Panama Forum

drdata
Joined 2018
Posts: 66

5 years ago

Impressions after visiting Volcán

5 years ago

Hi all,

After visiting Volcán, this city gave me the impression to be a village spread out, except for one central way ("calle principal") where the main shops seem to be located. This main street has several medium-size supermarkets, most of which are very similar and owned by Chinese. I saw the same in El Valle, and I find this a bit sad--lack of choice in the end, and most likely agreements between the supposedly competing shops. Note that there is a Romero that is open 24h/24h and provides a good variety of products at acceptable prices.

Although the agriculture is strong there, I could not find a good place to buy fruits. I saw some amazing vegetables (but not in large variety), but not so many fruits. To people that know the place: did I miss an interesting shop to buy quality fruits with some variety?

There are restaurants in the main street and in a few streets around, some restaurants very cheap (and maybe not so safe) and a variety of other restaurants, with many not so healthy, and not so many with "local" cuisine. There are signs of the influence of modern trends, for example with a smoothie shop held by youngsters. But I did not find an organic store, like you can find in Boquete (extremely, if not unreasonably, pricy, there).

There seem to be a variety of shops, but most of them are small. I guess this is good enough when you have David less than 90 minutes away.

The regions seems to be pretty rural, with lots of agriculture. There is cattle right outside the city, and many fields of grass. It sounds less tropical than in other places I visited in Panama.

Inside the city, the streets are in good shape, including sidewalks (pretty good compared to what I saw elsewhere) and even many crosswalks. There are many dogs, hence be a bit careful when you wander.

At the hotel, the internet provided by Cable Onda was slow. But since this is a wifi of an hotel, I am not sure we can conclude anything.

Overall, the city is pleasant, with moderate development from what I saw, and probably with plenty of room to welcome more people.

Is this description rather accurate in the eyes of people living there?

Thanks!

Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama

William Russell

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