Posts tagged Bocas Del Toro
Tourism in Panama
Oct 18th
Panama is blessed with some of the most immaculate beaches, diverse jungles, and clear waters in all of Central America, and because the country is small (about the size of South Carolina) all of its bounty is easily accessible from its capital: Panama City. Some of Panama’s tour operators are already venturing into the country’s mysterious and untamed rainforest in the South–the Darien. With such biodiversity and rich cultural heritage, Panama is making a name for itself as the ultimate eco-tourism hub.
The country’s Caribbean coast is known for spectacular snorkeling and scuba diving, perhaps best exhibited in the northern archipelago of Bocas del Toro. Bocas first became a spot on the radar for military purposes and now boasts some of the best outdoor activities–such as sport fishing and island hopping–that the country has to offer.
Also on the Caribbean coast sits the San Blas archipelago: a stunning group of over 360 islands owned by the Kuna Indians. This region, or comarca as its referred to, retains strict laws for development and tourism, therefore, keeping its old-world charm and seemingly timeless virgin appeal. Trips to San Blas are a cultural experience of a lifetime, living with, eating alongside, and becoming friends with a tribe who has fought off nearly 500 years of colonial confrontation.
The Chiriqi province, and most notably its leader in tourism Boquete, have attracted a strong following as well–appealing to eco-tourists, nature lovers, and adventurers who are always in search of something a little different. Boquete boasts perhaps the fastest rise in real estate and is home to numerous developments and tour companies looking to cater to your every need.
Panama City is a living history book, every corner you turn offering a peak into the past, the way past, and sometimes even the future. The Panama Canal is easily the most recognizable of these attractions, and with its beautiful museum, observatory area, and information booths, it seems like its not letting up anytime soon. Casco Viejo, which used to be the city’s center still thrives today as this unique historic look into an earlier period.
Walk down the cobblestone streets, or eat lunch on a breezy afternoon in one of its open plazas, surrounded by rich Spanish architecture and feel what can only be described as a blast from the past. Panama City’s Amador Causeway, again originally of military purpose, now plays host to a bunch of trendy nightlife spots, zesty restaurants, and boutique shops for browsing. Panama also boasts, that its one of the few world capitals with a rainforest in its city limits.
From Panama City you can take an easy boat trip out to the Pearl Islands, known for their lush tropical rainforest and perfect beaches. Because domestic flights in Panama are so reasonable and safe, it seems that almost any attraction in this country is an option. Perhaps have coffee on the Caribbean coast then swing on over to the Pacific for some waffles. Where else can you say you’ve done that before?
Until recently, Panama has been a secret among world travelers. A secret no one really wanted to let out. But now that it has gotten out of the bag, more and more people are experiencing what life is like…in a country known once for its canal, and now for a whole lot more.
Expatriate Living – Major Hospitals in David and Panama City, Panama
Sep 29th
Prospective expatriates having major medical concerns and looking at Panama as a possible retirement destination need to consider settling somewhere near either Panama City or David. These two cities are probably best prepared for anyone that requires being close to a major hospital. In addition to the governmental sponsored hospitals (like Hospital Santo Tomas, the biggest Ministry of Health Hospital in the country), there are numerous state-of-the-art private hospitals. These private hospitals are the most frequently used among expatriates.
Within one to two hours of Panama City, numerous retirement destinations can be found that provide easy access to Panama City’s doctors and hospitals. Some of these towns and cities also have their own local hospitals. Two favorite expatriate communities, La Chorrera and Las Tablas are among those that have their own hospitals. If more services are needed than can be provided there, the larger and better equipped hospitals in Panama City are only a short distance away.
David, the third largest city (only Panama City and Colon are larger) is the closest major population center to the retirement communities of Boquete and Bocas del Toro in the western section of Panama.
Panama City. As the capital of Panama and the most populous city in Panama, it is not difficult to find exceptional hospitals and doctors. There are both government run and private hospitals in the area, but the majority of the expatriates use the private ones. There are at least a dozen hospitals in the Panama City area, but I am listing here only a few of the first class private hospitals most frequented by the expatriate population.
Hospital Punta Pacifica. Johns Hopkins Medicine International (JHI) has been affiliated with this hospital since 2001 and in 2009 signed an agreement to assume complete managerial oversight for the next seven years. Hospital Nacional. Began some 35 years ago as a women’s hospital, this 80 bed facility accepts some international health care plans Hospital Santa Fe. The hospital, nearest to the Panama Canal advertises itself as one of the most modern and best equipped hospitals in Panama. Most doctors and nurses are fluent in English and it offers a medical plan designed specifically for ages 60 and above. Centro Medico Paitilla. As one of the oldest private hospitals and a favorite of the Panamanian wealthy, most doctors speak English. They are particularly noted for their oncology department. Clinica Hospital San Fernando. For those looking for U.S. affiliations, this hospital located downtown on Via Espana street, is ideal. It is affiliated with Miami Children’s Hospital, Miami Baptist Health Center, and Tulane University.
David (officially San Jose de David). David is the capital city of the southwestern province of Chiriqui. It is a port city and close to the border of Costa Rica. It has four major hospitals, two of which are frequented in large numbers by the American expatriates.
The Social Security Hospital. This is a government hospital used primarily by Panamanians who are under Panama’s social security system. It is notable among expats for having anti-venom serum, including serum to combat the deadly Fer de Lance snake. The Chiriqui Hospital. This is the private hospital most frequently used by Americans. They have a discount medical “insurance” program widely used by expats. Hospital Mae Lewis. This is another private hospital also used by many expats Child & Maternal Health Hospital – This hospital was given as a gift to Panama from the taiwan government.
Expatriates choosing Panama as their destination do not have to give up first class medical service. It is readily available and considerably cheaper than in the United States. You only have to decide which hospitals, doctors, and medical services you require and take the steps to use them.
