The Panama Insider - What is the REAL Panama????... - Latest news

That said, of all your plans, invest in Spanish lessons. Through the Panama Insider Traveler Discount Card, you can save 20% on already low prices in Boquete or Bocas del Toro. You can take 1 class or several- and in the process of saving money, you’re also going to become part of a community- a community of REAL people in Panama with whom you can share similar values, grow and learn from, and participate in various adventures with.

That sounds a lot better than flipping through the channels of your flat screen stuck in a lonely penthouse overlooking the ocean, doesn’t it?

One of our most popular activities is an exotic food tasting and cooking class. Men, women, and children alike really enjoy discovering new tropical fruits smoothies, chutneys, meat & ‘potato’ dishes (Panama has several yummy root vegetables that will be new to you), plus trying out all the new rums & mixed drink combinations. For the price you’d pay back home for one small grocery bag of tropical fruits and a 6-pack- instead, invest in the REAL Panama experience and learn how to cook like a real Panamanian- or at least drink like one!

Another important aspect to being Panamanian is the social aspect. Panamanians love to have fun, and every day is a good to party in Panama (as long as it’s just after ‘quincena’ or payday). To enjoy the REAL Panama experience, you need a buddy who can formalize you with various cultural events like Fiestas Patrias (founders’ day), the Matanza ‘pig roast’, and various rodeo events. If you’re into history & culture, you must visit two places: Las Tablas & Portobello. Las Tablas is definitely known as the REAL Panama. Here you’ll discover the true spirit of Panama hats, dresses, dance, crafts, & Panama’s long history as the trade route of the West in Portobello. Go with someone who knows the area. Take a guide, or find a Spanish speaking guide in Portobello. A guide book might even prove beneficial for once.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Panama guide books are outdated, 20% accurate, and misleading. If you’re trying to discover the REAL Panama, you should know that tourism in Panama is brand new, with less than 10 years since the Panamanians regained control of the Canal. Therefore, no guidebook can keep up with all the new roads, maps, lodging, tours, & concierge providers. I’ve just finished reading the 2010 Lonely Planet, and it’s wrong almost every other sentence. Plus it can’t filter out the winners from the losers based on your personality, budget, and interests. In Panama, having a bi-lingual concierge is worth its weight in gold. We can introduce you to a few excellent providers from VIP Bachellor parties, Corporate & Banking support services, budget travel concierge & tour guides, plus several reputable bi-lingual lawyers, bankers, or real estate agents.

So what is your motivation for visiting Panama? Offshore asset protection, expanding investment options, affordable retirement, government corruption on the home front, self actualization, tropical weather & higher quality of life, or just visiting a country with thousands of interesting places all within close proximity? Whether you’re independent, on a tight budget, or have no time to waste, you can now feel safe and secure in the knowledge that The Panama Insider has got your back. Check out or various concierge services, pick one, and start getting targeted answers to your questions today.