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Nomadic work in Central America: Guatemala and Panama

Nomadic work in Central America: Guatemala and Panama
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Foreword

In June 2021, I booked a tour in Central America with a Canadian company I love and that I’ve told you about before, G Adventures.

The plan? Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Costa Rica… in 17 days. Ambitious? Yes Amazing? YES!

I convinced a friend to come with me and we found (extremely) inexpensive airfare that suited us, with Copa Airlines (a member of Star Alliance).

We are both holders of the HSBC World Elite® Mastercard® card, and had earned enough points to cover the cost of the airfare ($279) and part of the tour booked with G Adventures. We were ready.

The situation being what it is, the tour was unfortunately cancelled. So we changed our plan – instead of five countries, we would do three in three weeks.

Annual fee
$150
Our valuation
$350
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 35,000 points
Ends Nov 1, 2026
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on Scotiabank's website

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card +* CardMC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

  • No fees for foreign currency transactions
  • 6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
  • Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
  • Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

New planning: Guatemala – Panama (!) – Costa Rica.

We were able to keep our flights as they were, adding an internal flight from Guatemala to Panama.

This is the story of my first week of travel, which covers our stay in Guatemala.

On the way to Guatemala

Since I live in Quebec City, I used my Aeroplan points to fly between YQB and YUL. My flight left YUL the next day at 9am for Guatemala.

I booked a room at the YUL Terminal Marriott, which I paid for with my $200 American Express travel credit from the Platinum card ). I also took advantage of the $50 off promotion with any purchase of $200 or more. In the end, my room cost me $50 (instead of $300).

The flight with Copa went well. I had a stopover in Panama (a bit counterproductive, since Panama is quite a bit lower on the map than Guatemala), during which I could access the Copa Club VIP lounge (thank you, Platinum Card® from American Express, which provides access to Priority Pass lounges!).

Annual fee
$799
Our valuation
$1,700
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,700Total$1,700Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 100,000 points
Apply Now

on American Express's website

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Terms of the offer

  • Unlock special experiences with the newly designed metal Platinum Card
  • New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 25,000 Welcome Bonus Membership Rewards® points when you charge $2,000 in purchases to your Card in the first three months of Cardmembership
  • Earn 3 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining in Canada, 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel, and 1 point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
  • You will have access to a $200 CAD Annual Travel Credit to use towards any single travel booking of $200 or more charged to your Platinum Card and made on www.americanexpress.ca/travel or through Platinum Card® Travel Service
  • Take full advantage of the American Express Global Lounge Collection which unlocks access to over 1200 airport lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion® Lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounges, and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience
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  • As a Charge Card, the balance must always be paid in full each month. 30% annual interest rate applies to balances not paid in full. Payments must be received and processed by the date of the next monthly statement to avoid interest charges
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The Platinum Card® is the best premium card in Canada for travellers.

With this welcome offer, you can earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points:

  • 70,000 points after charging $10,000 to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
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With this Card, you get:

  • 2 points per $1 on eligible dining and delivery purchases in Canada
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Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

Annual fee

Primary card$799
Additional card$250

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 2xTravel
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,482
2nd Year Value$470

Transfer partners

  • AeroplanAirline
  • British Airways ClubAirline
  • Cathay Asia MilesAirline
  • Etihad GuestAirline
  • Flying BlueAirline
  • Hilton HonorsHotel
  • Marriott BonvoyHotel

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$400
Travel creditsIncluded

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Trip CancellationUp to $2,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $1,000
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days
Nomadic work in Central America: Guatemala and Panama - Compte Copa

Selinas

My friend is an avid Selina fan, so we decided to stay there every night of our trip.

Selinas are a hybrid form of hostel and co-working space that appeal to nomadic workers (perfect during COVID!).

You can book a bed in a dormitory or a private room, as well as a place in a dedicated workspace (coworking) that offers a fast Internet connection and quietness to work. We planned to work mornings during the week and visit afternoons and weekends, depending on our workload.

My friend and I are both lucky enough to be able to work from anywhere, at our leisure. So the Selinas offer exactly what we’re looking for: a pleasant atmosphere, designed to appeal to nomad workers.

Antigua

We had planned three days in Antigua, then another three days in Lake Atitlan (Panajachel). The Selinas offer an affordable shuttle service to make it easy to get around.

We booked the shuttle from Guatemala City airport (La Aurora) to Antigua through Selina. The road is very winding, and although the distance is quite short, the journey can take from 45 minutes to 2 hours. Ours lasted 80 minutes.

Antigua Guatemala, better known as Antigua, is the former capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala. It is known for its colonial architecture in the Baroque and Spanish Renaissance styles and for the ruins caused by the two earthquakes of 1773.

The city, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, is now both a tourist center and a place where many foreigners, especially from North America, learn Spanish.

Nomadic work in Central America: Guatemala and Panama - Antigua
Nomadic work in Central America: Guatemala and Panama - Antigua centre touristique

Our schedule looked like this: work from 7 to 11 a.m., then visit the (uneven) cobblestone streets of the city and enjoy the pool (with slide!)

Nomadic work in Central America: Guatemala and Panama - Swimming pool

Pacaya Volcano

On the last day, we booked our spot to visit the Pacaya volcano, which is still active. Access to the volcano costs 50 quetzals (about $8). The volcano is about 90 minutes away from Antigua.

Nomadic work in Central America: Guatemala and Panama - Randonnee au volcan

The ascent of the Pacaya volcano was very arduous: 80 minutes of intense ascent (at least for us!), but I guarantee you that the view was entirely worth it.

It is also possible to ride a horse, if you are not fit enough. [Personally, I refuse to encourage this kind of practice, as the animals are rarely well fed and work very hard to climb the volcano].

Nomadic work in Central America: Guatemala and Panama - Volcan Acatenango

We even made the climb with a few dogs, who were hoping to snatch a few pieces of our snacks!

Our favourite in Antigua: the restaurant La Bruja. We went back three times to try their burgers, bowls and concoctions (smoothies and fresh squeezed juice blends). A real treat (vegetarian with vegan options) every time!

The next day, well rested after a good night’s sleep, we left for Lake Atitlan, in Panajachel.

Nomadic work in Central America: Guatemala and Panama - Chien errant

Panajachel (Lake Atitlan)

Panajachel is a fairly small village, and very touristy. The villages around the lake are all quite touristy as well. Several activities are accessible from there: zipline, paragliding, boat tours, visit of a nature reserve…

Nomadic work in Central America: Guatemala and Panama - San Juan

We opted for a boat trip to visit one of the small villages on the other side of the lake, San Juan. The Selina in this destination is also very nice, but more nightlife oriented than in Antigua.

Nomadic work in Central America: Guatemala and Panama - Hebergement

I think three days was a bit too much for our taste for this destination. Antigua offered many more options for delicious restaurants and pleasant walks. Panajachel, besides the magnificent panorama offered by Lake Atitlan, left us hungry for a more authentic experience.

Our favourite thing about Panajachel: the view of the lake at sunset, with thunderstorms thundering from all sides without ever reaching the lake. That was impressive!

Nomadic work in Central America: Guatemala and Panama - Panajachel


Conclusion

At the time of writing, I am at La Aurora airport, waiting for our flight to Panama with Copa Airlines. We are in the Casa del Ron VIP lounge, which offers a table-side meal and two alcoholic drinks per person. Thank you, Priority Pass!

The rest of our adventure will take place in Panama, before ending in Costa Rica in about ten days.

Annual fee
$150
Our valuation
$350
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 35,000 points
Ends Nov 1, 2026
Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card +* CardMC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

  • No fees for foreign currency transactions
  • 6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
  • Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
  • Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Go further with American Express Membership Rewards

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Our featured card

Annual fee
$150
Our valuation
$350
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 35,000 points
Ends Nov 1, 2026
Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card +* CardMC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

  • No fees for foreign currency transactions
  • 6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
  • Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
  • Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

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