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LIVE AND INVEST IN PANAMA
WORLD’S #1 RETIREMENT HAVEN
IN THE AMERICAS
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El Valle is known for its flora, climate, and hot springs. Learn how you can live here for considerably less compared to Panama City. It's a mountain town close to Panama's capital.
Nestled in the crater of a long-extinct volcano, El Valle de Antón is located just a few hours from Panama City.
Situated in a 3.7-mile-wide caldera of an inactive volcano, it’s without a doubt one of Panama’s biggest tourist and vacation destinations. Urban dwellers come here to relax, expats come here for the vida mas tranquila (quieter life), and tourists come for its many natural attractions.
This picturesque valley offers a refreshing escape from the heat and bustle of urban life. The town’s spring-like climate, lush greenery, and welcoming expat community make it a popular destination for retirees and nature lovers alike.
For those considering a fresh start in a place that feels like paradise, El Valle de Antón is more than just a destination—it’s an opportunity for a new beginning.
Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in its tropical beauty, explore the local culture, or simply enjoy a slower pace of life, El Valle has something to offer everyone.
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.
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El Valle de Antón is conveniently located about 2 hours and 15 minutes from Panama City. Traveling to the valley is straightforward and can be done in a variety of ways…
By Car: The most common and convenient option is to drive from Panama City. The journey takes about two to three hours, depending on who’s behind the wheel and on traffic. The scenic drive passes through rolling hills and tropical landscapes as you ascend into the valley. Along the way, you can stop at several rest areas or explore nearby beach towns like Coronado and San Carlos.
By Bus: If you prefer public transportation, buses leave every hour or so from Albrook Bus Terminal in Panama City. The bus ride typically takes about three hours and is an affordable and reliable option. You can catch a direct bus to El Valle or take a bus to San Carlos, then transfer to a local bus that heads up to El Valle de Antón.
By Private Shuttle: Some expats or visitors arrange for private shuttles, which can be more comfortable than a public bus. These services can be booked through hotels or tour companies in Panama City.
Regardless of how you travel, the journey into El Valle de Antón is a pleasant introduction to the area’s natural beauty and tranquility.
Compared to many parts of the world, El Valle de Antón offers a relatively affordable cost of living, making it an attractive destination for expat retirees.
A couple could live comfortably in El Valle de Antón on a monthly budget of about $1,600. This will vary significantly depending on your chosen lifestyle.
If you choose to buy mainly exported goods and live in luxurious apartments or homes, your budget will increase.
If you decide you want to bring down your monthly budget, we suggest you take advantage of all the edible treats Panama offers and live mainly like locals—that doesn’t mean you can’t buy imported cheese or wine from time to time.
Here are some examples of what a couple might spend in a month living here
The cost of living in El Valle is considerably less compared to Panama City. A couple can enjoy the hillside lifestyle for less than US$1,529 per month.
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage | - | Not included here as too variable. |
| HOA Fees | US$150 | Average. |
| Property Taxes | 0.06% | On properties over US$120,000 |
| Transportation | US$10 | Community bus and occasional taxi. |
| Gas | US$8 | Per tank. |
| Electricity | US$55 | Average without air conditioning. |
| Water | US$15 | Depends on the property zone. |
| Cell Phone | US$35 | Using Tigo prepaid minutes. |
| Internet | US$36 | Depending on the location, it could be more. |
| Cable TV | US$36 | |
| Household Help | US$45 | Cleaning once every two weeks. |
| Entertainment | US$196 | Eating out twice a week at a local, mid-range restaurant (US$128), drinks twice a week (US$48), movie theatre trip twice a month (US$20). |
| Groceries | US$300 | Basic items for a couple. This includes beer, wine, and some imported organic foods. |
| Gym Membership | - | |
| Medical Appointment | US$20 | Basic checkup in a public hospital. |
| TOTAL | US$906 |
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | US$900 | In a desirable part of town, furnished, two-bedroom, comfortable apartment. |
| Transportation | US$10 | Community bus and occasional taxi. |
| Gas | US$8 | Per tank. |
| Electricity | US$55 | Average without air conditioning. |
| Water | - | Included in rent. |
| Cell Phone | US$35 | Using Tigo prepaid minutes. |
| Internet | US$36 | Depending on the location, it could be more. |
| Cable TV | US$36 | |
| Household Help | US$45 | Cleaning once every two weeks. |
| Entertainment | US$196 | Eating out twice a week at a local, mid-range restaurant (US$128), drinks twice a week (US$48), movie theatre trip twice a month (US$20). |
| Groceries | US$300 | Basic items for a couple. This includes beer, wine, and some imported organic foods. |
| Gym Membership | - | |
| Medical Appointment | US$20 | Basic checkup in a local hospital. |
| TOTAL | US$1,641 |
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | US$400 | Cheapest part of town (still desirable), most basic one-bedroom rental. |
| Transportation | US$5 | Cheapest forms of public transport; assuming a bit less movement. |
| Gas | US$8 | Per tank. |
| Electricity | US$40 | Without air conditioning |
| Water | US$15 | |
| Cell Phone | US$20 | Cheapest options available. |
| Internet | US$20 | Basic internet. |
| Cable TV | US$14 | Most basic cable. |
| Entertainment | US$40 | Eating out once a week at a local restaurant. |
| Groceries | US$200 | All local-brand items only, shopping markets, and local vendors along with grocery stores. |
| TOTAL | US$762 |
El Valle de Antón has a wealth of activities for those that love the great outdoors including several impressive hiking trails.
The area’s most well-known hiking trail is La India Dormida. The trail gets its name from the legend of an indigenous girl named Luba, known by her fellow tribesmen and women as Flor del Aire. The legend is a classic love tragedy that culminates in her death among the mountains of El Valle. Luba’s figure can be seen in the shape of these mountains.
La India Dormida is a relatively short hike for the experienced hiker. The trail is narrow and steep, and can be treacherous during rainy season. Less experienced hikers can enjoy the lower part of the trail.
Cerro Gaital is another one for experienced hikers. Like La India Dormida, it’s recommended you start this hike in the morning hours, on a nice day. Cerro Gaital is one of El Valle’s highest points at 1,185 meters (3,888 feet).
Cerro Cara Iguana is known for great sunsets. It’s recommended you start the hike 90 minutes before sunset. Even on a cloudy day, this hike offers stunning views. Access to Cerro Cara Iguana is free.
El Chorro Macho Waterfalls is a short easy hike, with beautiful waterfalls. For anyone who doesn’t enjoy walking all that much, there are excellent views less than 10 minutes from the park entrance. This park also offers a small zip line, popular among tourists.
Note: Some trails charge an entrance fee, although they’re not consistently staffed for fee collections. Entrance fees vary, with some parks and sites offering discounts for children, locals, and seniors.
In addition, The Butterfly Haven (El Mariposario) is a relaxing place to get up close and personal with Panama’s butterfly population.
El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center (EVACC)
Known as a frog lover’s heaven, EVACC part of the Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project, and home to the only population of Panama’s golden frog.
Nispero Zoo (Zoológico El Níspero)
El Valle’s Nispero Zoo started as an animal rescue in the mid-seventies, but eventually morphed into a small zoo that has become a big tourist destination. It’s home to about 100 indigenous and non-indigenous species.
Retirees in El Valle can expect a serene and picturesque setting, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil escape.
There isn’t a huge expat community in El Valle de Antón, but those who live here are a tight-knit group who regularly organize social gatherings, from casual coffee mornings to community events and charity fundraisers. There are clubs and associations for those interested in gardening, birdwatching, hiking, and more.
The expat community often acts as a support network for newcomers. They can help you navigate everything from setting up utilities to learning Spanish. The mix of nationalities and backgrounds makes for a diverse and enriching environment.
While Spanish is the official language, some locals speak English, and in the expat community, English is commonly spoken. However, learning basic Spanish is helpful and always appreciated by locals.
El Valle de Antón has grown past its sleepy rural roots, yet it remains very tranquil and community oriented. It is a beautiful, scenic, and even inspiring little town.
Health care in El Valle is limited to small clinics and private doctors, but Panama as a whole has a strong health care system.
Local Clinics: There are a few basic clinics in town which provide general medical care and handle emergencies. For anything more complex, residents often travel to larger hospitals in nearby cities like Coronado or Panama City.
Private Care: Many expats prefer to seek private health care for faster and more personalized attention. This can be arranged through private doctors who make house calls or through clinics in nearby towns.
Insurance: If you’re looking to relocate to Panama, we recommend you get health insurance. Plans are generally affordable. You could choose to pay out of pocket for smaller medical services as they are relatively inexpensive, like many expats do. For any major procedure, though, you’ll want insurance.
El Valle is known for being a safe town with low crime rates. Families can comfortably let their children play outdoors or explore the area without much worry.
El Valle has spring-like temperatures year-round. The year-round average high is 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average nighttime minimum is 61.
However, there is little variation between summer and winter temperatures, the major difference being the amount of wind and rain from season to season.
The dry season in El Valle runs from mid-December to mid-April and the wet season from May to early December.
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
A world full of fun, adventure, and profit awaits! Sign up for our free daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter, and we’ll send you a FREE report on the 10 Best Places To Retire In Style Overseas Today 2024
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Tucked away on the mountainside of the Riviera Pacifica, El Valle de Anton has plenty to discover and enjoy. Plus, you’ll also find relief from the heat of the lowlands, as the town is situated 600 meters above sea level.
You can among the expat community but to really embrace life here and to connect with the locals you should have a reasonable grasp of Spanish.
l Valle de Anton is a mountain town sitting in the crater of an extinct volcano. It happens to be the easternmost volcano along the Central American Volcanic Arc.
El Valle locals revels in the celebrations of the holiday season and Panamanians love to celebrate with friends and family—this can be a lot of fun but can also mean a lot of noise.
The country’s holiday season spans early November to early January, and El Valle commemorates the season with lots of parades filled with loud music and fireworks.
Working class Panamanians have a high tolerance for noise. Music is never too loud, and the fireworks are never too frequent—this may prove a big downside if you prefer the quiet life.
The town’s expat population is known for being open-minded, and many LGBTQ individuals and couples find El Valle to be an accepting place. While public displays of affection may still draw attention, the overall atmosphere is tolerant, especially among the expat community.
While some newer buildings and businesses have made efforts to be more accessible, the town is still developing in this area. Many streets are cobblestone or uneven, which can make getting around with a wheelchair difficult. However, most expats adapt, and there is a growing awareness about the need for better accessibility.
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