memax

I will be traveling to Panama for the first time 28 July-25 August, specifically to evaluate its potential as a place to live. I have three weeks, after a meeting at a beach resort and a few days in Panama City to work on the pensionado visa, to see some more of the country. I have a friend with a house in Boquette where I can stay for a week or more if I want. I will have a rental car.

I am 50, single, fit, and an experienced traveler. I am not wealthy, but will not need to work in Panama. Sounds like I should probably get some steering from Mr. WooWoo, huh? Mr. WooWoo, any thoughts?

I would appreciate any suggestions as to places to check out both as a tourist and as a potential resident as well as any suggestions for evening entertainment in Panama City.

MRWOOHOO

WOOHOOOOOOOOO!!!! Sounds like you are doing it the correct way. My recommendations would be:
1. Make sure your rental is a 4x4 diesel (save on gas and gets you everywhere)
2. View as much of the country as possible so you get a true feel
3. Dont be in a rush to buy any real estate
4. Meet with multiple attorney's
5. Calle Uruguay and Via Argentina are two great spots for nightlife in Panama City. Casco Viejo is nice but is surrounded by a questionable neighborhood that you do not want to risk walking through at night.
6. Spend a couple of days checking out Panama City
7. Let me know when you are in town so I can meet with you and you can buy me a beer, lol.

soltero

Pretty good list, Woohoo, but I'm curious:

Why do you think the OP needs a diesel 4x4? Unless he's going to try to drive from Santa Fe to the Atlantic, 4wd isn't really necessary. (I have a 4x4, and in 4+ years driving in Panama, I've used the 4wd exactly one time, and that was when I was looking at some remote property in the Azuero.) 4x4s are much more expensive to rent, and the fuel economy is lousy. And as soon as you take that 4x4 off-road, your insurance is null and void. And diesel costs just as much as gasoline. Given the Panamanian style of driving, I'd rather have something a little smaller and a little quicker than the diesel is going to be -- as you know, we're very aggressive on the road.

Second, the OP didn't lay out his exact itinerary, but there's no reason at all to rent a car while you're in Panama City. In fact, it's a hassle and unnecessary expense, given the dirt-cheap and plentiful taxis. Better to wait until you're ready to leave the city, then rent a car from any of the many, many agencies around town.

Back to the OP: In a month, you can see a lot; this is a small country. I'd drive from PC along the Pacific, maybe sidetrack up to El Valle for a night, then do the loop through the Azuero, back up to David and Boquete (and maybe Volcan), then back to PC.

With a month here, I think you should at least see the Atlantic Side, even if you don't spend a lot of time there. For first-timers, Bocas del Toro is probably best: lots of nightlife, and plentiful water taxis to take you for day trips to other, quieter islands with better beaches. You could drive from David to Almirante then ferry to Bocas, or fly from either Bocas or PC.