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Discovering the Best of Santa Fe 2024 | Expat Exchange
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Discovering the Best of Santa Fe

By Betsy Burlingame

Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)
Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)

Summary: Exploring the Best of Santa Fe: Your Guide to Top Sites, Restaurants, Nightlife, and More. From Cultural Experiences to Outdoor Adventures, We'll Help You Make the Most of Your Time in the City.

Welcome to Santa Fe! If you're planning to move to Santa Fe, 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 Santa Fe has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Santa Fe.

Santa Fe, is a hidden gem nestled in the verdant hills of Veraguas Province. This charming town is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. One of the main attractions is the Santa Fe National Park, a sprawling 72,000-hectare reserve teeming with diverse flora and fauna. It's a haven for birdwatchers, with over 300 species of birds. The park also boasts several hiking trails, leading to stunning waterfalls like the Bermejo Waterfall and the Alto de Piedra Waterfall.

Another must-visit is the Orchid Conservation Center, home to a wide variety of orchid species, including some endemic to Panama. For a glimpse into the local culture, the Santa Fe Museum offers exhibits on the town's history and traditions. The town's central park, Parque Rufina Alfaro, is a great place to relax and observe daily life in Santa Fe. The local market, Mercado Público de Santa Fe, is a bustling spot where you can buy fresh produce, local crafts, and traditional Panamanian snacks.

Despite its small size, Santa Fe has a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene. One of the most popular restaurants is Restaurante Terazza's, known for its delicious Panamanian cuisine and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Another favorite is Restaurante El Tute, offering a variety of dishes from seafood to traditional Panamanian food. For a taste of international cuisine, Café Mariposa serves a mix of American and Panamanian dishes in a cozy, rustic setting.

As for nightlife, Santa Fe is more laid-back compared to Panama City. However, there are still a few spots where you can enjoy a drink and live music. Bar Don Chicho is a local favorite, offering a wide selection of beers and spirits, as well as occasional live music performances. Another popular spot is Bar Restaurante El Mirador, known for its friendly atmosphere and panoramic views of the town.

Recreational activities in Santa Fe are largely centered around its natural beauty. Hiking is a popular pastime, with trails in Santa Fe National Park offering varying levels of difficulty. The park is also a great spot for birdwatching and wildlife photography. For those seeking a bit more adrenaline, the Rio Santa Maria offers opportunities for white-water rafting and tubing.

For a more relaxed activity, horseback riding tours are available, providing a unique way to explore the surrounding countryside. The local community often organizes cultural events and festivals, offering visitors a chance to experience traditional Panamanian music, dance, and cuisine. These activities usually take place in the town center or at the local community center.

Overall, Santa Fe, Panama, offers a rich blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler.

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Business Panama GroupBusiness Panama Group

The Business Panama Group is a well-established group of companies, professionals and alliance partners with 20 years of experience promoting and facilitating business, investments, real estate, immigration and tourism in Panama by providing information, business development and support services to individual and corporate investors.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Insider Tips from Expats in Santa Fe: Making the Most of Life and Connections

"Expats in Santa Fe often join local clubs and participate in activities that allow them to connect with the local community and other expats. These include hiking clubs, bird watching groups, and gardening clubs, which take advantage of the area's natural beauty and biodiversity. Some expats also participate in local volunteer opportunities, such as teaching English or helping with community development projects, which can be a rewarding way to meet people and contribute to the community.In addition to joining clubs and participating in activities, expats often meet people through social events and gatherings. These can range from informal get-togethers at local restaurants or cafes, to more organized events like cultural festivals or holiday celebrations. Many expats also meet people through their children's schools or other family-related activities.Another popular way for expats to meet people in Santa Fe is through language exchange programs. These programs, which are often organized by local language schools or community centers, pair up native Spanish speakers with expats who want to improve their Spanish. This can be a great way to make local friends and learn more about Panamanian culture.Finally, many expats in Santa Fe use online platforms and social media to connect with others in the community. There are several online forums and Facebook groups specifically for expats in Santa Fe, where people can ask questions, share information, and arrange meetups. These online communities can be a valuable resource for newcomers looking to make connections and get settled in their new home," said one expat living in Santa Fe.

Business Panama GroupBusiness Panama Group
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The Business Panama Group is a well-established group of companies, professionals and alliance partners with 20 years of experience promoting and facilitating business, investments, real estate, immigration and tourism in Panama by providing information, business development and support services to individual and corporate investors.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Business Panama GroupBusiness Panama Group

The Business Panama Group is a well-established group of companies, professionals and alliance partners with 20 years of experience promoting and facilitating business, investments, real estate, immigration and tourism in Panama by providing information, business development and support services to individual and corporate investors.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Santa Fe is often described as peaceful and relaxed. The town is nestled in the mountains, offering a cooler climate and stunning natural beauty, which is a big draw for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive option for those working remotely. The local community is welcoming and friendly, and while Spanish is the main language spoken, English is also widely understood due to the growing expat community. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and exploring waterfalls, which can provide a nice balance to work life. However, it's worth noting that the internet connection can be unreliable at times, which could pose a challenge for digital nomads. The town is also quite remote with limited amenities, so those who crave city conveniences may find it lacking. Despite these challenges, many expats and digital nomads find the laid-back lifestyle, natural beauty, and low cost of living in Santa Fe, Panama to be a worthwhile trade-off," commented an expat living in Santa Fe.

Business Panama GroupBusiness Panama Group
Connect

The Business Panama Group is a well-established group of companies, professionals and alliance partners with 20 years of experience promoting and facilitating business, investments, real estate, immigration and tourism in Panama by providing information, business development and support services to individual and corporate investors.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Business Panama GroupBusiness Panama Group

The Business Panama Group is a well-established group of companies, professionals and alliance partners with 20 years of experience promoting and facilitating business, investments, real estate, immigration and tourism in Panama by providing information, business development and support services to individual and corporate investors.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

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.


Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)
Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)

Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)
Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)

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