This is very helpful, thank you. I have to admit, that to me, the preference of many North Americans to go to another country and proceed to recreate a North American lifestyle and home baffles me. I understand creature comforts, but I don't want to move to another country and have to pay for granite countertops and stainless steel giant American appliances. It defeats the purpose for me to just replicate HGTV in another country. Just my not very humble opinion.
Well, it's not so much of having granite counters. Most people from N. America and Europe, don't see having consistent hot water as being an upgrade. Another feature between the Panamanian style vs "American" style home is having screens on the windows. If one wants to air their home out and doesn't want bugs to be flying in, one needs screens. Another feature of most neighborhoods that are predominantly Panamanian is the noise factor. Again, it's not so much about a random teenager, one can count on really loud music in most Panamanian neighborhoods especially on the weekends. There are trucks with speakers announcing products they are selling via large speakers that drive through the neighborhoods. The expectation that one can expect a somewhat quiet environment after a certain hour, is unknown here unless one is either in a gated community or one is on a large parcel, far from other neighbors. By the way, many Panamanians live in Gated communities, its more of a economic factor versus a nationality thing. Boquete gets about 120 inches of rain a year, so it rains a lot. It is important to be a morning person. Here is the rainy season, it's like clock work from around 12:30 pm it is raining. The power consistently goes off and on. So, its important to have a battery back up. On the positive, I've lived rurally all my life, so compared to California where the power is out a day at a time, typically power is restored within a few hours here. With all this rain, grass grows very quickly here. Most of the gardeners spray with glyphosate here, a known carcinogen. Here they call it medicine. I've explained to my gardener that I never want it to be sprayed on my property. I have them spray with Neem instead, but if you have a dog or any kind of pet, I would use caution about letting them play on any lawn area until you know how it is maintained. Being an animal lover, the random street dogs do not bother me, but these are not the same kind of neighborhood dogs one encounters in many countries. These are pretty rangy, street wise, tough dogs. In other words, they are scrappers. Recently my husband and I ate at a local fonda and this very thin street dog walks into the restaurant and is staring us down. Being dog lovers, felt sorry for him and ordered him a good sized piece of chicken with some rice, he ate it quickly and likely could have eaten another 2 plates just like it.
Yes I totally agree with you. Standards are going to be very different, and one needs to adapt to the other country. One cannot demand the standards of one country in the other. It is not right. And not everybody has granite countertops in the US either. I’m in San Antonio and I don’t have granite countertops….just saying
I’m from New York City where everything is expensive compared to a lot of places especially Panama. I got lucky and met a Panamanian in New York City and I’ve been married to him for almost 30 years now so I was introduced to the country through him and fell in love with the country also. It was very easy for me to start comparing when I first arrived in Panama but over the years I’ve gotten used to the culture and there are many things that I can live without. However, because the cost of living is so much less here compared to NYC we are able to do more and I don’t see that as wanting to bring my American customs to Panama, I see that as being able to afford things in Panama that in NYC it would take me a lot longer to be able to afford it.
Really quality advise. I did the tour the first part of the year and while I love the Bouquet area I was wondering about short term rentals at reasonable cost. I am the kind of guy that lives simply, but wants to explore other areas of the world, perhaps living in one country for three or four months and then on, returning every year or two. This really helps me.
Thank you so much for putting this information out. As a single woman planning to move there, I will be better prepared to face the challenges that I may encounter.
Perfect information as always, just from experience, not from an ivory tower. Speaking the native language seems crucial to have a affordable living. i bought the tour guide and plan to relocate in 2+ years. But as you said the prices i can see in the internet are quite high, so i had concerns if i'll make it there with my idea of a house on a little land where i could grow some things if i want etc. Learning the language is now my number one priority, thank you for the effort to inform us in the best possible way.
I bought one of those suicided showers after seeing one in Equator, and brought it home to the states. Used it while remodeling my home.... until I got tired of feeling the electric current flowing through me while showering.
Sounds like the AirBnB we also rented for a few days while in Boquete. It was located in Volcancito and it would be more accurate to describe it as a hostel type accommodation. The woman who rents this was not helpful or friendly to us, though she had many accolades on AirBnB. On subsequent trips we have stirred clear of her rental.
Thank you Jackie and Debbie for this invaluable interview! This interview helps shine the the light upon one’s ability to create a living container, down to some exact details of one’s own life. You show so many majorly different elements of Panamanian real estate reality whether it’s renting or owning. So many in contrast to the USA Real Estate market traditions. These details are muy importante” I am essentially ‘relearning’ now. Just amazed @ your grace & wisdom and am in gratitude for your willingness to step into all it takes to embrace this with, what come down to us ‘sharing your gifts Of abundant freedom I’ve Purchased, sold & renovated Homes in the USA myself- WA & CA. It was a fun ride of learning. Every place in time is different. You’re a true Angel; a Starseed. Thank you for helping all of us to have a ‘smooth ride’ as we transition. I will be on the Aug 18 ”23 tour. It would be nice to meet you; even if for a moment. Ann Schurman
HI Ann. The more you know, the easier it will be to relocate to Panama. That's why I share a lot of information with you. I will definitely see you during the August 18th tour. THANK YOU for signing up for a Panama Relocation Tour! panamarelocationtours.com/tours
Is it possible to link Debbi and Chuck's first video of their lovely home? Was that the old house or the new house? I look forward to Debbi's pet travel experience as I have a small terrier that absolutely must travel with me if I can gather the courage to move to Panama. Thanks for all your inspiring videos.
Great information, I loved the part where their landlord is a plumber and electrician, so he can fix things. What a wonderful situation for them. I agree we do not come to Panama to Americanize it but to enjoy their culture and cuisine. Except no hot water is not something I am willing to forego!
Jackie was talking when Debbi was describing the one bedroom for rent next to her rental. I couldn't hear what she said it was renting for or what her husband said about it.
Very helpful information, thank you. It sounds like it's no problem for an expat with a pensionado visa to get a lease. I am living in Colombia, and here expats without a "fiador" or co-signer sometimes have to pay 6 months rent in advance to get approved. Is that a problem in Panama?
Thanks for these videos. We are just starting to look into this and I love the wealth of information and the truthfulness. I haven't heard of anyone purchasing a home. Is that difficult/impossible to do there? I would rather purchase and perhaps rent out when we aren't there or rent the other side of a duplex.
If you can pay cash, it's easy to buy real estate in Panama. If you need financing, it's very difficult. panamarelocationtours.com/buying-real-estate-in-panama
Sorry I missed this. I’m 73 yr old , single woman and considering a trip to explore retirement in Panama. Unfortunately I don’t speak Spanish,so think I need to be in a large expat community at least until I’m capable of fluent Spanish.
Are landlords in Panama pretty receptive to upgrades? I know here we have to ask about everything. Even painting a wall has to get approved. For example, if the stove in the house was really really old and we wanted to replace it, are landlords usually receptive to us replacing appliances? If we pay for them?
How do I get my eyes on different little unfurnished houses on nice piece of land with fruit trees specially coconut palms that will rent on long term before I am sure I want to live on the area and before purchasing any property. Privacy as to home not so close to the neighbors..?
Private Tours are about $250 for up to two people for an all day Private Tour, includes airport pick up, transportation, lunch and LOTS of information about the town. See some tripadvisor reviews about our Private Tours. www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298424-d19632561-Reviews-Panama_Relocation_Tours-Boquete_Chiriqui_Province.html
Hello, I was referred to by your sister company in Mexico. I want to move to Panama permanently. I had a question about what is the best city to live in on or very near the beach? For $300.00 to $400.00 for a one bedroom apartment a month. A beach city where you can walk everywhere to get everything done. I Thank you.
Hey Russels. The most affordable beach communities are hear Chitre and Las Tablas in the Azuero Peninsula. You can get a furnished one bedroom there for about $400 a month. The area has hospitals, restaurants, shopping centers, and everything you will need. See our video of the furnished ocean front rental for $400 a month in La Villa near Chitre.
Hello Jackie Lange I am a 66 year old man 'single and I am retired on a small budget I would like to find a rental under ($500) USD I like to explore living in a mountain town would be great a animal lover. I do not care for apartment building living I am planning to take your tour as well in the new year...
The big thing is health care. Not the type you get at a clinic and a prescription for an antibiotics. Most people die of Cardiac arrest. Are there ambulance services that can defibrillate on scene? Are there local hospitals with cardiac catherization labs? These are absolutely crucial services that without... you die.
all available in Panama City or David == but not so much in the rest of Panama. The closest hospital is certainly something to consider , especially if you already have health problems
Yes I mentioned this for the ladies (like me) who prefer to remove make up on a wash cloth than a bath towel. I tried to point out the differences between a hotel & Panama style AirBNB. Some things may not be obvious to everyone, especially people like us who had never been to Panama before moving here (3 tours cancelled due to Covid. We lived 8 months out of our car with 2 dogs renting AirBNB"s up & down the East coast for 8 months & ALLof them had wash/hand towels).
Snowbirds rent for 4-5 months each year. If you're from North America, you can stay in Panama for 180 days as a tourists BUT you can only drive for the first 90 days you are in Panama.
You have to realize that Americans are used to an opulence and an abundance in the US that few Panamanians have ever experienced. Walmart would be a luxury store in Panama. It sounds to me like “the ugly American” when people start criticizing like that. Yes the standards are different. They are lower in Panama. But look at the bright side of things. Life is cheaper.
I assure you that there are many more wealthy Panamanians living in Panama than North Americans. They like their creature comforts too and they can afford to pay for them. The objective for the Livestream was to show that there ARE affordable alternatives for those on a tight budget if you're willing to give up some of those creature comforts.
I am baffled by the 4k plus expense to visit and explore when you are bragging about how inexpensive it is once you're in Panama living. The airfare costs are somewhat inexpensive at 1200 per couple but not when combined with your 4k costs, making a short 1 week excursion costing well over 5k usd.
For 1 person it's $2500. That includes 7 nights of hotels, 18 meals, daily snacks, at least 2 professional tour guides, ground transportation in a big comfortable bus, a professional driver, all the info you need for a hassle free move to Panama, a domestic flight back to Panama City, plus access to the Online Guide and ongoing support before, during, and after you move to Panama.
This is very helpful, thank you. I have to admit, that to me, the preference of many North Americans to go to another country and proceed to recreate a North American lifestyle and home baffles me. I understand creature comforts, but I don't want to move to another country and have to pay for granite countertops and stainless steel giant American appliances. It defeats the purpose for me to just replicate HGTV in another country. Just my not very humble opinion.
Well, it's not so much of having granite counters. Most people from N. America and Europe, don't see having consistent hot water as being an upgrade. Another feature between the Panamanian style vs "American" style home is having screens on the windows. If one wants to air their home out and doesn't want bugs to be flying in, one needs screens. Another feature of most neighborhoods that are predominantly Panamanian is the noise factor. Again, it's not so much about a random teenager, one can count on really loud music in most Panamanian neighborhoods especially on the weekends. There are trucks with speakers announcing products they are selling via large speakers that drive through the neighborhoods.
The expectation that one can expect a somewhat quiet environment after a certain hour, is unknown here unless one is either in a gated community or one is on a large parcel, far from other neighbors. By the way, many Panamanians live in Gated communities, its more of a economic factor versus a nationality thing.
Boquete gets about 120 inches of rain a year, so it rains a lot. It is important to be a morning person. Here is the rainy season, it's like clock work from around 12:30 pm it is raining. The power consistently goes off and on. So, its important to have a battery back up. On the positive, I've lived rurally all my life, so compared to California where the power is out a day at a time, typically power is restored within a few hours here.
With all this rain, grass grows very quickly here. Most of the gardeners spray with glyphosate here, a known carcinogen. Here they call it medicine. I've explained to my gardener that I never want it to be sprayed on my property. I have them spray with Neem instead, but if you have a dog or any kind of pet, I would use caution about letting them play on any lawn area until you know how it is maintained.
Being an animal lover, the random street dogs do not bother me, but these are not the same kind of neighborhood dogs one encounters in many countries. These are pretty rangy, street wise, tough dogs. In other words, they are scrappers. Recently my husband and I ate at a local fonda and this very thin street dog walks into the restaurant and is staring us down. Being dog lovers, felt sorry for him and ordered him a good sized piece of chicken with some rice, he ate it quickly and likely could have eaten another 2 plates just like it.
Yes I totally agree with you. Standards are going to be very different, and one needs to adapt to the other country. One cannot demand the standards of one country in the other. It is not right. And not everybody has granite countertops in the US either. I’m in San Antonio and I don’t have granite countertops….just saying
I’m from New York City where everything is expensive compared to a lot of places especially Panama. I got lucky and met a Panamanian in New York City and I’ve been married to him for almost 30 years now so I was introduced to the country through him and fell in love with the country also. It was very easy for me to start comparing when I first arrived in Panama but over the years I’ve gotten used to the culture and there are many things that I can live without. However, because the cost of living is so much less here compared to NYC we are able to do more and I don’t see that as wanting to bring my American customs to Panama, I see that as being able to afford things in Panama that in NYC it would take me a lot longer to be able to afford it.
I totally agree!
Really quality advise. I did the tour the first part of the year and while I love the Bouquet area I was wondering about short term rentals at reasonable cost. I am the kind of guy that lives simply, but wants to explore other areas of the world, perhaps living in one country for three or four months and then on, returning every year or two. This really helps me.
Airbnb is your best source for short tem rentals or you may be able to find a house sit gig
Thank you so much for putting this information out. As a single woman planning to move there, I will be better prepared to face the challenges that I may encounter.
This is one of the most informative videos I've seen so far!
Glad it was helpful!
Perfect information as always, just from experience, not from an ivory tower. Speaking the native language seems crucial to have a affordable living. i bought the tour guide and plan to relocate in 2+ years. But as you said the prices i can see in the internet are quite high, so i had concerns if i'll make it there with my idea of a house on a little land where i could grow some things if i want etc. Learning the language is now my number one priority, thank you for the effort to inform us in the best possible way.
Glad you enjoyed the livestream. There are many affordable options for living in Panama.
@@PanamaRelocationTours where?
I learned so much from your videos. I keep watching them even the old videos are great. Thank you for your good work.
Glad you like them!
Thank you Jackie and Debbie!
Thanks for all the information Jackie and Debbi. Also, just wanted to add: be careful if you are only paying $20 a night!
Very true!
I bought one of those suicided showers after seeing one in Equator, and brought it home to the states. Used it while remodeling my home.... until I got tired of feeling the electric current flowing through me while showering.
I think I stayed in that Volcancito rental myself!!! LOL!! I just told myself to think of it as glamping!
The photo is of a rental in Bajo Boquete.
Sounds like the AirBnB we also rented for a few days while in Boquete. It was located in Volcancito and it would be more accurate to describe it as a hostel type accommodation. The woman who rents this was not helpful or friendly to us, though she had many accolades on AirBnB. On subsequent trips we have stirred clear of her rental.
Thank you Jackie and Debbie for this invaluable interview!
This interview helps shine the the light upon one’s ability to create a living container, down to some exact details of one’s own life.
You show so many majorly different elements of Panamanian real estate reality whether it’s renting or owning.
So many in contrast to the USA Real Estate market traditions.
These details are muy importante”
I am essentially ‘relearning’ now.
Just amazed @ your grace & wisdom and am in gratitude for your willingness to step into all it takes to embrace this with, what come down to us ‘sharing your gifts
Of abundant freedom
I’ve Purchased, sold & renovated Homes in the USA myself- WA & CA.
It was a fun ride of learning.
Every place in time is different.
You’re a true Angel; a Starseed.
Thank you for helping all of us to have a ‘smooth ride’ as we transition.
I will be on the Aug 18 ”23 tour.
It would be nice to meet you; even if for a moment.
Ann Schurman
HI Ann. The more you know, the easier it will be to relocate to Panama. That's why I share a lot of information with you. I will definitely see you during the August 18th tour. THANK YOU for signing up for a Panama Relocation Tour! panamarelocationtours.com/tours
I'm glad this Video was made I'm looking for a rental- prior to residency
Glad you enjoyed the video
Coming down in September and looking into Airbnb for my stay. Thanks for that information on the Airbnb.
Our pleasure!
Is it possible to link Debbi and Chuck's first video of their lovely home? Was that the old house or the new house? I look forward to Debbi's pet travel experience as I have a small terrier that absolutely must travel with me if I can gather the courage to move to Panama. Thanks for all your inspiring videos.
That was immensely helpful. And since we're seriously considering driving our rv in I'll be sure to watch the next vid as well!
I'm glad it was helpful.
Thank you for this interview. Made me realize I will be moving to a country location in the US.
Thank you so much! Such good information. Thank you Jackie and Debbie
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you, girls. I throughly enjoyed your discussion and learned a lot. 🙋♀️🇺🇸
Glad you enjoyed it!
Good information and things to think about. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Some phots of the properties will be really helpful. As the saying goes a picture is worth a thousands words...
It's not possible with a livestream. each person sits in front of their computer to do a livestream.
Great information, I loved the part where their landlord is a plumber and electrician, so he can fix things. What a wonderful situation for them. I agree we do not come to Panama to Americanize it but to enjoy their culture and cuisine. Except no hot water is not something I am willing to forego!
Is it impossible to find a place with warm water in Panama?
Many houses in Panama have hot water at all faucets. But some do not. So, it's something you need to investigate before signing a lease.
Thanks again Jackie!
You are so welcome!
I like this informational video. VERY interested in doing the tour next year.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for sharing this, great information!
Glad it was helpful!
How much is the rent for a decent rent? 2 bedrooms?
it depends on where and what kind of house. You can get a 2 bedroom for $300 or $3000.
In Bangkok, for most of the year, hot water in the shower was unnecessary.
What you describe as a suicide shower was called a widow maker in San Jose, Costa Rica way back in 1983.
Jackie was talking when Debbi was describing the one bedroom for rent next to her rental. I couldn't hear what she said it was renting for or what her husband said about it.
Exactly my problem. Noise covered the amount she said.
the furnished one bedroom was $400 a month, includes all utilities
Very helpful information, thank you. It sounds like it's no problem for an expat with a pensionado visa to get a lease. I am living in Colombia, and here expats without a "fiador" or co-signer sometimes have to pay 6 months rent in advance to get approved. Is that a problem in Panama?
Glad it was helpful! It you have a visa, there is no problem signing a lease directly. You do not need a co-signer
Another gold mine of information! Sounds as if the landlords don't raise rents regularly. Is that possible?
Landlords do not raise rents usually. If they get a good tenant, they want them to stay.
Thanks for these videos. We are just starting to look into this and I love the wealth of information and the truthfulness. I haven't heard of anyone purchasing a home. Is that difficult/impossible to do there? I would rather purchase and perhaps rent out when we aren't there or rent the other side of a duplex.
If you can pay cash, it's easy to buy real estate in Panama. If you need financing, it's very difficult. panamarelocationtours.com/buying-real-estate-in-panama
I'm not the most experienced traveler, but I have learned this...never rent from another gringo.
Very good advice!
Sorry I missed this. I’m 73 yr old , single woman and considering a trip to explore retirement in Panama. Unfortunately I don’t speak Spanish,so think I need to be in a large expat community at least until I’m capable of fluent Spanish.
There are expats throughout Panama. Some areas have more than others
Helpful, but I’m waiting for her to take a breath! Lol!
Are landlords in Panama pretty receptive to upgrades? I know here we have to ask about everything. Even painting a wall has to get approved. For example, if the stove in the house was really really old and we wanted to replace it, are landlords usually receptive to us replacing appliances? If we pay for them?
Yes they are if you ask first.
Good info , thanks !
Glad it was helpful!
Great info
Thanks for watching!
How do I get my eyes on different little unfurnished houses on nice piece of land with fruit trees specially coconut palms that will rent on long term before I am sure I want to live on the area and before purchasing any property. Privacy as to home not so close to the neighbors..?
??? My concern is long term storage. Is it storage expensive?
Storage is expensive in Panama. It's better to reduce the things you bring to Panama or get a larger house so you do not need storage.
The tour guide option sounds good but how much does this cost. I know nowadays Nobody seems to do Anything for Free anymore.
Private Tours are about $250 for up to two people for an all day Private Tour, includes airport pick up, transportation, lunch and LOTS of information about the town. See some tripadvisor reviews about our Private Tours. www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298424-d19632561-Reviews-Panama_Relocation_Tours-Boquete_Chiriqui_Province.html
Gm every one from New jersey
Thanks for watching
??? IS THERE SOME BRIGHT AND OPEN PANAMANIAN HOUSE IN Boquete or are they all dark
Is there such a thing as living there for part of the year? Like snow birds?
@@dreamsandshadows582 sure! Many people live in Panama part time. If you are from Canada or the US, you can be a tourist for up to 180 days.
@@PanamaRelocationTours Thank you!
Are all these improvement jobs including plumbing paid for in cash? Or check? This requires a local bank account doesn't it?
improvements are usually paid in cash or cash. Contractors will not take checks and certainly not checks from a different country.
Hello, I was referred to by your sister company in Mexico. I want to move to Panama permanently. I had a question about what is the best city to live in on or very near the beach? For $300.00 to $400.00 for a one bedroom apartment a month. A beach city where you can walk everywhere to get everything done. I Thank you.
Hey Russels. The most affordable beach communities are hear Chitre and Las Tablas in the Azuero Peninsula. You can get a furnished one bedroom there for about $400 a month. The area has hospitals, restaurants, shopping centers, and everything you will need. See our video of the furnished ocean front rental for $400 a month in La Villa near Chitre.
Hello
Jackie Lange
I am a 66 year old man 'single and I am retired on a small budget I would like to find a rental under ($500) USD I like to explore living in a mountain town would be great a animal lover. I do not care for apartment building living
I am planning to take your tour as well in the new year...
you can do it!
The big thing is health care. Not the type you get at a clinic and a prescription for an antibiotics. Most people die of Cardiac arrest. Are there ambulance services that can defibrillate on scene? Are there local hospitals with cardiac catherization labs? These are absolutely crucial services that without... you die.
all available in Panama City or David == but not so much in the rest of Panama. The closest hospital is certainly something to consider , especially if you already have health problems
Ok but what did you expect for $22 a night? Big fridge? Granite? And it’s Airbnb not a hotel so yes, no wash cloths.
ha ha
Yes I mentioned this for the ladies (like me) who prefer to remove make up on a wash cloth than a bath towel. I tried to point out the differences between a hotel & Panama style AirBNB. Some things may not be obvious to everyone, especially people like us who had never been to Panama before moving here (3 tours cancelled due to Covid. We lived 8 months out of our car with 2 dogs renting AirBNB"s up & down the East coast for 8 months & ALLof them had wash/hand towels).
do the landlords have issues with you doing upgrades?
some do. Some don't. it's always better to ask first.
@@PanamaRelocationTours I would always ask first. Thank you!!
150 for rent? Which cities? Thank you!
In Bugaba you can get a house for $150 a month.
Bugaba, I like that name!! Thank you, maybe you guys can be a guest on my podcast?@@PanamaRelocationTours
???
Is there an arrangement to rent a place month-by-month in Panama?
airbnb has monthly rentals.
Hello, my name is Deborah. I am getting ready to move to Panama in a couple of weeks. Looking for a small studio apartment.
check out craigslist Panama for housing options
Do people ever rent while still tourists as perennial tourists?
Snowbirds rent for 4-5 months each year. If you're from North America, you can stay in Panama for 180 days as a tourists BUT you can only drive for the first 90 days you are in Panama.
Amen Jackie.Well said.
You have to realize that Americans are used to an opulence and an abundance in the US that few Panamanians have ever experienced. Walmart would be a luxury store in Panama. It sounds to me like “the ugly American” when people start criticizing like that. Yes the standards are different. They are lower in Panama. But look at the bright side of things. Life is cheaper.
I assure you that there are many more wealthy Panamanians living in Panama than North Americans. They like their creature comforts too and they can afford to pay for them. The objective for the Livestream was to show that there ARE affordable alternatives for those on a tight budget if you're willing to give up some of those creature comforts.
And the Panamanian people are kind and gentle folks. A wonderful improvement over how the US has become.
Wow. That is a mess. You really have to ask questions! See it to believe it.
it's really important to see a rental before you rent it!
❤🎉❤🎉
I am baffled by the 4k plus expense to visit and explore when you are bragging about how inexpensive it is once you're in Panama living. The airfare costs are somewhat inexpensive at 1200 per couple but not when combined with your 4k costs, making a short 1 week excursion costing well over 5k usd.
For 1 person it's $2500. That includes 7 nights of hotels, 18 meals, daily snacks, at least 2 professional tour guides, ground transportation in a big comfortable bus, a professional driver, all the info you need for a hassle free move to Panama, a domestic flight back to Panama City, plus access to the Online Guide and ongoing support before, during, and after you move to Panama.
You can just buy the guide and go on your own exploration. If you ask anyone who has taken the tour, they all say it was money well spent.