Boquete Panama

One of the highlights of a stay in Boquete, in the North West area of Panama, is a tour of a coffee plantation.

Coffee Adventures offer a complete pick-up service and a detailed tour of the Kotowa Plantation, which lasts approx 3 hours. The tour starts out among the coffee trees where you will see, probably for the first time, how small a coffee tree can be, and how the beans develop in an extraordinary way all along the branches. As they develop at different rates, ripening and picking is a continuous process from October to April, but even at the end of May, when I visited, there is still plenty to see. Read the rest of this entry »

Valle Escondido, which means “Hidden Valley”, sets the standard for others to follow in the thriving retirement and second home market. The approach to the community through the narrow lanes suddenly widens into a beautiful valley with a river running through green fields where horses graze in the sunshine. Set along the valley are a total of 200 exclusive homes and apartments, all built to complement the picturesque valley environment. This development was the brainchild of American Sam Taliaferro, who planned a first world lifestyle in the peace of the Panamanian mountains. AARP rated Boquete “#1 best offshore retirement destination in all the Americas” and amidst all the developments springing up in Panama, this is the first and most complete “master planned” community of them all.

Situated on the outskirts of the charming town of Boquete in the far West of Panama, Valle Escondido is in touch with all amenities. The airport is just 40 minutes drive away in David, which also has many shops, supermarkets, banks and car dealerships. Closer to home, Boquete offers many small shops and restaurants and is a pleasant 10 minute stroll from the resort.

This premier gated community has every modern convenience and amenity including a golf course, country club, gym, horseback riding, hiking in the forest, cycling, canoeing, fishing, bird watching and more. On-site there is also the Haven Spa with an indoor swimming pool and full spa services.

Lots are sized from 850 to 5000 square meters and include underground electricity, water, internet and phone services. There are a number of preferred builders who will work with you to achieve your dream home. Alternatively, as this is a well-established community there are now some resales available. A 2 bed condo is listed at $275,000 with full golf membership. Short and long-term rentals are also available through the Property Management office which is an ideal way to try out the lifestyle of Valle Escondido for yourself.

When AARP rates somewhere “#1 Best Offshore Retirement Destination in all of the Americas” the world sits up and takes note. Even more so when this place is a small town in the mountains of Panama. So what makes the town of Boquete so special? Why are so many retirees happily selling their family homes in the USA, Canada and Europe and settling down in a totally new environment?

The country of Panama offers many things not found in other Central American countries, hence its top position in International Living’s “Best place to retire”. A good infrastructure of roads and transport is one. A world renowned Banking sector is another. It is considered the safest Caribbean country with a high-profile police presence. English is fairly widely spoken, and English-speaking TV programs and newspapers are available everywhere.

Now why Boquete in particular? Having visited, I found the town charming, with a real sense of community. It has a fabulous climate, 70-88 degrees year round, and less humidity than the hotter coastal areas. The higher rainfall which suits the coffee plantations also encourages a plethora of beautiful and exotic flowers and trees throughout the year. It is also well-protected from unsuitable development and over-commercialization and consequently is still a bird-watchers paradise. There is still plenty of open wilderness, waterfalls and vast areas of untouched rainforest and jungle.

Access is cheap and easy to the USA and Canada either from the airport at David, 20 miles away, or from Panama City, 300 miles (408 kms) away. Beaches are just one hour’s pleasant drive away.

With its bustling town, quality restaurants, coffee shops, delis and artist’s wares, Boquete is a delightful centre. Prices are the same here as elsewhere in Panama’s coastal resorts, and the availability and quality of cuisine is excellent. Take your pick from Peruvian (highly recommended), Italian, Bistro or Spa Restaurant, down to Pizzas and Ice cream parlors. Further afield, David offers many supermarkets, PriceSmart, electrical retailers, banks, hardware stores and car dealerships.

Health is another big consideration for retirees and Panama has excellent and affordable healthcare centers. A visit to the local Doctor is just $5, hospitals are world-renowned and well-equipped. Prescription drugs are widely available, often sold over-the-counter and are very reasonably priced.

In conclusion, there are no major negatives to life in Panama. The standard of living is good and the cost of living and healthcare is lower than in many other countries.