For those contemplating a move abroad, the question of “Panama Vs Mexico” often surfaces. Both countries are celebrated for their vibrant cultures, lower cost of living, and welcoming expat communities. Having spent considerable time in Boquete, Panama, and recently exploring Ajijic, Mexico, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide which of these expat hotspots might be your perfect overseas home.
Our journey recently took us to Ajijic, a charming town nestled in the Lake Chapala region of Jalisco, Mexico, for an eight-night stay. Interestingly, Ajijic was a frequent topic of conversation during our two-year stint in Boquete, Panama. Opinions were divided – some expats raved about Ajijic’s allure, while others were less convinced. Intrigued by these mixed reviews and during our return trip to the U.S., we decided to experience Ajijic firsthand.
And we’re glad we did. Our time in Ajijic was enjoyable, leading us to ponder the ultimate question: For expats seeking an idyllic life abroad, is Boquete, Panama, or Ajijic, Mexico, the superior choice?
Before we delve into this Panama vs Mexico debate, it’s important to consider two key perspectives:
- Boquete is Home: Boquete holds a special place in our hearts. After calling it home for over two and a half years, any comparison risks being slightly biased. We will strive for objectivity, but the depth of experience in Boquete is undeniable.
- Ajijic is a Snapshot: Our eight-night stay in Ajijic, while insightful, is just a glimpse. It offered a good initial impression, but it doesn’t encompass the full spectrum of life there across all seasons and circumstances. Our experience is limited to this specific timeframe.
To offer a clear and structured comparison in this Panama vs Mexico exploration, we’ll break down our observations into key aspects, contrasting Ajijic, Mexico, with our experiences in Boquete, Panama.
Weather in Ajijic, Mexico vs Boquete, Panama
The most immediate difference we noticed upon arriving in Ajijic was the heat. During our week-long visit, daytime temperatures consistently reached around 88°F (31°C). This level of heat made daytime walks uncomfortable, leading us to structure our days around morning and evening excursions, seeking refuge indoors during the hotter parts of the day. Adding to the heat, the absence of a consistent breeze was noticeable, something we had come to rely on in Boquete.
Boquete, in contrast, is renowned for its perpetually spring-like climate. Walking around Boquete is almost always pleasant, with comfortable daytime temperatures and cool, refreshing nights ideal for sleep. A gentle breeze is a constant companion, sometimes even bordering on strong winds.
However, the critical distinction in this Panama vs Mexico weather comparison lies in temperature consistency. Boquete enjoys remarkably stable temperatures year-round, while Ajijic experiences more seasonal variation. Let’s examine the average temperature data:
| Boquete, Panama | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average High (°F) | 72°F | 74°F | 75°F | 74°F | 73°F | 72°F | 71°F | 71°F | 71°F | 70°F | 70°F | 71°F |
| Average Low (°F) | 56°F | 56°F | 58°F | 58°F | 59°F | 59°F | 58°F | 58°F | 58°F | 58°F | 58°F | 57°F |
| Ajijic, Mexico | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Average High (°F) | 74°F | 78°F | 81°F | 85°F | 87°F | 83°F | 79°F | 78°F | 78°F | 78°F | 77°F | 75°F |
| Average Low (°F) | 41°F | 44°F | 47°F | 51°F | 57°F | 61°F | 61°F | 60°F | 59°F | 54°F | 47°F | 42°F |
For our international readers, here are the temperatures in Celsius:
| Boquete, Panama | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average High (°C) | 22.2°C | 23.3°C | 23.8°C | 23.3°C | 22.7°C | 22.2°C | 21.6°C | 21.6°C | 21.6°C | 21.1°C | 21.1°C | 21.6°C |
| Average Low (°C) | 13.3°C | 13.3°C | 14.4°C | 14.4°C | 15°C | 15°C | 14.4°C | 14.4°C | 14.4°C | 14.4°C | 14.4°C | 13.8°C |
| Ajijic, Mexico | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Average High (°C) | 23.3°C | 25.5°C | 27.2°C | 29.4°C | 30.5°C | 28.3°C | 26.1°C | 25.5°C | 25.5°C | 25.5°C | 25°C | 23.8°C |
| Average Low (°C) | 5°C | 6.6°C | 8.3°C | 10.5°C | 13.8°C | 16.1°C | 16.1°C | 15.5°C | 15°C | 12.2°C | 8.3°C | 5.5°C |
These temperature charts reveal that our visit to Ajijic in April and May coincided with its hottest months. For those sensitive to heat, like myself, timing is crucial when considering Ajijic. It seems that for about 10 months of the year, Ajijic’s weather would be quite pleasant. In Boquete, I generally enjoy the climate for about 11 months, with November, the peak of the rainy season, being slightly less favorable.
Humidity is another key differentiator in this Panama vs Mexico comparison. Boquete resides in a rainforest environment, experiencing daily rainfall for most of the year, except during a drier period from mid-December to mid-April. Boquete’s average annual rainfall is a substantial 150 inches (3810 mm).
Ajijic, conversely, is much drier, with an average annual rainfall of only 29.4 inches (747 mm). During our stay, the dryness was palpable, leading to increased nasal congestion and a stark contrast to Boquete’s humidity. While Boquete’s humidity can lead to issues like mold, Ajijic’s dryness resulted in noticeable static electricity.
In terms of daylight hours, Boquete maintains a consistent sunrise-to-sunset schedule of approximately 6:00-6:30 am to 6:00-6:30 pm throughout the year. Ajijic offers a slightly wider range, with sunrises between 7:00 and 7:30 am and sunsets ranging from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, offering a bit more daylight, especially during our visit with sunsets around 8:15 pm.
The Scenery: Panama vs Mexico
Boquete, Panama, sets a high bar when it comes to breathtaking scenery. Its lush landscapes, vibrant flora, towering palm trees, majestic mountains, and the iconic Volcán Barú create an unparalleled visual tapestry.
Heading to Ajijic, Mexico, I tempered my expectations, knowing Boquete’s scenery would be tough to rival.
However, Ajijic offered its own unique charm. Mountain ranges provide a scenic backdrop, although during our visit, their brown hues, a consequence of the dry season, were less visually striking compared to Boquete’s year-round greenery.
Initially, Boquete seemed to hold the scenic advantage in this Panama vs Mexico comparison. That changed dramatically when we discovered Lake Chapala and the Malecón de Ajijic (boardwalk).
Lake Chapala is simply stunning, particularly at sunset. The expansive lake, coupled with the vibrant sunsets, is a photographer’s paradise.
While Boquete boasts verdant mountain vistas, Ajijic counters with the serene beauty of Lake Chapala, offering a different but equally captivating scenic experience. The scenery category in this Panama vs Mexico comparison ultimately depends on personal preference – mountains versus lakeside tranquility.
Infrastructure and Businesses: Ajijic vs Boquete
Both Boquete and Ajijic score high on walkability, a significant plus for expat living. However, it’s important to note that neither place mirrors the meticulously planned walkability of some U.S. cities. Both towns are older, featuring a mix of well-maintained buildings alongside older and sometimes unfinished structures.
This blend of old and new, while not always aesthetically perfect, contributes to the unique charm of both locations.
In terms of infrastructure, Ajijic appears more modern than Boquete. While older buildings are present, there are fewer unfinished constructions. A notable advantage in Ajijic is the dedicated walkway/bike path along the main road, a feature largely absent in Boquete, where sidewalks are often fragmented and in disrepair.
On the other hand, Ajijic’s prevalence of cobblestone streets, while visually appealing, can be challenging for both driving and walking.
Public transportation is efficient in both locations. Both Boquete and Ajijic have reliable and affordable bus systems. In Boquete, a bus trip to David (45-60 minutes) costs approximately $1.75, while in Ajijic, a bus to Chapala (15 minutes) is about $1.35. While Boquete offers slightly better value per mile, both are budget-friendly.
Taxi availability, however, favors Boquete. Taxis are readily found in Boquete, especially near the town square. In Ajijic, taxis are less frequent, requiring more planning if you are without a car. Uber availability is limited in both areas.
Ajijic feels larger than Boquete, although precise size comparisons are difficult to find. This larger feel might dilute the small-town atmosphere somewhat.
In terms of recognizable businesses, Ajijic has an edge. Walmart is a short 10-minute drive away, and Costco is accessible near Guadalajara. Boquete’s closest equivalents – Conway, PriceSmart, and DoIt Center – are about 45 minutes away in David.
Power reliability is another point of contrast in this Panama vs Mexico analysis. We experienced no power outages in Ajijic, a welcome change from the frequent short outages in Boquete, suggesting Mexico’s power grid is more robust.
Restaurants and Groceries: Panama vs Mexico
Grocery shopping experiences differed significantly in Ajijic compared to Boquete. Our initial grocery run at Walmart in Ajijic revealed surprisingly lower prices compared to Boquete, where groceries, except for local produce, tend to be pricier.
Subsequent visits to local Ajijic supermarkets, like Supermercado El Torito, reinforced this price difference. Even in smaller stores, prices remained significantly lower than in Boquete.
While we did purchase groceries, the exceptional dining scene in Ajijic encouraged us to eat out frequently. We dined out for lunch or dinner almost daily, an unusual indulgence for us.
Two aspects of Ajijic’s restaurant scene stood out:
- Exceptional Restaurants: The culinary quality in Ajijic was consistently impressive. Every meal we had was delicious. While Boquete also boasts excellent restaurants, Ajijic, in our experience, offered a higher level of culinary satisfaction. Estimates suggest Ajijic has over 100 restaurants, surpassing Boquete’s 75-85.
- Unbelievable Prices: Restaurant prices in Ajijic were astonishingly low, making Boquete seem comparatively expensive. Meals for three, including alcoholic beverages, often averaged around $30 USD, including a 20% tip.
Here are a few examples of restaurants we enjoyed in Ajijic, with approximate prices in USD (including a 20% tip for three people and alcoholic drinks):
Ajijic undeniably wins in the food category of this Panama vs Mexico comparison, both in terms of quality and affordability.
Similar to Boquete, Ajijic offers fresh fruit and vegetable stands throughout town, providing incredibly affordable produce. Boquete also features the Mercado Público, a large public market with numerous produce vendors.
Both locations also have farmer’s markets. Boquete has its Tuesday Market (now split into two adjacent markets), while Ajijic hosts the Lake Chapala Farmers Market on Tuesdays and a significantly larger Market Day on Wednesdays. Ajijic’s Wednesday Market is massive, offering a vast array of goods from food and souvenirs to clothing and electronics.
Money Matters: Panama vs Mexico
For U.S. expats, Panama simplifies finances by using the U.S. dollar as its currency. This eliminates currency exchange complexities.
In Ajijic, Mexico, transactions are in Mexican Pesos. While manageable, it requires mental currency conversion. Currently, approximately 20 pesos equal $1 USD, making conversion relatively straightforward. A quick mental calculation involves moving the decimal point one place left and dividing by two to estimate the USD cost.
Despite the currency difference in this Panama vs Mexico financial aspect, credit card acceptance is widespread in both Ajijic and Boquete, simplifying transactions, especially with credit cards that waive foreign transaction fees.
ATM availability is slightly less prevalent in Ajijic compared to Boquete, but ATMs are still accessible for cash withdrawals in Pesos.
Water Quality: Ajijic, Mexico vs Boquete, Panama
Boquete, Panama, generally has safe tap water in many areas. We routinely drank tap water in Boquete without issues.
Mexico, however, requires more caution regarding water consumption. In Ajijic, water delivery is common practice. A key adjustment was remembering to use purified water even for brushing teeth. While initially requiring conscious effort, this practice likely becomes routine over time.
Washing fruits and vegetables with a disinfectant solution is also recommended in Ajijic. These solutions are readily available at local markets and grocery stores.
Bugs and Dogs: A Comparison
Insect prevalence seemed seasonal in Ajijic, based on our visit. Mosquitoes were present, and despite using bug spray, bites were common, particularly for some of us. Flies were also noticeable, especially when dining outdoors, prompting us to favor indoor seating.
Boquete generally has fewer flies and mosquitoes, likely due to its cooler climate. However, no-see-ums are a common nuisance in Boquete, with bites causing prolonged itching.
Pro Tip: While Avon’s Skin So Soft is a popular repellent, we’ve found REPEL Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent to be more effective, and it’s DEET-free. Additionally, the Bug Bite Thing Suction Tool has been surprisingly effective in alleviating bug bite discomfort.
Stray dogs are a common sight in both Boquete and Ajijic. In Ajijic, however, the number of stray dogs appeared to be higher.
Boquete benefits from Amigos de Animales, a non-profit spay and neuter clinic, which may contribute to managing the stray dog population. Perhaps a similar initiative would be beneficial in Ajijic.
Safety Perceptions: Panama vs Mexico
To gauge safety, we turn to Numbeo, a crowdsourced data website for city comparisons. While not definitive, Numbeo provides useful comparative insights.
Numbeo’s Crime Comparison between Ajijic and Boquete, and for context, Cleveland, Ohio (my hometown), reveals the following:
| Ajijic | Boquete | Cleveland | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crime Index (↓) | 34.13 | 36.94 | 63.66 |
| Safety Scale (↑) | 65.87 | 63.06 | 36.34 |
| Vandalism and theft (↓) | 50 | 53.43 | 67.21 |
| Violent crimes (↓) | 35.8 | 32.79 | 69.49 |
| People using or dealing drugs (↓) | 34.76 | 26.47 | 72.88 |
| Corruption and bribery (↓) | 62.2 | 65.62 | 65.95 |
| ↑ Higher is better | |||
| ↓ Lower is better |
Source: Numbeo Crime Comparison
These figures align with our perceptions. We consistently felt safe in Boquete, even walking at night, while remaining aware of petty theft and corruption risks. Ajijic appears similarly safe based on these metrics and our experience.
The surprising data point is Cleveland’s higher corruption and bribery index compared to Ajijic and Boquete, challenging common preconceptions about corruption levels in developing countries versus developed ones.
Personal safety perception in both Boquete and Ajijic is considerably higher than in larger urban areas, especially in the U.S.
Fun and Activities: Boquete vs Ajijic
This Panama vs Mexico comparison wouldn’t be complete without considering leisure and activities. Boquete offers a wide array of activities, detailed in our previous post, 41 Fun Activities We Did in Panama.
Ajijic presents a different set of leisure options. While perhaps lacking Boquete’s cloud forest zip-lining and jungle hikes, Ajijic excels in other areas. Biking is popular, mountain hiking is available (best enjoyed outside of the hottest months), horseback riding is offered, and kayaking on Lake Chapala is a highlight.
The Malecón in Ajijic is a major attraction, perfect for strolling, shopping at artisan stalls, dining, and enjoying the lakeside atmosphere.
The neighboring town of Chapala expands activity options, offering more shops, restaurants, and its own Malecón, which is wider and provides boat trips to Isla de los Alacranes (Scorpion Island).
Both Boquete and Ajijic offer diverse activities, catering to different interests. Boquete leans towards nature and adventure, while Ajijic emphasizes lakeside leisure and cultural experiences.
Panama vs Mexico: The Verdict?
Deciding between Ajijic, Mexico, and Boquete, Panama, as the “best” place to live is ultimately a personal choice. We cherish our time in Boquete and would happily return. However, Ajijic has also captured our interest with its unique appeal.
Ajijic’s easier accessibility from Ohio compared to Boquete, along with potentially simpler residency processes in Mexico and lower living costs, are compelling factors. Ajijic is definitely a place we are considering for future living, whether full-time or part-time.
If Panama is on your radar, consider Retire in Panama Tours for an immersive experience. They offer excellent tours to explore Panama, learn about expat life, and connect with valuable resources.
While we don’t have specific tour recommendations for Mexico, similar tour options for Ajijic and the Lake Chapala area are likely available.
So, in the Panama vs Mexico debate, which destination resonates more with you?
Plan well, take action, and live your best life!
Thanks for reading!!
— Jim
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