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    Tierras Altas, Panama

    Tierras Altas, Panama is the haven for countless expats. Discover all you need to know to move here including cost of living and more. Panama's Highlands are a sight to see and enjoy.

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        Tierras Altas, Panama: Expat Haven In Panama's Highlands

        by Michelle Miller Shogren

        Tierras Altas is poised to become the next Boquete.

        Situated in the highlands of western Panama, it features misty hillsides dense with greenery, gardens terraced into slopes, and abundant wildflowers.

        It’s cool-weather climate and the outdoor lifestyle it affords are also similar…

        But Tierras Altas is also very different from Boquete in important ways.

        It’s more affordable. Firstly, everything from the price of property to the price of a burger is less here, while costs in Boquete are closer to those of a mid-size U.S. city.

        Secondly, Tierras Altas, Panama is relatively unknown, while Boquete is one of the most famous expat communities in the world.

        Moreover, Tierras Altas is authentic and down-to-earth, while others complain of the imported American culture that dominates Boquete, Panama.

        Kathleen

        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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          Table Of Contents

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            Where Is Tierras Altas?

            Tierras Altas is a district in Chiriquí Province, on the east side of Volcán Barú, an inactive volcano. Also, it’s made up of five townships: Volcán, Cerro Punta, Cuesta de Piedra, Nueva California, and Paso Ancho. Each of these has a dozen or more small mountain towns.

            The region is situated at a higher altitude than Boquete and with a cooler climate, but these factors vary village to village. Expats choose which village is right for them based on the microclimate they prefer.

            The towns and villages that make up the Tierras Altas region are stretched out along an asphalt road system. Volcán is the largest of them, with a population of 13,000. It’s one hour (56 kilometers) from David, the provincial capital and nearest big town, and seven hours (490 kilometers) from Panama City.

            Volcán has the lowest elevation in Tierras Altas, sitting at 1,400 meters above sea level. Guadalupe is a favorite destination in the region: It’s one of the last towns on the road and is 2,255 meters above sea level.

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              Cost Of Living In Tierras Altas

              Tierras Altas is one of the most affordable places to live in all Panama. It also has the cheapest produce in the country.

              For example, a couple could live well on a monthly food budget of US$400 to US$500 shopping at both Romero and the other local supermarkets in Volcán.

              A national beer costs just US$1.50 and a glass of wine is US$2.50. A 16-inch family-sized pizza starts at US$9.95.

              Plus, iIf you were to eat a more Panamanian-style fare, your monthly food costs would be less. A typical dish with chicken or meat, rice, beans, and a small salad costs US$5 to US$8.

              A small apartment building in downtown Volcán has private furnished apartments for US$400 a month, with washing machines, electricity, water, sewage, garbage, and Wi-Fi included.

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                Apartment Or House Ownership Budget (For A Couple) - Example Table Of Expenses For Panama's Highlands

                 
                Expense Monthly Costs Notes
                Mortgage - Not included here as too variable.
                HOA Fees - Not included here as too variable.
                Property Taxes US$108 0.5% annually on a home worth US$260,000.
                Transportation US$170 For car ownership: US$100 for fuel; US$70 for maintenance, tires, etc.
                Gas US$6.50 For cooking: a US$6.50, 25 pounds tank lasts about 3 months.
                Electricity US$50 With air conditioning in bedrooms.
                Water US$8
                Cell Phone US$20 For a Tigo plan with 7.5 GB LTE and 200 local minutes.
                Internet US$59 For a Tigo plan with 100 Mbps fiberoptic, 100 Mbps download, and 10 Mbps upload.
                Cable TV - 222 channels bundled with internet.
                Household Help US$250 US$15 for an 8-hour day, about 4 times per week.
                Entertainment US$345 Eating out twice a week at a mid-range, local restaurant: US$64. Local drinks twice a week at a nearby watering hole: US$20 (US$1.50 for a national beer; US$4.50 for a craft beer; US$18 for a bottle of wine). Movie theatre trip twice a month: US$9 (Tickets US$2.25 each for seniors).
                Groceries US$600 Mostly shopping in Volcán and David once a month.
                Gym Membership -
                Medical Appointment US$54 US$3 to US$4 for a GP visit; US$50 for a specialist.
                TOTAL US$1,670.50 Excluding mortgage and HOA fees.

                Apartment Or House Rental Budget (For A Couple) - Example Table Of Expenses

                 
                Expense Monthly Costs Notes
                Rent US$1,500 In a desirable part of town, two-bedroom, comfortable apartment, 70 to 100 square meters.
                Transportation US$170 For car ownership: US$100 for fuel; US$70 for maintenance, tires, etc.
                Gas US$6.50 For cooking: a US$6.50, 25 pounds tank lasts about 3 months.
                Electricity US$50 With air conditioning in bedrooms.
                Water US$8
                Cell Phone US$20 For a Tigo plan with 7.5 GB LTE and 200 local minutes.
                Internet US$59 For a Tigo plan with 100 Mbps fiberoptic, 100 Mbps download, and 10 Mbps upload.
                Cable TV - 222 channels bundled with internet.
                Household Help US$250 US$15 for an 8-hour day, about 4 times per week.
                Entertainment US$345 Eating out twice a week at a mid-range, local restaurant: US$64. Local drinks twice a week at a nearby watering hole: US$20 (US$1.50 for a national beer; US$4.50 for a craft beer; US$18 for a bottle of wine). Movie theatre trip twice a month: US$9 (Tickets US$2.25 each for seniors).
                Groceries US$600 Mostly shopping in Volcán and David once a month.
                Gym Membership -
                Medical Appointment US$54 US$3 to US$4 for a GP visit; US$50 for a specialist.
                TOTAL US$3,062.50

                Penny-Pincher’s Budget (Bare Minimum Costs, For A Couple) - Example Table Of Expenses

                 
                Expense Monthly Costs Notes
                Rent US$500 Apartment in downtown Volcán.
                Transportation US$70 Using taxis locally and the colectivo/bus to David.
                Gas US$6.50 For cooking: a US$6.50 tank of 25 pounds, lasts about 3 months.
                Electricity US$35 No air conditioning, just fans.
                Water US$6
                Cell Phone US$25 For a Tigo plan with 7.5 GB LTE and 200 local minutes.
                Internet US$59 For a Tigo plan with 100 Mbps fiberoptic, 100 Mbps download, and 10 Mbps upload.
                Cable TV - 222 channels bundled with internet.
                Entertainment US$32 One meal out at a mid-range, local restaurant with two drinks each.
                Groceries US$450 Shopping at local stores and buying from fruit and vegetable stands.
                TOTAL US$1,183.50

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                  Things To Do In Tierras Altas

                  Bird watching, hiking, and the national parks bring visitors from around the world.

                  Volcán Barú National Park is located in Tierras Altas. At 3,475 meters above sea level, it’s the highest point in Panama. There are seven different craters visible from trails within the park, including the Quetzal Trail which joins Cerro Punta and Boquete.

                  If hiking is not your fancy, there are plenty of other outdoor activities in the Volcán area. One example is the Lagunas de Volcán—two wetland lakes that sit at 4,000 feet—the highest lakes in all of Panama. Here you can catch a fresh bass dinner and head home to grill out as you watch the sun set into the cloud bank.

                  For instance, the town of Las Nubes is the gateway to International Park La Amistad (friendship), which is shared with Costa Rica. Established in 1988, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990.

                  The 407,000 hectares of forest protect five species of cats: ocelot, puma, jaguar, jaguarundi, and margay. The endangered Baird’s tapir is found here and about 600 species of birds.

                  La Amistad International Park is home to four indigenous groups—the Naso, Bribri, Ngäbe, and Buglé—who live traditional lifestyles in small communities.

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                    Weather In Tierras Altas, Panama

                    Tierras Altas has a temperate mountain climate due to its altitude in the cloud forest. In fact, the name of one town here, “Las Nubes,” literally means “the clouds.”

                    In Volcán, the average temperature ranges between 55°F to 75°F. As a result, you’ll find micro-climates here, and at higher elevations… places like Cerro Punta, Guadalupe, and Las Nubes… it can get down to 41°F at night, especially in the dry season, which means frost.

                    Volcán has temperatures year-round ranging between 79°F and 84°F.

                    And, Cerro Punta has high temperatures ranging between 80°F and 85°F.

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                      The Breadbasket Of Panama: Tierras Altas

                      A small house in Cerro Punta, Tierras Altas, with bright green grass and blue skies, sounds perfect.

                      Tierras Altas is the breadbasket of Panama thanks to its volcanic soil. Close to 80% of the country’s produce comes from these highlands, making agriculture the driving force of the local economy.

                      The cool climate, coffee, and produce—especially strawberries—all make Tierras Altas famous.

                      There are small businesses along the roads offering hot chocolate, coffee, and everything strawberry… shortcake, milkshakes, popsicles, strawberries with cream… you name it, they’ve got it made from strawberries.

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                        You’ll fall in love with this area for the variety of plants, flowers, and succulents that adorn every other house—at least in Guadalupe. Nearly everything grows here… citrus, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce, carrots, and of course, strawberries… in addition to the lowland crops, such as bananas.

                        From citrus to roses and orchids, Tierras Altas, Panama, has it all. You can also enjoy garden tours, including Finca Dracula, a privately owned botanical garden, whose orchid collection is the third largest in the world.

                        Who Should Come To Tierras Altas?

                        Tierras Altas is a wonderful home for nature lovers, bird watchers, gardeners, hikers, tinkerers (those who can stay busy with hobbies and projects), and relaxed, everyday, down-to-earth people.

                        But, if you’re used to large social circles and events, like getting dressed up, nightlife, and fine dining, you may be disappointed here.

                        You should come see Tierras Altas, Panama, for yourself if you seek simplicity, privacy, a connection with nature, and an unpretentious and welcoming expat community.

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                          Dracula orchid. tierras altas panama
                          Source: Becky Teeters

                          The Top Attraction In Cerro Punta, Panama For Orchid Enthusiasts

                          By Becky Teeters

                          White sand beaches and sunny days… No snow to shovel… Leaving behind the stresses of everyday life… These are the things people dream about when considering moving to places like Panama.

                          After we’re done daydreaming, though, come the questions. Will my savings last? What if I do not speak Spanish? Will I get bored not having a local movie theater, the opera, or Friday night bingo? Honestly, it all depends on how creative you are willing to be. Becoming a “tourist” in your new home is the best way to get to know more about the people and places you have decided to adopt.

                          There are several rain forests in Panama, but the Chiriquí Highlands center around Volcán Barú. The peak of the volcano is 3,475 meters (11,000 feet) in elevation. On a clear day, trekkers willing to make the four-hour ascend can see both the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean.

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                            With increased elevation in the highlands, temperatures are much cooler—a welcomed break from the heat of the lowlands. Jackets are a mainstay against the nearly constant mist that provides frequent opportunities to view rainbows. There are two major areas in the highlands that have expat communities.

                            Tucked into the west side of the volcano sits the small town of Volcán, and the opposite side is home to the popular town of Boquete. Both areas are beautiful examples of highlands and rain forests but offer two different lifestyles.

                            Panama has no shortage of places to visit.

                            One of the most intriguing and tropical day-cations is the secluded Finca Dracula. Hidden in the hills of Cerro Punta, Tierras Altas, this is the official home to Dracula. But not Bela Lugosi’s blood dripping Dracula from the 1930s or Frank Langella’s portrayal from the 1970s, but rather the elusive Dracula Orchid.

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                              The orchid genus of Dracula consists of 118 species and can be found in parts of Central America and the northwest Andes. Although the name Dracula means “little dragon” it is an allusion to the character of novels and movies. The red-blood color of several of the species and their three long tails also give credit to the infamous character.

                              For orchid enthusiasts Finca Dracula is a must-see attraction in Tierras Altas, Panama. For the rest of the population, this place is an amazing respite from the outside world and home to over 2,000 species of orchids.

                              Even for non-orchid people, the tour will leave you overwhelmed with the beauty of the world of orchids.

                              The orchid collection is surrounded by 24 acres of lush gardens.

                              The gardens are all unique in what they have to offer visitors. One of the most unique ones is the Succulent Garden which opened in 2019.

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                                Here you’ll see a variety of cacti, Echeverias, Kalanchoe, Aloe, Euphorbias and many more. This garden is included in your guided tour of the orchid collection.

                                Although the orchid collection and Succulent Garden need a guide, the rest of the gardens throughout the property have self-guided trails.

                                The Light Garden is home to delicate cloud forest species and flowers. The Buddha Garden includes orchids, bromeliads, amaryllises and heliconias. The gardens enclose a beautiful cold-water lake with a dock over-looking the Japanese Garden.

                                If you still have energy, enjoy the Quetzal Flight Trail. It winds its way up the mountainside through a unique collection of plants and wildlife before rewarding visitors with a vista of the town of Cerro Punta, Tierras Altas.

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                                  To find your way to Finca Dracula head to the highlands of Chiriquí, Panama. Take the road to Volcán and continue to Cerro Punta.

                                  The home to Finca Dracula is in the cloud forest of Guadalupe and temperatures can be as low as 59°F in the daytime.

                                  The humidity can get to 95% with frequent rain showers or simple misting, making this the perfect destination for those that need a break from the heat of the beaches of Panama.

                                  Guests of Finca Dracula are urged to book online reservations for your tour: They keep groups to a manageable number and only have certain hours available each day.

                                  Note: Finca Dracula is only open each year from January to the end of April.

                                  Kathleen

                                  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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                                    Table Of Contents

                                    Tierras Altas, Panama- FAQs

                                    Tierras Altas, Panama, is a zone of the Chiriquí province. Tierras Altas is divided into five areas: Volcan, Cerro Punta, Cuesta de Piedra, Nueva California, and Paso Ancho.

                                    Tierras Altas is known as one of the most fertile places in Panama. The zone has spring-like weather and offers unique opportunities to enjoy hiking and agrotourism. Tierras Altas is also known as Panama’s highlands.

                                    Yes, Tierras Altas, Panama, is the ideal place to retire. You’ll find simplicity, privacy, a connection with nature, and an unpretentious and welcoming expat community.

                                    Tierras Altas is the place that produces legumes and vegetables, potatoes, onions, cabbage, lettuce, carrots, and fruits such as strawberries and blackberries. Panama’s highlands are the agricultural center of Panama.

                                    April is the warmest month in Volcán. It gets an average maximum temperature of 85°F.

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