Viva Tropical

Colombia has achieved peace and is increasingly regarded as a good place to consider for living and investing. With such a tumultuous history the question is, is this a good idea? We speak to Park Wilson co-founder of Viva Tropical about his recent trip to Colombia where he traveled a month with his family. When he left Panama his current home to visit Colombia, he was seriously considering moving there and now that he is back you can listen to what he thought and if he will indeed leave Panama for Colombia. Park also discusses investment opportunities, his favorite spots, and the big question on most people's minds, is it safe? Josh and Park also compare and contrast Colombia to other countries in the Latin Tropics. Tune in and listen now

Did you know you can use your 401k or IRA to invest in Tropical Real Estate? Well, you can and not only that you can invest in several other assets classes besides real estate too. This means you can get your money outside the volatile world of the stock market and make investments on your own terms. You can even get your money outside the U.S. to take advantage of emerging markets and increased control and privacy over your hard earned money. You will be able to find new opportunities and get in early before it is too late and big money rushes in to mess up the market. On this episode we speak to Ross Powell, who spent 30 years in the banking industry only to find out the system was rigged against the little guy. Ross decided to start his own company that helps people gain control of their retirement finances and invest in things that make sense. His company shows people how use their 401k to invest tropical real estate, gold, farming, and pretty much any other hard asset.

With the release of the Costa Rica Real Estate Report, Park and Josh decided that this wealth of data and analysis needed a podcast episode all its own. Tune in to hear them discuss how they created the information, how you use it, and how it relates to buying property. What we cover:    •    Top most expensive beach towns.    •    Top three most expensive mountain areas (here where the cheapest beachfront is located based on total price).    •    Plus many more ideas that you will be able to use to get great deals or understand the market. Enjoy the Show.

Josh just returned from a Nicaragua trip and he breaks down the investment and living potential for the northwest corner of the beautiful country. The area is called Chinandega and has mostly flown under the radar as a place to live for expats. Josh discusses the area attractions, prices, building and why he loves it. There is also an interview with Jannene Harker a New Zealander with the first planned development of the area. She discusses how she settled into the area and why she decided to create her own project. Find out why this area is sure to boom and why you should consider it before it's too late and gets expensive.  Tune in now.

Ecuador is one of the most popular up and coming retirement and investment locations. The problem is that is difficult to find good and accurate information. In this episode we try to fix that by speaking to Jesse Thomas who is an investor, expat and all around great source of information. From his home in Loja, Ecuador they discuss many different angles on why Ecuador is great fit for many.

Park and Josh look for a large tract of land for their next project. After combing through hundreds of options and locations they have narrowed it down the Southern Zone of Costa Rica or Nosara, Costa Rica. Join them as they discuss the pros and cons of each site while walking around on the property. Listen in as they discuss the process of deciding what direction to take or not take on a particular property. The initial stage of deciding what property is the best for them is only the beginning, the next steps of figuring out a plan and how it will work is where the rubber meets road in this special episode from the road.

After escaping Prison in 2001 Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman became the most wanted criminal in the world. The DEA, FBI, and Mexican Authorities were hunting him, but for some reason they couldn't find El Chapo. Film Maker Angus Macqueen doubted that these authorities with virtually limitless resources couldn't find El Chapo, so he set out with a camera to find him and make a movie about it. This episode details what he did it and how he survived the process.

Hanli Prinsloo is a Freediver and Ocean Conservationist. Freediving is the practice of diving below the surface of the ocean on a single breath. Professionals can go hundreds of feet down and there are depth competitions, but freedivers also get to see things surface dwellers never even dream of experiencing. Like looking into the eye of a 60ft sperm whale, swimming with sharks, or a finding a deeply meditative place calm place.On this episode Josh and Hanli discuss how yoga and free diving have a lot in common, what it is like to swim with the giant animals of the sea, and why this sport could be the best hope for bringing awareness to the life in the oceans.Hanli also takes us through a 200ft dive, what it feels like, and how you prepare to do it. Listen and hear a great example of someone following their life long dream.

Located 1200m (3900ft) above sea level this little mountain has the perfect climate. It is obvious why it is such a hit with expats and retirees. Great climate, lots of restaurants, and a walkable small town feel.Paul McBride joins the show to discuss the real estate market, how the area has changed over the last decade and where you should be looking for investment opportunities. We also discuss Boquete's enduring appeal, why you should consider it even if you want to be near a beach.We also discuss cost to build a home, local market prices, and why he has called Boquete, Panama home for over a decade.

Our guest today, Juani, travels the world providing Ayahuasca ceremonies for people looking for a spiritual breakthrough. He talks about why people attend, and how they gain valuable insight into their lives using a traditional plant mix. He also talks about why this relatively obscure amazon practice is gaining popularity in the modern world.Josh also speaks with Juani about his job as an Ayahuascero, traditions from the ceremony, his training, and much much more. This your chance to go inside a real ceremony and hear the traditional music called Icaros usually reserved for ceremonies only. Juani talks about his approach and how he mixes modern with traditional practices to help people grow, change, and live a healthier life. A great show for anyone interested in a mystifying subculture that is gaining popularity world wide.

Peter Chapman Financial Times reporter and author of Bananas joins the show to discuss the subject of his book. The rise of one of the most powerful companies in the world during the early to mid 1900's The United Fruit Company. Listen how the creator of the Banana Republic and purveyor of the yellow fruit would stop at nothing to maintain control of their business.For 100 years the company controlled most of Central America, they rigged elections and massacred people, while building a banana empire.It is a fascinating story and has inspired many from the Latin region to speak up, from Che Guevara to Pablo Neruda. Peter also talks about how United Fruit set the blue print for all multinational companies today. Enjoy the show.

Free diving championships in Greece, 2500ft under water in a DIY submarine, and learning the language of whales. Author of Deep, Free Diving, Renegade Science, and What the Ocean Tells Us about Our Selves, James Nestor joins the show. Listen as he describes his journey from surface dweller to swimming with Sperm whales. James also tells us that he learned the human body is uniquely adapted to the underwater environment. Tune to hear all this and more and add a little adventure to your day.

In this episode we cover The Southern Zone of Costa Rica, an area on the Pacific coast stretching from Manual Antonio south to the border of Costa Rica and Panama.Casey Stamps, investment specialist, comes back on to do a deep dive into this very large and diverse region. We discuss building costs, where he thinks the opportunities are located, what is making this region grow, and the investment and buying strategies that are working today. We also discuss who would really love this stretch of coast and why.

Mayan Scholar Dave Schaefer drops by to discuss the Mayan calendar, The Mayan creation book the Popol Vuh, and how modern Mayan people aren't being recognized. Dave talks with Josh about his favorite ruins and how he got started studying Mayan hieroglyphs in Guatemala. If you are interested in Mayan history or just want an introduction to Mesoamerican culture this show is for you.

Learn what you need to know before you build the house of your dreams in the Latin Tropics.Scott Nichols joins the podcast to discuss his trials and tribulations of the building process in Central America. He is currently in the middle of building a house and stopped by to tell us what he has learned so far. Josh and him discuss how to find a builder, what to know before you design a house, and why certain materials are more expensive. A must listen for anyone who is considering building a house in the Latin Tropics for living or investment.

Ecuador has a ton of coastline, but much of it isn't good for beach living due to high cliffs and industrial activities. Park and I explored Ecuador from tip to tip and covered the entire coastline. What we found was there are several spots that could be perfect to live and you have to know what is happening locally to determine where is best. So today we are speaking with Greg Gilliam long time Ecuador expat about how to approach the Ecuador market and where you should focus your time when looking for your own paradise. Greg is a builder, hotel owner, and real estate entrepreneur, who has lots of experience and a straightforward approach you are sure to learn from on the show.

John Acott long time broker in Belize tells you what is happening. Learn how much it costs to build in Belize, where the top 3 places to live and invest are located. Also a major infrastructure change on the horizon that if happens will be something you need to hear. John is from the San Ignacio, which is rarely covered and from all accounts seems to be a tremendous value for living. Tune to hear all this and more.

Murder Confessions, 300 LB Tunas, and 9mm Barettas, all make appearances when Josh and Park recount some of their stories from the road. They have experienced many different colorful situations over the years while scouting out real estate investments.Maybe the greatest job in the world, Park and Josh reminisce about some of their most memorable days while exploring the far reaches of Central America in their search for the best real estate on offer.

Author Jonathon Weisberger joins the show to discuss his experience living and helping the Secoya people. What happens to culture, life, and spirituality when they develop within the jungle away from modern life. Jonathon discusses what he learned and why he continues to work with the Secoya elders. He also talks about how others can experience their sacred Ayahuasca/Yage ceremonies. Listen and enjoy an amazing opportunity to get a glimpse into a another world.

On this episode we discuss Nicaragua and all its awesome potential. Barry Oliver real estate professional has over 10 years of experience in the country and it will make a difference if you are considering buying or investing there.One of the safest countries in Central America, Nicaragua is often overlooked because of its turbulent history and lack of organization. Today's situation is much different and many have already discovered why this is one of the best options for living in Central America.Tune in now and hear where the investment opportunities are located, how much it costs to build, how much beachfront property costs, and who buys in the biggest country in Central America.