Just 40 minutes away from the capital of Costa Rica, the evergreen rolling hills of Atenas is a sight you can’t pass by. As you arrive at this traditional Cost Rican rural town, you will be able to perceive its authenticity and sense its amazing climate. As a matter of fact, Atenas is reported to have one of the best climates in the world, where you are able to enjoy temperatures reaching up to 80 ° and descending to about 60 ° in its lowest state. Due to this near-perfect climate, nature around here thrives and is the reason why the exotic flora and fauna of Atenas is so diverse and all-encompassing.
Atenas Central Park is perhaps the most popular attraction in this place, located in the heart of the town and filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment everywhere. In the shade of the tall trees, you will be in full comfort indulging on the bustling town activity there is as well as the eccentric species of birds that roam the place. Also, don’t forget to visit the souvenir shops and pick up some gifts for your loved ones that can’t be found in the normal consumer malls.
If for some reason you wish to escape the ordinary and go visit the species of the land, Zoo Ave is perfect for you. Whether you have kids, or you simply want to appreciate wildlife, Zoo Ave offers an up-and-close experience with some of the most exotic animals, the difference lies in the way that they treat, rescue, and rehabilitate animals instead of using them for profit. Think about it, when will you have the chance to see more than 130 species of animals in a secure and non-profitable organization, this might be your chance.
All of these benefits and attractions have thus turned Atenas into a great location to invest, where nature and culture fuse to make the perfect environment for calm and “Pura Vida” living. Day-by-day, Atenas is attracting new investments thanks to the new coastal highway that places Atenas just 25 minutes from the beach and 30 minutes away from more developed areas such as Santa Ana and Escazú. With its Spanish colonial feeling, in Atenas, you will have the opportunity to live a life filled with serenity but also with the availability of facilities such as international bilingual schools, ATMs, hardware stores, hospitals and clinics, supermarkets, among many others. A prime choice for Expats from all over the world, don’t look past this peaceful slow-paced town.
Imagine a place where nature is so pristine more than 300 species of recorded animals are roaming around. Established in 1989, Pacuare Reserve constitutes in a 2000-acre tropical forest reserve in Matina, Limón that is essential in the conservation of wildlife in Costa Rica, especially for the endangered leatherback sea turtle as it uses its 6km of its coastline for nesting. From March to July, don’ t miss out on the opportunity to join the reserve’s turtle census and witness from up close the remarkable nesting process. Another great sight would be happening from June-September, where you can behold yet another natural spectacle when thousands of baby leatherback turtles hatch and return to the ocean. Apart from these magnificent sea mammals, Pacuare Reserve also is the home to many other species who enjoy the tropical forest section. With its rich canals, some of the reserve’s inhabitants are monkeys, more than200 species of birds, and rare species such as jaguars and ocelots.
Being one of the most precipitated areas in Costa Rica, this wonderful territory is also composed by the Pacuare river, that serpents its way down the hill and is perfect for rafting or canopy in the dry periods (October, March, and April). If you wish to camp beside the river and immerse yourselves fully within nature, it is possible but only with an official permit from the organization.
Before being a reserve, the territory was overwhelmed by deforestation and the development of farms, this was until John Denham and his wife Hilda created in 1989 the beneficial organization that is taking care of the zone now. The nonprofit organization that stewards the region are called Ecology Project International, with all of its profits from its visitors going straight back to the reserve. If you wish to help or just get involved in the protection of this wonderland, the options vary from either financially supporting or simply volunteering and ultimately making a small step in the conservation of the site and education of future generations. Do not hesitate to come to visit this natural haven where you will be one on one with raw nature.
Costa Rica’s southern zone is a truly exceptional area that has loads of draws due to its chill climate and many cloud rainforests filled with flora and fauna. Apart from to the endless amounts of rainforest section that is covered by this area, beautiful beaches can be founded in the Southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica in the form of Dominical, Uvita, and Ojochal. This trio of beaches has become a surfing haven for nationals and expats as well as a place to be able to witness the tropical climate and dramatic landscapes of Costa Rica.
These three locations will allow you to be fully immersed in the natural atmosphere of the beaches and also next to many of its inhabitants such as whales, turtles, howler monkeys, and beautiful species of birds.
The limited beach development that is found in these zones is mainly caused by the large portion of national parks in the area that are protected and restricted by the government. Either way, this conservation of nature makes the beauty of the zone the more exceptional for it is hard to find virgin forests such as these. For this reason, Costa Rica real estate investors and retirees picture this zone as a gold mine, confirmed by a welcoming expat and Tico community and bursting with wildlife. A decade ago, it would take a miracle for someone to take you to Costa Rica’s Southern Zone thanks to impassible roads filled with crater-sized potholes and amounts of dust preventing you to see other cars. Luckily, this all has improved seen as you can either travel down here by plane or also by car but know in a more improved 3-hour drive leap instead of the 8 hours it used to take.
For all of you thrill-seekers, the Southern Zone is also home to the most impressive topography which includes the famous Talamanca Range and the highest peak in Costa Rica, Cerro Chirripó. In addition to the towering mountain ranges and the vast beaches, there are also many waterfalls, hiking trails and an abundance of nature preserves. On top of that, there is a variety of tour operators that include horseback riding, snorkeling, scuba diving, ATV tours, coastal excursions, and many other activities that will most definitely keep you busy in this wonderful part of the country. Furthermore, with the recent introduction of property development, an array of food and drink options have become available, with about 40 restaurants and bars as well as 11 hotels at your disposal. Having said this, it is pretty easy to see why there is a great number of retirees and expats who wish to indulge in the peacefulness of this zone and hopefully buy their dream retirement or vacation home.
Within mountains and hills, you’ll find a picturesque farming town in the shape of Grecia. 45 minutes away from the center of San José, Grecia fuses an incredible and relaxing climate with a peaceful and appealing ambiance. One of its key characteristics that differentiate this town from any other in Costa Rica would have to be the abounding culture that is seen through their typical restaurants, museums, waterfalls, and cathedrals.
If you’re looking for 300+ days of sunshine, this is the place for you. Apart from the constant sun that is always shining over these lands, cooling breezes are also steady all year round, constituting in the most ideal and balanced climate to live in. Thanks to Grecia’s mild weather, farmers are hence able to cultivate fresh coffee, sugar cane, and pineapples.
Perhaps its biggest attraction, the lush and untampered beauty of Los Chorros waterfalls is a must-see sight that lies in a regional park southeast of Grecia. With easy access and a beautiful swath of jungle, this adventure is perfect for picnics with a dozen or so tables at your disposal.
Another stand-out characteristic of Grecia is its famous cathedral, Cathedral de la Merced. For all of you first-timers, this piece might look like a red-brick church at first glance but after you see the seams in the Cathedral, you’ll know exactly where you are. Constructed in the 1890s with sheets of metal imported from Belgium, this cathedral is central to the life of the typical Christian “tico”. Similar to many churches, this gothic architectural piece has stained glassed windows; however, it differs in its white wooden interior, vaulted ceilings, curving arches, and recognized gingerbread trim.
The World of Snakes is also one of the biggest draws in Grecia, known for its jaw-dropping collection and variety of more than 50 species. If for some reason snakes scare you to death, the museum also offers a butterfly arena (+50,000) and a regional museum.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a place where weather is extremely pleasant, there is a variety of activities to do and is filled with authentic and friendly natives, don’t look further, Grecia is the place for you.
4th of July might well be the celebration of independence of the USA; however, here in Costa Rica there are several places to go if you want to commemorate this US holiday.
Firstly, for all of you don’t know, 4th of July is celebrated because it was the date when the Continental Congress declared that the first thirteen American states were no longer bound to the monarch of Britain. Historically, July 4 was not really the date when it was signed (July 2nd) rather the day when the Continental Congress formally dated, finalized, and adopted it. The nation’s citizens thus cherish this holiday like no other because it is an emblem of their country: the land of the free.
For all of you American’s at heart, don’t forget to rehearse the “U-S-A” chant and go to the activities either in Avenida Escazú or Marino Pez Vela if you’re near the Central Pacific area of Costa Rica. In Escazú, there will be both fireworks and concerts that will feature the band Mustang 65, DJ Sweetbo, the U.S. Air Force’s Airmen of Note, and the CCCN Jazz Orchestra. Also, the activity will count with activities for kids, square dancing, and a classic cars parade. For the people in the beach, specifically those of you who are residents of Quepos or visitors to the area, there is also a celebration for you hosted by the Marina Pez Vela. For this activity, kids will be able to enjoy face painting, games and inflatables as well as traditional U.S dances. If you thought you will be hungry, don’t worry, Marina Pez Vela has promised there will be hot-dogs and apple pie.
In a broader image, the important message to be taken from all of this is the fact that liberty and freedom transcends countries. In this case, it is the expats from United States who are enjoying and celebrating this event in Costa Rica, showing as well how significant the celebration of independence is for a country but also how vivid America’s culture is here in Costa Rica.
Mesmerizing beaches, astounding nature and stunning highlands are just three of the thousands of charms the Guanacastecan region has to offer. Situated in Costa Rica’s northwestern shoulder, Guanacaste or also The Gold Coast is home to the most beautiful Pacific beaches and is also the leading authority on Costa Rica’s vacations.
Guanacaste’s weather is usually dry and very sunny, thus supporting Costa Rica’s beef and sugarcane production as well as taking care of the national parks and wildlife reserves. Within Guanacaste, you can find famous beach towns such as Tamarindo, Matapalo but also exclusive and prime resorts such as Hacienda Pinilla and Peninsula Papagayo. This wide variety of options therefore attracts millions of tourists from around the world and has made Guanacaste an idyllic location that is second to none around the world.
If you’re are prepared for an adventure, don’t hesitate to visit one of Guanacaste’s most famous national parks, Rincón de la Vieja. For all of you thrill seekers, Rincón de la Vieja counts with zip lines, repel down waterfalls, thermal hot springs and much more. On the other hand, eco tourists and nature lovers will also fall in love with Guanacaste, specially inside Monteverde’s National Park, a place where they can witness more species of trees that there are in the entire USA and more than 400 species of birds. Rainforest such as these will allow you to watch in awe the diverse range of the forest inhabitants and also indulge in the mysteriousness of the Cloud Forests.
It is such Guanacaste’s richness and draw that a huge company such as Coca-Cola has decided to invest in 30 hectares of land with the purpose of installing their raw materials supply for their production. Not only this, the city of Liberia in Guanacaste will also see the opening of many hotels to expand its reach, among them are Hard Rock Hotel, Papagayo Bay Resort & Luxury Villas and Radisson Blu. All of this bieng said, next time you visit Costa Rica, don’t miss the opportnutiy to behold the beauties that lie within this region and make sure to enjoy the infinite activities it has to offer.
Dogs become noble and adored members of millions of families and accordingly, they have to be treated like ones. For this reason, Perro Aventurero or Adventure Dog has decided to host a hiking event in the Botanical Garden, Else Kientzler, in Sarchí, where you can bring your mascots and enjoy a wonderful day and be able to hike with your dogs and get to listen to a free expositions on dog behavior and training.
Moreover, thanks to Perro Aventurero’s partnership with Adopciones Grecia, not only will you get to spend quality time with your mascots, you will also be able to hang out with stray dogs and possibly adopt one.
The event coordinators have also wanted to motivate and support national entrepreneurs by creating El Mercadito de los Perros, a.k.a the Dog’s Market, where you will be able to find artisanal products for dogs such as ice creams, fragrances, soaps, clothing wear and accessories.
With respect to Costa Rica, dog adoption has been increasing but it has not yet reached the level that has been expected, thus meaning that events such as these drastically aid in helping abandoned and homeless dogs to find a home and a family to live with.
The worldwide famous model and singer arrived in Costa Rica with their kids (North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm) to relax and indulge in the beaches of Costa Rica. Last time the renowned couple visited Costa Rica was in January of 2017, where they where in the pacific coast filming episodes for their well known show Keeping up with the Kardashians.
Who are they?
You could call Kim Kardashian a model, entrepreneur, reality TV star, socialite, either one is accurate. As for Kanye, people like to refer to him as one of the greatest rappers of all time, however, he has also delved into the fashion industry and partnered up with Adidas to create the most sought out shoe known to this day, the Yeezy. Knowing this, we ask ourselves the following question: why do they come visit Costa Rica and what is the bigger picture regarding Costa Rica’s attraction?
Interestingly enough, Costa Rica has been over the last couple of decades a magnificent place to vacation and stray away from fame and attention. Take for example Rafael Nadal visiting Dreams las Mareas in el Jobo de la cruz, Guanacaste or even world cup winner Raphäel Varane soothing in la Fortuna, San Carlos. The reason for this lies in the beauty of Costa Rica’s beaches, hotels, wildlife, and rainforests but most importantly in its people, who treat you as one of their own and welcome you with no prejudice whatsoever. Costa Rica stands out among America and is evidently a place where stress is dismissed because of the country’s intrinsic alleviating nature.
Have you ever wondered what it is like to live in a beach town, well, it is fair to say Dominical is one of the most illustrious there is in Costa Rica.
Notorious for its great waves, Dominical attracts hundreds of surfers along the year that want to experience the greatness of these beaches; however, Dominical is way more than just surf, as it has the most incredible combination of jungle filled mountains and ocean perfect for hiking enthusiasts, adventurous individuals, or even potential buyers that wish to invest in a piece of this paradise.
Within this region, Nauyaca Waterfalls are one of the most well known attractions. With a 61 meter drop and a profound natural pool for swimming in the bottom, this waterfall can be reached by horse, truck, or preferably on foot so you can appreciate and indulge in the fabulous rainforest that surrounds the waterfall.
If you wish to be part of an adventure out on the water and enjoy the natural scenery of the forest or the sea, there is also an option to go kayak or paddle boarding in the mangrove or the ocean. The mangrove trail will allow you to go at peace and learn all about the ecology of this essential ecosystem while you appreciate its inhabitants (monkeys, herons, crabs, racoons, crocodiles, sloths). As for the ocean trail, if you’re looking for a little more excitement, this one is for you. These take you around the famous Whale Tail along the coast of Punta Uvita for snorkelling or to go see caves located in secluded beaches around the pacific central coast.
The costa Ballena or Whale coast in Uvita is also renowned for the hundreds of humpback whales that migrate to these regions warm waters. Peak times to go and see these wonders are in September and October and we assure you that this is a sight you don’t want to miss.
Don’t be fooled by its dirt roads and small town, Dominical is one of the fastest growing communities in Costa Rica due to its idyllic nature and authentic natural beauty. If you are looking for unparalleled beachfront scenery along with cascading cliffs and winding rivers, this is definitely the place for you.
Wallmart in Mexico and Central America has decided to reach out to groups that they traditionally don’t go to, this being an indicator that the economy is finally reaching full employment. Their sub-manager of Corporate affairs, Mariela Pacheco, says they want to encourage the participation of diverse human talent, in an environment of equal opportunities in all areas of the company.
Diversity has now become a value-add for businesses and a growing number of firms are now including people with disabilities into the picture. By bringing in people who think or work differently due to their disability, companies are therefore bringing people who look at and solve problems differently. A job most times becomes a big part of someone’s identify, and therefore, it is imperative for individuals with disabilities to have the opportunity to work and help as best as they can in a business.
The vacant jobs in Wallmart are for the subsequent work positions: cashiers, cooks, shop assistants and butchers, production, drinks, groceries, backroom, bodega, area coordinators and assistants, managers, sub-managers, decorators, and store administrators.
Through their program, Wallmart without Barriers, the company has the goal of hiring 257 individuals in 2019, with 95 people already working alongside them; ultimately aiding in the reduction of the gap between employed people with disabilities and the general population.
All of this thus indicates that Costa Rica and Central America might be shifting their work paradigms and start including people who previously have never been given the chance to contribute or be an asset in a business.
