Panama is one of the most attractive destinations in Latin America for tourists, retirees, remote workers, and entrepreneurs. Thanks to its stability, low taxes, world-class medical system, and the famous Pensionado Visa, thousands of newcomers settle here every year.
Foreigners who relocate to Panama often choose to live in different regions throughout the country—at the beach, in the mountains, or on Caribbean islands. Yet even those who live far away typically spend one to four weeks in Panama City specifically to take Spanish classes at Spanish Panama Language School in El Cangrejo.
Below are the top places where foreigners love to live in Panama, along with descriptions, lifestyle factors, and why so many still come to Panama City to study Spanish.
1. Panama City — The Most Popular Base for Professionals, Entrepreneurs, and Long-Term Expats
Panama City is the country’s economic, cultural, and medical hub. Retirees, diplomats, remote workers, and business owners choose Panama City for:
- Modern infrastructure and international banking
- Best hospitals in Central America
- Restaurants, nightlife, and cultural events
- Safe, walkable neighborhoods like El Cangrejo, San Francisco, and Punta Paitilla
Many students who relocate to the capital enroll directly in Spanish Panama Language School because of its reputation, flexible schedules, and the convenience of being located in the vibrant Via Argentina area.
Even foreigners who live outside the city often schedule 1–4-week intensive Spanish programs here to boost their language skills.
2. Boquete — The Mountain Paradise for Retirees
Boquete, located in the highlands of Chiriquí, is famous for:
- Spring-like weather all year
- Coffee plantations
- Hiking, waterfalls, and cloud forests
- A very large international community
Retirees love Boquete because it is peaceful, cool, and surrounded by nature, and our students love to visit the flower festival and climb the Baru Volcano (Volcan Baru). However, Boquete is small, so many residents travel to Panama City for:
- Specialized medical appointments
- Business matters
- Government procedures
- And especially to take intensive Spanish courses at Spanish Panama Language School
It is common for Boquete residents to plan a 1–2 week Spanish program in the city every year.
3. Coronado — Beach Living Close to the City
Coronado is one of Panama’s most developed beach towns, only 1 hour and 15 minutes from Panama City. Loads of Canadians and Americans choose Coronado for:
- Beach lifestyle
- Golf courses
- Modern supermarkets and restaurants
- Large expat community
Because Coronado is close to the capital, many Coronado residents take a week of Spanish classes, or plan longer Spanish immersion stays in the neighborhood of Spanish Panama Language School. Some commute for private lessons several times per month.
4. Bocas del Toro — Caribbean Islands for Digital Nomads and Adventurers
Bocas del Toro attracts younger expats, surfers, digital nomads, and eco-travelers. The lifestyle is tropical, relaxed, and community-oriented.
Many foreigners who live in Bocas del Toro come to Panama City for:
- Visa processes
- Professional services
- Airport access
- Spanish immersion programs
Because Bocas is very international, residents often want stronger Spanish skills and spend two to four weeks studying in Panama City at Spanish Panama Language School.
5. Pedasí & Playa Venao — Surf, Nature & Rural Tranquility
Pedasí and nearby Playa Venao on the Azuero Peninsula attract:
- Surfers
- Retirees seeking quiet small-town life
- Wildlife lovers
- Families wanting an authentic rural lifestyle
These areas are even more remote (but beautiful). Many residents make trips to Panama City to study Spanish intensively:
- 1to 4-week programs
- Morning small-group classes
- Private lessons for retirees
- Professional Spanish for business owners
Students often appreciate that they can study Spanish in the city and then return to their beach community speaking more fluently.
6. David & Chiriquí Province — Growing Expat Regions
David is Panama’s second-largest city and a gateway to the highlands. Many foreigners choose Chiriquí Province because:
- Cost of living is lower than Panama City
- Close to hospitals, malls, and transportation
- Proximity to Costa Rica
But for advanced Spanish learning, business Spanish, or professional cultural integration, David residents often travel to Panama City specifically for Spanish classes.
7. Santa Fe, Veraguas — Eco-Retreat for Nature Lovers
A rising destination among eco-minded foreigners, Santa Fe offers:
- Rivers, waterfalls, and mountain views
- Organic farming
- Quiet rural lifestyle
Because it is isolated, most Santa Fe residents come to Panama City several times a year and often take 1-week or 2-week Spanish intensives while they are here.
Why Foreigners Living Outside the Capital Still Study at Spanish Panama Language School
No matter where foreigners live in Panama—beach towns, islands, or mountain villages—many make regular trips to Panama City to study Spanish because:
1. Spanish Panama has the best small-group and private Spanish programs in Panama City.
2. El Cangrejo offers safe, walkable access to cafés, accommodations, and public transportation.
3. Students can combine Spanish classes with:
- Visa appointments
- Medical visits
- Embassy needs
- Business errands
- Shopping
- Weekend trips
4. Intensive Spanish programs (1–4 weeks) dramatically accelerate fluency.
5. Students enjoy the cultural immersion activities offered every Friday.
YES! We have students who live in Coronado, Santiago, Gamboa, and beyond who come into Panama city, take a one week or 5 day stay at a local hotel, just to learn or improve their Spanish, while enjoying a “Panama City vacation” away from the “country life” (which we admit can be kinda nice too).
Even students who live hours away choose the school because the learning experience is efficient, friendly, and results-driven.
Feel like a Panama city Spanish Vacation?