Playa Venao in Panama’s Los Santos province is a growing destination that is rapidly gaining international recognition for its natural beauty and uniqueness.  

Playa Venao today is a top surfing destination in Panama featured in the national surf circuit, known for its year-round waves. It has been the site for the ISA World Surfing Games twice in the past 15 years, attracting athletes and fans of the sport worldwide. You can find world-class waves for all skill levels.  

If surfing is not for you, Venao has plenty more to offer. It is also an attractive destination for families and travelers of all ages. You can enjoy outdoor expeditions like fishing, turtle releases, birdwatching, waterfall hikes, and whale encounters. The area surrounding the beach has lush jungles, pristine mangroves, and pastoral landscapes. 

Wellness retreats are popular in the area, as well as music festivals. The array of activities found here is a testament to the area’s appeal.  

For those interested in living and investing in this piece of paradise of the Azuero Peninsula, I got the scoop on a new residential and investment opportunity for our readers.  

I spoke with Scott Andrews, an expat in Panama based in Playa Venao. He is the co-founder of a real estate development company in Panama that for 14 years has been developing land in the area with real estate products of the highest quality.  

Let’s get to know Scott, his expat journey, and how it led him to this corner of the Azuero Peninsula… 

Mónica: Where are you from and when did you start your expat journey? 

Scott: Iwas born in Texas and grew up in Hawaii. Started working in finance on Wall Street in cities like New York, London, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. While living in Asia, I spent a lot of time traveling on surf trips, witnessing the transformation of untouched beaches into major developments over the years. 

Mónica: When did you decide that you wanted to move to Panama, and why this country over others? 

Scott: I became disenchanted with my career as a trader as the industry became increasingly automated, and commissions were compressed. So, I started looking for the “next Bali, Thailand, or Costa Rica” and found Panama. The country appealed to me because it has friendly people, great waves, nature, and the potential to build a family and community while also offering investment opportunities. 

Mónica: Why Playa Venao? 

Scott: I saw Playa Venao as a place with enormous potential, believing it could become the next Tulum, Cabo, or Bali. I started buying land here, anticipating rapid growth. As things progressed slower than expected, I realized that amenities were necessary to facilitate growth, and that led to the expansion of my business ventures. 

Mónica: How easy or not was it adapting to a new community and culture? 

Scott: I’ve basically lived overseas for the last 30 years in Japan, Hong Kong, and now Panama. Good people are good people and there are a lot here, so it wasn’t too challenging to adapt. Life in Venao is relaxed and English is spoken most everywhere, so it was a lot easier adjusting here than to other places.   

Mónica: Tell me a little about the origins of your real estate company. 

Scott: My company was created to support the growth of Playa Venao. The company expanded into various businesses, including flights, rental cars, hotels, restaurants, a school, property management, project management, construction, and even a zipline. These ventures help attract people to the area and provide the necessary infrastructure to sustain the growth of the area. 

Mónica: Could you tell me about Playa Venao’s growth and future potential as a living and investment haven for expats? 

Scott: Playa Venao is a popular surf destination offering a variety of surf breaks to accommodate all levels. While surfing is the biggest attraction, you don’t have to be a surfer to enjoy the many activities offered in this outdoor paradise. But more than a surf destination, Venao is a community, and it is all the people here working together and supporting each other that makes Playa Venao grow in a healthy way.   

I am most proud of our school and the youth baseball team, which we started two years ago. It’s the first time the locals and international kids have been playing together on a team. The baseball program will grow and bring a lot of families to Venao, as many families require high level athletics for their high school aged children. We are working on tying this up with the school to grow the community to bring more good families here.   

You always have something to do in Playa Venao: zipline, volunteer with turtles, fishing, amazing nightlife, whale watching, snorkeling, hiking, beautiful waterfalls and rivers all around, private schools, a variety of gastronomic experiences, the best sunsets and sunrises of Panama, yoga classes everywhere, dance lessons, bungee, pilates, etc. 

If you have kids, they can enjoy many activities such as: jiu jitsu, surf lessons, skating, paddle, ballet, art, ceramics, baseball, soccer, and more.

We keep growing every year as the number of amenities increases. 

Mónica: What are some challenges you encountered with the process of relocating to Panama and how did you overcome them? 

Scott: Things can move a little more slowly here: getting a visa, corporations, paperwork… but we can help you with that, as we are a 50+ strong team with over 12 years of specific experience in Venao. We went through all the challenges, so you don’t have to if you decide to move to Playa Venao.

Mónica: What tips would you give someone wanting to move overseas, to Panama and Venao, specifically? 

Scott: Invest in a project like ours. This means a project with no variables that can take your time, money, and energy. Everything is organized and all the potential issues have been removed. We take care of everything. We created this product so people can avoid the challenges of buying a custom home immediately after coming here. We have the experience and knowledge to make sure you only have good memories and aren’t faced with unnecessary challenges.  

I’m not just the developer of the project; I live in it with my family. We love it here… the kids can ride bikes to school, walk to waterfalls and rivers, and see indigenous animals, like the three types of monkeys we have in the forest by the school in the project.   

Mónica: Who is your project for? 

Scott: Our project is for anyone who wants to experience an exclusive and secure living experience immersed in the heart of nature. It is great for families, couples, or retirees who are looking for tranquility and convenience just minutes from Venao’s center. 

Mónica: Are you happy with your move to Panama and Playa Venao? Would you do anything different if you could do it over? 

Scott: I’m definitely happy. I’m “eating my cooking,” as they say. My family, friends, and investors are all involved and more committed every day to the area.   

I wish we would’ve bought more land when I arrived.

Playa Venao continues to grow in a positive way and will keep growing… and eventually it’ll be on the world map like Cabo, Bali, Phuket, Guanacaste, and other famous tourism destinations. 

A New Residential Community Taking Shape

Scott is offering several residential communities that stand out from everything else in the area. Houses will have high-end finishes and amenities, so you can enjoy the best of nature without compromising luxury. 

This community is nestled along the river, only 10 minutes from the beach. It is being developed in phases, with 65 total residences spread across four phases of development.

Phase 1 has already sold out, with 9 of 18 total houses already completed and 5 currently under construction. Phases 2 and 3 are currently available and will feature 10 and 19 houses, respectively.

Prices start at $195k for 68.5-square-meter, one-bedroom units and go up above $320,000 for bigger and deluxe versions of the homes.

If you’re thinking of buying for profit, an optional furniture package, including furnishing, decoration, and installation, is available from $29.5k, making this a turn-key investment. Property management—guest coordination, maintenance, and ongoing care and reporting— is also available. Projected net rental yields are at 7.2% annually.

If you’re interested in knowing all about Scott’s exclusive beach residential community in Playa Venao, to live or invest, go here.

The post $195k Homes In Playa Venao, Panama’s Top Beach Town appeared first on Live and Invest Overseas.

For anyone moving abroad, an area’s walkability is more than a nice perk… it’s an important factor in choosing where to live.

When you can walk to a café in the morning, go to a nearby grocery store, and meet friends for dinner nearby, all without a car, or just enjoy daily life on foot, it can exponentially change how a place feels. 

For retirees, walkability means greater independence, especially over the long term. For younger families and remote workers, it can create a strong sense of community and healthier day-to-day life.

But Panama has a multitude of lifestyles in one little country, so walkability in each city, town, and neighborhood offers different things. A walkable neighborhood in Panama City is not the same as a walkable beach community or mountain town. Choosing your destination will depend on your priorities.

Panama remains a mostly car-dependent country, and you’ll need to consider your daily routines and needs. In many cases, sidewalks are not available or properly built, making it difficult for someone with mobility issues or families with strollers to use them. The humidity and heat in most of Panama can make you detest walking, and some communities that at first may appear walkable are very spread out. 

All this said, Panama still has several areas where you can manage without a car. Let’s take a look at some of the best walkable communities in Panama for expats that seek convenience, closeness, and a small-town feel…

El Cangrejo, Panama City

One of our favorite neighborhoods in Panama City and home to the Live And Invest Overseas HQ, is El Cangrejo. 

A fan favorite among locals and expats, El Cangrejo is in the heart of Panama City. This is a neighborhood for those who want to access the city’s conveniences without feeling trapped in a corporate environment. 

This area has tree-lined streets, mostly mid-rise apartment buildings, cafés, bakeries, and small shops… giving the opportunity for residents to walk naturally. Most of the capital is car-oriented, but El Cangrejo prioritizes the pedestrian. Sidewalks are continuous and spacious, daily necessities are close together, and the density creates a vivid and active environment.

In El Cangrejo you will find pharmacies, gyms, coffee shops, convenience stores, restaurants, bars, salons, pet stores, clinics, and more all just in the same street or a few blocks from each other. By living here, you also have close access to the Metro system, which makes it possible to easily move around different parts of the city without driving. 

The social aspect of the neighborhood is a big draw for people. It blends local Panamanian life with an international feel… you can notice by walking around that there is an interesting mix of cultures and lifestyles. Remote workers will enjoy the reliable internet, abundant options for co-working settings, and easy access to services, compared to other popular but isolated destinations. 

When looking for housing, you’ll find older, more affordable apartments, and newer high-rise buildings with modern amenities. Rental prices have increased throughout the years, but it’s still a more affordable option than luxury neighborhoods like Punta Pacífica or Costa del Este.

You can find smaller, one-to-two-bedroom apartments, both older and more modern, in the $800 to $1,200 monthly range. More inventory is available for bigger apartments in the $1,300 to $2,500 monthly range.

Boquete, Chiriquí

Crowned the best place to retire in 2026 in our most recent Retirement Overseas Index, Boquete cannot be left off this list. Nestled in the highlands of the Chiriquí province, Boquete offers a community-oriented lifestyle in a compact mountain town center.

Boquete has a cooler climate than most regions of Panama, and this changes the walkability game immensely. Its springlike temperatures make walking a truly pleasant experience throughout most of the days, most of the year. Residents in town can stroll between cafés, restaurants, markets, and small shops while enjoying the surrounding mountain views and greenery.

Downtown Boquete is relatively small, allowing to run daily errands on foot. You can find restaurants, pharmacies, banks, grocery stores, and local markets concentrated within a manageable walking distance. The town regularly hosts farmers’ markets and community events that also encourage pedestrian activity and social interaction.

Boquete has its limitations. Downtown might be manageable on foot, but many homes and neighborhoods, especially those popular with expats, are located in the hills that surround the town. These are steep areas and can be all the way from 10 to 30 minutes away by car. The good thing is that taxis and buses are available should you opt to just rely on public transportation.

Pedasí, Los Santos

Pedasí offers one of Panama’s most appealing coastal lifestyles that is still walkable. If you dream of relaxing beach living, this might be the place for you.

Found in the Azuero Peninsula, this town has evolved over the past decade from a quiet fishing town into one of Panama’s best lifestyle destinations. Even though it’s growing in popularity, the town has preserved its laid-back character and small community feel. When you enter Pedasí, the highway becomes the main street. It’s lined with row houses not typically found in Panama making for a tranquil, beautiful, and rather unique town.

Pedasi’s walkability comes from its compact scale. This is not a town built around gated communities and highways. The town center has a traditional plaza at its center, with restaurants, cafés, bakeries, small grocery stores, and local businesses located within a relatively short distance of one another.

You come here for a slow-paced life. Residents will walk or bike through town, and gather in the cafés, restaurants, and bars. You may even see some locals still traveling by horseback from time to time.

Sincerely,

The post 3 Walkable Panama Communities appeared first on Live and Invest Overseas.

Panama is famous for its beaches, but if you ask most visitors where to go, you’ll usually hear the same names: Bocas del Toro, the San Blas Islands, Playa Blanca, or Coronado.

These places have beautiful beaches, but they’re also well-known and often crowded. The reality is that Panama’s coastline stretches for more than 2,400 kilometers across both the Pacific and Caribbean, and tucked along those shores are dozens of quiet beaches that even many long-time residents have never visited.

For expats living in Panama, discovering these hidden stretches of sand can feel like unlocking a secret side of the country. Some require a dirt road and a sense of adventure to reach.

Others are surprisingly close to Panama City but remain overlooked because they sit just beyond the usual beach towns.

And a few are so remote that you may find yourself sharing the shoreline with nothing but fishermen, seabirds, and the occasional pelican flying low over the water.

If you’re willing to venture a little off the typical expat circuit, these beaches offer something special: wide empty shores, dramatic cliffs, jungle-backed coastlines, and waters that range from calm turquoise to rolling Pacific surf. Some have a handful of rustic restaurants or small hotels, while others are completely off-grid… meaning you’ll want to bring your own supplies and plan ahead.

Here are several underrated beaches that you may soon want to add to your weekend escape list.

1. Playa Reina (Veraguas)

Playa Reina sits along the Pacific coast of Veraguas Province, about 30 minutes from the town of Mariato and roughly two hours south of Santiago.

This is one of those beaches that feels almost untouched. The shoreline stretches for miles, backed by lush green hills and scattered palm trees. The sand is dark and volcanic, typical of many Pacific beaches in Panama, and the waves can be strong, making it popular with surfers and adventurous travelers looking for a quiet coastline.

What makes Playa Reina stand out is how empty it feels. Some days, you can walk for long stretches without seeing another person. It’s the kind of place where fishermen launch small boats in the morning and where sunsets stretch wide across the Pacific horizon.

Playa Reina is mostly off-grid. A few small eco-lodges and guesthouses are nearby, but you won’t find large resorts, beach clubs, or supermarkets.

2. Isla Cébaco (Veraguas)

Isla Cébaco lies off the Pacific coast of Veraguas, just south of Coiba National Park.

Unlike more developed island destinations in Panama, Isla Cébaco isn’t about one famous, clearly marked beach… it’s about discovery. The island is large, sparsely populated, and edged with a mix of rugged coastline and small, hidden coves that feel completely untouched.

One of the most talked-about spots is Playita, a small white-sand cove with clear turquoise water and jungle pressing right up to the shoreline. It’s the kind of beach you picture when you think of a deserted island: quiet, swimmable, and framed by thick tropical greenery. Beyond Playita, the island offers a variety of landscapes, from darker-sand beaches with stronger surf to rocky stretches with natural tide pools and views out toward the open Pacific.

What makes Cébaco special is how raw it feels. It doesn’t have crowds or beach clubs and has very little infrastructure. On most days, the only sounds you’ll hear are waves, birds, and the occasional fishing boat passing offshore.

This island is mostly off-grid. You’ll find a handful of small, family-run accommodations and eco-lodges scattered around the island, often with limited and basic services. Don’t expect restaurants, shops, or nightlife… this is a place to disconnect.

3. Playa Morillo (Veraguas)

Playa Morillo lies along the Pacific coast near Santa Catalina in Veraguas Province.

If Santa Catalina feels too busy for you, Playa Morillo is the quieter neighbor. This beach has a dramatic setting: long stretches of sand framed by rocky headlands and tropical forest.

It’s a favorite among surfers thanks to consistent Pacific waves, but it’s still quiet enough that many visitors feel like they’ve stumbled onto a secret. The atmosphere is relaxed and rustic, with fishermen’s boats occasionally dotting the shoreline.

Playa Morrillo is partially developed. It has a few small restaurants and simple lodges, but the vibe remains low-key and uncrowded.

4. Punta Chame

About 90 minutes west of Panama City, Punta Chame is a long peninsula that stretches into the Pacific Ocean.

While many expats know about Coronado or Playa Blanca, Punta Chame often flies under the radar. Yet it offers one of the most striking landscapes on Panama’s Pacific coast: miles of flat sand with views of Cerro Chame rising dramatically in the background.

The beach is wide and breezy, making it one of the country’s best places for kite surfing and paddleboarding. Despite its proximity to the capital, it’s usually far less crowded than neighboring beach towns.

The area has moderate amenities. You’ll find small hotels, kite-surf schools, and a few restaurants, but it’s still quieter than nearby beach developments. The road towards Punta Chame is also frequently unpaved, so if you’re using a car to get there, make sure it’s a 4×4 to make the ride easier.

5. Playa El Palmar (Coclé)

Located in Coclé Province near San Carlos, Playa El Palmar is about an hour-and-a-half from Panama City.

Playa El Palmar is one of those beaches locals know well but many foreigners overlook. The sand is dark and soft, and the waves make it popular with surfers while still being calm enough for swimming on many days.

Compared to the busier beaches nearby, El Palmar retains a relaxed, community feel. It’s a great place to spend the day walking along the shoreline or enjoying a simple seafood lunch at a beachfront restaurant.

It has moderate amenities. Surf schools, small hotels, and restaurants are nearby.

Find Your Favorite Panama Beach

One of the greatest advantages of living in Panama is how easy it is to escape to the coast. Within a few hours of Panama City, you can find beaches that feel worlds away from crowds and resorts.

Some of these hidden spots require a little extra planning: a boat ride, a dirt road, or a willingness to travel beyond the typical expat beach towns. But that’s part of the reward. On these shores, you’ll often discover something increasingly rare in the modern world… a stretch of sand where the loudest sounds are the waves and the wind in the palm trees.

For expats who enjoy exploring their adopted home, Panama’s lesser-known beaches offer endless possibilities for weekend adventures… and the chance to discover a favorite spot that feels like your own secret.

Sincerely,

The post In Photos: Panama’s Secret Beaches appeared first on Live and Invest Overseas.

Panama’s sweet tooth is diverse. Beyond the familiar tres leches or arroz con leche, we have a whole world of treats that have been a part of Panamanian kitchens, bakeries, and celebrations for generations.

The following list shows a glimpse into Panama’s culinary heritage. If you’re in Panama, make sure to try some of these traditional sweets…

Huevitos De Leche

A Panamanian candy classic, huevitos de leche (milk eggs) are not actually eggs or contain eggs. It’s a sweet treat which shape and coloring resemble eggs. 

This homemade candy originates from the Chiriquí province. It’s a fusion of indigenous and Spanish culture. 

Huevitos de leche are always available in the local bakeries, most common in the interior of the country. I remember asking my mom to get me a bag every time we drove to the interior. Stopping at the bakery and getting fresh baked breads, pastries, and candies was one of the perks of getting out of the city. 

Each individual huevito is wrapped in tissue paper of every color, and then a handful of them are packaged into a clear bag. This makes it attractive to children and tourists, but the huevitos are delicious for all.  

They are made with milk, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and powdered sugar.

Plantintá

The plantintá or plantain tart is a traditional Panamanian dessert from the Colón and Bocas del Toro provinces. It’s basically a sweet empanada, with a baked flour dough covering the sweet filling primarily made of ripe plantains. This jam is usually artificially dyed a bright pink or red color, which characterizes the plantintás.  

We inherited this dish from the afro-antillean culture of the Caribbean and is a true fusion of tastes and cultures. This is also a famous treat in Jamaica, and although similar, the Panamanian recipe is slightly different.  

The plantintá jam is made up of ripe plantains, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and red or pink food coloring.

Next time you’re in the Panamanian Caribbean, make sure to look out for your closest plantintá seller…

Red Sugared Rosquitas

Rosquitas are baked bread like a pretzel and with a ring shape. They are meant to be hard and crispy, unlike donuts or soft pretzels.  

Locals eat the salty version just as a snack or with breakfast and the caramel coated version as a dessert. They are very common in any bakery and convenience store in the interior of the country, but you can find them in the city, as well. 

You’ll recognize them because they are a bright pink color.

Merengue (Suspiro)

Merengue (meringue), also called suspiro, is a sweet treat primarily made of whipped egg whites that you commonly find at school fairs, local bakeries, and dessert tables. They’re crispy on the outside and a little chewy on the inside. They’re sweet with a hint of vanilla. Some people use coconut or lime zest instead.  

This is a treat that’s associated with childhood, the kind of dessert you would ask your parents to get at your local bakery.  

It’s a dessert but not overtly sweet. You can pair it with other cookie-like treats and eat while drinking a cup of tea for a nice afternoon snack. 

Mamallena

If you spend enough time in Panama, you’ll eventually be offered a slice of mamallena, a sweet, comforting dessert that tastes like home. Soft, rich, and lightly spiced, mamallena is one of those traditional recipes passed down through generations. 

For many Panamanians, mamallena is tied to family gatherings, holidays, and Sunday meals. It’s also a classic example of the country’s practical, resourceful cooking traditions… turning simple, leftover ingredients into something special. 

Mamallena is essentially Panama’s version of bread pudding, a dish with European roots that spread throughout Latin America during the colonial period. Over time, Panama adapted the dessert using local tastes and available ingredients, creating a uniquely Panamanian version.  

Historically, mamallena was made to avoid wasting stale bread, a common practice in traditional kitchens. Old bread would be soaked in milk, mixed with eggs, sugar, and spices, then baked into a soft, custard-like dessert.  

Panama’s version evolved to include richer ingredients like condensed milk, evaporated milk, raisins, rum, cinnamon, and vanilla, reflecting the country’s diverse culinary influences: Indigenous, Spanish, African, and Caribbean. 

Mamallena has long been considered a traditional Panamanian dessert served at family meals and celebrations, alongside other classics like arroz con leche and cocadas.  

Today, while you can still find mamallena in bakeries and restaurants, it remains most closely associated with home kitchens, where recipes vary slightly from family to family.

Bienmesabe Veraguense

Bienmesabe Veraguense is a cake-like dessert that’s served in banana leaves rolled up into cups.  

It’s not to be confused with other Latin American iterations of bienmesabe, which have a different consistency. 

Bienmesabe Veraguense is usually made in large quantities because of the time and many ingredients involved in making it. 

Bienmesabe is a clever name meaning “me sabe bien,”which translates to “tastes good to me.” An accurate depiction of the dessert. 

It’s made with milk, flour, honey, aniseed, and evaporated milk. Bienmesabe is usually made during big family gatherings, and people take turns mixing so that it doesn’t feel like a grueling activity. Everyone pitches in, and the sweet taste of bienmesabe is the reward at the end. 

Quequi (Queque)

Is it quequi or queque? Maybe it’s keki or keke… 

What we do know for sure, is that it comes from the English word “cake.” In Panama, especially during the building of the canal era and the long British and Caribbean commercial presence in the isthmus, many English food words were adapted into Spanish pronunciation. 

However, Panamanian quequi (my personal spelling preference), is something different from what Americans would consider cake.  

Our version is a kind of cookie that is dense, durable, slightly chewy, that tastes like cane syrup, coconut, cinnamon, and sometimes cloves. The quequi is associated with the interior provinces like Coclé, Herrera, Los Santos, and parts of Panama Oeste. It used to be baked in wood-fired or clay ovens and designed to last for days and even weeks without refrigeration.  

The quequi has always been more common in the interior of the country… it’s not something you’ll find in any urban pastry shop. Nowadays, the quequi, among other traditional sweets, is not being made or consumed as much. You might ask a young person if they know what a quequi is and they won’t have a clue. But they used to be a staple in parties, markets, and family gatherings.

Sincerely,

The post Get To Know Some Of Panama’s Best Sweet Treats appeared first on Live and Invest Overseas.