Why I love Panama, and why you will too!

Panama's topography and geographic location present interesting choices for everyone. Beautiful mountains provide an excellent quiet retreat from a bustling city life, and rivers can offer an exhilarating white-water rafting experience. Tropical rainforests are an excellent destination for those who like to see the natural fauna and habitat up close. Coastal areas have some of the best beaches in the world, the finest fishing, scuba diving, and snorkeling, and spectacular coral reefs with colorful marine life. Some terrific tropical islands are also nearby for anyone wishing to make a short leisurely cruise by boat. Some islands are accessible by commuter aircraft.

Panamanian people are extremely generous and hospitable to visitors. Most of Panama is rural farm country and the residents have a relaxed, friendly pace of life. Panama has an extensive Indigenous population with seven distinct traditional cultures. There are no natural disasters like hurricanes or earthquakes.

Costs are low. A typical meal of rice, beans, beef or chicken and salad costs $2. A flight from Panama City to David or Bocas Del Toro costs about $50 each way. Laborers work for $1 per hour. Professional services like medical, dental, as well as construction costs are also cheap. Rent for vacation homes and hotels range from very economical to luxurious.

Panama maintains a hot tropical climate along the coast with fresher temperatures in the highlands. At sea level, temperatures usually hover around 30-33 degrees Celsius (90-100 degrees Fahrenheit) in the afternoon and drop to the low twenties at night (70's Fahrenheit). In mountainous towns like Boquete and Volcan, subtract about eight degrees Celsius.

The Pacific coast receives a distinct dry season between December and May with occasional showers during the wet season. The Caribbean receives a mix of sun and afternoon showers for most of the year.

Panama City offers casinos, nightclubs, shopping, live theatre, and some of the finest international cuisine in Latin America.

The scenery is spectacular and diverse. There are more than 1600 islands, blankets of lush cloud forests, exotic jungles, and endless white sand beaches to explore.

Hiking, horseback riding, surfing, boating, scuba diving, fishing, bird watching, gardening, and hiking are all available and excellent in Panama.

Panama is rich with natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Most notable are Panama's long empty beaches, pristine forests, friendly and hospitable people, and affordable cost of living.

Add high-speed Internet, satellite TV, international cuisine, and offshore tax savings, and Panama becomes a very attractive place to live and invest.

For a more personal look at what I feel makes Panama such a paradise, be sure to read my blog OhPanama!

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