How did Zell get started? Most business tycoons on Forbes’ list of billionaires have to start somewhere. Zell started out renting homes to students and friends at the University of Michigan while attending law school. He bought and sold distressed property during the crises in the 80s. He eventually owned over 225,000 properties throughout the United States. He was born to Jewish immigrants from Poland that moved to the United States right before the Nazi invasion in 1939.

According to different sources there is a housing deficit of somewhere in the neighborhood of 7-9 million homes in Brazil. This year the Brazilian Government lauched a program called Minha Casa, Mihna Vida (My House, My Life). It has plans to subsidize and finance the construstion of 1 million homes for poor and lower middle class families. Brazil historically has high interest rates, but in recent years rates has come down significantly to around 9%.

Real estate companies in Brazil are taking advantage of this growing market. Giants like Lopes and Brasil Brokers, two of the largest real estate brokerages in the country have seen accelerated growth in recent years. In 2007, Brasil Brokers raised money on the Brazilian stock exchange and has been growing through acquisitions. Headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, they currently operate in 15 states throughout Brazil. The real estate franchise model is not as prevelant in Brazil as the United States or Europe, but Century 21 recently set up shop in Sao Paulo and has goals of growing to 1000 offices in the next decade. Lopes, one of the oldest real estate companies in all of Brazil has been growing its profits at a fast pace. Lopes posted Pro-forma Net Income of R$17.5 million (~$10 million USD) in 3Q09, increasing by 61% over 2Q09 and by 66% in relation to 3Q08. The company recently signed an agreement with online real estate marketplace VivaReal, to begin commercializing new construction projects as well as properties listed by its franchise arm Pronto Imoveis. VivaReal is founded by Brian Requarth, Web entrepreneur from California. The company is focused on building the largest marketplace for buying and selling real estate in the country. Having launched in May 2009, they are off to a good start with a few hundred thousand home buyers using its site to find properties throughout Brazil on a monthly basis. VivaReal is going after the +$1 billion that is spent on real estate advertising in traditional media in Brazil each year. With increased investments in real estate and more internet users than Germany, the company has a lot of room to grow.

With the recent announcement that Brazil will host the Olympic games in 2016 coupled with the World Cup in 2014, all eyes are on this emerging country with incredible potential. Some have compared Brazil’s current status right now to the United States in the 1950s. With a AAA rating from several major credit rating institutions and outstanding press from publications like The Economist, investors like Zell are counting on big returns in Brazil.

Sueli Pacheco is one of several highly respected real estate professionals from Sao Paulo whom believe that the worldwide economic crisis has indeed exerted great downward pressure on the Brazilian real estate market but nonetheless claim that the Brazilian real estate sector is strong enough to continue to grow; “simply at a slower more sustainable rate,” believes Mrs. Pacheco who says that:

“We expect this second semester to perform quite well. Key indicators show real estate appreciation will continue its upward path; just not as accelerated as before…”

The Worldwide Economic Crisis Is Having Very Little Effect On Both Brazil’s Residential as well as Commercial Real Estate Markets

Other very reputable professionals such as Celso Kocinas, Owner/Director of Zylber Assessoria Imobiliária — whose focus is primarily on the commercial real estate sector — tell us that Brazil is in very good shape right now. Even more astonishing is the belief that it is expected to continue to be that way.

“Demand for commercial real estate (stores, shops, offices, etc.) is extremely high right now. Property value and appreciation has been significant and rental rates are high. The real estate sector in Perdizes for example [a neighborhood in Sao Paulo] is very strong regardless of the economic crisis or the falling US dollar.” claims Mr. Kocinas who further says that:

“Everyone is looking to rent commercial property. If I had a handful of shops to rent out right now I could rent them out very quickly.”

So Where is all This Upward Pressure Coming From?

The downward pressure on Brazil’s real estate sector is definitely a consequence of worldwide economic turmoil, but where is the upward pressure coming from? Why do real estate professionals such as Mrs. Pacheco and Mr. Kocinas think so highly of this market?

* The Brazilian government is making major investments in infrastructure.
* Brazil’s Central Bank is continuing to lower interest rates.
* Brazil is continuing to see strong growth throughout the construction sector.
* The Brazilian government has raised the lending cap for Brazilian workers which are buying homes through government backed programs.
* In the past couple of years we have seen more and more real estate trust funds (REITs) enter the Brazilian market.
* Tourism in Brazil is flourishing.
* The government has made great strides in reducing the red tape associated with foreign investment in Brazil’s real estate sector.
* Big name real estate internet portals have begun paying attention to Brazil thus giving the market even more foreign as well as domestic exposure.

Conclusion

Key economic indicators as well as the testimony of respected real estate professionals such as Celso Kocinas and Sueli Pacheco make Brazil’s real estate market seem highly shielded against the current global recession. The accelerated way in which the Brazilian real estate market over performed for the past couple of years may indeed slow down, but it is highly unlikely that it will come to a halt.

Brazil skyline photo kindly provided by flickr

Contributing writer to LatinWorld.com

Please look before you leap.

After reviewing the many articles that are available on the Internet on the subject of relocating to Panama and discussing the subject with friends and neighbors, we (a handful of full time Panama expat residents) thought we would try to present a realistic view of the “Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” of this major life style decision.

The Good

Depending on your choice of location in Panama, you will find the beaches and the beautiful oceans close at hand.  They are typically warm but breezy, thoroughly refreshing, and relatively clean.  Speaking of water, that which is intended for consumption, is fresh, pure, and entirely drinkable.  There are areas, however, where thoughtless use of pesticides has resulted in the need for the installation of home purification systems.

If gardening is your thing (or even if your prefer to just supervise), you will find an amazing array of tropical flowers (with orchids being particularly hardy and with many varieties available) and trees to plant throughout the year – different things during the two seasons, the rainy and dry months.  The climate consists of these two periods, both lasting approximately 6 months.  The dry season (or summer) starts in late December, early January and ends in mid May.  The rainy season (or winter) gets going around mid May and lasts until mid to late December.  Typically, a day in the rainy season begins with the sun out and clear skies. Then in the early afternoon, there is rain for an hour or so, and then the sun reappears.  Temperatures throughout the year (again depending on location) only vary 10 degrees or so (75-85 degrees during the day), the dry season being the higher.  The climate encourages a particularly lush environment which, in turn, provides the perfect habitat for a host of colorful birds, native animals, and exotic looking – some say “beautiful” – insects!

We have all found these things (the proximity to great beaches and oceans, the ability to be surrounded by a vibrant landscape while enjoying the magnificent weather) have greatly contributed to an easy adjustment to life in Panama.  Helping as well are the great roads which lead to many interesting sites and cities, the moderate cost of living, and the ability to meet and enjoy the Panamanian people.

The Bad

Favorite pastimes (reading best sellers, knitting, gourmet cooking, chatting endlessly with family members on the phone, or even receiving letters) sometimes have to be finessed or eliminated altogether.  Bring a good supply of books in the language of your choice – unless it’s Spanish, then “no problemo” – and encourage guests to bring some along with them when they come for a visit.  Ditto any special hobby needs or exotic ingredients which may be in short supply or unavailable altogether!  Better get hooked up on Skype or some other communication modality and be email literate.  Calling internationally and receiving mail is pricey!

Before you buy a piece of ground to begin to have your dream house built, please take into consideration the following:  the “ mañana” factor!  Everything goes at a slower pace here and there is no sense of urgency.  If you have left your ability to be patient wherever you have moved from, please go back and get it.  If you were never a patient person to begin with, please think long and hard about building versus buying an existing spec house or resale.   Retrofitting an existing structure is much easier than building from scratch.  Ask folks who have “been there, done that” and you will soon discover the wisdom of this advice.  By the way, those folks you asked for advice, they are your new “family” so try to listen carefully to what they are telling you and profit from their experience.  After you have listened and actually followed what they have told you and saved yourself no end of pain and expense, not to mention aggravation, have them over for dinner as a way of saying “Thanks”!   They may become your new best friends!

The Ugly

Have you have started to think Panama is synonymous with Utopia?  There are a few challenges of which you must be aware.  Traffic in Panama City can be daunting.  The lack of street signs combined with the curious driving habits of the cab drivers can often result in a hair-raising experience.  Are you used to having everything available at all times and in close proximity?  Unless you choose to live in Panama City, you will not enjoy that luxury.  Many  items (produce and paper goods to name two) have to be imported and therefore will not always be on the grocery store shelf and will be a bit more expensive due to importing costs.  We have a saying in Panama: “If you see it and want it, buy it!”  It may not be there the next time you go looking.  Also, there is a suspicion that some manufacturers send goods they would not be able to market elsewhere to Panama.  Quality can be an elusive characteristic.

Bienvenidos a Panama!

front photo provided by ethantate at http://www.flickr.com/photos/ethantate/2750089356/

first photo provided by seracat at http://www.flickr.com/photos/mserarolsbcn/3370563337/

second photo provided by Alexander H.m: Cascone at http://www.flickr.com/photos/cascone/1295936293/

It’s a bit strange that a country, after experiencing years of economic growth, would democratically decide to shift political directions.  However, this is exactly what has happened recently in Panama.  In the most lopsided victory in the country’s short democratic history, Democratic Change Party (DCP) candidate and businessman Ricardo Martinelli defeated opponent Balbina Herrera, ushering in a new political force at a time in which Panamà stands on the brink of becoming a economic force.  But it remains to be seen if this gamble will pay off for the economy and foreign investors.

Martinelli does not take office until July 1, 2009, but already Panamanians are ecstatic about the country’s future under the supermarket chain owner’s leadership.  Possessing great business acumen as well as an astute political mind, Martinelli appears to be the perfect remedy for these uncertain economic times.  While the incredible boom Panama experienced in the last 6 or 7 years has largely deflected a severe economic downturn similar to the ones in other Central American countries, growth has significantly slowed this year, something which has definitely not gone unnoticed.  While still healthy, economic growth has shrunk from 9.2 percent in 2008 to 3 percent in 2009.

The real estate sector is feeling the economic pinch most severly.  Whereas only a year ago it was quite easy for domestic and foreign investors to get large construction and investment loans, such ease is no longer possible.  Many of the towering condo and apartment buildings in Panama City lie dormant, half finished steel cable skeletons.

Martinelli plans to tackle the financial crisis by improving Panama’s infrastructure, in hope that a less chaotic environment will be more inviting for foreign investors.  The president-elect has laid plans for a subway in the capital to alleviate the ever growing traffic problem, as well as a host of tax breaks and incentives aimed at luring foreign dollars.  A major proponent of a flat tax for businesses, Martinelli also opposes the request of the U.S. Senate for Panamà to turn over tax documents.  While Panamà has recently come under international scrutiny for being a so-called “tax haven”, Martinelli’s stubborn approach has been welcomed by Panamanians.

No one really expects Martinelli to bring the Panamanian economy back to the golden days of  ’06,’07, an d’08.  At least not in the immediate future.  In fact, many projections have the economy slowing even further in 2010.  But, as said before, Martinelli has proved through his success in the private sector to understand the business world and has made a modest goal of stabilizing the country.  If Panamà can come out of the current crisis relatively unscathed, the president-elect believes that the country will be poised for incredible economic prosperity as struggling countries will look to Panamà for stability and dependability in the investing and banking sectors.

photo provided by rupertomiller at http://www.flickr.com/photos/rupertomiller/3408143003/

Many people have been asking about property ownership in Brazil, and specifically about purchasing real estate through a foreign (non-Brazilian) company.  The short answer is yes, you can buy real estate this way, as opposed to using your personal name.  However, the process is lengthy and complicated.  That’s why we are here.

LatinWorld.com’s in-house Brazil expert, Diego Simon, is a native brasileiro with years of experience in the real estate market there.  Here´s what he had to say about the subject:

“The whole process may take from a few weeks to a few months (editor’s note: what in Brazil doesn’t take a few weeks or months?).  The first requirement for the process of real estate acquisition in Brazil by a foreign company is a previous authorization of the CDN (Conselho de Defesa Nacional). To acquire real estate, the foreign company needs to register at the “Secretaria da Receita Federal”, obtaining a tax number called CNPJ (Cadastro Nacional de Pessoa Jurídica).

‘The register of the company must be formalized with an inscription at the CADEMP (Cadastro de empresas da Área do DECEC), which is the Department of Exchange and Foreign Capitals (Departamento de Capitais Estrangeiros e Câmbio).  The request is made at the Central Bank of Brazil (Banco Central do Brasil).  To start the process, it’s necessary to have a photocopy of the company’s constitutive act, authenticated by the Brazilian Consulate at the company’s country of origin, and translated by an authorized translator in Brazil.

‘We strongly recommend the guidance of a specialized lawyer, with strong knowledge of Civil, Comercial, Tax, and International Laws in Brazil, to intermediate the buying process according to the Brazilian laws and, at the same time, preserve the interests of your company.

‘On the other hand, the acquisition of real estate under a personal name is much more straightforward.  It is recommended if possible, because the only requirement is the registration for a Brazilian CPF (Cadastro de Pessoa Física).”

Here is the official law on the subject, albeit in Portuguese.  “IN 568 de 08/09/2005, Art. 11 itens 5,9 e 10 da alínea “a”, combinado com os itens 1 a 6 da alínea “b” do inciso XIV do Art. 11 da Instrução Normativa do BACEN de n° 568 de 08/09/2005.”

Similarly, Cristina Adam from Kapital International had this to say:

“Your company will have to be registered as a tax payer. A property bought under a person’s name  registers with CPF, and companies register with CNPJ.  So the registered address can be the new property address and the documents required will be the social contract of your company and the passports of the owner(s) of the company.”

With such a complicated process, it is definitely in your best interest to find a top notch real estate attorney that understands the ins and outs of not only real estate ownership in Brazil, but also foreign company investment.  This will go a long way in making this process much smoother.

To browse Brazil real estate listings, visit VivaReal. They have a growing database of Fortaleza real estate, Florianopolis real estate as well as other cities.

Se o Português é a sua língua nativa, você pode visitar o portal VivaReal para buscar imóveis em São Paulo, como apartamentos em São Paulo e casas em São Paulo.

photo provided be luiz at http://www.flickr.com/photos/graduale/354513902/

The famous Hercilio Luz bridge alight

By Patrick Connelly

Florianopolis is a city cursed with names.  The current label is in reference to Floriano Peixoto, who was Brazil’s president from 1891-1894 and is accused by many residents of the city of being a brutal dictator that murdered hundred in the area during his administration.  Not exactly someone to build statues of or name streets after.  But, alas, he gets his own city.  However, the alternative is just as cacophonic.  Many residents are campaigning for the name to be restored to its original moniker: Our Lady of the Banished.

Despite its inability to come up with a suitable name, Florianapolis is booming.  The island city – well, half of it is on an island – has become a tourist and expat destination for adventurous people all over the world.  Great beaches are in no short supply and the climate, while still tropical, is not the same scorching heat that typifies some of the more northern cities.

Surfers first made the city famous abroad during the 1970′s and 80′s with the discovery of incredible wave breaks at the Joaquina and Campeche beaches, both of which are still hugely popular today.  Already frequented by Brazilians as a prime weekend destination, foriegners soon began to flock to the “magic island” in the 90′s and a healthy English-speaking expat population now exists.

The island, which is the main tourist and expat draw, is divided into north and south sections.  The northern half has seen the majority of tourist attention and thus has the hotels, popular beaches and nightspots, etc. etc.  Along with Joaquina and Campeche, the north also has uber-popular beaches like Jurere and Inglesias, popular among partygoers, expats, and families alike.

Conversely, the southern part of the island has been able to retain a way of life that has existed for hundreds of years.  Portuguese immigrants from the Azores islands arrived to the island in the 18th century and set up a fishing/agriculture society which is still evident despite the growing number of surfers and sunbathers around their fishing nets.  For the foreigner, the south offers a a refuge from the sometimes crowded north and, despite being underdeveloped in terms of tourist infrastructure, still has a number of hotels and real estate opportunities.

The island of Santa Catarina, on which the city is located, has been named by Newsweek as one of the most dynamic places to live in the entire world (http://www.newsweek.com/id/46125/page/12).  It is an extreme mix of traditional shrimping villages and modern skyscrapers, of bikini-clad women and sleepy hamlets.  Each year hundreds of foreigners fall victim to the spell of the “magic island” and now call it home.

Florianopolis can be reached by air from almost any city in Brazil and is a only a short flight from both Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Here’s a video about the region

If you are interested in renting or buying Florianopolis real estate, visit VivaReal.

cover photo by Joao H at http://www.flickr.com/photos/john_jones/1537275160/

first photo by Eduardo Cavasotti at http://www.flickr.com/photos/cavasotti/16306955/

second photo by Pablo O Palmiero at http://www.flickr.com/photos/pablopalmeiro/2856353153/

It is, ultimately, the point where the process of living in Mexico diverges into two distinct paths.  The question of whether to rent or to buy – to purchase that clifftop villa on the Pacific or just rent a nice place in the nearby town – plagues many a prospective buyer in the U.S. and Canada.  The decision has more variables in it than a college calculus class, but here are a few things to take into consideration if you are having the same quandary.

1. Renting keeps your options open

If you are like me and have a total fear of commitment (relationships, locations, etc. etc.) then renting is perfect for you.  Well, that and if you are just not totally sure on living abroad for long periods of time or permanently, or don’t fancy investing money in a property in another country.  Renting can be a great option for the certain type of person, especially those new to Mexico.  Buying or building a house ties you down to that property.  Renting does not.  Simple as that.  If you find out that you hate Mexico and want nothing more than to stay in the U.S., it is much easier to cancel or see out a lease than it is to sell a home.  And if you want to travel around Mexico or Latin America for an extended period of time, it is usually easy to sublet your rented property to recoup some of the losses.

2. Buying a house is an investment

While the global recession has driven down home prices in Mexico in recent months, owning a home south of the border is still a great long term investment.  The Mexican economy hasn’t been hit as hard as the U.S. has and the situation north of the border will recover in time.  In fact, many real estate professionals are predicting a strong buyer’s market in the coming months in hotspots like Puerto Vallarta and Cancun.  With a bit of shrewd cunning great deals can be found these days and when the markets bounce back – and they will – owning a property in Mexico suddenly becomes a very, very valuable commodity.

3. There is far less of a financial investment when renting

Well, duh.  Financially speaking, it is definitely the “safer” of the two options.  While you certainly get more bang for your buck in Mexico than you do in the U.S., buying a home is still a major financial investment.

4. YOU own the house and deal with no one else

Anyone that has dealt with landlords knows it can be a real headache.  Its no different in Mexico.  The fact that you do not own your rental property and have to answer to a higher up may lead to squabbles over anything from redecorating to rent to leases.  Choosing a good rental management company can prevent conflict if you want to rent.

On the other hand, when you own a house, you decide what goes in it, what additions will be put on, etc. etc.  You are your landlord.

5. More choices when buying

Odds are, you will find a property for sale in Mexico that matches your desires before a rental.  There are just more options out there to choose from. Rentals are only ultra popular in certain areas frequented by vacationing tourists, while good homes for sale exist everywhere.

The choice ultimately comes down to you.  Owning a home in Mexico can be the experience of a lifetime, but it isn’t for everyone.  My advice would be to rent a house for a few months in your desired location….get to know the culture, climate, and lifestyle.  If you fall in love with it, jump in.  If you hate it, simply back out or try a different region of Mexico.  This is by far the smartest approach to take – many a gringo have made impulse buys after a two week vacation in Cancun or Cabos and ended up with a house they later realize they don’t want.

photo provided by Ze Eduardo at http://www.flickr.com/photos/97968921@N00/756377225/

Acapulco

99.9% of the time its good to be the favorite beach destination for a city of 25 million, but alas the coastal resort town is experienceing that .1% right now.  As wealthy residents of the capital enjoy a mini vacation, and with much of Mexico City closed, many are flocking to ‘Pulco for some fun and sun….but in the eyes of the town’s residents, they are potentially bringing the dreaded flu along with the sunscreen and beach towels.  And they aren’t happy: Police report that as many as four cars with Mexico City plates have been stoned by Acapulco residents as they entered the town. So much for a warm welcome…

Despite Covadonga Gomez, the town’s hotel and tourism cheif, publicly pleading with capital city residents to stay away from Acapulco, a steady stream of vacationers made the five hour trip from Mexico City last weekend.  And while Apaculco officials reiterated the fact that every restaurant, bar, and disco were closed, many establishments deemed the almighty dollar, er, peso, was too much to ignore.  High profile places like Señor Frog’s and Sibu were open for business and reportedly quite crowded.

Cancun

It’s without surprise that Cancun, which relies so heavily on foreign tourists and expats, is getting economically kicked all over the place by the flu outbreak.  As soon as news of the flu began, most cruise lines cancelled their stops in Cancun and the rest of the Maya Riviera, taking away the lucrative invasions of cruisegoers.  Hotels are reported to be half empty with cancellations coming in every hour and outbound flights are jam packed with tourists trying to flee.  Additionally, many European and U.S. airlines have cancelled or cut back the number of flights to Cancun since the confirmation that several New York students have the H1N1 virus and also just returned from the resort town (no official link between the two has been found, however).

Mónica Roberts, operations chief for Real Resorts in Cancun, reports only 20% of the rooms are full at a time when 80-90% should be, according to the Washington Post.

Following local leaders’ insistence that not one case of H1N1 has been confirmed in Cancun or the state of Quintana Roo, tourists and expats in the area report that there seems to be a hush-hush attitude held by hotel staff, restaurant waiters, and just about everyone else with vested interest in the tourist industry.  Without foreigners, Cancun will suffer terribly, and for now it seems like it is just doing enough to keep its head above water…

San Miguel Allende

San MA, and the state of Guanajuato in whole, has not confirmed one case of H1N1 and the population is reported to be quite healthy.  Despite this, fear and panic have taken over many of the citizens of this popular expat and retiree destination.  Like Mexico City, many of the public sectors have shut down and, unlike in the coastal resort towns, green facemasks have become the new fashion craze.  As with the rest of the country, schools are closed for the foreseeable future, but for the time being there is no H1N1 in the area.

Cabo San Lucas and the Baja Peninsula

The expat and tourist mega-destination that is the southern Baja Peninsula, including Cabo San Lucas, has been confirmed “Swine flu free” by the Mexican government, however, this did not stop Rosarito officials from cancelling Cinco de Mayo celebrations or several cruise line operators to cancel stops in Baja.  Tourist numbers are reported to be slightly down in the last week, but again, there have been no confirmed cases.

Have more information about the H1N1 flu in Mexico? Are you an expat, retiree, or tourist somewhere in this great country?  We want to hear your story!  Let us know whats going on in your community.

photo provided by Current News Stories at http://www.flickr.com/photos/currentnews/3489545692/

Click here for Round 1: Retirement Benefits

Click here for Round 2: Climate

Click here for Round 4: Things To Do

Round 3: People and Culture

If you are going to relocate, either as an expat or retiree, its important to know what your neighbors will be like.  Considering that most prospective expats and retirees don’t want to live in a country full of jerks, this article takes a look at the culture and people in both countries and determines a winner.  Round 3, begin!

Note: These are generalizations and not meant to include every citizen.  Also, food will be covered in another article.
Costa Rica

The oft-repeated generalization is that Costa Rica, in fact, has no culture.  This is impossible; even a land of brain-eating zombies have a culture of, well, eating brains.  The Ticos certainly do have a culture, albeit not as impressive as the Mayan-rich countries to the north.  And if culture is defined by recent social and political instability, then I think most Costa Ricans would be more than happy to have little of it.

CR is definitely the whiter of the two countries, with 97% of the population classifying themselves as white or mestizo.  Some Ticos will claim that there isn’t racism in the country, which is easy to say when you never really see Afro-Caribbeans or pure indigenous people.  In fact, Afro-Caribbeans were not allowed to leave the Limón province until 1949 (however, the U.S. had some pretty draconian racial laws at this time as well).  But alas it is the 21st century and for the most part all is well.

Ticos are generally conservative people who for the most part shun the weird and bizarre.  Additionally, they shy away from debate in an almost offensive manner as to, ironically, not offend anyone.  Perhaps that is the Central American key to political stability: don’t talk about politics, don’t stir the pot.  They will, however, do whatever they can to impress their guests and are extremely amiable.

Religiously, Costa Rica is a dominantly Catholic country.  However, the church does not have the kind of power or influence it does with CR’s neighbors; many Ticos claim to be Catholic but practice it more as a tradition than a lifestyle.  A crucial part of the country’s culture is its strong middle class, something of an oddity in Latin America.  It acts as a sort of homogenizing ease between the poor (yes, Costa Rica has poor people despite claims to the contrary) and the rich elite, smoothing over tensions by giving the poor an feasible economic ladder to climb.  Thus, coupled by the fact that the country has no army and no military budget, is the reason why the school, medical, and road systems are developed.

Summing up, Ticos are smart, kind people who wish to leave a good impression on visitors.  While this makes for a great vacation and you know your neighbors will be peaceful folks who invite you over for sunset dinners, the general disdain for healthy debate takes some of the spark out of conversation

Panama

Panamanians must be split up into two groups: those living in the capital, and everyone else.  Just about every city-dweller in the world makes fun of, looks down on, or thinks less of the hicks, rednecks, countryfolk, farmboys, etc etc that live outside the metropolis’ limits.  But the inhabitants of Panama City seem to have an indignation, nearly reaching hatred status, of everyone else in the country.  Once, when telling a Panama City friend of mine that I was going to go to the rainforests to the west of the city, he became perplexed and responded simply with “Why would you want to go there?”.  PCity is the place to be; if you don’t live there, then you haven’t made it to the top yet.  Thus the snobbish attitude that many capital residents have and the reason why two groups must be made when looking at the people and culture of the country.

Whereas Costa Rica is very, very white, Panama is a melting pot of races and cultures.  A healthy population of Afro-Panamanians, as well as several indigenous communities, inject a good deal of diversity into the country.  Additionally, the canal project and subsequent international trade has brought sizable enclaves of Chinese, Koreans, and Indians to the capital.  The diverse crowd, along with prosperous economic times, makes racism a mute point, although it does exist.

The Panamanian attitude, especially in the capital, is a combination of New Orleans’ “let the good times roll” and Las Vegas extravagance. The new found wealth that the canal and international banking have brought has fostered a forward-thinking capitalistic society that could care less about the past; in fact, I had a Panamanian history and culture professor in Panama City tell me that history is pretty much irrelevant and can even be a hindrance.Panamanians can be a bit more closed off than their Tico counterparts, but once the initial ice is broken they are as inviting as any culture.  They love to talk about anything, which is perhaps a vestige from their Colombian roots.  However, the wealthy elite, who are growing in number, can be a bit prudish and flashy.

Round 3 Winner: TIE.  While their timidity and political disassociation can get a bit annoying at times, the Tico’s welcoming vibes are irresistible and definitely add to the charm of the country.  Also, their predominately European heritage makes them unique in Central America.  Panamanians love a good party and are cool people, but the initial closed circles and penchant for the uber-rich to flash money around is a turnoff.  But the diverse racial mix of the country, including several indigenous groups and the Afro-Panamanians on the Caribbean coast, make up for any big-spending showboaters.

Contributing writer to Latinworld.com

One of the most appealing elements of Panama’s geography is the wide variety of micro climates that can be experienced in a very short time. Few places in the world offer a visitor the opportunity to luxuriate in a bathing suit on a pristine beach one day and don a jacket the next day to hike the slopes of a dormant volcano in a cool cloud forest. Of the many attractions in the Republic of Panama, the province of Chiriquí probably offers the most variety for the visitor in a manageable space.

Chiriquí occupies the northwest corner of Panama and shares a border with Costa Rica. For outdoor enthusiasts, Chiriquí provides an extraordinary variety of ways to take full advantage of nature’s bounty. It is possible here to fish for record-size Blue Marlin one day and fly fish for trout in a mountain stream the following day. There are several rivers where the traveler can experience white water rafting comparable to any in the world. And the mountains also offer the exhilaration of a forest canopy zip line tour that would thrill even the most jaded adventurer.
There is an excellent variety for the ocean lover in Chiriquí, too. The Pacific shore at La Barqueta is a broad, dark sand beach where each year Panama hosts its international surf contest. At the Pedregal River estuary the tiny hamlet of Boca Chica is home to a number of upscale resorts offering fishing and diving activities. Just across the mouth of the river, on the island of Boca Brava secluded lodges and romantic hideaways beckon even seasoned travelers with tropical allure complete with the cacophony of tribes of howler monkeys in the treetops. The calm waters of the Bahia de Charco Azul are protected by the jutting Burica Peninsula shared by Costa Rica. Here at places like Punta Piedra, you will find dramatic, rocky seaside landscapes interspersed with quiet palm-lined beaches where yours are the only footprints in evidence.

For the avian enthusiast, Chiriquí offers opportunities for bird watching that rival any in the world. More than a dozen hummingbird varieties make their home here and countless variations of parrots. The harpy eagle, national bird of Panama, soars through the canyons of the Chiriquí highlands with majestic grace. The famous Los Quetzales trail goes through the Baru Volcano National Park and connects the towns of Cerro Punta and Boquete. This mountain rainforest is part of the Talamanca Mountain Range, an interesting geological formation that contains unique flora and fauna perfect to harbor highland species of Chiriquí.

These absolutely beautiful forests have the highest peak in Panama, the Baru Volcano 11,398 ft. The Quetzales Trail goes to at an altitude of 6000 ft, on a ridge with amazing views, and full of ancient trees, like oak, cedar, magnolia and laurel or aguacatillo (Quetzals main food). Ferns and mosses provide habitat for a great number of birds, such as Buffy Tuftedcheek, Ruddy Treerunner, Spotted Barbtail, and Spectacled Foliage-Gleaner. Heliconias and flowers attract a variety of gorgeous hummingbirds such as White-throated Mountain-Gem, Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Volcano Hummingbird, Magnificent Hummingbird and Violet Sabrewing.

Chiriquí is also home to some of the world’s finest coffee plantations in the world. The area surrounding Boquete has earned top cupping honors in recent competitions and the highest price ever paid for any beans in the world was lavished on one of Boquete’s boutique growers. A tour of a coffee plantation is not to be missed when visiting the highlands. Many different growers offer tours and cupping sessions for visitors.

Finally, no description of Chiriquí would be complete without mentioning the Chiricanos themselves. If you meet a person from Chiriquí he or she is likely to tell you “Soy Chiricano” (I am Chiricano) rather than “Soy Panamaño” (I am a Panamanian). Among these friendly and industrious people there is great pride in their provincial heritage. They will tell you proudly that Chiriquí is the breadbasket of Panama. The farms and gardens of Cerro Punta produce the vast majority of fresh vegetables consumed in the Republic of Panama. Vast greenhouses yield everything from fresh greens and herbs to long-stemmed roses to ornament the tables where those foods are served.

The city of David is a thriving commercial hub for the province boasting modern shopping, theaters and dining for visitors and locals. A small international airport serves as a regional hub and the Pedgregal Marina is one of a only a handful outside of the capital city. Excellent roads connect most points of interest and a reliable bus service runs to all points. In short, Chiriquí Province offers a varied and exciting opportunity to explore Panama’s rich natural and cultural attractions within a convenient, accessible framework.

Lisa Leuthesser is a managing partner and marketing director for http://www.buyingrealestateinpanama.com a company specializing in real estate in Panama’s undiscovered interior provinces.

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