Welcome to the Panama Weekly News Roundup! Panama’s Boquete highlighted as best place to retire abroad. New flights are coming to Denver, and David. Plus, we tell you about Thanksgiving in Panama City. Here’s the latest.
Best Places to Retire Abroad: Panama
Panama has long been on the radar as a great retirement destination for North Americans. Low cost of living, beautiful natural scenery, safety, and health benefits are just some of the things that keep Panama as a big draw for retirees. These days, the buzz on Panama is bigger than ever, and recently, the Wall Street Journal highlighted what it’s like to retire there. Specifically, in Boquete.
We had been looking for a place to retire outside the U.S. and find a simpler life. Our search led us to Costa Rica, Mexico, Canada and the Netherlands. But Boquete and Panama’s western highlands were a revelation: a small, inviting agricultural town with a sizable international community.
The weather is ideal (the area has been marketed as the land of perpetual spring); the countryside has spectacular views; expenses are moderate (though not as low as some people think); and Panamanians are gracious and tolerant of outsiders. Some call this paradise.
Source: The Wall Street Journal
United Airlines debuts Denver-Panama City flights
Denver is the latest city to get a new non-stop flight from Panama. In what has been an incredible year for commercial aviation in the country, Panama is adding yet another direct route. United Airlines, who is a corporate partner with Copa Airlines started the new route this past week, opening up business and tourism to the American mountain west. Denver is a major business hub in that region, and hopes are that demand for flights will continue to be high.
Service between Denver International Airport and the Central American city is slated to begin Wednesday at 12:10 p.m. MST when United Airlines Flight 1697 departs, carrying Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and other dignitaries.
As the DBJ’s Ed Sealover reports in this week’s print edition, Denver leaders hope the new international route will serve as a gateway to both Central and South America.Denver-to-Panama passengers can continue on to nearly 40 cities in 11 countries through a United partnership with Copa Airlines.
Source: Denver Business Journal
David Airport Gets First International Flights Approved
David is one of Panama’s largest cities, and the hub of the western province, Chiriqui. Traditionally, however, it has been isolated from air travel other than domestic flights. This is set to change soon, as Panama’s President has outlined a plan to attract and facilitate international flights to the airport. This will ease the strain on Tocumen, Panama City’s principle airport, and help build business and tourism in the western provinces and beaches.
Previously people living in David and the Boquete areas of Panama had to drive or take a bus at least 7 hours to the Tocumen Airport or fly into the Albrook Airport and take a taxi to the Tocumen Airport for international flights. The announcement of this new route means that people will be able to fly directly the David airport to Tocumen and connect to their flight to the U.S. or wherever else they may be heading.
Besides this being a benefit to the people living in David it should also help to boost tourism in this party of the country.
Source: PTY Life
Celebrating Thanksgiving in Panama
Thanksgiving is a very country-specific holiday celebrated in the US. However, in Panama, you don’t need to give up your traditions during this late week in November. Thanksgiving meals, parties, and supplies can be found all over Panama City and elsewhere. You just need to know where to look. Here are some pointers, from our blog, on how Thanksgiving was celebrated this year, and what you can do to continue the tradition here in Panama yourself.
The most popular hotel/restaurant gatherings are at the Marriott in El Cangrejo, The Intercontinental in Bella Vista, Las Clementinas in Casco, and the Waldorf Astoria in Marbella. Each gathering offers distinct menus and prices, depending on the year, so we recommend that you check with each for prices and menu options. Typically, a hotel or boutique restaurant will have a prix fix menu including multiple courses and beverages. This price varies by location, but expect to spend between $25-$50 per person, depending on the offering.
As we mentioned before, the number of hotels that offer a Thanksgiving dinner increase every year, so if you live near a popular one, it’s wise to check in with them to see if they have a restaurant that is offering the menu.
