Want To Live On A Ranch With Ocean Views?

Almost all of our properties are either on or near the beach.  But not this one. This is a 13 acre ranch (finca), but with fabulous views of the ocean. This property would appeal to someone who loves horses and a ranch lifestyle. Also it is noticeably cooler up on this finca than down at sea level. … Read more

Burica Surf & Stand Up Paddle Board Camp

Man and daughter on boulders by river

A few months ago, we stopped to visit Shawn and Shena at their place on Punta Burica. They own & operate Burica Surf. We were on our way to visit our friend Juancho at Mono Feliz. Shawn and Shena were just putting the final touches on their surf/stand up paddle board camp. It was spectacular. … Read more

A Glimpse At Puerto Armuelles – January 2017

blue skies at the beach

Jan. 26, 2017 I just got back to town a few days ago.   I immediately remembered why I love Puerto Armuelles so much. On my very first morning, I went to the beach at Corazon de Jesus on for a swim. Morning At the Beach I had been told that the November rains were … Read more

Panamanian Sancocho – A Delicious Chicken Soup

close up of a bowl of chicken soup in Panama

Sancocho is Panama’s national dish. There are versions of sancocho throughout Latin America, but it is particularly beloved in Panama. At heart, Sancocho is a delicious stew that you could have at breakfast, lunch or dinner. Many claim the soup is even the perfect tonic for a hangover. A local Panama chef believes that culantro is the … Read more

Did You Remember To Prove You’re Alive?

Over 200 Americans in Panama will not get their US Social Security checks next month (Feb. 2017). This is because those folks didn’t file the required “proof of life” form. So if you didn’t turn in your form, your February 3rd, 2017 check will be suspended. Don’t worry, you can get your benefits reinstated.  Start with an … Read more

Culantro vs Cilantro

photo of the culantro and cilantro plants with text

Culantro and cilantro look very different, but they have a similar taste.   However, culantro has a stronger flavor than cilantro with subtle sweet undertones and a stronger smell. Culantro is used extensively in Panamanian food. Availability Differences It is easy to find culantro in Panama, cilantro is harder to find. I can almost always … Read more

Check out our ebook of Property for Sale

This pdf contains many affordable beach properties for you to explore.   It includes links to get more photos and information on each property.  You will also find a map of Puerto Armuelles with photos on it too. If you are looking at property, it is worth your time to check out these hand-picked properties. If any … Read more

Tiny Homes: A Big Idea For The Tropics?

image of hand holding tiny house on purple background

The notion of living in a “Tiny” home or basic shelter has been around for centuries. Ascetic monks from the 15th century and earlier have written about the spiritual benefits of casting off the extraneous luxuries of society and getting back to the bare necessities of life. The ascetics felt that only without encumbrances and … Read more

How Much Does It Cost To Build A House in Panama?

yellow image with text about cost of building a house in Panama

Jan 1, 2017 I get asked that question all the time.  Or more specifically, “How much does it cost/square foot to build a house in Puerto Armuelles?” I always feel reluctant.  I want to give a definitive answer, but it is complicated. “What will it cost to build”, is a hard question to answer anywhere, not … Read more

Relaxing With A Baby Monkey at Mono Feliz

I discovered a video (below) I took of my family in 2007.   It gives a glimpse at an enjoyable lazy hammock day near our home in Panama.  A day that could easily be replicated today – except maybe for the baby monkey. If you are interested in visiting Mono Feliz, visit their facebook page for more information. … Read more

Happiness In The Slow Lane – Enjoy Your Hobbies

graphic about how to be happy in Panama

We have been in Puerto Armuelles for 10 years now. Plenty of time to observe the lifestyle habits that seem to lead to a happy life for our retired expat neighbors. The happiest folks, share a common thread: Keep active Have hobbies Maintain community Passionate about their lives Enjoy living in our beach town of Puerto […]

Check Out A House Remodel in Puerto Armuelles

close up of man on roof remodeling house with text

This post is about a remodel of an existing house in Puerto Armuelles, Panama. It is part of our ongoing series on “What it’s like to build a home in Panama” The Original House The house is nick-named “Casa Sombrero” because of its big sheltering roof. It is on a corner lot in the Corazon … Read more

WhatsApp