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Discover the Best of San Carlos 2024 | Expat Exchange
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Discover the Best of San Carlos

By Betsy Burlingame

Business Panama Group
Business Panama Group

Summary: Discover the charm of San Carlos with our guide to the city's top attractions, culinary hotspots, and vibrant nightlife. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, we'll also help you find the best recreational activities to enjoy, and offer advice on making lasting connections with the friendly locals.

Welcome to San Carlos! If you're planning to move to San Carlos, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that San Carlos has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in San Carlos.

San Carlos, is a hidden gem that offers a variety of attractions for both tourists and locals. One of the most popular sites is the San Carlos Beach, a beautiful stretch of sand and sea that is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking. The beach is also home to a number of local vendors selling traditional Panamanian food and crafts. Another must-visit site is the El Palmar Beach, a popular spot for surfing and other water sports. The beach is also home to a number of surf schools for those looking to learn the sport.

For nature lovers, the Cerro Picacho is a must-visit. This mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is a popular spot for hiking and bird watching. The San Carlos River is another great spot for nature lovers, offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. For those interested in history and culture, the San Carlos Cathedral is a beautiful historic building that is worth a visit. The cathedral is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.

The restaurant and nightlife scene in San Carlos, Panama, is vibrant and diverse, offering something for everyone. One of the most popular restaurants in the area is Los Camisones, known for its delicious seafood and traditional Panamanian dishes. The restaurant offers a beautiful view of the beach, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner. Another popular restaurant is Restaurante Rincon del Chef, known for its fusion of Panamanian and international cuisine. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, from fresh seafood to delicious steaks.

For those looking for a night out, the Bar El Pescador is a popular spot. This bar offers a variety of drinks and live music, making it a great place to dance the night away. Another popular spot is the Bar La Playa, a beachfront bar that offers a relaxed atmosphere and stunning views of the sea. The bar is known for its delicious cocktails and friendly staff.

Recreational activities in San Carlos, Panama, are centered around the area's natural beauty and outdoor opportunities. Surfing is a popular activity, with El Palmar Beach being a favorite spot for both beginners and experienced surfers. There are several surf schools in the area, such as Panama Surf School and El Palmar Surf Camp, that offer lessons for all skill levels.

Fishing is another popular activity, with the San Carlos River being a popular spot. There are several fishing charters in the area, such as Panama Fishing and Catching, that offer guided fishing trips. Hiking is also popular, with trails leading up to Cerro Picacho offering stunning views of the surrounding area. For those looking for a more relaxed activity, the San Carlos Beach and El Palmar Beach are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking.

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Insider Tips from Expats in San Carlos: Making the Most of Life and Connections

"Expats in San Carlos often join a variety of clubs and activities to meet people and integrate into the local community. These include language exchange clubs, where they can practice Spanish and help locals with English, and sports clubs such as surfing, golfing, or fishing, which are popular activities in the area. There are also social clubs specifically for expats, where they can meet others in the same situation and share experiences. These clubs often organize events and outings, providing a great opportunity to socialize and explore the local area. In addition to clubs, expats often meet people through volunteering. There are numerous opportunities to get involved in local community projects, from environmental conservation to teaching English in schools. This not only allows expats to give back to their new home, but also to meet a diverse range of people.Another popular way for expats to meet people in San Carlos is by attending local festivals and events. These are often centered around local traditions and holidays, providing a great opportunity to learn about Panamanian culture and meet locals.Finally, simply getting out and about in the local community can be a great way to meet people. Whether it's visiting local markets, cafes, or parks, or just taking a walk around the neighborhood, there are plenty of opportunities to strike up conversations and make new friends," said one expat living in San Carlos.

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"Life for expats and digital nomads in San Carlos is generally relaxed and peaceful. The town offers a laid-back lifestyle with a warm tropical climate and beautiful natural surroundings. Expats often enjoy the local culture, which is a blend of indigenous and Spanish influences. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget.San Carlos is a small town, so it doesn't have the hustle and bustle of a big city. However, it has all the basic amenities such as supermarkets, restaurants, and healthcare facilities. The town is also close to Panama City, providing easy access to more extensive services and amenities when needed.The local community is friendly and welcoming to foreigners. Many locals speak English, making it easier for expats and digital nomads to communicate and integrate. There are also several expat communities and social groups that organize regular activities and events.For digital nomads, the internet connectivity in San Carlos is generally good, and there are several places like cafes and co-working spaces where they can work. The town's laid-back lifestyle and beautiful surroundings also provide plenty of opportunities for relaxation and recreation during downtime.In terms of accommodation, there are various options available, from budget-friendly apartments to more luxurious villas. Many properties also come with stunning views of the ocean or mountains.Overall, San Carlos offers a comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle for expats and digital nomads, combining modern conveniences with a relaxed, tropical atmosphere," commented an expat living in San Carlos.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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