What’s the secret to being happy, healthy, wealthy and wise? I won’t go as far as to say that moving to Panama will solve all your problems. But if accessing good quality healthcare is important to you, then the affordable healthcare in Panama will make it easy for you focus on the other aspects of a retirement in paradise.

That’s why so many Americans—and Canadians and Europeans—are moving here. It’s one of the region’s most modern nations (if not the most modern nation) and the healthcare is famously good.

Linda McKee, an expat living in the province of Chiriqui, says Panamanian healthcare compares favorably to that of any First World country. “It’s one of the best reasons to visit or retire here,” she says.

Happy

“No system is perfect…and of course there are those who have had less-than-perfect experiences here,” says Linda. “But, back home, were you able to reach your doctor at home on a weekend? I had never had that experience until I came to Panama…and most of the people I talked to hadn’t either.”

Most expats would agree that healthcare in Panama is excellent across the board. From the availability of personalized care to the many insurance alternatives, this tiny country is impressive (even from a First World perspective).

Healthy

Linda’s husband, Eric, can attest to that. During a routine procedure, his doctor discovered a small tumor, and suggested some tests to determine whether it was malignant. To his surprise, the doctor ran the tests right away. Two days later, the doctor called with good news: the tumor was benign.

Just a couple of days later, Eric had the growth removed. He paid a little over $200, and this included the doctor’s fee, hospital fees, a lab test, and the anesthesiologist’s fee. Says Linda: “The nursing staff was great, the hospital modern and well-equipped, and the waiting time almost non-existent.”

Worrying about cancer, says Eric, is stressful enough, and the thought of waiting would have been unbearable. Back home, he could have waited for days or even weeks for the test results. “Getting everything done quickly was a great relief.”

“It was as positive an experience as it could have been under the circumstances,” says Eric. “The doctor was compassionate and professional…I couldn’t believe how quickly and efficiently my problem was handled.”

Eric’s is just one of many positive expat stories you’ll hear if you come to Panama. Certainly no country has perfect healthcare, and there are those that find plenty to gripe about (yes, even here in “paradise”). Still, the fact is that Panama has a lot going for it.

Panama boasts a large number of bilingual doctors—many of them trained in the U.S. or Canada. It is also home to excellent hospitals, including the Johns Hopkins-affiliated Punta Pacifica hospital. The most technologically advanced hospital in Latin America, Punta Pacifica is the only Johns-Hopkins affiliate in the region. Add to that a wide range of clinics dealing in virtually every specialty imaginable—from dental care to cosmetic surgery—and you start to get the picture.

Wealthy

That’s reassuring information for English-speaking expats who come here seeking a low-cost, high-quality lifestyle. Plus, residents here on the world-famous Pensioner’s visa get discounts of 10% to 20% on everything from medical consults to prescription medication. The savings can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

…and Wise

I’ll talk more about healthcare in Panama at the Live & Invest in Panama Seminar 2010 in April.

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.

I see a lot of opportunity in Panama right now for entrepreneurs and small businesses; in fact, I see more opportunity here than in just about every other country in the western hemisphere with few exceptions.

Why?

Panama has two strong emerging consumer markets.

The first is the obvious low hanging fruit: foreigners. Their ranks in Panama are growing by the day, swelling the country with their capital and their consumer demands. Simply put, they are accustomed to certain products and services, not all of which are available in Panama. That spells opportunity.

Sure, there are droves of foreigners here already posing as real estate agents trying to sell the next expat on an overpriced, generic condo in Panama City…but that business model is dead for now. There are better options.

One possibility is a professional property management company. There are thousands of new condo units in the city whose owners might only visit a few times a year. During the vacant periods, there are bills to be paid, maintenance to be performed, and in many cases, tenants to be found and managed.

Only a few companies in Panama focus on this business model, and they’re completely slammed. The market could use some competition, especially considering all the new construction coming online in the next 12-months.

Another consumer demand that needs to be addressed is high-end storage. Panama’s heat and humidity can be disastrous for sensitive belongings like wine, paintings, and antiques; thus, a high-end self-storage facility would likely do quite well here, and it would be fairly inexpensive to start up.

One idea that I have been considering myself is providing services for companies involved in Panama’s two major construction engines right now—the Canal expansion project, and the Panama Pacifico redevelopment project.

(Panama Pacifico is a $1 billion mixed use commercial/residential development on the former Howard Air Force base just outside of the city near the Canal.)

These two projects are attracting a myriad of foreign companies, and right now there are limited options available for corporate services, especially lodging for business travelers.

Nearly every reasonable hotel in Panama province is tucked inside the city, making for an unreasonable commute, and the first business class hotels outside of the city aren’t due to be rolled out until 2016. A well-located existing structure could be renovated, marketed, and profitable as a business-class hotel within 12-months.

The second consumer market worthy of an entrepreneur’s attention in Panama is its emerging middle class, and this is another group that is growing by the day thanks to the income effect of Panama’s growing economy.

The wealth of most developing countries is concentrated in the hands of the few, leaving the remainder of the population living on scraps; these types of markets should generally be avoided by smaller enterprises.

The mark of any well-developed country is a solid middle class—roughly 60% to 80% of the population that earns enough to provide a comfortable standard of living, savings, and discretionary spending.

Panama is clearly moving in this direction; middle class households earn between $800 and $1,500 per month, which is enough for them to buy a house and car while having plenty of money left over for savings and mindless consumption.

One clear opportunity is the current shortage of housing units for middle class Panamanians, which fall in the range of $60,000 to $80,000. The government projects that roughly 70,000 units are needed just in the area around Panama City; existing approvals show only around 8,000 in various stages of planning or development.

Retail opportunities also exist; by nature, Panamanians are a consumptive group—as a culture, if they have money, they’ll spend it. It seems like everyone has a new car these days, and given how poorly everyone drives here, there’s opportunity for maintenance and body shops.

Assisted living facilities and elderly care is also a fantastic opportunity, particularly when targeting the Panamanian middle class; for the first time ever, this group now has the income to outsource the care for their elders, and they’re starting to do it. The few facilities that offer this service in Panama are booked solid.

These are just a few small business ideas in Panama that I’ve noticed recently; if you spend much time on the ground here you will probably come up with several more on your own.

One thing I would caution you about is running any employee-intensive business; Panamanian labor laws, while relatively relaxed in comparison to the rest of Latin America, clearly favor the employee.

Between the mandatory “13th month” annual bonus, 40+ days off, increasing minimum wage, and Byzantine termination rules, it’s in your best interest to keep the workforce slim and/or temporary.

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.

A cool breeze tickles my neck as I take in the view from Gaital Hill. The sky is a gingham pattern of crisp blue and white now that the mists have dissolved in the afternoon sun. The fauna is deeply green and seems to cover everything. At the foot of the hill lies my destination…“the valley.”

The drive into El Valle is my favorite part of visiting here. In the morning mist, the view of the Gaital Hill and Nature Reserve seems to appear out of nowhere as I follow the road that snakes into the town. The houses below are camouflaged by trees, so all I can see is green and more green. That is, until I reach the famous market, a riot of color bursting with flowers and sweet tropical fruit.

From its once-mighty volcano to its minuscule golden frogs, El Valle is a treasure of a town. Residents, many of them retired members of the Panamanian elite, rave about the strategic location and Spring-like climate.

Perhaps the best kept secret in Panama, El Valle is tucked into a crater five miles wide. About 2,000 feet above sea level, El Valle boasts fertile volcanic soil and a misty mountain clime. The combo makes this a gardener’s dream. Best of all, this cool oasis is only 45 minutes by car from Panama’s best Pacific beaches.

A tiny town, El Valle has grown in past years and today hosts a growing expat community, including North Americans, Europeans, and South Americans. Though there’s not much of a night life, the expat community in El Valle and the surrounding beaches has become much more active over the past two years. Expat events in the region include festivals and charity work, concerts and gourmet cooking classes, and much more.

Plus, El Valle is a true paradise for lovers of the outdoors. Whether or not you’re a bird watcher, you’ll marvel at the sheer variety of species. Tanagers, hummingbirds, and rare birds such as the mottled owl are frequently sighted here. It’s also the perfect place for plant lovers; city dwellers flock here to buy orchids at the weekend market.

One of the nicest places to visit is El Nispero Plant Nursery and Zoo. You’ll find more than 200 orchid species, as well as peacocks, storks, serpents, crocodiles, and the famous golden frogs that are unique to Panama.

If the walking trail at El Nispero doesn’t whet your appetite for adventure, there are more challenging trails on Cerro Gaital. Or hike to the 125-foot waterfall, Chorro El Macho. The waterfall empties into a cool creek, the perfect spot for a swim or a summer day picnic. Or seek the therapeutic heat of the thermal springs and mud baths just off the main road to El Valle. Locals sit in the springs and then plunge into cold river water.

If you’re interested in indigenous culture, visit the El Valle Museum or La Pintada, a site where undeciphered petroglyphs baffle historians.

Round out the day with a gourmet dinner at the hotel La Casa de Lourdes, known for its tasteful Tuscan décor.

These clear turquoise waters with patches of sapphire seem to belong in the Caribbean.

I’m standing on a steep hill overlooking a white-sand beach. I’ve just walked past the “airport”—little more than a landing strip—to the mini-mart on the “main road.” I’ve passed no cars, just a few golf carts whose drivers smiled or nodded or said hola. Aside from that and the rolling sound of the waves, it’s quiet.

I don’t have a hat and sunscreen, and set out to walk the entire island; a feat that takes two hours…at a leisurely pace. I come across workers at construction sites; they do not catcall or bother me in any way. The island population is notoriously polite.

Sweet, flower-framed cottages sit next to mansions—the weekend homes of Panama’s most influential families. Here on the island they are accessible…not cloistered behind the inky windows of an air-conditioned Mercedes. The local elite aren’t the only high-profile people to be drawn here. Famous visitors range from the exiled Shah of Iran to John Wayne.

One of many islands in the luminescent string that is the Pearl Archipelago, Contadora is just off Panama’s Pacific Coast, a mere 40 miles from Panama City. The tidy island town boasts three “mini-supers,” a miniscule social security clinic, an equally teeny police station, and one gas pump. There are a few hotels and B&Bs, and a handful of restaurants boast fresh seafood and even European cuisine.

Residents travel to Panama City regularly to visit large grocery stores, theaters, malls, hospitals, and more. There are no banks or ATMs on the island, so bring cash (though many of the hotels do accept credit card). Despite the lack of city trappings (or perhaps because of it) there is a small but thriving expat population here. These few have discovered that Contadora’s waters rival those of the Caribbean.

Expat Ken Grabenhofer bought property in Contadora five years ago. He built a three-bedroom, three-bathroom home that he rents out to visitors. Next door, he built a smaller apartment, where he lives for much of the year, returning to Illinois when he can. The home is close to the water and features a small but pleasant pool.

“I came here and was pretty much hooked,” he says. Though building a home on a small island can be challenging—especially when it comes to sourcing and transporting materials—Ken says it was all worth it. “The hard work can really pay off,” he says. “I have rented the house for $500 a night during the high season. For New Years I had an upper crust group of Panamanian youths who liked the house so much, they were happy to pay $600 a night.”

Ken recently purchased a lot in front of his home, where he has begun building three small cottages. Though the year has been a bit slow in terms of tourism and rentals, he is confident it will pick up. And with so many foreigners discovering and visiting Contadora, there are plenty of niches to fill for anyone thinking of starting a business here. The island could use an Internet café, an ice-cream shop, a small wine bar…and the list goes on.

But don’t get me wrong; there is plenty to do here. You can rent a golf cart or walk to one of Contadora’s 11 beaches (including Panama’s only nude beach). Take in the birds and the Technicolor flowers, play golf on the rustic nine-hole course, or hire a local panga or fishing boat for a tour. The surrounding islands offer plenty of opportunities for adventure. Spend the day fishing, go snorkeling or diving, rent jet skies, charter a catamaran, go whale or dolphin watching, or pretend-play Robinson Crusoe on a truly private island.

Read the original article published by International Living here.

The entire nation is recovering. The day after Carnival there is no traffic. The capital city is sunny and quiet and almost surreal. Last weekend Panama hosted the party to beat all parties…a mega-marathon of blowing off steam.

Every year in Penonome, one of Panama’s most popular Carnival towns, thousands sweep into the tiny streets. As elsewhere in Panama, the main attractions are the culecos or mass dousings. On every block giant cistern trucks with fire hoses spray water into the crowds. The pulsing throng shouts “agua, agua, oo-eh!”

Jumping up and down and dancing to the riotous Carnival music, little scamps with water guns blast passing girls with ice-cold jets. In the summer heat, the waterworks are the perfect cooling system.

Sunburn is an unavoidable part of the fun. Everyone sports the same gear: cheap hats, cheap sunglasses. On every corner you can buy more (I always lose mine). Vendors also sell waterproof carry-alls that can be slung around the neck…get one and throw in some cash for the burger, beer, and meat-on-a-stick stands. The rule is to dress scantily or outlandishly. The more exuberant wear wild wigs in parrot hues of green, red, and yellow…or hair bands with bobbley antennae…or anything that might make others smile.

If you are a woman, the men will vie for your attention. They will want to let you know that they like what they see. Expressions of appreciation may include teasing, dunking, whipped creaming, or grabbing. If you are uncomfortable with the wantonness of it all, surround yourself with a buffer of friends.

Panama spends millions on Carnival. For many Panamanians this festival is more important than any other holiday of the year. People save, take out loans, beg, borrow, and steal to be able to attend. They will sleep on the streets if they have to…camp in their cars…quit their jobs.

The five-day celebration honors el Rey Momo or Bacchus. It always starts on a Friday, when the Carnival queens (and their courts) salute their subjects from atop scintillating floats. The pageantry is beyond anything I’ve ever seen. The dresses put Cher to shame. The floats feature anything from giant genies to fire-breathing dragons.

Monday is traditionally a day of fantasy, while Tuesday is all about folklore and tradition. At five a.m. it all culminates with a strange ceremony. The burial of the sardine symbolizes a burial of the past. Many in this Catholic nation then go on to observe Ash Wednesday. What happens in Carnival stays in Carnival…or with the sardine. After all the hard partying, everyone is spent; it’s easy to behave for the following forty days of Lent.

I’ll be happy to share some of my steamier Carnival stories with you at International Living’s Live and Invest in Panama Seminar. Join us in Panama this April 18-20 for the ultimate all-things-Panama event.

I have traveled a great deal in Panama—and this fishing town still strikes me as the nation’s most alluring. Walking toward the square, I am charmed all over again by the tiny colonial homes that line the main strip.

Directly across the street is a house selling Panamanian arts and crafts. I can see clay pots tinged with burnt orange and yellow precisely the shade of French’s mustard. A white woven hammock sways lazily in the light breeze, and the few people on the street seem to be in no hurry. There are no power-walkers this morning, no suit-and-ties rushing to work.

This is not a destination for rushing…or for shopping or theater-going. If you need an active night life to keep you happy, Pedasi may not be for you. But if you’re looking to retire, relocate, or just buy a second home in “the real Panama,” this little beach town may be the answer.

Pedasi is known as the “tuna coast,” and it has been a destination for sport fishermen for years (the town even hosts an annual fishing tournament). Here the coastal shelf drops off suddenly to provide deep water fishing a short distance from shore. Yellow fin tuna, sailfish, wahoo, and dorado are among the regular catches. Expat Linda Mckee says: “In Pedasi, I am in seafood heaven…clams, conch, lobster, and oysters are available daily.”

Within an hour’s drive there are 11 different beaches, all clean and easily accessible. The sands vary from deep bronze to the sparkling volcanic black. The roads to Pedasi are first-class and the sleepy village is probably one of the best maintained towns in Panama. New businesses are springing up to offer fishing, snorkeling, and diving trips. There are unlimited opportunities for small businesses and niches to be filled. The town could use more restaurants, a fish market, a deli or bakery, a bookstore, or a high-end internet café.

Local businesses are intent on making it easier for everyone to get to know Pedasi. Expat entrepreneur Casey Halloran, who owns B&B Casita Margarita, is the area’s most vocal supporter. After many months of lobbying, he convinced local airline Aeroperlas to offer flights to Pedasi. Now instead of driving four hours from Panama City, you can fly here in under an hour.

Pedasi has long been a secret (though local developers say celebrities like Mel Gibson began to invest here long ago). Ask Panamanians for beach recommendations and they’ll name Coronado, Bocas del Toro, and San Blas…but hardly ever Pedasi. Five years ago, Pedasi was hardly frequented by expats. But with new hotels, restaurants, and now flights to the area, growth seems to be accelerating and the expat community is growing. Now is the time to visit…

I’ll talk about Pedasi (and show photos) at International Living’s Live and Invest in Panama Seminar in April.

Read the original article published by International Living here.

I’m standing in a plaza in one of the oldest colonial quarters in the Americas.

To my left is the road to the Flat Arch and the Church of Saint Dominic. In 1913 the arch convinced a committee that Panama was more geologically stable than Nicaragua…and thus the best place to build the Panama Canal. The arch’s flatness baffled architects worldwide for 325 years, until it finally collapsed in 2003.

In front of me, massive glittering objects litter the sidewalk outside a run-down workshop. Used to the sight, I sidle past. The foam sculptures were destined for the far-out floats that, well, floated out here this weekend. It’s Carnival season and the Casco Viejo, or old city, is a busy beehive of activity. And not just because local and expat residents are getting ready for los carnavales…

Work recently commenced on a new phase of the Coastal Belt Highway. The Panama City highway was completed last year—or so we thought. Now the government is extending it from the west end of Balboa Avenue (near the colonial city’s famous fish market) to the area dock known as the Muelle Fiscal. The project is slated for completion in 14 months. It will make it much easier to get in and out of the old city, which is now only accessible via a notorious bottleneck entrance.

This is possibly the biggest news for Casco Viejo since it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. But there’s even bigger news for the old city (and the new city, too). Panama’s President Ricardo Martinelli has pledged to build the nation’s first metro starting in July of 2010. The project will cost close to $1 billion and take three years to complete. With such an ambitious project in the works, locals say the current administration will bring Panama City its biggest makeover ever.

The metro line will include a stop at the Plaza Cinco de Mayo, just outside Casco Viejo. A Swiss-Mexican consortium is already working on the design, which will allow the system to move up to 40,000 people an hour. New buses and routes are also in the works, to create an integrated metro-bus system.

Most of the expats living here today will tell you the Casco’s appeal lies in a blend of different factors. The old cobblestone and brick roads, the French- and Spanish-colonial architecture, the local flavor…all these add to the area’s allure. But mostly, it’s the air of excitement that draws people here. Those lucky enough to live or own property in Casco Viejo feel something special is happening here, and they’re happy to be a part of it. And most agree 2010 will be the area’s most exciting year yet…

I’ll talk more about Casco Viejo during International Living’s Live and Invest in Panama Seminar. Expat Margaret Summerfield of Pathfinder Real Estate will be there, too. Margaret lives in Casco Viejo and can answer your questions about life in the colonial quarter. See you there…

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).