Expat Community > Panama

Leafwarbler
Joined 2010
Posts: 16

Trip report - if you're interested......

13 years ago

Just a few observations on our research trip...I’ve posted details of our accommodation on Tripadvisor, under Leafwarbler.

Coronado –The whole of Coronado appears to have been owned by one family for decades and the current generation continue to sell off and develop lots in the main gated communities (Equestrian Centre, Palmeras (new release), and the Coronado Golf and Beach Club and apartments). Many lots remain undeveloped, but there is an attractive range of properties and some nice lots (around $125 psm) with views of the mountains. There is also a bustling community outside the gated area, where some properties must have been built 50 years ago, where you can find resales of houses and lots by owners; you just need to drive around and note the cell numbers. Roads are not in good repair. Coronado has a newish mall which isn’t fully taken up yet, but there’s Super99 and Rey, optician, hotel, several eateries and a Mailbox facility. A new mall is also being developed. There’s also a new clinic which provides medical and dental facilities which looked pretty state-of the art.

Altos Del Maria - The main road from the Panamerican highway up to the AdM Sales Office is well-maintained and easily driveable - it takes less than 30 minutes from Coronado. Once you get in to the community, the roads are still in good condition, but can be very steep and winding, particularly and obviously at the higher elevations. We liked some of the subdivisions very much - Montalcino, a new one, was about 570m elevation with mountain views from all plots, and brief glimpses of the Pacific from some. Whilst there is one steep section from the entrance gate down past the social centre (which has free wifi), the drive to Montalcino was fine. We stayed in a fine cabin at one of the much higher sub-divisions (Santiago Apostol) – that was quite a challenging drive, and cold in the evenings. Basic foodstuffs are available 3k down the road at the mini-super in Sora, so you don't have to go too far if you forget the milk!

El Valle – very lovely area some 40 minutes' drive off the Panamerican highway from El Hato, this is (second) home to some of the wealthiest in Panama. It’s very green and verdant – because it gets (much) more rain than the coast – elevation was over 600m. Eating outside at breakfast/dinner, it was cool enough to need a jacket. Some resales ($250k and up) were available, a lot in a very nice area was between $75-100 psm. No gated communities (yet) so we were a bit concerned about security as we are intending to travel widely from Panama.

Farallon – we visited the Decameron resort, excellent beach, nice villas but it was all a bit too manicured for us. The new International airport is rumoured to be located at Rio Hato. We also went to Buenaventura which was lovely but pricey (you get what you pay for) and a bit out of the way.

Pedasi – there is a really lovely villagey feel to it. Incomers have managed to lift the place rather than change it out of all recognition by maintaining and improving the traditional properties and opening businesses that tourists and locals will use. The area is renowned for water sports (particularly surfing - Playa Venao, a further 40k along the coast, will be hosting a world surfing competition later this year), and sports fishing. The local beach is undeveloped and used primarily by local fishermen bringing in their catch. We visited 2 gated communities under development, both of which offered lots with breathtaking views of the ocean (beachfront prices $250psm, dropping to $140ish further back) . It is noticeably drier here, even arid before the rains start in April, when it greens up quickly. It is very, very windy!
Sorry for the long ramble – please message me directly if you would like any more information.

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Trip report - if you're interested......

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