Tour of Our Jungle/Ocean Bocas Del Toro, Panama Property!
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 11. 03. 2021
- In this video, I'll take you on a tour through the 5 hectare (13 acre) property that we purchased in Bocas Del Toro, Panama! Yes, the thumbnail for this video is an actual drone shot of our property. đ Remember- this is NOT how everyone in Panama lives!! You want to live in a high rise condo? You can! You want to live in a 3/2 modern home in a gated community? You can! You want to live on a farm and grow all of your own food? You can! You want to live in the middle of a jungle on the Caribbean Sea? I do! đ
Have questions? Come over to the I Go Panama facebook group at / igopanama and I'll be more than happy to help you out over there!
Have questions? Come over to the I Go Panama facebook group at facebook.com/groups/igopanama and I'll be more than happy to help you out over there!
Wow! Thanks for the tour. I can't believe how much work you have put into this property in such a short time. It's a shame to see the damage that neglect and theft has done to the buildings over a few short years. I looked back on my computer to see if I could find the old pics of the buildings from when it was listed for sale many years ago but I had no luck finding them. This is a wonderful homesite. Congratulations on the purchase!
The jungle and the locals claim any abandoned land around here pretty quickly! But we're going to try to get it back into tiptop shape and exhibit the natural beauty this unique property has to offer.
@@IGoPanama Yeah, umm don't forget that Squatter's Rights is a law in Panama. If a land is abandoned for over a certain amount of time and squatters have moved in and can prove that they have made improvements to it and can also prove that they have lived there for a certain amount of time, the portion of the land they can prove they occupied and improved upon can become theirs. Looks like you got there just in time. haha XD
This law is also to prevent people from hoarding land. Some people many years ago were simply buying property and abandoning it or hoarding it. Some would even leave the country and be gone for decades. Back in the late 60s and 70s they put an end to that practice.
Bocas del Toro is such an easy place to visit, it has a nice vibe and good food, and you will have a lot of fun here.
Lived there for 5 years and loved every second of it!
This is so beautiful Mary! You and your husband have not stopped one moment and already planted and done so much! The mangrove and the old growth trees are unbelievably beautiful! Good thing you are not turning everything into lawns! Wild is beautiful and the waterfront is amazing! I'm happy someone with your knowledge is overseeing and preserving a big chunck of the property in it's original jungle state! Respecting the land and the water is so important! What you are doing is awesome! I'm happy you both take the time to relax...I understand you and your husband 100% It must be so satisfying at the end of each day and the pride to see how much you have done and seeing your dreams take shape, slowly, surely and wisely! Thank you for sharing your work and your dreams! This is what life is about! I'm happy for you both and your dog living a wholesome new life together!
What a kind and uplifting comment, Johanne!! I really appreciate it more than you know!
@@IGoPanama Yeah, I was hoping the camera man would take a shot at you standing by the trunk of one of those giant trees so that people could appreciate how big they truly are. They almost look prehistoric. I always loved those types of trees. So majestic!
What an amazing property! I can see why you wanted it! I hope to see it in person one day!
Me too!!! Start planning for 2022 or 23!!
Missing my beautiful Panama đ”đŠ. Looking forward to go back and retired. đđ
So happy for you!
AMAZING!!!
What an absolutely stunning place..
Really happy for you. This was a nice video to watch because I felt your pride and happiness. Well deserved, I'm sure! Good for you. You're inspiring many.
Thank you!
Seeing how people like you choose to live under those conditions and be so glad about taking the chance, makes me not want to take anything for granted and glad for the simple things in life that bring you the most joy. Uh, I recommend watching The Nomadic Movement videos. They're actually building a farm from scratch in the foothills of Boquete, Chiriqui.
Relaxing ocean view đđđ
It really is!
Wow what a beautiful, large, lush property. I hope to be able to park my van when I go thru Panama. đ
We actually have a secured parking area here. Just let me know when you're on your way!
Thank you for sharing. I look forward to each new videođ€
Mary--you chose well. Love it!
that spot down there the water i can just imagine how many cool stuff you can do to create a super cool vibe place to chill apart from the main house
Can't wait to see the final product!
exciting things going on there, love the sounds of the birds, great find!
You should hear the birds in the morning (like right now)....
Love your seat!!!!
I would love to see more of your diy/ fix it up progress..your property is unique and fascinating and your adventure spirit seems to be up for it!
Count me up for sharing the journey!
Yeah, Mary's hubby did an awesome job with them steps!
Awesome!
Wow! I was not expecting it to be so lovely. Beautiful property. Congrats! Wish you well on your renos and remodels.
I know, it's like a dream property. It has a little bit of everything. The sea, a hill, a dock, a creek, a view, beautiful wildlife, access to the main road. It's like a smorgasbord of happiness all into one property. :D
Good pick, I like it.
WOW, Wonderful property and so much potential.
Beautiful property.
Beautiful place you haveâ€
Amazing property! Thank you so much for tour! đ”đŠâ€ïž
Stunning piece of land! Can't wait to see what you guys do with it. :D
Great piece of property. Lot's of potential. You made a great decision buying it.
Awesome. I can see the potential and wish I were younger to share a similar venture in paradise.
Thank you for a beautiful delivery of informative content.
Zowie! That's quite the property! You seem to have the right attitude for it, may your dreams come true. My wife and I have been here (El Valle area) for thirteen years. We love the sense of freedom and over the years have adapted well to Panama's ways. Saludos!
El Valle is an area I have yet to explore. Someday soon, I hope!
Awesome property. Love the plants and trees and the dock
Yes, the landscaping here is gorgeous. And I'm slowly adding more things now that I can see the lay of the land so to speak! We've transplanted over 50 coconut trees, a couple of avocado trees, and a few flowering plants so far.
@@IGoPanama And thank you for preserving and protecting the mangroves.
Oh, I always wondered why they call mangroves mangroves and why there aren't any womangroves. lol
Great tour, Mary - the property looks amazing and has tons of potential. I'm going to be in Panama in April on Jackie Lange's tour.
Beautiful! congratulations on all your work. Thanks for sharing, I appreciate your attitude and belief that there is a place for everyone. I am looking for mine...
You'll find it!
Wow, fantastic spot! Congratulations on finding it. I spent a month in Jungle School ( Fort Sherman ) Jan 78 and fell in love with Panama but never managed to make it back. I now have the means to get back there so your videos are very helpful. Thank you for taking the time to share your place and ideas with us and best of luck. I subscribed so I'll look forward to more videos. My best, John, Burlington, West Virginia
GRMS radios are becoming more popular with overlanders. I think they are legal in the Republic of Panama (trust but verify). You could set up a GMRS repeater on your property and use portable radios for comms between you and your staff.
We are actually getting a set of walkie talkies for that very thing!
@@IGoPanama If you can get them, the Baofeng UV-5X radios are "good enough." They are preprogrammed for GMRS/FRS and run $60 a pair. You need an FCC license to use them in the US, but you should be fine in Panama.
@@IGoPanama Here's an interesting review of some other interesting options: www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/camping-and-hiking/personal-locator-beacon/gotenna-mesh
You are amazing! Love your videos.
Mary this is such awesome video. As Panamanian you have my highest respect and admiration. This is a part of my country that 90% of us know very a little about it. This property is beautiful. It needs a lots of work though(TLCđ€).
I commend you for taking up that project and for being brave enough for this adventure. Is going to be and interesting and beautiful journey. I am curious about the cost of the property, but not sure that is something you are willing to share. I do respect if you don't. Thank for sharing with all of us. Blessings and best of luckđ€đđ”đŠđșđČ
Thank you so much for the kind words! I won't be discussing the cost of the property, as that is private financial information. Yes, this is an adventure, indeed!
kudos!
That's a fantastic, enormous property! Don't tear that building down. I want to move in there!
LOL. Believe me- what we build with the parts from that building will be 10,000 times better!!
Nice video. Amazing property. I like the seats for ever butt joke. I felt the same way when I traveled to the Panamanian countryside. Best wishes with developing it your way!
AWESOME! Cheers from Team Solarte!
Stunning! The land is beautiful - and then, the glorious ocean! I love the 'restaurant' and can imagine how wonderful it is to relax there every day after working on the property. I hope you swim a lot! I lived in Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) for three years and loved, loved, loved swimming in the Caribbean. Since then I have been living in land-locked Uzbekistan for 10 years but am moving to Panama in June. Cannot wait to live close to the ocean again! I do hope you will keep us updated on your progress - you are doing something I would love to do; so satisfying building and molding a place to your liking. Masses of work, but very satisfying. Bravo and congratulations!
Such kind words- thank you! And good luck with your move to Panama!
â@@IGoPanama Thank you - so much to do to get ready to move. I really admire risk-takers who care about the environment and dive into adventures. I hope you and the property will nurture and support one another for many years to come.
@@susanwaterworth5622 did you get there?
Also, by you building up the hill and not immediately by the water, aside fro the nice breeze and being far away from the swampy side with the chitras, if you have adequate drainage for the rainy season, you also might not have to put your house up on stilts, which is a common occurrence in that region. My great aunty's house was on stilts. I once lives in a house on stilts. :D
you are doing exceptional videos. please keep making more. thank you, mary..
That's the plan! I actually shot a new one today, so you're the first to know that Friday's video will be another episode of My Panamanian Telenovela!! :) And thank you for watching. :)
Mary, meet Mary; Mary, meet Mary. XD
Very nice property, really a treasure. Your time spent on research has paid off like a lottery win. Really enjoyed seeing the landscape and views instead of just watching you talk, not that I donât like what you have to say. I know most CZcams videos seem to be 98% selfies, just prefer seeing whatâs around the area rather than continuous mug shots. Your advice and stories of your progress are fantastic, as is the progress you have made. Canât wait to see what else you have to share. Hope I havenât offended you, I really do look forward to Fridays now thanks to you.
Not offended at all! If I'm discussing topics like the Friendly Nations Visa or telling a story, then I'm going to be on camera. But if I'm giving a tour of an area, like in the hiking videos or this tour of our property, I'm more than happy to be off camera and let the scenery be the star! It all just depends on what the topic is. So glad you look forward to the videos each Friday- I enjoy making them. :)
We have just over 13 acres in the western mountains of NM with a 40+ mile view over the San Agustin plains to 9000+ high mountains beyond...but yours is mo baeda! We are going to sell this place and move there, undecided where but had ruled out Bocas area, too remote. Love the Caribbean too ...!
Great video, just subscribed! We have been to Panama a few times but never on your side always down past Las Tablas. Beautiful
Please come and check out Bocas! It's almost like a different country from the Pacific side!
Canât wait till I visit there in March for two weeks. Iâll be staying enough year-old cabaña just outside of town near the beach.
With plenty of land for a building site, recommend you seriously consider a single level home, no stairs, for a few reasons: a) so, so much better as you age or have older visitors or children. b) heat gathers on higher levels, increasing the need and expense for ventilation and air conditioning. c) in tropical climates designs with sprawling single levels and abundant verandas just make for more beautiful, better, more practical designs. Most people only build up in the tropics if they lack the land to build out. Just my dos pesos. Beautiful spot!
Thanks for your "dos pesos"!! We want to build up because it would actually be cooler than to be at ground level. We get good breezes up there. Plus, it will be an open design- no concerns with heat build up in the upper stories. We don't do air conditioning. :) Also, that piece of land (actually MOST of our land!) is on a slope- easier to build up rather than out.
Next time I go to Bocas del Toro I will greet you from the road đ When I watch your videos and see that beautiful place, I always wondered who would live down there. I always liked to see that property, in fact, from the road you can see the archipelago and all those beautiful islands. I would love to meet you and greet you personally. Keep going and enjoy our countryđ.
In about a year we'll be open to the public. Hope to meet you then!
@@IGoPanama Oh that's great! see you.
We enjoyed watching your videos while walking (treadmill walking). There are walking videos that people have made like walking in Hawaii walking in New York actionkid . Walking in Bahamas.
I think some are making money.
Great videos *******
Thank you for sharing ****
nice
Just my style â€ïž
Finally the real deal
You have an amazing property with great potential.
Yes, we do! I'll be doing a first year update on it in January, so keep an eye out for that video!
Great property! You have your work cut out for you. Thanks for the tour . I am getting hungry to move down there!
Hi Mary and Brian! Iâm a little behind the times, so Iâm sure your place is quite different by now. Iâm happy for you both, my sister and I plan to move from Texas to Panama June â23 (hopefully Bocas), and who knows - we might even be able to do a short term rental from you. :-) Take care! Toni
www.ojobio.com
Looks like a really great spot! Have you considered putting a profile on WorkAway or even WWOOF? They are great programs that allows usually young people to travel on the cheap by exchanging around 4 hours a day of work labour for room and board. Could be a fun way of getting more of the work you want done for a lot cheaper. Could even throw in some local flora and fauna teachings to sweeten the deal!
We've considered it, but I need to do further research on the laws here in Panama to see if it's allowed here. Plus, we like to keep our local guys employed. :)
The real question is how much was this beautiful piece of property! Hope all goes well with your build as well!
đđ I hate chitras too. Your land itâs beautiful đ€© with an amazing view!
Yeah, like what was God's purpose for chitras in life? Really! lol Oh, wait, I'll send a former boss a box of chitras. XD jajaja
I following you to PanamaïŒwe will buy land there too! Learn more about Panama from you! Thanks
Great stuff! You guys have a very nice spread to build your dreams on. I love hearing the birds while you're standing outside too. In your "Do This Before You Move to Panama, Part 1 of 2" video you mention opening an "off shore" corp. Hope to see more details in another video soon. This is something i probably need to discuss with Kraemer as I'm not sure which type of corp. to open; IBC, LLC, Panamanian domestic; off shore, etc. I've heard Panamanian corp tax is 10%; but foreign income sources are not taxed locally. I'm assuming that's where the "off shore" entity comes in. Anyway, keep up the good work - I'm entirely enjoying all your informative videos!
Glad you enjoyed it! Which to open depends on a LOT of things- like if you're planning to use it for a business (either Panamanian or US based), to hold your real estate, or just for the friendly nations visa requirement. Consult an expat tax specialist for sure if it's for business!! For the other two, talk to Kraemer.
amazing area. i would prefer to live down at the sea.
Your land has a lot of Vacation Rental potentials. I would have purchased this land also.
Yes, there is a ton of potential here. But we're not going to cover it with rentals. We have other goals in mind for this property..... :)
@@IGoPanama One thing that comes to mind would be an yoga retreat. :D Another would be like a hub for nature tour expeditions. And yet, another might be as a animal and/or plant sanctuary aligned with the Smithsonian Institution. So many ideas! I'll be here all day, week, month, year, you won;t get rid of me. I'll be like a barnacle. lawlz
ok, I'll show myself the door. hahaha XD
What a wonderful life youâre creating! My father has lived in Bocas Town for many years and I do plan on moving there as soon as my home sells here in Palm Springs, CA. I have three little furbabies that I will be bringing with me and I would appreciate it so very much if you have any insights and the best way to get animals (dogs) there.
Yes, I will definitely be making a video about how we got Ike, the UTV tolerant dog, here!! But it requires a lot of piecing together of pictures and documents and video and we've been so busy we haven't had time to sit down and do any major editing like that. I suspect we'll have it up and running within the next month, so keep an eye out!
@@IGoPanama đ€đâ€ïž
đđ
looks nice. Looks like you have everything you need to set up hydroelectric. Elevation change and a creek.
Unfortunately the creek barely trickles. đ
@@IGoPanama That's a shame. Always have wind and solar I guess.
@@321-Gone Not really wind, either. It's very rarely breezy here. Solar is really the only clean energy solution.
@@IGoPanama x fingers the grid will reach you soon. Hope you guys can keep the generator noise isolated. Those things can be obnoxious.
@@321-Gone It's actually not too bad. Plus we only run it for about 2 hours in the morning and 2 in the evening. Brian saw them working at the end of the electricity line this week, so we might have "real" electricity soon!
We know that your lifestyle is by your choice. And I think that it is a wonderful choice. You are basically keeping things real. You are connected to our Mother Earth and you get to see both sea and land biology and get to enjoy one of the few places in the planet with so much biodiversity still left in both. Also, nobody breathing down your neck. PanamĂĄ, especially where you are, is a very "live and let live" kind of place. No hustle or bustle, cleaner air than in L.A., and because of it, you'll prolly live longer too. And although you are living remotely, you still have internet and enough infrastructure and transportation options to give you flexibility and access, not only to urban life, but also to practically anywhere else in the world, given that Panama is an hub with so many direct flights to practically anywhere around the world. Also, public transportation in Panama is super cheap. Even taxis won't break you. I'm very glad you have found awesome stomping grounds. Enjoy!
đđđ
Thats gorgeous!!!! I've been trying to place you, given your proximity to Cristobal and the mainland, will we have gone by on the watertaxi to Almirante?
No. I'm about 15 minutes before you get to Almirante coming from David. You would go by on the road to Almirante.
@@IGoPanama Oh, I hadnt appreciated you were on the mainland....
Lovely Mary - I'm a new subscriber and love what you do. Where exactly are you in Bocas - looks like you are close to Almirante or maybe the other side?
We're about 15-20 minutes outside of Almirante, going toward Chiriqui Grande.
Beautiful property, beautiful doors. I am a retired builder developer and live in Bucaramanga Colombia. I am tired of Colombia and would love property like you have may I know a ball park price of what you paid , it looks very expensive but I dont have any idea of the cost thank you.
We purchased our property through www.rootsrealestatepanama.com. You can visit their website and get an idea of the price of properties in the Bocas del Toro area.
You mentioned that you teach online. I do too, and I just got my FNV. I need to continue teaching, so I need great wifi. Do you have reliable wifi there?
Yes. I'll be doing a video about it soon.
Lola's farm
Looks like a cricket pavilion 13.10
This place is La escapada !
Correction. WAS. :)
@@IGoPanama OOOhh, that reminds me. Have you come up with a name? Please don;t say: "La Encontrada!" hahahaha No, but, seriously, you gotta give it a name. :D
You have a beautiful piece of land. Do you mind if I ask how much it cost you to purchase? Iâm interested in the Pixvae area. Heading there the end of June.
Sorry, I don't share my personal financial information publicly. You can see similar listings at www.rootsrealestatepanama.com
Yup just missing a small herd of horses for me and there is my dream retirement property! Congratulations! You should become a part time real estate agent for your region as a side income. You have me convinced to ditch Costa Rica for Panama lol...
HA! I always said that if I was going to go back in time and choose a new career, it would be real estate agent or lawyer! Where in CR are you? And by the way, there is a GORGEOUS property (not for sale) just down from us- a valley like you wouldn't believe. And they have a lot of horses.
@@IGoPanama Ok you got me! Is there a village near them? What is the name of the closest village I will look it up in satellite view! Planning a trip as soon as this mess cleans up a bit. Are they locals or expats?
@@madameallen1441 Almirante is about 20 minutes from us. Hardly any expats at all- in fact, on this piece of the mainland I only know of 1 other full time expat couple.
@@IGoPanama ok so you are saying there is full of horses in Almirante? Or is the gorgeous horse valley just near Almirante? Found only one AirBnB nearby. It looks great though. Funny how everything else is on the islands and almost nothing on the mainland!!! Canât wait to explore the area.
@@madameallen1441 Not full of horses, but a lot of horses for this area. Not many people have horses around here. There are 2 airbnbs on the mainland now, and we'll be opening ours in about 2 months so that will make 3. We'll be the only one with internet and ocean access though.
HI, IMM COMING TO PANAMA FROM JAMAICA ID LOVE TO SEE YOUR PROPERTY
Our property is not currently open to the public- hopefully in late 2022! I'll make a video as soon as we're ready for visitors.
Amazing!
Was this titled property or ROP?
What are your plans for the future with this property? :)
Titled. I'll be doing a video in a few months about our plans for the property.
im moving to Panama so i can rough it in the jungle lol
Mary, please send a link to your AirBnB. Thanks much.
www.airbnb.com/rooms/51640866
I wonder how this compares to something similar in Mississippi or Louisiana.
For one thing, no hurricanes. :) For another, no US based tax system and politics. :)
@@IGoPanama yup. I was once in the eye of an hurricane in Mississippi. Although it was extremely exciting, not exactly something I would wish to build into my routine of worry. That was Hurricane Elena.
You bought your piece of paradise in 2020? If you donât mine, how much was it back then?
I don't discuss my personal finances online.
How often do you need to mow the low growth by the road and driveway after you've cleared it?
What is a suicide shower?
Grass cutting depends on the amount of rain. On average, probably once every 6-7 weeks. We let it get pretty high before we cut it. Here's a blog about suicide showers (not mine) storyteller.travel/electric-showers-are-they-safe-how-shocking/
@@IGoPanama Thanks for answering my flood of questions on your various videos. I just found your channel and am binging it. Thanks for your content!
@@rogaineablar5608 You're so welcome! Glad you're enjoying the videos. If you have more questions, feel free to join me at facebook.com/groups/igopanama
I be your first tenan
So excited to have found your channel! I grew up in redondo beach/pv and have always wanted to get back to the beach but have never been able to afford it in my adult life. Been looking heavily at ambergris but just canât commit to it yet. Iâm nervous about being dependent on boat or air as my only options to reach my property. I didnât know anything about panama until 3 days ago when I started binging your videos. I still have 20 years until Iâm retirement age, time to figure out an online business for myself. My biggest concern at this point is that I do not speak Spanish, people even laugh at the way I say hola. Belize captured my interest initially just for that aspect. Do you think someone like me could survive in Panama? Thanks again!
Anyone can not just survive in Panama, but THRIVE! Please watch my video about choosing between Panama and Belize- although I love Belize I don't think it's a good option for permanent living. Most places in Panama do not require boat access- just the area where I am because a large portion of the province is located on several islands. And I'll be doing a video about Spanish soon. :)
@@IGoPanama thanks for the quick reply! Iâll keep an eye out for your upcoming Spanish video
Hahaha "survive"? Both my dad and one of my grandpa came from entirely different part of the word and neither of them spoke a lick of spinnach, I mean, Spanish. They fell in love with Panama. They more than survived. And as you learn your Spanish, you will be surprised at the number of people who speak some pretty decent English.
We teach an whole lot more English in our schools than the U.S. teaches Spanish. In any case, you will be more than alright and this will be much more amenable than simply surviving.
Best wishes with your online business. There are so many options. Plus, don;t forget that Panama has the second largest Duty-Free zone. Maybe you can somehow incorporate some of the benefits from that zone with your online business? It's worth it to investigate, plus all of the tax incentives. The sky is the limit.
Oh, also, I recommend something called "The Pimsleur Language Method". It totally demystifies learning another language and you'll be speaking Spanish in no time and with very little effort. That's how intuitive it is. Look it up. It won't disappoint. And, best of all, you may not even have to pay for it! It's likely waiting for you right there in your local library!!
@@fanfare100 thanks so much for the suggestions and encouragement. Iâve got a lot of free time these days, Iâll look into Pimsleur
3 level so u can get the best view
What about overlanders who are travelling from South America to North America? ;-)
Nope. Only if they're going from NA to SA. The other direction, we don't want 'em. đ
Panama isn't that large and it seems you own at least 1/3 of it! Congrats on a beautiful piece of land.
Hahaha!! When we're walking it or cleaning it, it definitely feels like we own 1/3 of Panama!
We really want to move
DO IT!
@@IGoPanama had the realtor over yesterday.
@@kellipeterson8631 Baby steps!!
How much could cost a 5 hectares around that area? Can u give an estimate? Thanks.
It depends on a LOT of things. I recommend you check out www.rootsrealestatepanama.com for some ideas of pricing in the Bocas area.
@@IGoPanama thank you!
what about nomadic movement
What about it?
So are you on the island or the mainland?
Yes
@@IGoPanama I'm confused lol You are on both?
@@GideonDavid LOL- sorry! I read it too fast! I'm on the mainland.
@@IGoPanama great my girlfriend Stephanie and I are actually looking at property in that area when we make the trip down in the next couple of weeks.
I work remotely what is internet like in boca del Toros.
cost to buy?
Sorry, but I don't make my personal finances public knowledge. I'm sure you can understand.
Hola buenas soy de Bocas del Toro Serca de sus cabañas quiero saber cuantos es el precio
Do you mean to rent a cabin for the night?
Si Me puede Escribir al 68391747 para Platicar Mejor!
@@osmanortiz9807 We aren't currently renting out cabins. Sorry.
@@IGoPanamaAh I understand thank you very much then
How much did you pay
I don't share my private financial information. Sorry.
Hi !. It's two years later. Can my wife and I rwnt the caretakers shack for long term living ? We won't be coming empty handed. Our finances are set.
If you see this please respond .
For lodging information, go to ojobio.com/lodging/
You kept saying "secure". Is crime bad there ?