Countries and Places

 

THINGS TO DO IN SANTA FE, PANAMA

Santa Fe is a lovely rural village in the highlands of veraguas province of central panama with a population of around 4,000, it truly has a small town feel and charm. With an elevation of around 1,500 feet, it also boasts a near-perfect climent. The daytime high temperature is from 75℉ to 85 ℉ and at night it cools down to 64℉.

These traits attract panamanians seeking relief from the heat of the lowlands and foreigners seeking a slower pace of lime in a mountain setting. This is an ideal place for nature lovers, due to most of the activities here taking place outdoors and surrounded by the rainforest. The Santa Fe National park is one reason for this, protecting the land on three sides of the town and encompassing nearly 180,000 acres.

There’s so much to see in Panama, from ancient  volcanic sites to pristine islands that look untouched by humankind. You’ll find hiking trails, hidden waterfalls, rare species, and there will always be more to explore.

About the size of South Carolina, Panama packs a big punch in a tiny territory. You can plan a trip around the nation’s bio-diversity, architecture and archaeology. Panama has several UNESCO World Heritage sites, or outdoor activities fishing or scuba diving. And of course, there’s nothing wrong with just chilling in a cool mountain haven or a  bohemian beach town. 

Here’s the thing to do in Panama with a few insider tips you’ll be glad to have under your belt or fanny pack, as it were. Though we’re placing all these things for singles or couples, families or grown-up groups. Each option offers something different -- perfect whether you need to please multiple fancies or simply thrive on variety.

Here are some Activities to keep Expats who live in Santa Fe Busy:

Hiking:     

Hiking is a favored way to take in the stunning scenery of the park while traversing the peaks of the Continental Divide. 

All of Panama is known as an excellent site for bird-watching, with over 900 nesting or migrating species. In the highlands you can spot toucans, most-mosts, tanagers, hummingbirds, hawks, and if you’re very lucky, the elusive resplendent quetzal. 

Marked trails lead away from the town,through the jungle, up and down the slopes. Some of these trails reward the hiker who reaches the end with breathtaking sights.

Birds-watches will want to bring their binoculars for these forest jaunts.

For the more adventurous woodlands lover, one of the local guides specializes in night-time hikes up to the summit of Cerro Tute (3,444 feet) so you can see some of the nocturnal wildlife. 

These traits attract Panamanians seeking relief from the heat of the lowlands and foreigners seeking a slower pace of life in a mountain setting.

Horseback Riding:

Horseback riding is widespread in this area for work, recreation and just getting around. Saddled horses and riders are a common site in and around town, where fence posts replace car  parks.

Horseback riding is another great way to see the countryside and reach the more remote spots, especially those that require climbing.

Horse lovers will feel right at home in Veraguas and Santa Fe.

Soak in the hot springs of Volcan :

Volcan is one of Panama’s highest settlements, at an elevation of about 4,200 feet. There are other hot springs in Panama that are easier to get to. But This is my top pick, thanks to the gorgeous scenery, complete with a river running through it. Locals sit for 20 minutes in the tiny “natural hot tub,” then jump in the frigid river to give themselves a shock. Very invigorating!

Take a surf lesson in Venao:

If you love to play with water or swimming, head east to Panama’s Pedasi region. There are more than a dozen beaches to explore, but one of my Favorites is Venao, about a 40-minute drive from Pedasi village. It’s a surfing beach,and a great place to take a lesson. If that doesn’t strike your fancy, there are excellents tours-- go fishing, visit the pristine reserve of Isla Iguana, or enjoy the beachside bar-resto at EL Sitio, a small inn on the water.

Dance at carnival in Las Tablas:

Panama’s carnivals are among the region’s most famous. And there’s no better place to experience the madcap fun than Las Tablas, in Panama’s region. Festivities include jaw-dropping parades and dancing in the streets (while being sprayed with water). Dates are in accordance with the Catholic calendar, so check Timeanddate.com. Many websites list only Fat Tuesday, but celebrations begin the Friday/Saturday before. Traffic is extremely heavy right before and during carnival, so try to plan around it. There’s plenty to see and do in Azuero, so why not book some extra time there?

Book a lazy weekend in Contadora:

Not all travel needs to be about running from one attraction to the next. You can learn a lot by just sitting still taking in the cultural, cuisine, and more. And sometimes a body needs to relax and replenish. For this I recommend Contadora, a small Pacific island with a population of about 300. The beaches here are pure white sands, and the water is vivid blue. Explore surrounding islets. Or walk or drive a golf cart around the Island-- it takes about an hour. Most days I prefer to alternate laying on the sand and wading into the calm, tropical waters.

The Quirk Bridge of Life  Museum:

Panama city is home to more than a few quirky buildings, and locals love to debate which is the prettiest and which is the ugliest. Beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder when it comes to architecture in Panama. Want to join the debate? You’ll likely catch glimpses of the crazy corkscrew of the F&F Tower and the sail shape of the former Trump Ocean Club, recently rebranded as a JW Marriot, when passing through the city center. But the quirkiest bit of construction in Panama City has to be the Frank Gehry-designed Biomuseo, also known as the Bridge of Life museum. The widely colored structure took nearly 10 years to build. One look at its facade-- reminiscent of origami-- will tell you why.

The Biomouseo enjoys a prime location on the long avenue and promenade known as the Amador Causeway. Locals regularly refer to it as EI Causeway, In a quintessentially Panamanian joining of Spanish and English. There are restaurants,cafes and shops...you can rent a bicycle or join the many pedestrians walking the length of the causeway, which connects four small islands. It’s the perfect place for a late lunch or sunset cocktail. For a quick, casual lunch by the water, try the Amador Yacht Club. You can get excellent ceviche, grilled fish and more at Pencas, Which has a rooftop terrace. Service here tends to be slow, so be prepared to linger.

Take a Coffee Tour

From horseback riding to coffee tours-----there is much more to do in Santa Fe, Panama.

The cool climate and rich volcanic soil create excellent growing conditions for a variety of plants and crops with a green thumb, this agricultural community has plenty to offer. Chief among these is coffee, and the hillsides are dotted with coffee plantations called fincas.

Decades ago the local farmers called “campesinos” formed a cooperative for harvesting and processing their beans and today you can enjoy a coffee tour of the whole operation. From planting the dark green saplings, to hand-picking the red cherries, to tumbling the beans in the roaster, you can see it all.

The Orchids GardenThe Orchids are native to the highlands and several residents have created informal gardens to showcase their favorite varieties. The finished product is called Cafe El Tute, after the area’s landmark mountain peak, adn is only available locally, so be sure to stock up!

They’ll share their knowledge and appreciation for this tenacious exotic plant, some with flowers as big as oranges, and others as a grain of rice.

A few organic farms also offer tours where you may see citrus, mango and avocado trees, green beans and broccoli, water melons and squash in a rustic tropical setting. If you go in the middle of the day you may be treated to lunch, prepared with home grown veggies.

After all that activity you’ll probably want to cool off, and the rivers of Santa Fe are the perfect way to be refreshed. Arrange to go River Tubing with one of the local outfitters for a fun day of floating.

If tubing doesn't float your boat, maybe you’d prefer a therapeutic massage. 

Therapeutic Massage:

Santa Fe doesn’t have a spa but it does have an enterprising young expat who is a certified massage therapist. Rachel Gimbel has her own massage table and will bring it to you to work out all your kinks. For $25 an hour’s massage she’ll have you feeling relaxed and refreshed, ready for another day of outdoor activity in the Veraguas highlands.

Photograph Fort San Lorenzo in Colon:

Panama is home to some impressive ruins, but 17th century Fort San Lorenzo gets my vote for the most dramatic views. Here, the mighty Chagres River meets the Caribbean Sea. The bright blues converging on the horizon are mesmerizing. And the fort itself is a photographer’s dream… a reminder of pirates conquerors, silver, and gold that helped shape Panama’s history. Want to make a weekend of it? Nearby attractions include the Portobelo church and ruins and Isla Grande, Which means “big island,” though it’s actually quite tiny.

Meet friendly expats in Coronado:

This list wouldn’t be complete without at least one recommendation for sampling expat life in Panama. Spend any amount of time home in Panama and you’re likely to meet happy transplants and begin considering a part or full time home of your own. Coronado is one of the best places on the planet to test drive a new life overseas. This little hub boasts plenty of shops and services. The beach is pristine and uncrowded. And the expat community is both welcoming and incredibly active. Head to Picasso restaurant and bar for happy hour and you’ll be making new connections in no time.

Another Easy Day in Laidback Panama:

                By Nanette Witmer

I am sitting enjoying the last of the rainy season with my cup of freshly ground Panama coffee looking out at all the greenery surrounding me. 

Looking back over the last ten years in Panama, it has been a wild ride. Things have ebbed and flowed but i now feel like a local. I know the backroads around the city, known where to find bargains, and which restaurants are the best. 

Most days I find myself on the computer writing and working with periodic stops to wander around outside to stretch my legs and enjoy the cooler weather the rainy season has brought. During this time of year, I generally stay close to home in the afternoons since that is when we get our hefty rain storms with wind and lightning. But sometimes you need a change of pace.

On Saturday I went with friends to Boquete to see my favorite expat band play some good old rock and roll music. The Barbeque spread was great, $14 for ribs, beans, and homemade mac and cheese. Of course, adding a few Panama beers in at $1.50 each. It was a great way to  spend a rainy afternoon, with rock music, barbecue and friends.

It’s a great  life here in Panama and I love my flexible schedule which allows me to have fun when I want with friends. My lifestyle here is easy and delightful.

International Migration or Travel Special 

                Reports Panama 2020:                                         

Dear Reader,

Panama is far more developed and modern than most people anticipate. This country has the most advanced and modern infrastructure in the region. Panama has been one of our favorite locations for overseas investment and Retirements for many years. 

AZ

In fact, Panama took the top spot in our 2021 Global Retirement index, awarding it with the honor of the world’s best retirement destination. The truth is , a move to Panama doesn’t mean a move away from the First City. 

Panama offers luxuries and amenities that you would hope for anywhere else and can even afford more of them due to Panama’s low cost of living. 

Panama City is a bustling, vibrant and exciting metropolis.There’s a reason it’s called the “Hub of the Americas,” and you can thank the Panama canal for starting it all. 

Since it was completed over 100 years ago, it’s been the conduit between east and west, north and south. And it’s made Panama a place where cultures converge. The influence of many different nationalities is vast. Walk the cosmopolitan streets of Panama City and you will hear English at every turn along with dozens of other foreign languages.

Wake up on the Caribbean and have lunch overlooking the Pacific,,they’re a couple of hours apart at the isthmus’ “skinniest” sections. There truly is something for everyone in Panama. 

Many of  the expats here cite Panama’s geographical diversity and location, with proximity to North America being a major factor in them choosing Panama for their retirement destination. In a country roughly the size of South Carolina, You’ll find mountains and beaches within an easy striking distance,, no matter where in the country you are.

As well as offering retirees a location to suit all tastes, another big draw is the country’s famed Pensionado Program. This program of discounts is given to all who qualify by age 60 for men and 55 for women---expat or Panamanian.

Panama is not the cheapest country in the region,but your dollar will still stretch further than it does up north. If you daydream about beaches, sunshine or welcoming locals, then Panama may be for you. A couple can live well here for $2,800 a month or less, including rent.

We have compiled this special report to give you an overview---a taster--of what Panama is all about for your better choice. Read  on and it’s likely you’ll fall in love with this wonderful country.

              Mahesh budhathoki

Publisher, Worldwide Migration/Travel

                                   About Panama

Location: Central America, Boarding both the caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica.

Area: 29,119 square miles (75,420 square kilometers)

Population: 3,800,644 (2018)

Capital: Panama City

Climate: Panama has a tropical climate with a Yearly average temperature of 88℉ and humidity of about 80%. While there is little seasonal variation, daytime/ nighttime temperatures can vary greatly. On a typical dry season day in the capital city, the early morning minimum may be 75℉ for more than a short maximum 84℉. The temperature seldom exceeds 90℉ for more than a short time.

 Travel Info: How to get to Panama

Most travelers fly into Tocumen International Airport (Code: PTY), a major hub connecting all of North and south America. There is also a domestic airport in Panama City, the Marcos A. Gelabert Airport  in the Albrook neighborhood, from which you can fly to many of Panama’s beach, country and mountain destinations. The domestic Airline in Panama is Air Panama.

Flying to Panama is easy; many of the airlines that serve the U.S. offer direct flights to Panama. Panama’s Copa Airlines has turned this nation into a true hub, expanding the airport and adding new direct flights every year. Recent additions include Chicago, Las Vegas, Boston, and Tampa. Another reason to fly Copa: free adult beverages in coach! In addition, Panama is serviced by many of the world’s major airlines, and in total some 70-plus cities offer non-stop flights to Panama City’s Tocumen International.

The Tocumen airport is one of the few in the region that has two landing runways able to serve the largest commercial aircraft operating today. In addition to Air France, American, Delta, KLM, United and more, few people know that Spirit Airlines offers inexpensive “red eye” flights to Panama, often for under $200 if flying from Miami. Just visit www.spirit.com to check on deals from several cities, including Chicago and Dallas. If your city isn’t directly served by spirit, calculate the costs of connecting through one that is. 

                  Expat contacts:

When you move, or if you’re just thinking of moving, somewhere new, it’s a good idea to talk to people who have already done what you're about to. Get in touch with expats in Panama, they’ll be able to help you with any questions or concerns you might have and you’ll be able to compare notes on moving here.

Here are the some resources you might find helpful:

1. International Living Panama Facebook: This is a great place to meet other like-minded, Panama-bound expats and get advice.

2. Viviendo en Panamá: A popular Panama forum. Spanish for “Living in Panama”, It’s a forum for English speaking expats who discuss living and working in Panama.

3. Networking tools like InterNations, Linked In and Facebook are extremely popular in Panama and great ways to grow your network.

                 Visa Requirements

Tourist visa: If you are from the U.S. or canada, you do not need a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days. Tourists may stay for up to 90 days and in general, extensions are available if you can show you need more time because you are changing your status from that of a tourist...for Example, if you entered Panama as a tourist and then decided to apply for residence.

Friendly Nations visa: Officially named the Permanent Residence for Nationals of Specific countries, this Visa opens the door for Professionals and Entrepreneurs from 50 countries that “maintain friendly, Professional and economic investment Relationships” with Panama, which includes the U.S. and canada.

The visa has some requirements, you to open a local bank account with a minimum balance of $5000, as well as doing one of the following; either you can purchase real estate with a minimum required investment of $10,000 or open a business, find employment in Panama.

Professional Residence permit: This option is open to foreigners who would like to work in Panama, provided they do not choose professions reserved for Panamanian nationals Eg: include medical professions, Accounting, real estate, and law. Panama has a tradition of welcoming people of different nationalities and backgrounds, especially those who may be able to contribute to our nation’s development. Panama does need and welcome foreign workers, and you could be one of them.