Living in Volcan Panama With Six Kids!

Ben and Kama moved from Texas to VOLCAN Panama! Watch this video to see what life in Volcan Panama is like. There are many families with children in Volcan and affordable bi-lingual and international schools in Volcan. Volcan is more affordable than other mountain towns in Panama. In this video, Ben and Kama talk about homeschooling, the cost of living, health insurance, safety, organic markets and much more.
Ben and Kama have a beautiful property with a few rentals and are working on subdividing the property to build more rentals and to sell lots to those who want to build a house. They strive to create a development to aid the greater Tierras Altas community, acting as a small business incubator, education center, and entrepreneurial hub. They also encourage integrating off-grid technologies, alternative energy, self-sustaining elements, gardens, aquaponics, and permaculture. Their property has amazing mountain views. Volcan has Spring-like weather all year. David, the second-largest city in Panama, is about a 40 minutes drive to more amenities and an airport.
LEARN MORE about Ben and Kama's Christian, Family Oriented Community at corazondelcielo.com/
For anyone, at any age, who is looking for a new start and new opportunities, Panama is the answer!
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Since 2010, Panama Relocation Tours has been offering monthly 6-day 7-night all-inclusive relocation tours of Panama. We've completed over 120 tours! During a tour you'll see a variety of different areas, meet expats, and learn all the things you need to know to make a super easy transition to living in Panama.
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[@huacamaya119]

As a Panamanian native that now lives in Texas, I would say one of the main things of living in the country side of Panama, like Chiriqui or other areas is that you really have to reach out to the community. The more that you become part of the community and make some connections and show interest in being part of it, the better things will be begin to fall into place. Blessings from Texas❤👍

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

I agree completely! Give back!

[@jerrynkathy]

It makes sense to become engaging and involved. How else will your neighbors know you and you them? Big city Americans are driven by time, schedules, etc. This is called "Cold Culture." Smaller communities in the Third World are not driven by time but by relationships -"Warm Culture." It's a more chill environment. My family in Peru is just like that.

[@1927tommot]

@@jerrynkathy "

[@jerrynkathy]

@@1927tommot Did you have a question or comment, Tom?

[@victorlionelnazaire685]

Hey, I was in Volcan around 2014 as a lone senior Canadian and rented a furnished one-bedroom apt for about 350 dollars. A very quiet town it was, except for a short duration of street demonstration of a local Indian tribe where they tried to burn the local police building. As a family with kids and association with other local expat families with kids it may be interesting but as a retired couple or single person, there is not much to do if you do not own a car or small truck. Weather is great and people generally very pleasant . Romero grocery store is a popular local place. City life with parks and restaurants : more in David ( a one-hour drive from Volcan).

[@karyncarbone6902]

Yaaaay! I love this! Miss you guys! So glad we were a part of your Volcan family!

[@SowViableGardens]

I am planning to eventually move abroad with my 5 children that I currently homeschool. Your story is so inspiring.

[@panamamama6]

It can be done! Just get them all involved in the adventure!

[@Rainlover1984]

Finally, a video detailing living in Panama with a big family. We are from Arkansas USA. Planning to move to Volcan or Boquete in 2-3 years with our large family. Four girls ages 1-11. Hope to meet y'all and correspond 😎😀

[@corazondelcielo]

Absolutely! We'd love to chat with you!

[@michaelbarker742]

"The Wandering Sloth"! LOL! That's me!

[@LibbyinTexas]

Wonderful family and a great neighborhood! Volcan is beautiful!

[@afenton32]

Wow! Volcan is stunning. My kind of living. Please show more videos of this location

[@bluebutterfly0825]

Hello from Dallas! I’m originally from Panama 🇵🇦 but been living in USA for several years now and would love to go back but my husband is having some serious health issues that is not a good time to move to Panama right now. Enjoy your video and insight into the Panamanian life, hope you and the kiddos are doing well and enjoy and making new friends along the way. Many blessings to y’all!

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

HI Irasema, we hope your husband's health improves so you can come back to Panama soon.

[@bluebutterfly0825]

Panama Relocation Tours - Thank you! I really enjoy all of your videos as I’ve never been in Chiriqui or anywhere else in Panama for that matter! Lol 😂

[@fanfare100]

I knew a guy who moved to Panama _because_ he had some serious health issues but had just lost his job. And in the U.S., healthcare is usually tied to employment. He said that moving to Panama saved his life.

[@bigdaddymarketing6449]

Thanks for this I am enjoying these as I get closer and closer to retirement. I'm only in my 40s still but plans over the next little bit are coming together.

[@johnashcraft2973]

Thank you guys for this video and positive feedback. I live in Tyler, Texas which I’m sure you’re familiar with. I will be on Jackie’s tour in September of 2021 and it can’t come fast enough. It’s so HOT in Texas and I’m really looking forward to calling Panama my home in the future.

[@robertochu5337]

hope you start a business here country is getting bigger everytime so coming from a first would country you bring new ideas that we might not have so good luck and hope you enjoy our country i think you might miss the guns but here in panama we can use guns! just like texas! and lot of deers for hunting

[@davebonar1]

@@robertochu5337 I think the weather in Texas is a drawback as is most other sunbelt states with humidity and bugs. I live in Washington south of Seattle with 8 or so months of decent weather but the drawbacks of the many negatives like crime, homelessness and traffic make it difficult. Panama is in my traveling future.

[@robertochu5337]

@@davebonar1 come here brotha we welcome you open arms we dont have that bs of cancel culture or any of that non sens stuff you guys have there so this would be a break for you haha

[@jlaw2273]

Hey John did you ever make it to Panama. We're from Lindale, Tyler area also. We moved to Alaska about 2 yrs ago and then discovered the perks of Panama and feel like it's a good fit for our family. Just curious if you like it and pros and cons.

[@johnashcraft2973]

@@jlaw2273 where do you guys live here in Panama? I live in Rio Sereno. Is it possible to connect on Facebook?

[@liezlsmal9151]

WOW - you are such and inspiration - good luck and good living in Panama!

[@cleatington]

l had to laugh recalling a ride from the clinic to bugba hospital l shared with a very pregnant woman after a moto crash l had. She was casually on he phone but on probably those same bumps she stalled and boy was l looking like a midwife a minute or two.. hah hah.. l do concur the clinic in volcan is great well staffed and equipt. town is nice and happy to have a new name, tieras altas. hope to meet or correspond at least. l will return to caisan asap, covid resolved. nice to get your input! thank you.

[@kathyhoskin8350]

Thank you so much. I really enjoyed your video.

[@Ocean245]

Great video!!!

[@giridasjaya]

I enjoyed meeting this beautiful family in the SJ airport (David the bearded perpetual tourist fm CR headed to Orlando). It is nice to see where they live and thrive. Thank you for the great video.

[@corazondelcielo]

We remember meeting you! Hope you are well!!

[@giridasjaya]

Corazon del Cielo Thank you, I am well. Needless to say my Florida trip has become an unplanned extended one. I look forward to safer times as soon as possible. I have gotten a new passport and D.L. So when the time comes and I can return safely (for everyone) I am ready. I hope this finds you all well and happy too. Sincerely, David.

[@maryamirati1117]

Whew totally welcome you're straIghtforward informative and helpful talk.god bless oh immersion help me learn d language .thanks again :)

[@ShaglusZ]

great place, smart folks... viva panama.

[@tarynnicosie4874]

Thank you both .Great inside I can't wait to move to Boquete..

[@shafrobert]

Boquete and Volcan are VERY different ! Volcan is preserving area for native Panamians as well as welcoming us "gringos". Boquete is absolutely over run with ex pats and the original inhabitants can no longer afford to live in their own town. A lot of bitter people as a result.

[@bcarol2484]

Same in the US. Property taxes and school taxes going up to pay for the additional services needed for the hundreds of thousands of migrants coming to the US. Many low income Americans in HUD housing are being kicked out for any small infraction to make room for the undocumented that the US Govt pays all their expenses.

[@rajo8493]

Volcan is nice place may live there nice claimet

[@aritasosa7311]

Climate

[@kymbyrly]

Thank you for doing this video! Definitely want to know more about homeschooling there.

[@skiyalater626]

Safe to assume it's much like home schooling anywhere.....☺️

[@corazondelcielo]

Homeschooling is whatever it is like in your home country. For us, being from Texas, there were no requirements like registering with the state or reporting grades. Everyone does their own thing here, but we also have met up in the past for coops, field trips, playtime, etc.

[@deliajackson3603]

Enjoying my country? It's better there. I'm thinking of moving back home.

[@corazondelcielo]

We love it here!

[@raybon7939]

when two people like that have gjven up on this place that says alot,

[@TheMusikoma]

I loved this video. I would move there. I would like to garden and would be curious as to how much it would cost to rent a house.

[@Excomunicado507]

I live here i can help You out

[@brian8616]

You are living the life. Your place is amazing. Well done. How can people find out about your homes and lots?

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Learn more about Ben and Kama's development at corazondelcielo.com/

[@brian8616]

@@PanamaRelocationTours awesome self sufficient living is awesome

[@2967_]

Healthy citizens makes a rich country. Sick citizens makes poor a nation.

[@corazondelcielo]

Thanks Jackie. Visit www.corazondelcielo.com for more information about the community in the video.

[@centredoorplugsthornton4112]

Anyone specify a place to live in or near Panama City close to a stop on one of its 2 metro lines? The metro first opened in 2014 to mark the centennial of the canal.

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Bob Adams, who lives in Panama City, has a great video talking about the various areas in Panama City. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJnZZ2mOn7qWbrc

[@coteprado3899]

Cómo son los colegios en Boquete? Los alumnos son en su mayoría english speakers?

[@unkn0wnmyst3ry44]

Outstanding video and love all the information. I'm going to retire from the military in less than 2 years. I've been looking for a place to retire to. I was wondering what is the price range for a 4 bedroom rental home?

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Glad you liked the video. A 4 bedroom in Panama will cost between $650 to $2500 depending on where it is located and which town it is in.

[@jascu007]

How much land did you buy and can you share what the cost was?

[@HereThereInbetween]

Is that a Berkey water filter in the background? What is the water quality/stability in Volcan?

[@corazondelcielo]

Yes, a Berkey water filter. The tap water is spring water(they bottle water here and sell it to the rest of the country), I don't think they chlorinate, add flouride, or do anything to it, and many drink it without filtering, but sometimes the water lines along the road will get broken from construction and dirt gets into the line, we brought the Berkey we used in Texas and so we usually use it for drinking water, just in case. But we sometimes drink the tap water and always shower, brush teeth, clean dishes, wash hands with tap water...no problem in 3 years that we know of.

[@Anil-gt2kn]

@@corazondelcielo How much is the rent for a home (3 bedrooms)?

[@corazondelcielo]

@@Anil-gt2kn Depends on where you move to and what is included. Is it furnished or not?

[@robertochu5337]

this house is very nice try to do some farming and sell it that a huge market down in the big city of panama not much organic food if you get to sell into the supermarkets your done my friend no more work to do

[@larissafay2418]

Is there any concern with the volcano erupting? I’ve read some conflicting opinions online regarding whether it will erupt again. Some say it is inevitable and just a matter of time. Do they track the activity of the volcano and do they have an evacuation plan for residents in the area that would be able to get them out in time should they see signs of an impending eruption?

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

maybe 500 years we'll see activity again. There is currently NO activity.

[@michaelbarker742]

Hi! I'm from DFW as well and have been looking for places to expatriate one day. I was looking at Bouquete as well as Belize, various locations in The Philippines, and many other places. How far away are the Pacific and Carribean coasts? The Canal? Panama City? Have you forfeited your US Citizenship? What are the temperature ranges in Vulcan? You both have the same hair. Curly and salt and pepper.

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Hey Michael, this is Jackie from Panama Relocation Tours. I'm also from Dallas. The Pacific is about 1 1/2 hours away from Boquete or Volcan. The Caribbean Sea is a 3 hour drive from Boquete. Panama City is a 7-8 hour drive from Boquete or Volcan. Temps in Boquete and Volcan range from 65 at night to low 80s in the day - average is mid-70s

[@LibbyinTexas]

Annndddd you do not forfeit your US Citizenship- you apply for Residency here and you can easily travel back and forth. We been here almost 4 years and still own a home in Texas, bank in Texas, go back every year and we still pay taxes 👈

Panama is a really safe country to be located in Latin America.

[@civiliansheepdog3637]

Check out those gas prices at 15:06

[@corazondelcielo]

Price is per liter.

[@Growmap]

Thank you for the video. But please consider not leaving music playing when you're speaking. It is so incredibly annoying I usually just leave videos that have it. There is no way to turn it down or voices up. At least you did have captions, so I turned the audio off and had to read those.

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Noted!

[@comment5884]

I miss Phil and the amazing race

[@billhennessey6374]

Since you homeschool, how is your wifi connection? That is important for me and my work. Thanks.

[@panamamama6]

Different areas have different internet speeds. In town, you can get fiber optic. We have satellite and it meets our needs.

[@GenXUrbanHippie]

Hey, we met them on the Dec 2018 tour (I think Kama was pregnant at the time!) We were curious what giving birth in a private Panamanian hospital cost?

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Hey PM! Yes the tour group meets then sometimes. This is what Kama said about the costs About $3000 for English speaking doctor, all doctor visits, sonograms, delivery at private hospital, one overnight stay, pediatrician. About $1500 was covered by Samaritan.

[@pamelanurse2024]

Are there any English-speaking churches in Volcan?

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Yes, there are English speaking churches in Volcan.

[@LibbyinTexas]

We meet for church in open air -our Pastor preaches and his son interprets. I actually do not know of any churches that only speak English but ours and then another bigger one has a translator.

[@coryyoung8289]

Do you want to learn spanish：

[@nancysmith2389]

Kind of interested in how much of an initial investment you had to make for all the properties you have. Did you have to fix it up or was it walk in ready?

[@LibbyinTexas]

The neighborhood was already well maintained before they bought it. They were able to rent the homes very quickly. Ben has alot of projects and vision for developing it further such as dividing lots etc...

[@msmargiek48]

I wish you would have touched on the weather. How rainy is it in Volcan? Nice place.

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

weather is mid-70s all year. And it gets about 100 inches of rain a year.

[@robss9402]

I would like to ask how much you paid for your restaurant / home & 3 other homes? Are homes expensive there? I've been researching Merida, Mexico, Yucatan for the past year. It is also a very safe city of 2 million people but I could live in the country in a heartbeat. Am a gardener by choice; have been gardening all my life but at age 66, I've been reduced to my pomegranate trees, my Wrinkled Lime tree - a specimen tree from Thailand; my Blood oranges which after 5 years, I just got my first 2 oranges on the tree; they are about the size of golf balls; also have Meyer lemon; banana trees and Key Lime trees. // I don't require a big house; the older you get the less square footage you need but 2-3 bedrooms / 2 bath would be nice if there is such an animal? Oh; I also have 3 pinas - pineapples that I started after I ate the fruit; as you might know - pineapples take 2 years to bear fruit. Haven't had any fruit yet; they're still growing. Now; are these volcanoes active? One would hope not but I can say I've lived alongside the dreaded San Andreas Fault here in Southern California since 1972 so am familiar with quakes as large as M7.3 // I would luv the organic markets ; luv to cook and would also be interested in having someone cook for us; clean etc. -- I love different cultures and when we visited Merida, Mexico, Yucatan in 2019, I took a Mayan cooking class; that was cool. I hear you speak of Pizza places but I should hope you have Spanish restaurants - my first love. Thank you for your time and I enjoyed your youtube video. 07 07 2020.

[@robss9402]

Well, as my real estate research continues, my first love is still Merida and my 2nd choice would be Pacifico, Panama City, Panama. I've seen a few youtube videos regarding Pacifico development community and it's quite a magical place; they even have a bridge that looks like "The Golden Gate" bridge in San Francisco. Quite Magical. So; I think our next trip will be an exploratory trip to Panama City. I've heard from several people it's cool in Boquete; sometimes downright cold. Our thin blood would not tolerate such a change; I've heard people have achy bodies; headaches, etc. . Am already prone to migraines; have had them since I was 25, I don't need another reason to get them so... I think someplace warmer would work for us - though that volcanic soil is so tempting. lol....

[@corazondelcielo]

@@robss9402 You need to come and check a few places out it sounds like! We like the weather, but occasionally, a jacket feels really nice!

[@craigslistrro709]

What do you do for work to support all those Kids?

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

They said in the video that the rental properties they have support the family. The cost of living is a LOT less in Panama.

[@Anil-gt2kn]

@@PanamaRelocationTours what is Panama policy for kids vaccination?

[@corazondelcielo]

@@Anil-gt2kn You would need to contact a doctor or lawyer to determine that.

[@JoeBalbona]

What is the best one can do in terms of internet speed in Volcan? Can you stream Netflix and CNN?

[@corazondelcielo]

There are a few options, depending on what area of town you are in, some areas have fiber optic cable which is fast, others dish which is usually good enough for streaming services. Plans cost $25 - $125 per month.

[@Anil-gt2kn]

Please dont take CNN with you ! :)

[@fanfare100]

@@Anil-gt2kn Nobody brings CNN with them. They subscribe if they want, but why would anybody wanna? lol

[@ShaglusZ]

lose the CNN part, they're destroying the world.....

[@bcarol2484]

They like the Matrix.

[@tvw2010]

What Facebook groups did you join? We are homeschooling parents!!!

[@panamamama6]

I joined all the local groups - Volcan Community Group, Expats in Panama, Chiriqui Highlanders Society, etc. I just did a search for Panama on Fb and joined groups we fit with.

[@tvw2010]

@@panamamama6 thank you🙂

[@megawatt308]

Should of revealed what the cost was for the birth of your daughter in Panama was. I would guess the $$ difference compared to the U.S. hospital charges would of been surprising.

[@corazondelcielo]

About $3000 for English speaking doctor, all doctor visits, sonograms, delivery at private hospital, one overnight stay, pediatrician. About $1500 was covered by Samaritan.

[@ShaglusZ]

@@corazondelcielo the usa is inhumane in this regard. good on y'all.

[@user-et5ii8jg7q]

Are you still living in Volcan? Any updates for 2023?

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Yes, they still live in Volcan.

[@corazondelcielo]

Yes, we have been here for 6.5 years and love it! We have no plans to move. We have various videos about living in Volcan on our channel if you want to check them out! We are still working on projects and hoping to have lots subdivided soon so we can sell them!

[@ceev9229]

​@@corazondelcielovery interested as a solo female in this community living and would like to visit in March /25

[@comment5884]

How are the bugs, how's few point

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

At the higher elevations like Volcan you don't have many bugs that bite like they have at the coast.

[@treymarrs6860]

Why cant you start your own school? Hopefully your kids are learning Spanish

[@LibbyinTexas]

There are 2 Bilingual schools in Volcan. Ben and Kama Homeschool although the kids went to a Public school for a year to help them engage in the Culture and to learn the Language. We do have a Homeschool Co-op for children to do activities together such as field trips and projects :)

[@8675-__]

How could they not? Mom's a Spanish teacher 💚

[@corazondelcielo]

The kids have learned quite a bit of Spanish, and we have learned a lot of Panamanian lingo as well! Starting a school would involve a lot of government involvement. Not something we are interested in. We love homeschooling!

[@satchhuntzhall1]

No Antifa no blm? my next door neighbor moved there a couple of years ago His wife didn't want to go she wouldn't leave the grand kids so he went alone

[@ritasasso3863]

Do your children speak Spanish? Do you speak Spanish?

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Kama speaks fluent Spanish, Ben and their kids are working on it.

[@my32pints]

Dont forget your western diet of wendys and mcdonalds .

[@LibbyinTexas]

There is a McDonalds in David about an hour away but never seen a Wendys. Lots of fresh cooked food.

[@fanfare100]

@@LibbyinTexas You'll like an whole lot longer with fresh cooked foods. Them processed foods might preserve the foods but not the body. lol Fresh food is better for the soul too. :D

[@peterblanchfield4658]

To me it seems that you are afraid of being a minority.

[@LibbyinTexas]

They said in the beginning-almost 4 years ago they werent sure how safe it was but they make it clear how safe and comfortable they feel now.

[@cosmo1eleven855]

Well, it's natural for people to feel more comfortable with like minded community. I know I feel that way in the Philipinnes. I like the locals, but I can't talk baseball with them like I can with an emerican expat!!

[@pedrocesarzapatamosquera7887]

@@cosmo1eleven855 it would be amazing if you could have just stayed around your beloved fellow and like minded people uh?

[@sandrabrown3387]

Yeah, She has a typical, American mindset - fearing her curly, blond hair children are not safe in Panamanian schools. In America, it’s the curly, blond hair “children” who shoot up & kill in Americas’ schools. If she remembered that fact - she would have felt safer sooner. At any rate, I wouldn’t want her for a neighbor - in Panama or America.

[@sandrabrown3387]

@@cosmo1eleven855 She wasn’t talking about conversation with “like minded community”. She was talking about appearance - her curly, blond hair children. Her comments had nothing to do with a mind.