Aguadulce, Panama

Aguadulce is a Panamanian town located in the province of Coclé and it’s known for its agricultural production, particularly its sugar cane fields and processing plants. It’s a small but important town.

This is home to the largest and oldest sugar company in Panama, Azucarera Nacional SA (ANSA).

Many people know Aguadulce as that annoying little town along the Pan-American Highway where traffic becomes congested…

As you approach Aguadulce, you start to share the road with more than just other cars… Along with people, horses, bicycles, and mopeds, you might find yourself behind a truck carrying cattle to the slaughterhouse or loaded to the brim with building materials…

It’s a misconception that traffic is all there is to this town. The other misconception is that the only attraction here is the Spanish colonial architecture.

The lifestyle in Aguadulce, Panama, is similar to that of the southwestern United States: slow-paced country living where everybody knows each other, and nobody is in any hurry to get anywhere.

Driving is calmer here than in Panama City.

Honking is rare and only happens to say hello to someone. If you want to move faster, get a bicycle. You’ll find more bikes here than cars on the road.

Getting To Aguadulce

1. Bus: It’s the cheapest and easiest method of transportation in Panama City. Your journey to Aguadulce begins at Albrook Mall, home to the Gran Terminal Nacional De Transporte. One-way bus fare is about US$10 per person; jubilado (or retiree) get discounts on their tickets.

2. Car: Renting a vehicle and driving around Panama is the preferred method for most tourists. And, if you’re retiring to Panama and wish to settle in Aguadulce, you may choose to own a car.

Aguadulce is a 3 hours and 20 minutes car ride from Panama City. The Pan-American Highway goes directly through Aguadulce. In short, you can’t miss it.

3. Flying: The closest airport to Aguadulce is the Alonso Valderrama Airport in Chitré.From there you would need to take a bus, rent a car, or hire a taxi to get to Aguadulce.

Most importantly, when you make plans to go to Aguadulce consider traveling sometime during the week, and when it’s not rush hour.

Traffic can be a nightmare if you find yourself trying to head out of Panama City anywhere between 4pm to 8pm.

Expat Community In Aguadulce

There is a small group of expats in Aguadulce but growing. You might bump into them while shopping or eating at one of the local restaurants. They’re friendly and willing to share general knowledge and information with you, but they don’t have a formal meeting place and mostly keep to themselves…

One of the reason expats are being drawn to Aguadulce is the low cost of living. Housing, food, and other expenses are very affordable compared to other parts of Panama. Expats and retirees are also drawn here because of the slow pace of life.

Anyone looking for a more relaxed lifestyle at an affordable price can be sure to find it in Aguadulce.

Learning conversational Spanish is important here. Because Aguadulce isn’t a popular tourism site, English is scarcely spoken here. Perhaps even more important than Spanish would be to learn Panamanian terms. Words get shorted and contractions that may or may not sound like the original form of the word get created.

Aguadulce isn’t the most visited place in Panama. Still, there are things to do here.

Spend Time Outdoors

If you live outside of town and own a ranch or horses, you are free to spend the day horseback riding and getting to know the area. Plus, you might even find ranch owners who may be willing to “rent” a horse and show you around.

Hiking, walking, running, cycling, swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, bird watching… the list goes on and on. You are only limited by what you don’t want to do.

Volunteering

Volunteer to help at a local school. Aguadulce is an active participant in the Panamá Bilingüe program, an after-school program that teaches English to Panamanian public-school students.

Local churches are always seeking volunteers to help with community projects and events. You could plant a tree and help get Panama to its goal of a million trees planted.

San Juan Bautista Church

The San Juan Bautista Church was built in the 18th century. This is one of the main landmarks in Aguadulce. It has a unique blend of Spanish colonial and indigenous architectural styles.

El Copé National Park

El Copé National Park is about 50 minutes away from Aguadulce. Head over and spend your day on the hiking trails, birdwatching, and taking in the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

Go To The Beach

Aguadulce has several beaches nearby. Popular options are Farallón Beach, Santa Clara Beach, and Playa Blanca. All of them offer a change from your day-to-day activities at a comfortable distance of no more than one hour and 30 minutes.

Panama, is much more affordable than other places in the country. A couple could retire quite comfortably to Aguadulce on a budget of about US$1,250.

In addition, to a slower pace of life, Aguadulce also offers a very affordable cost of living.

Here’s a breakdown of the cost of living in Aguadulce…

Apartment Or House Ownership Budget (For A Couple)

Apartment Or House Rental Budget (For A Couple) In Aguadulce

Penny-Pincher’s Budget (Bare Minimum Costs, For A Couple)

Among downsides to Aguadulce are that unemployment is high here, especially among the younger generation. The poor education system coupled with a lack of job opportunities creates an atmosphere of petty crime.

Stealing is usually a crime of opportunity. Leaving a bicycle unattended outside is like placing a sign on it saying, “Please take me,” which is exactly what someone will eventually do.

Homeowners install fences with razor wire along the top. Windows and patios usually have bars on them. Unlike other places in the country, people even lock their doors here.

You’ll find many nice, safe neighborhoods in Aguadulce, but common sense and simple safety precautions are always needed.

Aguadulce has a warm and humid climate year-round.

Temperatures typically stay at 72°F. It’ll rarely go lower than that but might reach up to 93°F.

The warmer season in Aguadulce runs from February to April. And, the coolest season runs from June to December.

When in need of medical attention, there is Rafael Estévez Hospital as well as other facilities.

Given the population, there are plenty of doctors available who can manage a broad spectrum of illnesses. Ambulance service is also available here.

Caja de Seguro Social (CSS) is Panama’s social security fund. Created in 1941, it supplies services to 84% of Panama’s population, administering the social insurance system for the entire country.

Most importantly, in Aguadulce, the CSS provides the medical service for the entire district.

As a non-Panamanian you’ll be required to pay (cash) for all medical services rendered at a CSS facility. Plus, CSS charges are the lowest in the country.

Even without insurance, you’ll pay what most expats consider a pittance compared to the cost in your home country.

On the eastern side of Aguadulce District, Penonomé is the closest place for other health care options.

On the western side of the district, you’re closer to Chitré and Santiago. Both are about 30 minutes away and have state of-the-art facilities.