The green mountains of Coclé, near Nuestro Rancho.

The development of rural tourism in the province of Coclé is the main objective of Descubra Panamá, one of the members of the "Coclé, your Best Destination" cluster, which seeks to transform this agricultural region into a strong tourist destination.

Headed by Esther María Carles, a professional with a long career in the high-tech industry and with strong family ties in the region, the company is currently working in the promotion of "Nuestro Rancho" –a rural camp located near the town of Churuquita, 14 kilometers north of the provincial capital of Penonomé. An old family property donated to Panama’s Girl Scout Association, the property includes rustic accommodations, a well equipped kitchen, conference halls and all the necessary facilities for campers, backpackers and all those willing to enjoy fellowship with nature.

Ms. Esther María Carles, dressed in a "Pollera Montuna", on the Zaratí River, at "Nuestro Rancho".

Lodging at Nuestro Rancho is complemented with tours to Penonomé and surrounding areas, organized by Descubra Panamá. Using local transportation, tours include visits to the town’s market, where campers can purchase all the necessary ingredients for a country-style lunch; excursions to local handicraft markets (the nearby town of La Pintada is where the best "Pintado" hats are made) and visits to the geographic center of Panama, located in downtown Penonomé.

View of Penonomé's market, where Nuestro Rancho's guests can purchase daily supplies.

"The idea" –said Ms. Carles—"is to afford visitors with a complete experience of life in rural Coclé." The "Nuestro Rancho" project also has a strong social element: the inclusion of nearby, low-income communities, which are able to reap benefits through the production and sale of handicraft for visitors.

Descubra Panama also acts as a relocation agency, offering assistance to expats in areas such as real estate, business contacts, school searching and cultural adjustment. For more information: techycar@cableonda.net

Ms. Carles at Nuestro Rancho.

The Chiriquí Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, and the province’s Chamber of Tourism are organizing "Expocámara Chiriquí 2006", a business, real estate and tourism fair to be held in the city of David, November 23-26.

The event will include special activities for children on Nov. 25, as well as handicraft exhibits, auto and motorcycle shows, rodeos, dog shows and an haute cuisine party with Panamanian and international dishes, wines and spirits.

For details, send and e-mail to cciach@cwpanama.net

A Bella Vista mansion.

The National Institute of Culture (INAC) recently submitted a piece of legislation before the National Assembly that would declare the neighborhood of Bella Vista, in Panama City, a protected architectural heritage area.

A district of large residences featuring a mixture of colonial styles, Bella Vista, a true icon of the city, developed along ample, tree-lined avenues during the second decade of the 20th century. It was the neighborhood of the well-to-do of the capital before the advent of Punta Paitilla, some thirty years ago. Unfortunately, although many of its mansions have been restored or transformed into businesses, many others have been demolished to give way to luxurious high-rise complexes –the result of a real estate boom prompted by the arrival of hundreds of expats from Europe and North America in recent years.

The latest models of motor vehicles, electrical appliances and a large variety of food items are some of the products visitors will find at a commercial fair hosted by the People’s Republic of China, November 23-27 at Atlapa Convention Center.

Although Panama officially recognizes the government of Taiwan, trade between the Isthmus and mainland China has risen substantially in recent years as the latter seeks to establish stronger ties with Latin America. The fair is organized by People’s Republic of China’s commercial office in Panama City.

For more information, call 526-7000.