Located in Central America, bordering with Colombia on the south and Costa Rica on the north, the 75.420 km2 that unite the Americas and are graced by the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, host a unique geography, with more trees and bird species than all of North America, a rich ancestral culture and of course, incredible human warmth.
Panama has a lot of attractions that make it a country worth living in. It is because of this, that people travel to simply get to know it as a tourist destination, and end up falling in love with Panama’s charms.
Here we give you 15 of the most amazing things about living in Panama.
1. Climate
Those that have lived in a city with four seasons clearly understand the joy of enjoying the outdoors without major restrictions during the year. Precisely, in Panama the weather is what you can call an “eternal summer”.
Although there is a season called winter, it only refers to the fact that it is raining, but the temperatures do not vary.
2. Free of natural disasters
Panama’s special geographical location protects it from natural disasters. Panama is far from the so called hurricane belt and earthquakes are far and few between.
The only thing that repeats, year after year, are the dry and rainy seasons.
3. Security
Although it has its dangerous zones as much as any other city, Panama is a lot safer than its neighboring countries, with the lowest criminality rate in the region according to multiple international reports.
In general, crimes in Panama are minor offenses and it is usually very safe.
The coffee is becoming one of the best ambassadors for the country. Coffee lovers will find the finest and most incredible grains in Panama, cultivated in lands that have the perfect conditions for specialty coffee.
4. Coffee
It is to be expected that a good amount of world barista championships come to Boquete to select the coffee for their competitions. A Geisha Pour Over can be a luxury hard to find anywhere in the world.
Here, you can enjoy it in most specialty coffee shops in the city or Boquete, the coffee region of its origin.
5. People
Panama’s attractions allow for a lot of visits from people around the world. And since its foundation, the Panamanian identity has been forged through people of different nationalities that came to work in the country and decided to establish themselves. Therefore, it is a unique opportunity to meet and make new friends from everywhere.
6. Carnivals
The time of the year where the party personality of the Panamanian is reflected to the maximum. Similar to most catholic parts in the world, it is celebrated a few days prior to Ash Wednesday. The Carnivals in Panama are famous around the world. The colorful parties, the music, the parades and the drinks make of it a party that has to be experienced at least once in your lifetime.
7. The language
For all those that are not native Spanish speakers and wish to learn it, the best way is to immerse themselves in a country that speaks Spanish. It is about combining talking to people while studying the language. If you wish to break the ice with somebody (or say hello) just say ¡Que Xopa (pronounced sopa) fren!
8. Many islands
Nature has been generous with Panama. The abundant islands are prove of this: Pearl Islands, San Blas with over 365 islands, Bocas del Toro, Boca Chica, Coiba and many more.
This is another reason to stay in Panama and its thousands, yes thousands, of islands. And do not worry, you can enjoy them in both the Pacific and the Atlantic.
9. The attitude
The calmness of the Panamanians is exemplary. For those that are not used to leaving anything for tomorrow, this can be shocking, but with time it is possibly a great quality to acquire and allow things to just flow.
10. Vacations year round
With its excellent weather, it is possible to take mini vacations each weekend and take advantage of coasts as well as mountains, available year round and generally very close to the city.
Tourism complexes such as Buenaventura, at just 90 minutes from the city, or if you prefer the mountain you can go to Valle de Anton.
In Panama you can always find a plan to have fun or take a break from the weekly routine.
11. Fruits and vegetables
Panama is a paradise for people who love vegetables, but even more for those who love fruits. Its plazas and markets always have a great variety and their prices tend to be very accessible.
Furthermore, every day the organic tendency increases and today there are a variety of fruits grown with the highest international standards.
Due to its weather and geographical location, Panama is called to be one of the world’s pantries.
12. Liquour
Seco is without a doubt the typical Panamanian liquor in any celebration. This alcohol is extracted from sugar cane and can be mixed or drank alone.
Panama also produces very good rum, and craft beer is also becoming one of the ambassadors at a regional level.
The breweries and local brands have gained great spots in world festivals and competitions. Liquor can be found at very good prices in Panama due to having low tax fees.
13. Public transportation
Public transportation is economic and well organized. The Metrobus runs systematically throughout the whole city, with identified routes and an efficient charging and recharging system. However, today’s main pride lies in the Metro.
With two main lines functioning and a third one in plans – which will include interconnection between the areas that are across the Bridge of the Americas – the metro will connect the whole city. The other option is to use Uber to move around.
14. The currency
Panama’s official currency is the Balboa. But in reality, the Panamanian economy has used the US Dollar since 1904.
Due to this, the country presents stability indexes better than its neighbors, who are subjected to the sway of appreciation and depreciation of the Latin American currency.
15. The sea
The last reason on the list is not the least important: from Panama City the sea is always present, with its incredible views that give joy to its residents.
When arriving by plane, or when driving across the highway in Corredor Sur, when walking the Cinta Costera or going to the Causeway, a road that connects the 3 islands with architectural milestones: Biodiversity Museum, Frank Gehry’s first building in Latin America.
