“Kathleen, there are about 15 gringos living in Santa Fe, Panama, year-round and about 25 more who have bought property and plan to move here in the future. There is a small gringo-owned, eco-friendly development, with finished home sites for sale on the Santa Maria River. A new gringo builder from Austin is coming next month to build custom homes. There are plans for other projects in the area, by more gringos.
“There is the Lonely Planet-recommended gringo-owned hostel. A new smaller gringo hostel/cafe. Also the Delight Café (great food) is gringo-owned. There is horseback riding and river rafting on one of the five rivers that go through the Santa Fe area. And the Hotel Santa Fe has been upgraded.
“Santa Fe is attracting a younger, eco-friendly crowd than Boquete. Come to rejuvenate here.
“So Pat, who wrote to you recently to ask about this part of Panama, would not be the only gringo if he came to live here in Santa Fe, the Valley of the Waterfalls and a safe haven.
“Santiago is the gateway town, 30 miles away, with a big Do it Center. Only 1.5 hours from there on a new road to Santa Catalina you will find a nice beach and great surfing. We’re even closer to your husband Lief’s beach project, Los Islotes. Place in the mountains and at the beach?
“By the way, I went to your event in Panama City in 2009. Six months after, I moved my family to Panama. Your conference was very helpful. We moved here from Up County Maui. More food security here in Panama (and much cheaper).”
— Jon O., Panama
