Posts tagged Hidden Paradise
Corn Island – Where Even Travelers on a Strict Budget Can Afford a Caribbean Vacation
Jan 19th
Corn Island is a hidden paradise along the eastern coast of Nicaragua. Here, you can enjoy a genuine Caribbean island vacation without having to spend thousands of dollars on Aruba, St Barth, Montserrat or any of the other more well-known Caribbean holiday destinations. Room prices at the Corn Island normally start around 10 USD and your cheapest dining option is to purchase food from street vendors. You can easily get a street-meal for less than 2 USD.
The Corn Islands are two islands dotted in the Caribbean Sea right off the coast of Nicaragua, with Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south. The larger of the islands are known as Big Corn, and the diminutive one has (of course) been given the name Little Corn.
Before you decide to jump on a plane to get here, a word of caution: Little and Big Corn are not suitable for vacationers in search of giant luxurious hotel complexes and four star restaurants. This vacation spot is off the beaten track and then some. Bluefield, the closets mainland town, isn’t even accessible by road from western Nicaragua where a majority of the Nicaraguans live. Instead, you need to go by boat from the colonial city of Granada or by plane from the Managua, the country’s capital. A small propeller plane departs several times a day from Sandino Airport in the outskirts of Managua and will stop first at Bluefield and then at Big Corn. To get to Little Corn you need to catch a boat from Big Corn.
If you want modern appliances like fans, air-conditioners and TV then Big Corn is the best alternative for you. If you are okay with staying in a beach hut enjoying the sea breeze instead of a fan, then Little Corn is an option. Regardless of which island you choose it can be a good idea to pack a flashlight because blackouts sometimes occur. They are considered a normal part of life and do not really cause any disruptions to the pace of things. Everyone will simply go about there business as usual, and you won’t have any trouble finding an open restaurant where you can enjoy a candle lit dinner prepared over open fire or on a gas stove.
Little and Big Corn are famous for their well-kept coral reefs. Divers and snorkelers will not be disappointed, and since such few visitors ever come to the Corn Islands the reefs are in very good condition. If you want to get your certificate during your vacations, PADI instructors are available. The reefs off Little and Big Corn are home to sea creatures such as the spotted eagle ray, the nurse shark, the sea turtle and the barracuda.
Another popular pastime on Corn Island is fishing. The ocean is teaming with species such as sailfish, tuna and marlin, and giant tarpon and snook is caught in the rivers and lagoons. Several operators arrange boat trips to suitable fishing areas and will provide you with all the equipment you need. Before booking a cruise, make sure to check if food and drinks are included in the price or not. Some organizers will host a dinner in the evening after each trip where the anglers get a chance to enjoy the catch of the day, prepared in typical Caribbean style.
Why Buy and Live in Panama
Oct 29th
From its pristine white sand beaches and Hispanic colonial ruins, to its untouched primary rainforest and year-round tropical maritime climate; Panama City, Panama offers an ideal primary residential destination. Within an hour’s drive from Panama’s modern capital city, local residents can explore and enjoy the nation’s hidden paradise.
Whether living in Panama year-round or purchasing a vacation home, the ambiance and lifestyle this region offers is incessant. From its endless islands and inlets to its world-renowned tourist excursions including Parque Internacional La Amistad, Archipiélago De Bocas Del Toro, Boquete, Parque Nacional Volcán Barú and Parque Nacional Coiba, residents can benefit from the region’s healthy economy, cultural offerings and nature destinations.
The country’s most famous attraction is, of course, the Panama Canal. The canal has established Panama as not only the commerce center between the Americas, but also as an international business hub.
And since foreigners can own real estate under the same laws as a Panamanian citizen, the buying process is simple. If you are thinking of retirement, having a vacation residence, or investing in the real estate don’t hesitate to discover this hidden paradise. Currently, new properties have a 20 year exoneration period, where you don’t have to pay real estate property tax. This was established by the Panamanian government as an incentive for national and foreign investments.
Panama City is a thriving modern metropolis, making it an ideal location to purchase an investment condominium or retirement home. If you are considering real estate investment or retirement abroad, Panama presents an ideal opportunity.
