Santa Catalina, a small, laid-back town known for having one of the best surf breaks in Central America, is located 300 km northwest of Panama City, about one hour from Santiago. The scenery and natural environment are breathtaking. World-class fishing, snorkeling and diving opportunities are found all along the coastline and around the surrounding islands. Coiba National Park can be seen from Catalina. From 1912 to 2002, Coiba Island was used as a penal colony, and Panama’s worst criminals were sent here. Nowadays the prisoners have gone, but the prison remains, and makes for an interesting visit. Moreover, the recent declaration of Coiba as a UNESCO World Heritage site prohibits any development on the island, so the wildlife here is simply spectacular. The enormous island is home to a plethora of birds, mammals and reptiles. The surrounding marine park comprises 38 other smaller islands including Cebaco and Gobernadora and is the site of the second largest coral reef in the Eastern Pacific. Coiba’s amazing variety of underwater life makes fishing and diving here incredible. Santa Catalina is a great base for exploring the islands and coastline. The town itself is small, with few attractions, but a surprising number of foreigners have moved to Catalina to start tourist-related businesses, creating an eclectic mix of people. Restaurants offer a good variety of food including authentic Tuscan Pizza and Argentinian style meats. Needless to say, the seafood in this area is to die for.

Established in 1973, the Koala Hospital is a charitable organisation that takes care of around 2,000 koalas who live in the lush, green region of Port Macquarie, The area is home to the biggest population of coastal koalas in Australia. Walk around the grounds to see the koalas in care and watch them being fed daily by volunteers at 8am and 3pm.

Port Macquarie is part of a significant wine region around the Hastings River where the best grapes are chambourcin, chardonnay, verdelho, semillon and merlot. Dairy and oyster farms, as well as plantation crops such as macadamia nuts and avocados, make this a great foodie destination. Fresh produce aplenty can be sourced at Wauchope Farmers Markets, held on the fourth Saturday of every month. Annual food and wine festivals include Sip and Savour Festival.

Boquete is located in a beautiful valley with rocky mountain rivers and scenic views and has a growing expat community of people who just fell in love with the town and decided to move here. Boquete is home to multiple coffee plantations, a good selection of restaurants serving different cuisines, a place to practice outdoor activities that range from scenic tours in ATV vehicles to rock climbing, mountain biking, canopy zip-lining, horseback riding, golf, bird watching, hot springs and much more. Boquete’s spring-like weather is optimal year-round and the town has been appointed one of the top retirement communities in the world offering a great quality of life.