The New Face of Panama

One of the things that is dramatically changing is the height of buildings around Panama. While single family homes are still the most common form of housing, the development of condo projects has grown exponentially in the last 40 years from nothing, to this sort of amazing collection of condos.  On the Pacific beaches and in the interior around Boquete and on the Caribbean in Bocas Del Toro there are amazing residential communities which are all governed by the same law that governs these high rise developments.

There are also numerous new malls springing up all over the place to provide services to these new condo dwellers.

Like many places in the world with condo developments, Panama has had to create and bring into force laws that would allow them to sell condominiums and so the Horizontal Property Act was born. This law not only covers the high rise condominiums like you see in this picture but also covers the many beach front communities that are springing up all over Panama. Just be sure you have your lawyer carefully reviews the Horizontal Property law with you and the By-laws as it relates to the development that you are considering buying into.

There are even developments that are not covered under the Horizontal Property Act and if this is the case then you really need some understanding of how your rights will be protected and how the rights of other home owners may affect your rights and how those rights are being enforced.

Enjoy and Share...

Why is Panama a top travel destination?

The World Tourism Organization rates PANAMA as one of the top performers in tourism results for 2008. Central America managed to grow by almost 8% despite global recession. The growth has a sustained for Panama with an average rate of 12% per year between 2004 – 2008, 1,609,699 visitors entered Panama in 2008, and 211,472 more tourism traffic than in 2007. The Panama Tourism Authority reported that tourism spending totaled $2.2 billion, and 23% more than in 2007, which represents 12% of Panama’s GDP of $18.6 billion last year. Hotel occupancy was at 79% average with a 9 day average stay. The projections for 2009 are 1.8 million visitors and 2 million for 2010, + 200,000 more visitors per year.

Excellent Business opportunities, the Business Center Capital of Latin America, beautiful beaches on two oceans 50 miles apart, Nature, great Caribbean weather, safe, friendly people, easy access, US dollar no exchange rates, tax incentives for investors, favorable asset protection laws, and ranked the best ” guy-getaways” destination in the World by the press, is among the top reasons that Panama is so attractive for business travelers today.

Panama is south and east of Costa Rica, enjoys the same weather, rainforests, rich natural diversity, beaches, surf, but with a very cosmopolitan city and rich business environment. Panama is on U.S. Eastern standard time, same time as Miami, Atlanta, and New York. A direct flight from Miami is only two hours, thirty minutes, 2.5 hours. Airfares Miami International airport are as cheap as $251 – $321 on American Airlines, and Continental, depending on your booking requirements and itinerary flexibilities.

Panama has direct daily flights to & from Miami, Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale, Houston, Dallas, Washington D.C., New York, and Los Angeles, serviced by American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Spirit, Continental, COPA, as well direct flights to major cities in Latin America and Europe, serviced by KLM, and IBERIA.

PANAMA 2008 TOURISM FACTS

• PANAMA Tourism Growth since 2004 – 2008 is + 12% on avg.
• 1,609,699 tourist entered Panama in 2008.
• Panama Tourism Authority projects 2 million tourist arrivals by 2010.
• U.S. visitors lead the list of countries visiting Panama, with 308,991 visitors in 2008.
• U.S. visitors in 2008 grew by + 19.6%
• Hotel occupancy rates average: 79% occupancy rate, one of highest in the World.
• Hotel occupancy rates grew by + 12%
• Total nights sold in Panama last year: 2,522,595 hotel nights.
• Average stay is 8.9 days
• Tourism sector created a total of 129,200 jobs for Panama in 2008.
• Crimes involving tourist was at a LOW 0.04% , Panama is a very SAFE country.
• European travelers arrivals are at all time high due to direct flights increasing.

But Panama desperately needs more hotels. there are very few on the Caribbean other than in Bocas Del Toro and on many of the best Pacific beaches there are few hotels. Panama offers wonderful financial incentives to people who want to get involved in tourism.  So bring your money and come.

Enjoy and Share...

February – It’s Carnival!!

Our 2009 Carnival! issue of Panama Today Magazine is now online for your reading pleasure. Please click on the cover to open your February Panama Today Magazine. Enjoy!

If you would like to have a copy on your computer, you can download a PDF version of the magazine. To download your copy CLICK HERE

Enjoy and Share...

Lovers and Chocolate Lovers, lend me your eyes…

Panama – For Lovers and all those who love chocolate!

With Valentine’s Day nearly upon us, this is the week when we buy chocolate for our loved ones or whisk them away on a romantic weekend. Imagine if you could combine chocolate and an idyllic weekend in paradise? You can in Panama!

Bocas del Toro – For Romance and Chocolate

I was reading a report last week from Reuters about the top destinations for chocolate lovers and I was surprised, and pleased, to see Bocas del Toro, Panama, at number 6 on their top ten. Bocas is an archipelago of Caribbean Islands just off the north-western coast of Panama. The islands are a perfect destination for a romantic holiday because they offer:-

* Stunning white sand beaches fringed with palm trees

* Coral reefs teeming with marine life

* Idyllic, beautiful islands

* Lush rainforests and mangroves

A true paradise on earth and only 40 minutes by air from Panama City!

But where does the chocolate come into it?

Cacao

Cacao is a native plant of these islands and has been harvested and consumed by the indigenous Kuna people for centuries. The Kuna people drink up to 40 cups of cacao per week and this is said to protect them from a host of diseases, it keeps their hearts healthy and is said to be the secret of their long lives.

You can learn more about the cacao bean by going on a tour of the Green Acres Chocolate Farm and Jungle on Bocas del Toro, a fantastic farm where cacao beans are grown, harvested, roasted and finally the cacao products sold to visitors. The property is 35 acres where in addition to cacao plants, also has jungle plants, orchids, pineapple trees and many jungle animals, including colorful tree frogs. A tour of this farm makes for a great day out.

If you just want to taste handmade chocolate made from a traditional Kuna recipe, you can buy it from The Chocolate Shop at La Veranda Hotel. Heather Guidi, the owner of the shop, uses organic cacao, a local Kuna recipe and historically authentic methods to lovingly produce her chocolate; she also loves to tell visitors all about it.

So, forget about Switzerland, Belgium and other “chocolate countries”, Panama is the place for chocolate, love, beauty and a great life. Plus at this time of the year we have endless sun and warmth.

Enjoy and Share...

Historical New President in the US

It is January 20th, 2009. Barack Obama is being sworn in as the President of the United States. Here in Panama there is just no getting away from this news as it is compelling here as it is to people the world over.

What does his Presidency portend? While there is a lot of hope and there is no question for the black movement in the United States, and perhaps in other countries where there is a black minority, there is now no going back. A black man is the President of the United States.

But the question which holds the world’s rapt attention is the financial crisis. Can Obama somehow get the economy in the US moving again? Can he somehow stem the flow of red ink that is overwhelming the financial sector.

For Panama one of the important questions is world wide trade as the traffic through the canal yields substantial fees which definitely help support the economy of Panama. In addition, Panama has a huge expansion planned for the canal. Can they get all the money they need to complete that and does it make sense in the current economic climate?

In addition there are a lot of developers in Panama who are concerned about the sale of their projects. It was reported in the press this past weekend that some of the developers who have luxury-high-end condos to sell may be having trouble finding buyers for those units. If that is true, is there any chance of that slowdown spreading generally throughout Panama’s burgeoning real estate market?

While only time will tell what really is true with respect to all those questions, the promise of Obama plays a big role in so many of those answers. And so a new era with Barack Obama at the helm in the White House starts today.

Enjoy and Share...

Caribbean Beaches

Do you have a longing for that powdery coral sand, blue seas and a home built right out over the water where you can fish from the dock?  Then, whether you know it or not, you are looking for a spot on the Caribbean.

Every time I see these powder white beaches my heart skips a beat. I guess living right on this sort of beach is my dream, as yet unfulfilled. Here in Panama there are a lot of Caribbean beaches that look like this. The challenge is that there is not a road into many of these beaches and so the only way to find them is by boat and the boats that are usually on offer are pretty rough. Is this a problem or an opportunity? It does depend on your perspective.

A more genuine problem for people looking for this sort of property is that they are not titled. However that does not mean they are unclaimed. Panamanians are entitled to claim Right of Possession for lands where they have lived for a long period of time. That seems reasonable. But the question becomes how much of the land is properly claimed by them? How far does their property properly go and how can you decide? The government has a process for determining these sorts of issues. First you must have it surveyed and once surveyed you must get all those who live around you to agree the property you have claimed is really property you have lived on for years and years and no one has a competing claim. Once that is clear you can get registration in the Reforma Agraria and eventually once the government does all the necessary checking and you pay Panama for the land, it will be titled to the Panamanian who first said it had been his for years.

So if you are going to buy Right of Possession property know that is can be fraught with many, many challenges. If it has been surveyed and registered in Reforma Agraria the risk factors diminish greatly but in any event don’t pay the same money for Right of Possession land as you pay for Titled property. With titled property you can pretty much count on getting what you are paying for, but if it is not titled this is much less certain.

Enjoy and Share...

Attractions You Must See

You can’t come to Panama and not go to the Canal. The display at Miraflores is amazing. Watching as two huge ships go through those locks at the a same time, is breathtaking. Awesome is the only word that comes to mind as you watch spell bound. And now the ships going through the locks are going to be even bigger? How is that possible? While you can click into the cameras at Miraflroes or Gatun or even Pedro Miguel the three sets of locks currently in use, there is nothing like standing on a deck of a building where you feel like you are only inches from the ships and watching as one of those giants comes into view.

Then of course a walk in a rain forest is a must, or go to Gamboa and take a ride on the monkey boat. The monkeys are not tame but they know that when they see that boat, bananas are a coming and they are ready.

Even the beautiful Melia Hotel set up near Gatun locks will give you opportunities to walk in the rain forest and experience it for yourself. Have you seen a Jesus Christ lizard? So called because they can get up on their hind feet and walk on water. I am not kidding and I am not making it up. Walking down to the canal at the Melia Hotel, I watched in disbelief as a bright green lizard, maybe 10 inches long, hard to tell there is so much tail, got spooked by my arrival and got up on his hind feet and ran about 50 -60 feet across the water. Allegedly that is a short run as these guys are so quick and light they can stay up on the water for a long time.

Visit Summit Zoo, check out Panama’s Harpy Eagle, the National Bird. This is one huge bird. They have one live eagle, the other one died recently, but they have lots and lots and lots of pictures in the display area. Take it in. There are also lots of monkeys, one howler monkey does not like it if you try to feed the other monkeys and Howlers come by their name honestly, you won’t believe the racket he can make. There are jaguars and other big cats, you may get to see the caiman, (small crocodile) and there are tapirs, big, big rodents and many other animals native to Panama. Take a picnic lunch and spend the day. Don’t be shocked at the entrance fee. I know I was… $1 an adult. Where can you have a days fun for a dollar?

Visit Amador Causeway. Turn right at The Country Inn and Suites, find parking and walk out to the causeway. Gaze back at the Bridge of the Americas, day or night, this is an awesome sight.
Look out to the water where the big freighters are readying for their h journey through the canal or leaving th canal to continue their journey in the Pacific. The biggest of these are called Panaamamax. It is ahrd to think there are going to be ships bigger than these plying these waters. You can walk down to the marina and enjoy something o to eat or drink while you enjoy the sites, or head for TGI Fridays at the Town and Country Inn. Enjoy the walkway down to Flamenco Island. Rent a bike or get out your roller blades run or walk, drive if you must but enjoy everything there is to see and do. This is definitely more about the journey than the destination

The Frank Geary designed Museum of Biodioversity is taking shape there are lots of neat little shops to explore and wonderful food to enjoy. There are numerous marinas and lots of ships to admire, some you won’t admire but there are lots to admire. Millions and millions and millions of dollar are afloat in the ocean here. This is a great place to spend a day.

Be sure to get out of the city to one of their wonderful beaches. Sand, sun warm water and lots of fun things to do, are characteristic of all Panama’s beaches. Walk, sun bathe, play frisbee or beach volleyball, build sand castles bur don’t forget the UV rays are extreme so cover up and stay out of the sun in the heart of the day

There are numerous other attractions in Panama to see and enjoy, but miss these, and you have not seen Panama.

Enjoy and Share...

The Old/New Washington Hotel

As part of its heyday, Colon had a grand hotel, the Washington Hotel. Like most of us, the Washington Hotel aged and age was not necessarily beautiful. So today it is being lovingly restored to its former glory. This is the front entrance where you can see the beautiful archways and some of the detailed work on the outside of this old beauty.

The Front desk is all new and the owners want people to realize this is The New Washington Hotel, but as all the locals will tell you, this is the Old Washington Hotel. In any event it is delightful.

Enjoy and Share...

Kuna Air? Really?

We know that Panama’s Kuna Indians have their own homelands but do they really have an airline?

This is really our wonderful photographer, Dan Hendrichs having a little fun. Let’s see what Photoshop can do. But you would not believe the number of Panamanians who have seen this picture and done a double take, ” I didn’t know the Kuna had their own airlines” is a common response.

Well for the record you will have to fly a local airline to get to Kuna Yala but you will not find Kuna Air. In the meantime. Enjoy the fun with us.

Be sure to show Panamanians this and ask them about Kuna Air. You will get some startled responses.

Enjoy and Share...

Formal Costume or Native Dress, Which do you prefer?

Whether it is the formal Pollera, pictured on the billboard or the colorful native dress of the Kuna Indian, worn proudly by the young Kuna woman in the foreground, the costumes of Panama are unique and beautiful.

However, the Kuna costume is generally made to fit the Kuna and since the Kuna are the second smallest people in the world, larger only than the African pygmy, they do not ft too many North Americans. Although they do make beautiful gifts for young teens.

Everything is hand made in the Kuna costume, and like their art work, the Mola, the costumes are very colorful. The Kuna are also quite shy about revealing too much skin so you will see them covered usually from head to toe as this young lady shows us. They are getting more used to the amount of skin that many of us are willing to show and think nothing of it, especially in Panama City, but if you travel to their homelands of Kuna Yala in the far northeast corner of Panama do not be surprised if they stare at you if you wear a revealing top or short shorts.

There was a time not long ago when people were not allowed into Kuna Yala without being properly covered, men in pants and shirt and women with shoulders and legs covered, at least past the knee. These standards have been relaxed somewhat as they have now interacted more with people from northern regions who bare skin when it is hot. However the men still can not go bare chested, and women cannot wear skinny bikinis, without risking being asked to leave.

Since Kuna Yala is one of the most interesting places in Panama to visit, nestled away along the Caribbean sea, with pristine, bright blue waters, diving and snorkeling enthusiasts are likely going to be willing to cover up a little, in order to see all the wonders that there are to see here.

This is their land, please respect it and their customs. You will be fascinated by this area of Panama, where the natives still live just as they have done for years and years and even centuries.

Enjoy and Share...

Next Page »