The Panama Review

Boquete is the quintessential retirement and tourist destination in the Republic of Panama. Unlike the coastal plains and lower lying regions, Boquete is situated at an elevated altitude which in turn leads to a milder, mountain like climate. Boquete has been referred to as the little Switzerland of Central America.

Boquete is surrounded by pure, pristine natural beauty. The mountain village is situated in the Chiriqui province, which is to the west of Panama City, on the slopes of Baru, which one can see, from the summit, both the Atlantic ad Pacific Oceans. The region is famous for the fertile volcanic soil where coffee, fruit and flower plantations abound.

It is essentially a nature lover’s paradise with over 250 recorded bird species, and numerous other wildlife species in the surrounding areas. Boquete is considered one of the places where one has a better chance of spotting the Quetzal, the most beautiful bird of the Americas. Because of the geography of the area, it is considered a hiker’s dream – with numerous trails around the area, traditionally used by farmers. The vegetation changes distinctively as you increase in altitude, where you will have the experience of trekking through a cloud forest as you progress to higher levels.

The area of Boquete is home to new and existing residential complexes, and the value for money, as well as a significantly reduced cost of living makes the area highly attractive as a choice for investment and living. It has been voted in numerous publications, over the years as a destination of choice with respect to retirement and holiday home investment, and currently has superior infrastructure, as well as safe secure surroundings, as well as the abundant beauty of nature and scenery.

The Flower and Coffee Fair is a huge tourist and visitor attraction, which occurs every January. The fair is becoming more of an international affair, where countries participate to showcase their coffees and flower quality.

How to get to Boquete

From Panama City, one has a few options on getting to Boquete. One can travel by bus, or car to David and drive up to Boquete, about a 45 minute drive from the Provincial Capital of David. The roads are well kept and offer a smooth journey to the city of David and onward to Boquete. Alternatively one can fly via the Albrook Airport to David, which provides a scenic tour in itself – as one is able to view the spectacular landscape and surrounding green vegetation.

Boquete Accomodation

There is accommodation within or close to the viallage, as well as further away from the village, dependent on where one would prefer to stay. The Panamonte Inn and Spa in the village has a well established modern facility with restaurant on premises, including social are and bar, as well as a beautiful garden like setting. Near the village is the Isla Verde with rustic round cabins, as well as a scenic river and charming European like views and setting surrounding the area. The Cabanas Valle Escondido are also centrally located offering well equipped riverside bungalows within the resort community of Valle Escondido. Cabanas Via Lactea are a short while from the village with well equipped accommodation as well as within a beautiful setting.

For those wishing to immerse themselves in the local nature setting of Boquete, then La Montana y el Valle, Villa Marita  or Los Establos would be a beautiful and sound choice for accommodation. These three venues have fantastic settings offering beautiful views and wonderful service. These venues offer the perfect setting for romantic getaways, they are secluded enough, yet central to reach Boquete and the nearby David.

There a several eateries and restaurants in the Boquete area, offering both US styled food and fare, as well as continental styled preparation by qualified chefs and servers.

Boquete and Surrounds Activities

Canopy tours, for the adrenalin junkies, will offer views of the trees from atop. These activities can be engaged in the landscape and areas of the nearby Amistad Park and on the slopes of Baru. Coffee farm tours will enable the coffee connoisseurs an opportunity of tasting world famous gourmet coffees. Here one can view antique coffee farming methods and tradiotions as well as the modern approach to these activities, the tasting of coffee is called cupping. White water rafting on the Chiriqui River will get the blood pumping and is considered as holding a place in the top 10 rivers to raft internationally. For really getting in touch with nature, one is urged to take a horseback tour through the beautiful surrounding forests and landscape. For the shopper the local village and close by David, allows for the shopping and purchase of local arts and crafts of the indigenous people of Panama.

Boquete is a region of real estate and tourism that is well worth visiting and considering to invest in. The area escapes from the oppressive humidity of the coastal plains and offers a more mountain like temperate climate as well as breath taking scenery and landscape. It is central enough to easily access either the Caribbean Sea or the Pacific Ocean. Due to the extensive investment within the area it offers superior infrastructure, within a safe and secure environment.

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Tags: boquete, guide, Panama, travel

When the Spaniards came to the present day area known as Panama in the 16th Century, they encountered various Native American Indian Groups; the main of these included the Kuna, Guaymi, Choco and some other minor native groups. Subsequent to the settling of the Spanish, the mixed ancestry of Spanish and Indians developed to what is termed today as mestizos. During the colonial times the people from Africa were brought there as slaves, and slowly these people were also integrated into the society. With the construction of the Panama City – Colon railway, and then later the canal, a range of nationalities were settled in this area; included nationalities were from the United States, China, French, West Indian, as well as Italians and Greeks. All these nations have contributed to the current society of Panama.

A small fraction of the original natives remain, mostly living in isolated areas, including on small islands, and in the rain forests.

The largest of the groups is the Guaymi or Ngobe Bugle – mostly located in Western Panama. They live in the provinces of Chiriqui, Bocas del Toro and Veraguas.  The language spoken by these indigenous natives is known as Ngabere. The Guaymi proved to be formidable opponents to the exploring Spaniards and it was recorded in many historic journals of these fierce and fearless adversaries. The Guaymi people still follow many of their traditions, but many have opted for the work opportunities in the coffee plantations in the neighboring Costa Rica. The women still practice the manufacture of traditional arts and crafts and make the traditional ‘Panama hat’ which is worn by the men… A traditional ‘jewellery’ item worn by these people is what is known as a Chaquira, which is a beaded necklace also worn by the men of the Ngobe Bugle.
The next largest group is the Kuna, who live predominantly in the Kuna Yala, occupying the South Eastern coastal areas, and the San Blas archipelago as well as along the coastal plains of the Darien province. The Kuna people, believed to be direct descendants of the Carib Indians are a very well established society and live much in the same sort of style and fashion that their ancestors did; with customary rituals being passed from generation to generation. The Kuna societies in general have a shared responsibility amongst the families, with the man gathering and subsistence farming for food, whilst the woman conducts the household activities. There is a high incidence of albinism with the Kuna people, based on folklore of the Kuna it was caused by the disobedience of the children of the sun, that was sent to the Kuna, by the sun, upon request of their shaman many centuries ago; although the albinos of their society were given a special place. The Kuna were the first to obtain their own politically autonomous state, via treaty with the Panamanian government and many years of negotiation and lobbying for self governance. The language spoken by these natives is called Dulegaya – meaning “people-talk’. History of these people is traditionally passed down by the Sahila of the village – being the political and spiritual leader. The Sahila performs these rites via ritualistic song and dance, often with the help of interpreters. The Kuna are very in touch with nature and have traditionally used a number of plants for medicinal purposes.

The Choco Indians, or now known as Embrera and Wounaan Indians predominantly occupy the province of Darien in the South of Panama. The Embrera and Wounaan people live similar lives, within the dense rain forests of the region. It has been said that they were not affected by the European explorers as they didn’t have much of value and were left alone. These groups have chosen to stay away from progressing civilization and prefer the rivers and forests where they predominantly live a hunter gatherer type existence, with subsistence farming supplying most of the meals. Being semi nomadic these people have not taken on the role of fully dressing themselves and the men predominantly wear g-strings and body paint. Very much in tune with nature these indigenous people utilize plants for medicinal purposes, natural dying, body paints and for food flavoring. Living in small groups they travel about as family units, constructing semi-permanent shelters along the rivers and tributaries. These shelters are normally raised off the ground to prevent unwanted visitors, as well as the rains from seeping in. Although these Indians look fierce in nature, due to their regalia they are not as formidable as their Kuna or Guaymi cousins.

Although not a native inhabitant of Panama, the Mestizos are the largest population group in Panama. They predominate in the savannas to the west of the canal and in the central provinces of Panamá and Colón, where they have intermarried with people of West Indian and African ancestry. This rich cultural diversity combines to form the atmosphere and make up of the modern Panama population.

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Tags: Choco, Guaymi, Kuna, natives, Panama

The Bocas del Toro archipelago of islands is home to the national marine park of the island of Bastimentos. Bocas del Toro in itself is one of the main tourist and investment attractions in all of Panama. The mere beauty of the Bocas del Toro area is not limited to what one can see above the water level, but below is the millions of fish, coral and marine life which ensures a magical treat for scuba and snorkel divers.

There are specific beaches with Bocas del Toro that are the breeding grounds of a variety of sea turtle species, which come to nest between April and October. The geographical make up of specific areas in Bocas del Toro make it difficult to access these nesting sites which in turn offers a protection factor to these turtles.

The Bastimentos Island offers the best of Bocas del Toro in terms of eco tourism, as one has the diving opportunities, as well as the chance to hike across the island through the thick vegetation which offers unique experiences of the sights and sounds of the wildlife on the Island. Whilst the mangrove areas, providing shelter for fish and other marine life, enables one to swim and snorkel between the mangrove roots.

If one is seeking adventure and the chance to meet the indigenous people of Panama, your chance in the Bocas del Toro region will allow you to meet the Ngobe people.

Most of Bocas del Toro is about nature, beauty and unspoiled paradise. It is not only a major attraction for tourists but for real estate too, where people purchase holiday homes and retirement homes.

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Tags: bastimentos, Bocas Del Toro, national park, Panama

There is no other place as beautiful and as lively as Panama City especially in terms of all the partying and night life. Panama really ranks as one of the top destinations for its nightlife. All of this live entertainments at night happens in three separate areas of the city.

The business district flourishes with nightlife and the well preserved Spanish Colonial sector of Casco Viejo which is endowed with a wealth of history. Lastly, there is the Amador Causeway that gives the people some of its most incredible and incomparable views of both the city and the ocean. Either by day or by night, the causeway that links the islands of Panama bay, one can find plenty of activities and pasttimes to entertainment and fine dining.

Due to the fact that Panama City has such a vibrant and busy night life, it is recommended that one travels from place to place using the taxis. Similar to any other big city around the globe, Panama also stages live night parties and big events ranging from discos, prestigious sports as well as legalised gambling. There are venues and activities to suit anyones desired night out and the choice is almost unending.

Nightlife in the Business District

The Wine Bar:
As the name implies, this is a bar for all people who worship and enjoy wine. With hundreds of unique wine selections to choose from, wine bars will really satisfy all types of preference. To complement its wine offerings, The Wine Bar also offers cheese dishes and pizzas. The food and wine on offer is accompanied by live music, where the venue takes pride in letting their famous music bands and trios to serenade songs of love to their guests. The Wine Bar is located in El Cangrejo just nearby the El Panama Hotel adjoining café Pomodoro, and another branch of this famous venue is found on the Amador Causeway.

The El Pavo Real:
This is a first-class British bar, which is centrally located in Panama City. Aside from the local entertainment that they showcase every night, El Pavo Real also serves lots of mouth watering dishes. This is the quintessential place where people of different nationalities can bond, and serves as a valuable networking venue. Both the Brits and Americans get along famously in this bar along with the mainstay locals that regard this pub as one of their favorites. This bar has recently relocated to Via Argentina.

Calle Uruguay

S6IS:
This club name is actually read as “seis,” which literally means the number six. It is actually a cocktail pub with an energetic DJ and vibey music. Moreover, there’s also a sushi bar extension that caters to the needs of all sushi lovers. The bar is situated upstairs, with an everyday happy hour at 5 pm, this club is mostly frequented by the twenty something crowd. This venue is open daily from Tuesday to Sunday from early evening to late.
Prive: An upmarket venue with an air of sophistication about it. Often considered as an exclusive venue, one tends to find a more suitable upper class clientele, enjoying the music and cocktails.

K’OS:
K’OS is the decidely Miami look and feel venue right here in Panama. Although it is still a new club in the area, it is definitely scoring high in popularity ratings.

The Londoner:
If you want to savor the taste of the English dinks and food fare, then The Londoner is the place to go. This is the exact haven for drinking your Chivas and feeling like you’re in a classy English venue.

GURU:
If you want to experience an exclusive night of fun and excitement, the GURU may be the top choice for you. Dubbed as the best club in Panama, the GURU is where you’ll meet people that have perfected the art of having fun. There are lots of spacious VIP rooms for the more elite guests. 
 
Green House:
If you are the type of person that needs a good mix of both funky and cool entertainment then the Green House is the perfect disco lounge for you. All you can do here is basically have fun and enjoy the amazing food selection as well as a professional cocktail menue. Greenhouse is also available in Via Argentina.

Clubs & Discos:

Mystic:
Recent ratings have indicated that this is one of the coolest and hippest club in Calle Uruguay

Buzz:
This pub provides a fantastic ambience of musical fusion, this is a blend of American-Spanish-Afro-Latin tunes and musical styling. The perfect beat combinations are evident in the large crowds that are drawn to this venue. With its huge dancing space and inventive DJs, the Buzz is for all dancing lovers. All popular music genres are played here ranging from Latin, Pop, Reggae and even disco Salsa.

Oz:
If you are seeking a more smaller and private club then the OZ lounge is just the right party place for you, usually accompanied by live bands that play popular music for all generations.

Nightlife in Casco Viejo:

Las Bovedas:
A historic feel to a club attracts many crowds. And in Las Bovedas, French cuisines are also prepared to complement the fun atmosphere. There is a Jazz Bar on Fridays and Saturday evening.

Casablanca:
In Casablanca, the most popular attraction in this venue is said to be its food. Aside from the traditional Italian cuisne, as well as American dishes, this club also offers foreign cuisines such as a selection of Thai dishes. The bar is usually open on a Friday and Saturday night.

Platea:
Enter a classic world of fun and entertainment in Platea and enjoy the retro feel of this one of a kind pub. Jazz music is usually being played on a Thursdays and Salsa night is on a Friday.

Amador Causeway Nightlife:

Café Barko:
From its name “barko” meaning boat, Café Barko enables you to feel the cool sea breezes. Retro is the music style here and the venue offers a wonderful range of Sushi.

Play:
This is one of the well known trademark disco clubs that has international DJs spinning their unique music. Hence, this entertainment spot sparks trends and imparts a true Miami feel in this environment, largely owing to the décor and breathtaking views of the seas.

The Wine Bar:
The perfect spot for the avid wine drinkers and those who love the background serenading of a musical trio.

La Marina:
LaIf playing pool is for you, this is your venue. Enjoy all the live music being played and sample the wonderful food on offer. There is a dance and a complete party atmosphere at this venue.

Nightlife and Fun in Other Key Areas:

A number of other popular night venues include Gasthaus Bavaria situated in Bella Vista, 50th Street. There is the ever popular Hard Rock café located in Multicentro Mall; Steinbock in Via Cincuentenario, well-known for its numerous selections of German alcoholic beverages. Lastly, the Bolero in Bella Vista, 42nd Street also offers another creative entertainment atmosphere.

Casinos:

Panama has numerous casinos where one can try charming lady luck onto his or her side the Crown Casino located at the Caesar Park Hotel; the Fiesta Casino in the El Panama Hotel; the Majestic Casino is in Multicentro; and the Venetto Casino, is the latest addition to the Casino line up in Panama.

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Tags: casco viejo, clubs, dancing, food, Nightlife, panama city

Located in a very privileged area, Coco del Mar is a high class residential area with a spectacular view of the ocean. With both upper class locals and foreigners for its residents, Coco del Mar also boasts of its close proximity to nature. Aside from the pristine ocean view, birds such as cranes, pelicans and herons can be spotted near the beach shores.

Its high rise apartments and residences feature some of the top amenities exclusive to its residents. Due to the fact that Coco del Mar is near to downtown Panama this offers convenience as various commercial establishments are readily accessible. Various schools and Panama’s first convention center are also located close to Coco del Mar. 

Also within the vicinity of Coco del Mar is an area known as Old Panama, where historic stone ruins of the 1600s are visible. Those ruins were once upon a time the forts of Spanish Explorers of the 1600s, until they were ransacked by the notorious Welsh pirate Sir Henry Morgan.

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Tags: coco del mar, high class, panama city

A trade delegation from the state of Jalisco in Mexico is in Panama until the 17th of this month. This delegation was organized by Ministry of Economic Promotion Of Jalisco and endorsed and supported by the Panamanian Ministry of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture. This visit is to secure strategic and valuable international trading opportunities with the Mexican state and looks to further develop the ties in agriculture and general trade.

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Tags: mexican, trade

One of the urban areas of  Panama city is the district of Via Argentina. Along the main strip are multitudes of cafes, bars, restaurants and Delis. The area is a major attraction for all sorts of individuals and groups seeking an enjoyable social experience.

There are a plethora of dining options available at Via Argentina. From Italian cuisine (El Pomodoro), to traditional Panamanian food (El Trapiche), to an international flavor (Dolce Coffee House), any visitor is gauranteed to find a venue to suit their tastes.

A lot of foreign nationals, such as those from Colombia and Spain, have taken residence in the Via Argentina district, this area in line with most areas in Panama, has beautiful parks, commercial establishments, hotels and universities, and one is tempted to never leave Via Argentina.

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Tags: Panama, panama city, via argentina

Late 16th century saw Panama being known as one of Spain’s richest colonized areas. Gold, pillaged from wealthy Indian nations and even from the fabled Inca Empire, was transported to various counting houses located in Panama. These counting houses, specifically in the Pearl Islands, Panama City and Portobelo, inventoried the loot that was eventually loaded onto the ships bound for Spain. It was a well known fact amongst pirates, that there were literally millions of pounds of treasure located in Panama. And so a lot of these pirates attempted to invade and plunder the ill-gotten wealth from the Spaniards. One of those pirates was the notorious Henry Morgan.

Historical accounts of Henry Morgan’s early years vary. A lot of historians believe that Morgan, after being kidnapped from Bristol, was forced into slave labor on a Jamaican plantation. Morgan had to work for seven years before his freedom was granted. As the English invaded Barbados in 1655, then nineteen year old Henry as one of the slaves who abandoned their Jamaican masters and joined the English.

Other historical counts tell of Morgan being enlisted by the English to invade Spain’s colonies. He joined the English fleet in 1663 and participated in the raiding and conquering of the various Spanish settlements in Vildemos, Trujillo and Granada.

What historians do agree upon is that Henry Morgan was one of the 8000 soldiers, who attempted to wrest control of Santo Domingo from the Spaniards. The attempt proved futile and the English contingents were dealt an embarrassing defeat. Ashamed of returning to England, the soldiers instead invaded Jamaica.

As Port Royal was made the official capital of Jamaica, Morgan began his privateering career under various ship leaders. Morgan commanded a ship in the English Admiral Edward Mansfield’s fleet. When Mansfield was captured and killed by the Spanish, the crew members voted Henry Morgan as the fleet’s new admiral.

Commissioned by Jamaican governor Thomas Modyford, Morgan was ordered to capture and ravage Cuba of its treasures. Along his journey, Morgan’s crew attacked the town of Portobelo, Panama, utilizing his crew of five hundred men. The Panamanians attempt to ward the invaders were in vain, and the governor was forced to pay a large amount of ransom so that the invaders would leave the island. Despite the cruelties inflicted by Morgan and his crew, the English government conveniently and publicly claimed no recollection of or responsibility for those events.

Morgan’s pirate fleet soon invaded Maracaibo, Venezuela, torturing the residents for the Spanish treasure. While at Maracaibo, Morgan’s fleet captured one of the Spaniards’ ships and destroyed the others. Expectedly, the Spanish government threatened the Jamaican governor for the English’s actions towards the Spaniards’ settlements. Governor Modyford reacted by promoting Morgan as commander-in-chief of all the warships in Jamaica, and commissioned him to effectively declare war on the Spanish, payment was deemed as whatever treasures were captured and plundered from the Spanish for Morgan and his crew.

Commander-in-chief Morgan started his pillaging of Cuba and upon completing his scourge he set his sights on Panama. Being the boldest and most daring expedition of his career, Morgan and his crew of   thousands first captured the island of Santa Catalina and proceeded to overpower the fortress in San Lorenzo. Confidently, Morgan targeted Panama City as his next conquest.
Though the Spaniards outnumbered them, Morgan was not frightened off. The Spaniards inexperience was evident, as Morgan ordered half of his men to attack from the flank. The strategy paid off as Panama City eventually fell to the Morgan and his men. After torturing a lot of Panamanians, Morgan eventually discovered that much of the Spanish treasures were already removed from the city.

News of Morgan’s conquest brought the armada of Spain, who threatened to launch a full scale war against England. To appease the Spaniards, the King of England, then Charles II ordered that Henry Morgan and the Jamaican Governor Modyford arrested. At his trial, Morgan validated that he had no prior knowledge of the treaty between England and Spain. As such, he was set free and eventually knighted in 1674. Retiring from a career as a privateer/pirate, Morgan returned to Jamaica in 1675 to become Jamaica’s Lieutenant governor. His health failing him, Morgan died in the year 1688. The cemetery where he was buried, Palisadoes cemetery, sank beneath the sea after the earthquake of 1692.

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Tags: captian morgan, history, Panama, panama viejo

A company in Bocas del Toro, has opted for an environmentally friendly approach to supplying sand to the construction and related industries as opposed to mining the sand from the beautiful beaches.

The sand mining from the beach, although there is a huge supply, it has been proven to accelerate beach erosion as well as negatively impact upon the egg laying turtles, as well as the aesthetic beauty of the beaches.

An alternative sand source has been found and utilised by a company in the Bocas area, this source is the mouth the rivers flowing into the sea. The company, Manatraya who supplies sand, gravel and other construction materials, employs this eco friendly approach based upon the fact that the river continually renews the sedimentary deposits that are brought down from the inland sources, on a natural basis.

UNESCO is in agreement with this process, also stating that the river sand is a better option due to the lack of salt in it compared to that of the beach sand. The salt in the sand can lead to erosion of the reinforcing steel bars used in the construction phase, which has negative effects on the overall building process over the longer period.

Another good news story about how Panama tries to care for their environment.

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Tags: Bocas Del Toro, construction, eco, manatraya

Although it can be said that Panama’s environment is much safer than most Latin American countries, recent events of the past months bore witness to foreign victims of violent crimes. Thus, the question regarding how truly safe it is for foreigners living in Panama is thrust back into limelight.

I recall a recent conversation with a female American friend of mine, who has been living in Panama for the past 3 years. She recounted that, when she first came to Panama to start a restaurant business, she had to constantly be alert of her surroundings. Looking over her shoulders, never walking at places at night became a routine she did earlier on. Only later when she was comfortable in her current environment was she able to let her guard down. And then her restaurant was broken into the other night. That break-in coupled with the news of crimes committed against expats further amplified her safety anxieties.

Not surprisingly, a lot of expats have voiced similar concerns. Home invasions have become more common place recently. At times it is found that the intruders would go to great lengths in attacking the homeowners. Another source of fear for expats are the kidnappings that occur from time to time. Criminals usually approach the expats, who are near the ATM, and forcibly removed from the scene where they are then requested to hand over the cash and other valuable items. The victims are then brought to a secluded area where they are released unharmed.

Personally, having lived in Panama for almost two years, I have felt consistently safe. With recent news and the heightened awareness of fellow expats, has caused me to raise my guard and be more aware of what is going on. There was a recent report of a Canadian national who was shot by some locals in a town near Chitre, however this did not appear to be a act of crime towards an expat, but rather that of some sort of altercation that the individual had had with some or other person of the surrounding area.

Obviously, there are no fool proof methods to ensure that one will never ever become a victim of a crime in a foreign land. However, using common sense and being alert decreases the opportunity for criminals to make you their next victim. This sort of awareness would keep you out of trouble anywhere in the world.

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Tags: expat, living, Panama, safty, travel