Finding Friends In Panama
Arriving in Panama and getting situated can be an overwhelming experience for some people. Getting your bearings straight, figuring out...
Top Destinations:
Whether you’re looking for fun and sun, a peaceful retirement, or the chance to earn some extra income, you’ve got a real world of opportunity open to you… In short, we’ve done our best to narrow down your best options, but only you can decide the right country for you.
Best For:
How Much Will It Cost You To Live Overseas?
The only honest answer is, we have no idea. And neither does anyone else. The only one who can answer that question is you.
Follow Us:
Join our Weekly Newsletter
Overseas Property Alert
Sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive expert insights on the best international real estate investment opportunities.
Upcoming Events
Live And Invest In Belize Conference 2025
Live And Invest In Portugal Conference
International Property Summit
BELIZE CITY, BELIZE
FEB. 19-21, 2025
ALBUFEIRA, PORTUGAL
APR. 09-11, 2025
PANAMA CITY, PANAMA
JUNE, 2025
Contact Our Events Team
Reach us with your questions by email at: events@liveandinvestoverseas.com
Unlock The World
Overseas Havens Reports
Conference Kits
Lahardan Books
Top Destinations:
Whether you’re looking for fun and sun, a peaceful retirement, or the chance to earn some extra income, you’ve got a real world of opportunity open to you… In short, we’ve done our best to narrow down your best options, but only you can decide the right country for you.
Best For:
How Much Will It Cost You To Live Overseas?
The only honest answer is, we have no idea. And neither does anyone else. The only one who can answer that question is you.
Follow Us:
Join our Weekly Newsletter
Overseas Property Alert
Sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive expert insights on the best international real estate investment opportunities.
Upcoming Events
Live And Invest In Belize Conference 2025
Live And Invest In Portugal Conference
International Property Summit
BELIZE CITY, BELIZE
FEB. 19-21, 2025
ALBUFEIRA, PORTUGAL
APR. 09-11, 2025
PANAMA CITY, PANAMA
JUNE, 2025
Contact Our Events Team
Reach us with your questions by email at: events@liveandinvestoverseas.com
Unlock The World
Overseas Havens Reports
Conference Kits
Lahardan Books
LIVE AND INVEST IN PANAMA9>
WORLD’S #1 RETIREMENT HAVEN IN THE AMERICAS
Simply sign up to receive the FREE daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter plus our In Focus: Panama newsletter and we’ll immediately email you our editors’ latest research report… absolutely FREE
We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.
Home » Best Countries To Live, Invest, And Retire Overseas » Panama: Everything You Need To Know 2025 » Puerto Armuelles, Panama
The future is looking bright for Puerto Armuelles. Here's everything you should know to live or retire in this beautiful part of Panama.
Learn more about this and other countries in our free, daily Overseas Opportunity Letter. Simply enter your email address below and we’ll send you our FREE REPORT: Panama: The #1 Retirement Haven In The Americas
One of the lesser known Panama destinations, the future is looking bright for Puerto Armuelles. Located close to the border, Puerto Armuelles is 30 minutes from Costa Rica.
The nearest big town is David, capital of Chiriqui. In David, you can find an airport, and all the other amenities of a city. David is a 1 hour drive, while Panama City is a 7 hour drive.
Throughout most of the 10th century, Puerto Armuelles was a major town, and key part of the Panamanian economy. The United Fruit Company built the town, and the dock, in 1928.
The banana industry was thriving in Panama, with demand from across the world. The huge plantations required thousands of workers, and these workers needed to be looked after. Houses and infrastructure were built for the workers.
Reviewed By Kathleen Peddicord
Kathleen is the Live and Invest Overseas Founding Publisher. She has more than 30 years of hands-on experience traveling, living, and buying property around the world.
Start Your New Overseas Life Today
We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.
Get Your Free Panama Report Today!
Simply enter your email address below and we'll send you our FREE REPORT - Live And Invest In Panama: The #1 Retirement Haven In The Americas.
After a long run, the company left town at the start of this millennium, after a labor dispute. The banana business was slowing down, and workers were unhappy at their falling wages.
When the factory closed, most of the workers left as well. For ten years, Puerto Armuelles was a ghost town. Houses were empty, the parks and streets all but deserted.
It seems the good times may be coming back to Puerto Armuelles. Banapiña, which is part of Del Monte, has been investing heavily in the area. By 2024 the plan is for over 12,000 acres of banana plants. This is going to bring jobs, and money, back into the region. Directly, and indirectly, estimates predict close to 15,000 new jobs will be created.
The main reason, apart from the banana growing were here for the deep water, close to the coast. This was a big selling point then, and in today’s age of super-tankers, it’s even more important today.
This made Puerto Armuelles the perfect place to build a port.
Get Your Free Panama Report Today!
Simply enter your email address below and we’ll send you our FREE REPORT – Live And Invest In Panama: The #1 Retirement Haven In The Americas.
Also, the Panamanian government is taking an active interest in the region. They see a lot of potential in the deep water port.
There are plans to make a dock for cruise ships, as well as making it a major cargo port. However, the shipping infrastructure is limited in the west of Panama, something the government is keen to change.
A railway line spanning the length of the country will improve connections to Panama City. There have also been plans made to improve the route between Puerto Armuelles and the Caribbean coast.
This has caught the attention of investors. Puerto Armuelles became something of a ghost town when the United Fruit Company left in 2003. The majority of the workers moved elsewhere for employment. Meanwhile the tourist industry in Panama had yet to truly get started. Memories of Noreiga were still fresh, and Panama was still struggling with the bad reputation it gained during those dark years in the 80s.
Opportunities are arising for opening, restaurants, hotels, and renting out homes on Airbnb. This part of the Panama coast offers other potential business opportunities.
Get Your Free Panama Report Today!
Simply enter your email address below and we'll send you our FREE REPORT - Live And Invest In Panama: The #1 Retirement Haven In The Americas.
The Pacific coast of Panama offers some of the best fishing in the world. Marlin, yellowfin tuna, snapper, and mahi-mahi are abundant. They thrive in the in the fertile waters.
The deep water, close to the shore, is good news for fishermen. Plus, you can fish without having to travel many miles out to sea.
Puerto Armuelles is home to some of Panama’s best surf breaks. This stretch of Pacific coast picks up any swell coming through, and is one of the most reliable spots in Panama.
But whereas some of the best waves are starting to get crowded, Puerto Armuelles is practically empty. Most locals consider more than 8 people to be a crowd.
And, if you’re a dedicated surfer, you have the option to make the short drive into Costa Rica.
Paso Canoas, just over the border, offers excellent waves. Pavones, which is less than 2 hours’ by car, boasts waves to rival anywhere in the world.
Get Your Free Panama Report Today!
Simply enter your email address below and we’ll send you our FREE REPORT – Live And Invest In Panama: The #1 Retirement Haven In The Americas.
Many of the best activities in Puerto Armuelles involve the ocean. Sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and spear fishing are popular past times. Kitesurfing is starting to take off, partly thanks to the number of deserted beaches. The best time is during the afternoons, when the sea breeze arrives.
The ocean provides some interesting business opportunities, with the chance to start out small, and grow organically.
On land, there are lots of nice trails for mountain bike riding, as well as opportunities for horseback riding. For instance, experienced local riders take part in Rodeos. Anyone is welcome to take part. This is not for the feint-hearted though, and up-to-date medical insurance is recommended.
All things considered, Puerto Armuelles offers some of the best choices for quiet living in Panama. The prices still have not caught up with the potential, and early investors could do well.
Get Your Free Panama Report Today!
Simply enter your email address below and we’ll send you our FREE REPORT – Live And Invest In Panama: The #1 Retirement Haven In The Americas.
There are some downsides that are associated with this quieter part of town.
Panama real estate regulations aren’t as solid as in the United States. In the countryside especially, you are liable to come across a few cowboys. Always keep your wits about you when negotiating real estate.
Most importantly, find a reputable lawyer, and get them involved early in proceedings. Never hand over any money, or sign anything, without having it checked by a lawyer you trust. With this in mind, don’t go with a lawyer recommended by the seller.
Get Your Free Panama Report Today!
Simply enter your email address below and we'll send you our FREE REPORT - Live And Invest In Panama: The #1 Retirement Haven In The Americas.
Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
---|---|---|
Mortgage | - | Most homes in the area are affordable and can be paid in full at closing. |
HOA Fees | - | Planned communities are not the norm in the area. |
Property Taxes | - | Highly variable. Property tax rate is only 0.5% for property values from US$120,001 to US$250,000, while properties with values of US$250,001 and above pay a rate of 0.7%. |
Transportation | US$30 | Monthly gas for a private car. |
Gas | US$6.50 | A tank of cooking gas will generally last longer than one month. |
Electricity | US$100 | Using A/C at night. |
Water | US$9 | If you are over 65 your bill is reduced to US$3. |
Cell Phone | US$5 | Minimum. There’s no need to buy a plan as you can purchase calling cards. |
Internet | US$74 | 1,000 Mbps and 2 cable boxes. |
Cable TV | - | English Channels included. Bundled with internet. |
Household Help | US$120 | US$15 per day, twice a week. Depending on your needs, private arrangements can be made. |
Entertainment | US$252 | Eating out twice a week at a mid-range, local restaurant: US$160 (US$20 per meal). Puerto has limited restaurant options. Local drinks twice a week at a nearby watering hole: US$32 (US$1 per local beer). Finding mixed drinks is challenging in Puerto. Puerto does not have a movie theater, but there are options such as the local swimming pool, softball and soccer leagues, and a bowling lane. US$30 per person for other activities. |
Groceries | US$600 | Depends on how many imported goods you buy. |
Gym Membership | - | Puerto doesn’t have a gym. |
Medical Appointment | US$10 | For a private consult at a clinic. |
TOTAL | US$1,206.50 | Not including property taxes. |
Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
---|---|---|
Rent | US$500 | Rental properties are limited. |
Transportation | US$30 | Monthly gas for a private car. |
Gas | US$6.50 | A tank of cooking gas will generally last longer than one month. |
Electricity | US$100 | Using A/C at night. |
Water | US$9 | If you are over 65 your bill is reduced to US$3. |
Cell Phone | US$5 | Minimum. There’s no need to buy a plan as you can purchase calling cards. |
Internet | US$74 | 1,000 Mbps and 2 cable boxes. |
Cable TV | - | English channels included. Bundled with internet. |
Household Help | US$120 | US$15 per day, twice a week. Depending on your needs, private arrangements can be made. |
Entertainment | US$252 | Eating out twice a week at a mid-range, local restaurant: US$160 (US$20 per meal). Puerto has limited restaurant options. Local drinks twice a week at a nearby watering hole: US$32 (US$1 per local beer). Finding mixed drinks is challenging in Puerto. Puerto does not have a movie theater, but there are options such as the local swimming pool, softball and soccer leagues, and a bowling lane. US$30 per person for other activities. |
Groceries | US$600 | Depends on how many imported goods you buy. |
Gym Membership | - | Puerto doesn’t have a gym. |
Medical Appointment | US$10 | For a private consult at a clinic. |
TOTAL | US$1,706.50 |
Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
---|---|---|
Rent | US$200 | Cheaper options are available but are generally unfurnished. |
Transportation | US$5 | It’s possible to walk most places in Puerto. Taxis cost about 65 cents a ride. |
Gas | US$6.50 | A tank of cooking gas will generally last longer than one month. |
Electricity | US$20 | Frequent use of A/C will increase cost. |
Water | US$9 | If you are over 65 your bill is reduced to US$3. |
Cell Phone | US$5 | Minimum. There’s no need to buy a plan as you can purchase calling cards. |
Internet | US$30 | Basic fiber optic internet. |
Cable TV | US$20 | Basic plan. |
Entertainment | US$60 | Eating out twice a week at a local fonda: (US$7.50 per meal). |
Groceries | US$300 | All local-brand items only, shopping at markets and grocery stores. |
TOTAL | US$655.50 |
Get Your Free Panama Report Today!
Simply enter your email address below and we'll send you our FREE REPORT - Live And Invest In Panama: The #1 Retirement Haven In The Americas.
Reviewed By Kathleen Peddicord
Kathleen is the Live and Invest Overseas Founding Publisher. She has more than 30 years of hands-on experience traveling, living, and buying property around the world.
Start Your New Overseas Life Today
We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.
Being an expat in Puerto Armuelles, Panama, comes with its ups and downs. This little town sits on the Pacific coast, close to the Costa Rican border. it’s a cozy spot both in town and the surrounding areas.
On the other hand, Puerto Armuelle’s infrastructure really needs some improvement, and basic services like water and electricity can be pretty hit or miss.
Arriving in Panama and getting situated can be an overwhelming experience for some people. Getting your bearings straight, figuring out...
Our 2025 Overseas Retirement Index has just been released. It ranks and rates 14 locations around the world ideal for...
The other day a friend asked, “Is that ‘White Christmas’?” The song was in Spanish, but the tune was easily...
These days, as you know, Lief and I are dividing our time between Panama and Paris. This year however, we’re...
We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.
As seen in
© 2008 – Live and Invest Overseas™ – All Rights Reserved.
Sign up to receive the FREE daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter and we’ll immediately email you our editors’ latest research report…
BEST PLACES TO RETIRE
FREE REPORT:
Sign up for FREE and learn how to live the good life on a modest budget, find bargain property, and more. Plus, check out our free report on the 10 BEST PLACES TO RETIRE.
RETIRE OVERSEAS AND LIVE LIKE ROYALTY
FREE REPORT:
BEST PLACES TO RETIRE IN 2025
© 2008 - Live and Invest Overseas - All Rights Reserved.