No matter where Americans are, thanksgiving is a holiday that travels with them in the heart, and it must be celebrated. This is the occasion to express gratitude for all favors received day after day, and when in a foreign land the happiness of being alive and fortunate enough to find ourselves enjoying the pleasures of nature, family and new friends found.
Costa Rica is a country that understands the culture of American people and its people loves to help expats to celebrate such a beautiful tradition with enthusiasm and love. The number of expats living in Costa Rica increases every year and finding a group of friends with whom to celebrate this traditional holiday according to your life style is not hard at all. The expats community in Costa Rica is diverse and there are different clubs and organizations eager to accept new members or to receive visitors. The Birding Club, Hiking and Camping Club, Backgammon Club, are just a few examples of a well-organized society that enables people to form lasting relationships.
Many retirees live in Costa Rica and this holiday is an occasion for their families living in the United States to visit them. It is such a pleasure to see the excitement, hugs and smiles at Juan Santa Maria Airport when grandparents welcome their kids and grandkids to a country that offers fantastic options to enjoy a short vacation in paradise. Imagine the joy of having a family reunion at a table set with all the traditional food, like turkey, sweet potato, pumpkin pie and all American staples available fresh at any of the many grocery stores of Costa Rica. If you decide to cook at home you will always find a place to buy your goodies and top quality food, no matter if you are near the beach or San José City.
Should you prefer eating out for Thanksgiving, there are highly regarded restaurants in the Central Valley and beach towns that will accommodate your party according to your needs. A traditional Thanksgiving meal in a nice restaurant costs about $ 30 per person. Remember to make reservations in advance and get ready to create a memorable evening not only because the food is good but because you might find yourself surrounded by other American celebrating the event, which would make you feel at home. If you are staying at a hotel talk to the Events Manager to prepare a nice get together reunion for your group.
Once in Costa Rica visit the most beautiful places on earth such as clear water beaches, imposing mountains and volcanos, natural parks and refuges, fascinating rain forest and many other attractions that are yours to discover.
Celebrating Thanksgiving in Costa Rica will be an experience that will make you smile in the future, every time you feel the sun in your skin, the smell of sea breeze or the taste of an exotic fruit you will remember the happiness of a beautiful day in an amazing country.
Costa Rica is famous for its beautiful, white sand beaches and world-class surfing. In fact, the first wave of foreign travellers came to Costa Rica mainly for its near perfect weather and fantastic surf.
Here’s a description of the some of the best beaches in the Central Pacific area:
Jaco
The closest beach to San Jose and one of the best surf destinations in the country. Surfers, sun worshipers and eco-adventurists alike flock to Jaco each year for its breathtaking beaches, happening town and proximity to the airport all make it an ideal spot to land for foreign visitors.
Puntarenas
A popular youth hangout. It’s the capital and largest city in the Province of Puntarenas off Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. A popular stopover point for tourists traveling to Monteverde, this area includes the beautiful Golfo Islands and comprises 1517 square miles.
Matapalo
Just off the beaten track and possessing the all the wondrous natural beauty Costa Rica is known for, it’s the perfect escape from your usual tourist destination. A laid back atmosphere creates the ideal locale to take in your surroundings. A great place for horseback riding, fishing, swimming, sunbathing, or just watching a magnificent sunset. This quaint coastal getaway is located just off a dirt road, and the town is surrounded by two smaller villages. Nearby is also the National Wildlife Refuge of Hacienda Buru and Uvita.
Playa Hermosa
Just three miles south of Jaco, one of the best surf destinations in the country. This popular beach town and beachfront resort is a laid back epicenter of ongoing beach development with large hotels at the northern end and more relaxed at the southern end. The town has an abundance of restaurants, shopping, bars and outdoor activities. The area is also known for its incredible marine fauna, snorkeling, sport fishing, and scuba diving. There also a number of national parks such as Palo Verde National Park and Santa Rosa National Park nearby.
Playa Herradura
Small beach located on the central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Formerly a sleepy village, it’s now home to the prestigious Marriott Los Suenos hotel with a popular marina and golf course. This beach town is also an excellent spot for sport fishing. Its close proximity to San Jose makes it easily accessible to an airport and major urban amenities too. The tranquil waters define this town as one of the best spots for swimming and for nature enthusiasts, also nearby is Carara National Park for eco-adventures.
Playa Esterillos Defined by no crowds, chocolate covered beaches and great surf, it’s the place to escape for the cool kids. Here waves consistently break head high; it’s one of the cleanest and most consistent breaks for surfers. At low tide the size of the beach increases dramatically exposing the a vast dark sand loved by beachcombers. Surrounded by lush hills and dense forests makes the area a little refuge adored by many.
Here’s the perfect opportunity for entrepreneurial spirits looking for a lifestyle change, as well as a good return on investment. This beautiful six bedroom bed and breakfast is a great investment for someone looking to purchase not only a commercial property but also an established business. The property is being sold completely furnished and equipped with all the existing assets. From Day-1 you can start making money. The property also includes an adjacent prime lot that could be developed into an owner’s house, rental apartments, hotel, or organic farm.
The main property is situated on a large lot of 320 m2 (3,500 sq. ft), and the adjacent lot is more than double the size: 758 m2 (8,000+ sq. ft.) and includes citrus fruit trees, coffee plants and a panoramic view. There property has a BBQ “rancho” where guests can relax on a hammock while taking in the mesmerizing landscape and sounds of nature. The possibilities are endless for future development on this unique parcel of land.
Located in sunny Santa Ana and nestled in a magical location next to the grand canyon of the Virilla River, this property is in the path of growth. It’s only 20-minutes to the airport, and 10-15 minutes to Multiplaza Mall and CIMA hospital, restaurants, shops and clubs. New commercial, medical and residential developments are being built in the area making it a one of the most sought after areas in Costa Rica.
The main house encompasses a one bedroom suite, colorful chef’s kitchen with an adjacent dining room and a reception desk area on the first floor. There is also an expansive pool and terrace with additional tables and a welcoming sitting area to enjoy the views and near-perfect year round weather.
The second floor has a generous sized room with a high double vaulted wood ceiling that provides guests with the perfect space for reading, relaxing, watching a movie or sitting out on the balcony to take in the breeze and scenery.
Two more bedroom suites are available on this level, including a Master bedroom suite with a large walk-in-closet and a Master bath with double vanity and a dual shower head.
On the third floor, there is a another bedroom suite, which is a large room with two beds, loveseat sofa and a modern stone slate bathroom with a double vanity.
The pool is the perfect spot to relax on Santa Ana’s infamous warm sunny days. Enjoy sunbathing on the open patio terrace that overlooks the amazing greenery and vistas of the river canyon where you can spot toucans, parrots and birds of all kinds!
It’s a really magical location and unique property making it the perfect getaway for travelers, as well as a special opportunity for the lucky new owner.
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A common question people ask when considering relocating to Costa Rica: How much will it cost to live in the country comfortably? The short answer: It varies but most likely a lot less than where you currently reside.
Depending on your expectations for quality of life, as well as whether you are single, couple, or married with children are all factors that will have a big impact on this answer. It is estimated that the average single person in Costa Rica needs between $1200 and $1500 a month to live comfortably, but for some expats this number can easily increase to $5000 or more. It really depends on your expectations for comfort. For the average North American couple, it is estimated to be $1500 to $2500 and more for those with children and need to pay for private school and/or childcare.
According to the consumer price index, Costa Rica’s cost of living is 57.43. Renting a one bedroom apartment in the city center will cost $445.53 per month, and a three bedroom about $839.81 per month. Average utilities for an 915 square foot apartment run about $71.55. High speed internet runs around $51.33. If you are looking to purchase a home the average price per square foot in the city center is $130.39, and outside the city center it is $120.57. Most home buyers purchase in all-cash or negotiate private financing through the seller. If you are looking to get a bank approved mortgage in Costa Rica, interest rates are high running about 12.39%.
Food prices are comparable to North America. Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant will run about $34.49, a domestic beer runs about $2.00, an imported one $3.00. Coffee lovers your cappuccinos at a local cafe will cost about $2.38, a real bargain compared to North America’s Starbucks, and better coffee. A monthly public transportation pass is $56.28, and if you are considering owning a car, fuel prices are high. Gas runs about $4.75 per gallon. Car ownership can quickly add up and many people prefer public transportation and bikes and use private cars sparingly. Many people live in pedestrian friendly towns and the lifestyle does not require heavy car use.
Healthcare costs are about a third less of what most US citizens pay, and Costa Rica is known for its high quality of care. In fact, it is so good, health tourism is a major industry. Foreigners coming to Costa Rica just for high quality, affordable medical care. There is also relatively inexpensive private insurance available. A doctor’s visit will never cost more than $60, and a visit to a specialist will run $80 to $100. A routine test such as an Utlrasound is $75, and surgeries are considerably less than they are in the US. In short, Costa Ricans are not faced with mounting medical debt like most US citizens. Everyone is guaranteed insurance.
For tuition, there is a wide range of prices with pre-school costing as little as $100 or slightly less a month to $400 a month. Private school tuition can cost anywhere from $1200 a year to close to $10,000, but many schools offer quality education for considerably less, and the amount is still significantly less than North American parents have become accustomed to paying each year. The cost to hire a nanny will run between $2 to $10 per hour depending upon where you are and what type of help you seek. Still childcare is significantly less for most families here than it is in their native countries relieving them of the pressure of a major expense they confront at home.
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