The area between Punta Chame and Rio Hato are known as the arco seco, or the dry arc.
What’s so special about the arco seco? While many areas of Panama get 100 inches of annual rain, the arco seco gets below 55 inches. This gives the beaches in this area better weather and sunnier days.
Coronado is at the center of the area that spans Punta Chame and Rio Hato. It was among Panama’s first resort developments and remains an area of high interest for expats, tourism, and vacationers. The cultural mix here includes Panamanians and expats from the Americas, Canada, Europe, and elsewhere.
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Bocas has been regarded before as little more than a slum. To be fair, some corners of the town could leave you with that impression, but things are changing here. The government is beginning to take note of the tourism potential and is investing in infrastructure accordingly. As recently as a decade ago, paved roads, sewage treatment, and even slightly reliable electricity had yet to arrive to town. Today, Bocas is more attractive than ever before and continues to improve thanks to the locals, tourists, and foreign residents alike.
Improvements in infrastructure are ongoing and at a steady pace.
Small-scale, start-up tourism businesses have begun to take hold here, becoming the best option for a Caribbean escape in Panama. From cheap backpacker hostels and bars, to extensive forest, yoga, or adventure retreats, a trip to Bocas can be a “roughing it” experience or a luxury relaxation. Improvements in infrastructure are ongoing and at a steady pace. Even recycling has now been recognized as a necessity if they are to save their pristine sand and surf.
Come nightfall, Bocas buzzes with activity. Hostels, bars, and hostel-bars are full of visitors from around the world, eating, drinking, socializing, and enjoying live music.
You could even do business in Bocas if you know what you’re doing and can find the right market niche or demand, and do well for yourself. As for real estate, you can find properties at prices from both sides of the spectrum; old buildings from failed businesses, renovated houses, or luxurious forest mansions designed by acclaimed architects.
Bocas has beauty, charm, and progress. Bocas is never boring.
This carefree, stunning destination has a character and a magnetism all its own.
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With Banderas Bay on one side and the Sierra Madre mountains on the other, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, offers postcard-worthy scenery around every corner. Beyond the natural beauty of the area, Puerto Vallarta checks all the boxes as a retirement destination…
International airport with excellent connections to the States and Canada? Check. High-quality, affordable medical care with English-speaking doctors? Check. A vibrant culture highlighted by local festivals and an out-of-this-world culinary scene? Check!
While Puerto Vallarta is a hot spot for cruise ships and spring breakers, it retains its traditional charm. People from here are proud to be pata salada (“salty feet,” the name given to locals), and they take great care of their city. And it’s the friendly, fun-loving locals that really make this such a special place.
Discover Puerto Vallarta with this Overseas Haven Report.
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