The choice: San Carlos in Arco Seco
Once we’d chosen Panama, another question quickly came to mind: where, exactly, would we put our suitcases?
Because not all parts of Panama are alike. And behind the image of a tropical country lie very different climates, atmospheres and lifestyles.
This is where we discovered the so-calledArco Seco.
The Arco Seco, or “dry arc”, is a geographical area on the Pacific coast, renowned for being much less rainy than the rest of the country, especially during the rainy season. Where some regions can experience days of rain, the Arco Seco often enjoys sunny mornings and shorter showers, usually at the end of the day.
For us, this was a decisive criterion. And let’s face it, we really like the rainy season here, because it refreshes the atmosphere, the rain is warm and it allows nature to be greener, more alive!
We wanted to live in a place where nature was omnipresent, yes, but without being cooped up in the rain for days on end. We were looking for that subtle balance between greenery and brightness. And our checklist had to be respected.
- Weather (seasons) ✅
- Schools and grade level (public vs. private) and location ✅
- Hospitals (public vs. private) ✅
- Diving X
- Learn Spanish ✅
Once this area had been identified, the next step was to choose the city.
Naturally, we looked at Coronado, which is very popular with expatriates. It has everything: supermarkets, restaurants, clinics, international schools… It’s convenient.
But that’s not all.
We weren’t just looking for convenience. We were looking for a place to live.
That’s how we discovered San Carlos.
Just a few minutes from Coronado, San Carlos offers a completely different face. More authentic, quieter, closer to nature. Here, the beaches are less crowded, the landscapes more rugged, and the pace of life even gentler.
And yet, everything remains accessible.
In just a few minutes by car, we can reach the amenities of Coronado. But when we return to San Carlos, we find what we came for: silence, space and simplicity.
It was this balance that appealed to us.
Not too isolated, not too urbanized.
Not too touristy, not too remote.
Just… just right.
And then there was this moment.
That moment that’s hard to explain, but that many will recognize: a mixture of sensations, evidence and inner calm. As if something inside us simply said: this is it. It was in San Carlos that we had this feeling. This is where we decided to build our project.
And it’s here, today, that we welcome you. 🌿
