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

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

Affordable Beach Front House For Sale in Puerto Armuelles

screenshot of rancho at start of video about panama house for sale

Click to get more details about this Puerto Armuelles beach front house for sale. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have, just shoot us an email, or give us a call. You can read what I said in the video below. Video Transcription Hi, I’m Betsy from Living In Panama I want … Read more

Internet Access & Providers in Panama

I don’t know about you, but one of the first things I think of when I get to a new place is internet access. Overall, Panama has pretty good internet access.   It doesn’t compare to the US or Canada, but for Central America it is excellent. One reason for this is that Panama, specifically … Read more

Puerto Armuelles – A Good Choice For Builders

We first arrived in Panama in the Fall of 2006. I felt a huge sense of relief at having taken a “side exit” out of the fast paced life of being a designer/builder in Seattle. Boy, was it a welcome change to settle into the life of a family of tourists in the tropics. Given … Read more

Take Advantage of Sale on Pimsleur Spanish

A heads up – Pimsleur language is having a 4 day sale.     – 40% off, which is a pretty substantial savings.   The sale runs from 10/27 – 10/31/2016 You must use the code word TREATS to get the discount.   You have 30 days to return the course for a full refund.   The … Read more

US Embassy’s Traveling Show Visits Chiriqui Province

Updated Dec 13, 2019 You don’t have to travel all the way to Panama City to get something done at the US Embassy. Every 3-4 months the Embassy’s American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit visits David and/or Boquete. You can accomplish many tasks at one of these ACS travelling shows. Passport renewals Absentee voting Notarization SSA proof of life … Read more

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