to find property without tax exemptions here.

Splurge a little and you can truly pamper yourself. In one of the city’s most highly coveted areas, known as “the garden city,” you can buy a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with a balcony for $97,000. It’s in a building with two elevators, garage, and visitor parking. The neighborhood is utterly green and near top bilingual schools, supermarkets, a major mall, and more.

For $160,000 you can buy a home of more than 2,000 square feet in an upscale gated community near a bustling commercial center. The community has its own park, and the four-bedroom house comes with terrace and patio, plus three air-conditioning units.

Find out more about these bargain properties…and my sample budget for a couple looking to live well in Panama City on $1,500 a month…at the Live and Invest in Panama Seminar.

If you’ve yet to sign up for the Live and Invest in Panama Seminar, you can do so here.

Read the original article published by International Living here.

When I talk to expats in Panama about living well on less than $1,500 a month, some nod knowingly…usually because they’ve done it. Others scoff and pull out their $4,000-a-month budgets. These typically include rent or mortgage payments on a new luxury apartment in a new luxury high rise in a new luxury neighborhood. And all kinds of other goodies.

“Did you live this well on the same budget back home?” I ask. (There’s usually a silent pause at this point.)

No matter what lifestyle you’re pursuing, you can bet it’s cheaper to pursue here in Panama than back home. And if you’re looking for a place where you can halve your budget and still live comfortably, look no further.

If you want to take the “living la vida local” challenge, there are several places I recommend. In all these places you’ll find small expat communities and inexpensive real estate. Here are three that made the list:

For the mountain lovers: The highland town of Volcan is fast gaining popularity as “the next Boquete.” That’s quite a moniker, since Boquete was rated one of the top places in the world to retire by the likes of Fortune magazine.

Aside from a cool, spring-like climate, Volcan boasts a low cost of living. A 6,500-square-foot lot by the town supermarket is going for $16,200. The three-bedroom, two-bath house pictured above just came on the market for $65,500. A two-bedroom, one-bath home rents for $350.

For the beach bums: Coronado is the most popular beach location for expats in Panama. There are plenty of reasons to live in and around Coronado. It’s about an hour and a half by car from Panama City and its beach goes on for miles. You’ll find every convenience here, from supermarkets to restaurants to beach clubs. At less expensive beach locations like Gorgona (less than 20 minutes from Coronado) you have access to these great amenities.

A $70,000 home is for sale just “three minutes” from Gorgona beach. The eight-year home is just over 1,000 square feet and sits on a lot of about 6,500 square feet. If you’re not interested in buying, you can rent a fancy U.S.-style home with an ocean view for $1,600 a month…but why not go local? A Panamanian-style home–with a large patio that seems custom-made for hammocks–comes furnished for just $450 a month.

For that city/country combo: In the past two years David has become popular as a retirement destination. The third-largest city in Panama, David has cute restaurants, malls, and movie theaters. The domestic airport here has daily flights to Panama City and other locations. Surrounded by farms and close to national parks, David is just 45 minutes from the highlands and 30 minutes from the beach. Spend Saturday hiking in a cloud forest and Sunday sunning yourself on the sand…

A three-bedroom home of about 2,000 square feet is for sale in David–it’s right by the town center and comes furnished for $85,000. A four-bedroom, two-story home is on offer, unfurnished. You can buy it for $75,000 or rent it for $350 a month.

At the Live and Invest in Panama Seminar and I’ll tell you about more great locations where you can live for less (including safe, central neighborhoods in Panama City).

Reserve your seat here.