Hey Mat,
You're on the right track! Panama!!!!
As mentioned too though Panama City is building out of control right now. Every direction you turn there are condo buildings being thrown up.
I've had the privilege of living in this great country for the past 3 years. (Originally from Texas) The growth I've seen has blown my mind.
I believe the key in investing in Latin America are in the niche markets of Panama. The top three to me would include Casco Viejo, Bocas Del Toro, and Volcan.
Casco Viejo is the old town in Panama City. It's where the next James Bond movie was filmed recently. It has very much a New Orleans French Quarter look and is being remodeled to it's original style. It's more expensive to get in here but will be a gold mind in the future.
Bocas del Toro is a little Caribbean town much like a Maui 15 years ago. It is undergoing a boom from development and tourism. Access is ever increasing, amenities are constantly improving, and it is constantly being discovered.
Volcan is Boquete in 5 years. (Boquete is an ex-pat retirement community with over 5,000 retirees. It is built out and getting rather expensive. It has been ranked the number 1 place to retire in the world for the past 6 years by International Living) I personally have put some money in Volcan, located in the highlands of Panama. The weather here is like Colorado in teh summer, that fresh crisp air. There is a family there, one of the wealthiest families in Panama, The Jansons, that has just started pre-sales on a $1.3 Billion dollar city they're doing there. It will have all new hospitals, shopping, schools, housing and more. This town is also located only 40 minutes away from the 2nd largest city in Panama, David, which by the way has an international airport that is expected to receive flights from the US within the next year!
Mat, I've made tons of contacts in my time here. I've also met dozens of people who have spent ample amount of time and have invested in both Costa Rica and Panama. 100% of these people say Panama is the way to go. Their reasons being; Infrastructure, the people, and pricing!
If you or anyone else would like any additional information about Panama or the development projects I'm associated with down here please don't hesitate to ask.
Regards - Justin
