In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

Volcan, Panama

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

One day, while staying in the town of Boquete, Panama, our friend Jackie Lange offered to take us to the town of Volcan and the surrounding areas. We said: "Let's go!"

Volcan is a town as well as a country subdivision in Panama. It is the Heart of the Bread Basket of this country and large dairy, horse and cattle farms with many smaller sheep, pig and chicken farms are along the roads that lead into Volcan.

Small and beautiful, this town is located just beside the Baru volcano.

Simply stated, it's gorgeous

Volcan Baru is the highest point in Panama at 3,475 meters (11,460 feet). The low range of mountains to the south of Volcan were once part of Volcan Baru blown several kilometers to their current location by a violent eruption of the volcano.

Weather is Spring-like the year around. It has two seasons, wet and dry. Starting around December 15, the dry season lasts for about four months.

Volcan is on the western side of Panama on the border of Costa Rica.

A smooth and gentle ride into Volcan

The main road leading to Volcan and Cerro Punta is very smooth and gentle. It would be a relaxing motorcycle ride.

Rushing waters of Volcan

Apparently, one can go trout fishing in these clean, rushing waters.

Thanks to its under-the-radar status, Volcan is one of Panama's best bargains. The cost of living can be up to 50 percent lower than elsewhere, but you don't have to give up the services and amenities of a comfortable lifestyle.

Rescue crew

While driving through the area, we came across a rescue crew practicing for the real thing. This ravine was steep with rocks all around, and the racing stream was below.

Here's a closer look

There were lots of ropes and pullies, and about 5 rescue agents performing this exercise. It was no easier being the helpless one strapped in the harness as compared to the ones who were lifting him "out of danger."

It took lots of work, lots of coordination between them, and lots of muscle power. They used a series of whistle commands to complete this procedure.

The country life

If you enjoy sweet country life, clean air and the sounds of nature, this is the place for you!

A sweeping view

The area of Volcan, with its neighboring towns, is quite beautiful. There are more rolling hills and wider vistas, not the dramatic close up of mountains that makes Boquete picturesque.

Europeans settled here

The Swiss came and settled here and were followed by Yugoslavs and Germans just a short time later.

While Boquete has made a name for itself in the global press, Volcan remains off the world's radar. This traditional Panamanian mountain town is quiet, tranquil and unaffected. Volcan is as beautiful as Boquete, but, it has managed to avoid the spotlight.

Drivers are warned to look out for people on horseback

What a beautiful area to go horseback riding. Apparently, there are riding tours available!

Horse ranches and cattle farms are all throughout the area

Sitting in the highlands of Chiriqui near the Panama-Costa Rica border Volcan is home to about 14,000 people. This isn't the beach lifestyle that many people associate with Panama. Volcan offers the chance to trade in white sand for leafy green wilderness, escape the sometimes sweltering heat of sea level for a cooler cloud forest climate and exchange tourist frills for small town simplicity.

Can't get enough!

Truly beautiful, every turn on the two lane road was a picture. Look at all the colors of green!

Bucolic countryside

If you make a visit to Panama, do allow time to see this area of the country. You might find that it suits your need for country solace.

For more stories and photos of Panama, click here

About the Authors

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli are recognized retirement experts and internationally published authors on topics of finance, medical tourism and world travel. With the wealth of information they share on their award winning website RetireEarlyLifestyle.com, they have been helping people achieve their own retirement dreams since 1991. They wrote the popular books, The Adventurer’s Guide to Early Retirement and Your Retirement Dream IS Possible available on their website bookstore or on Amazon.com.

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