Properties in Costa Rica Blog

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.

Jaco beach is located at the west coast of Costa Rica and is just a 1,5-hour drive from its capital San José. Jaco beach is one of the best surf locations and might be the most developed beach city in Costa Rica. Jaco is a very popular holiday destination because of their countless amount activities and with their loosen up, lie down, party lifestyle. This is a holiday destination for families and people of all ages.

Glide across Jaco Beach

The Jaco beach has a long list of activities but surfing has to be on top of that list. The middle and northern side of the Beach is perfect for more experienced surfers. Madrigales located on the south end of the beach has a large consistent wave which makes it a great place to start learning how to surf. It is certainly possible to take surfing lessons or you can join a surf camp at one of Jaco’s surf schools. So if you’ve always wanted to learn how to surf, Jaco beach is the perfect place to start.

The Jaco Jungle adventure

If you’re looking for adventure then you have to visit the Jaco jungle. Here you can enjoy an all-day adventure including fun activities such as horseback riding, zip lines, waterfall abseiling and an all-terrain vehicle ride in a private 850-hectare river valley. This park is called ‘the park at ocean ranch’ and it has some real Jurassic park like setting.

It’s time for a fiesta

Entertainment is Jaco’s specialty and especially Jaco’s nightlife. The lively nights in Jaco are truly famous. As a matter of fact, Jaco is one of the best party and nightlife destinations! Even during the day, the people are still down for a little after party from the night before and there are plenty of bars open for business so you can just start the party early on or just sit back, relax and enjoy a drink.

Just watch and enjoy the view

From the southern side of Jaco beach up in the mountains, you can watch the city, ocean, rainforest and dazzling beach from the top. Jaco is located In the middle of the rain forest which makes it a great place to search for exotic animals and to spot birds. It is also possible to do a tour to see crocodiles in live action.

National parks abound in Costa Rica, making nature one of the most appealing reasons to visit. Indeed, some are surprised at just how many such parks there are across what is ultimately not a very large country! And because there are so many to choose from, it can help to break things down into regions when planning a trip.

In this piece we’ll do just that, with a focus on some of the national parks alongside the nation’s Pacific Coast. We’ll look at three parks, as well as some of the nearby towns and attractions that make them suitable for a full vacation.

Santa Rosa National Park

Santa Rosa National Park is almost the northernmost park in Costa Rica, and is just south of the Nicaraguan border. From a travel perspective, it’s also quite accessible because of its close proximity to the mid-sized city of Liberia. This isn’t necessarily one of the country’s best-known cities to people visiting from abroad, but it’s one that may come up in travel research because of the range of outdoor activities people tend to enjoy there: coffee farm tours, horseback riding, Tenorio River rafting, and even a nearby volcano trek. This, plus Liberia’s own international airport, makes it a perfect place to start a vacation.

As for Santa Rosa National Park, it was actually the first natural expanse of its kind officially established in Costa Rica. This happened in 1971, and ever since it’s served as one of the most striking parts of the country to visit. Santa Rosa is home to seaside mountains, miles of lush vegetation, unique flora and fauna, and gorgeous beaches (though some of them are rocky). It’s a virtually unmatched area for sightseeing and getting in touch with Central American nature.

Marino Las Baulas National Park

Marino Las Baulas National Park is located west of Santa Cruz in an area where small towns, beaches, and even some of the country’s casinos are the more typical tourist attractions. The casinos aren’t necessarily the draws they used to be given that they’re not as unique to travelers anymore. In particular, a lot of American tourists once frequented the casino in this area because they don’t always have access to them at home. However, with an emergent online casino business in the American Northeast, Americans no longer have to travel too far to enjoy casinos. Still, while they may not specifically draw tourists the way they used to, some indoor recreation such as a casion can still be enjoyed by people who wind up in the area and want to break up their time exploring the outdoors.

The park itself though remains the area’s main attraction, no matter what kind of trip you might be looking for. Marino Las Baulas National Park covers a fairly large area directly on the coast, and is known for its well-preserved beaches, its mangrove sanctuary, and even some of the local wildlife. You can spend most of a vacation here lounging on a gorgeous stretch of sand, but be sure to take a tour of the turtle (“baulas”) conservation areas as well!

Corcovado National Park

The first two parks discussed are farther north, but it seems only right to cover a more southern option as well – and Corcovado National Park doesn’t quite get enough attention. Located very close to the Panama border, it effectively comprises the bulk of the Osa Peninsula. As such it’s somewhat more remote than the options mentioned above – though it should be noted that even given this distinction, it’s only about a four-hour drive from San José.

Because Corcovado National Park is somewhat more remote, a vacation there can be a little bit more planned as well. That is to say, this park isn’t meant for casual sightseeing or beachside lounging, but rather for a pre-planned, organized trip. Most start such trips at Sirena Ranger Station, which is effectively a lodge where people can either take day trips out into the park, or, with an advance booking, stay overnight. From this station, guests in the park can enjoy hiking trails, access to the nearby coast, and a lush surrounding habitat where the local wildlife – including monkeys, exotic birds, and the like – is often on full display.

Reserva Conchal is a 2,300-acre property conveniently located 1 hour away from the Liberia International Airport. To the south, it is within a 20-minute drive to Tamarindo, an exciting town with a magnificent beach known for its variety of surf spots plus its areas where you can enjoy the tranquil waters of the Pacific. To the north and only a 10-minute drive away is Flamingo beach. A great little town with a nice white sand beach, restaurants and home to where the new marina will begin construction in early 2019. Aside from these 2 well-known towns, there are many other great places to go. Whether you are looking for a relaxing day at the beach or an exciting surfing day, Conchal is conveniently located to get to nearly 15 beaches driving no more than 20 minutes. The topping of a magnificent location would be complete with the short drive from Reserva Conchal to the internationally sought after schools nearby. A 3-minute drive to CRIA (Costa Rica International Academy), a 7-minute drive to La Paz and a 13-minute drive to Educarte. All private bilingual schools servicing from Pre-k to high school.

About Reserva Conchal

It is home of the Westin Hotel, with a W Hotel currently open now. Amazing amenities include a par 71 golf course designed by Robert Trent Jr, tennis courts and an amazing beachfront beach club with pool, health center, bar/restaurant, and a Spa. The hilly topography allows for challenging trails for hiking, running or biking and it also hosts friendlier areas for easy walks. The trails are quite amazing as there is plenty of wildlife to see; amazing birds, squirrels, howler monkeys, coatis, huge iguanas, and whitetail deer. In this area, the flora has 2 different looks, the dry and the wet. The change in the vegetation is quite amazing as it goes from fully dry forest during the dry season (December to May) to an incredible mesmerizing lush green during the wet season (June to November).

As if all mentioned wasn’t enough, there are 2 key factors of this wonderful gated community:

1-Infrastructure: Over 5 kilometers of concrete roads, underground utilities, water treatment plant, a desalination plant in case needed and solar panels beginning to be used in different areas of the resort.

2-Legal framework for secure ownership: Fully titled and deeded. Get in touch with me to understand how is it established and why this is an advantage and beneficial for you as a buyer.

The community

An international mix with a demographic that has seen younger buyers for the past 5 years. The majority remains the US followed by Canadians. Costa Ricans come 3rd and then you begin to have a few from different countries, Italy, France, Czech Republic, Venezuela, Colombia amongst others. Although the majority of owners use their property as a second or 3rd home, the amount of families living within the community has grown noticeably over the past years. A number of them are long term renters but many owners have decided to make Costa Rica and Reserva Conchal their home. A variety of activities are held on a weekly and monthly basis so that you can meet your neighbors. Never before has there been so many kids of different ages within the community.

Health Services, shopping

The driving distance to Brasilito is of about 2 minutes. The town has 1 convenience store where shopping can be done for some of the most basic things. If you head towards Huacas, 5 minutes away, there is a bigger supermarket. Heading towards Tamarindo you have Mega Super which is a bigger supermarket and in Tamarindo itself, you have Automercado which is the higher brand of supermarkets in Costa Rica. Over there you will have all the imported goods. For grocery shopping, for as little as a 1-minute drive to as long as a 20-minute drive, you have different options where you can find everything you need.

The health services of Costa Rica, in general, are great. In terms of value, much more affordable than many places, the comparison of value/quality is highly favorable. The resort donated land and there is a private clinic, branch of a private hospital in San Jose, just a 2-minute drive away. Besides that one, there is another one and both have everything necessary to stabilize an emergency. One hour away in Liberia, there are 2 private hospitals and one public one. The resort has a helipad in case there is a severe emergency.

Real Estate available

There are currently 9 subdivisions, a mix of 204 condos and homes built. There is currently available inventory of lots, homes and condos. Prices go from the mid $200´s to above the $1M. Within that range, there are different options. Sizes range from the 800 square feet all the way up to 5,000 square feet. Any questions let us know…

G. Araya PCR

On February 20th, our capital city San Jose was subject of hosting the inauguration of an outdoor museum from our local artist Jimenez Deredia. Presenting his exhibition “La Fuerza y la Universidad de la Esfera”, translated as “The Force and the University of the Sphere” the artist puts together his past 20 years of work into the streets of San Jose.

Deredia is presenting to his people 27 sculptures made out of marble, bronze, and granite which are scattered around San Jose’s most popular cultural locations. The tour begins in Avenida 3 at the Plaza de Correos of Costa Rica, it crosses the boulevard of the Central Avenue and continues to the Plaza de la Cultura, ending at the iconic Plaza de la Democracia. The sculptures are located near the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, the Jade Museum, and the National Theater, promoting tourism in the city center.

The exposition alludes to the sphere and the evolution of the human being as a whole. Most of the pieces also connect with the Costa Rican culture and essence. Other than exposing his work, the artist seeks to host an inclusive expo were every citizen is able to enjoy his masterpieces for free and at any time. The artist looks to connect with his audience granting them complete freedom regarding the contact with each piece. People are able to sit in the base and photograph the sculptures, they can even touch them to feel the material and connect with it.

Deredia was able to exhibit his masterpieces thanks to the San Jose mayor Johnny Araya, who proposed this activity. Araya states that the municipality has been working towards culture for many years, but this production is the most important the country has had. Adding up to this exhibition, there will also be Transitarte and parallel activities that will transform San Jose into a cultural destination.

The exhibition will remain in the streets until July 15th.

About the Artist – Jimenez Deredia

Jorge Enrique Jiménez Martínez, artistically known as Jiménez Deredia, was born in 1954 in Heredia, Costa Rica. In the 70’s he started experiencing with sculptures focusing in nature, developing forms, the evolution of living things, and the Pre-Columbian art influence. Later, at the age of 22, he was granted a scholarship to study in Florence, Italy where he travels and explores the European culture which gets him to grow as an artist.

Deredia is one of our most acclaimed artists known for his beautiful sculptures worldwide. He has been able to exhibit Costa Rica’s culture and roots through art. This exhibition gives every citizen the opportunity to meet his work and appreciate it while walking through the streets of our beloved San Jose.

Are you planning a trip with your senior dog in Costa Rica? Whether you are a visitor or a native, this article will give you a few of the most important tips to make your travel go smoothly.

While some of these tips apply to travel with dogs in general, we have included a focus on the special needs of our aging canine companions. And, if you have never been to Costa Rica before, there are some special considerations to make before bringing your dog on your vacation here. Read on to learn more.

Pet-Friendly Accommodations

Luckily, it won’t be too hard to find dog-friendly hotels and resorts if you plan on traveling with your dog in Costa Rica. Other than public transportation, restaurants, and many stores, dogs are welcome in most places, including beaches, shopping districts, and parks. That is great news because it means that your pet will be able to join you on many outings.

However, traveling with a senior dog does bring some special challenges. You may want to discuss booking a first-floor room so your achy senior won’t have to climb up and down stairs every time they have to go out for a potty break. In addition, ask the staff for a room near the designated potty area to make sure you can quickly and easily accommodate your pet’s bathroom needs.

Bring Home with You

When our dogs become older, just like us, they can become more easily disoriented. Although it is always helpful to bring some of your dog’s bedding (such as a familiar blanket) with you when you travel, it is especially important for the older fellows. The scent of a favorite blanket can go a long way towards helping your pet feel safe in a new place. Costa Rica can get humid so investing in waterproof bedding might be a good option.

Veterinary Care Before and During Travel

Before you decide to hit the road to enjoy the beautiful scenery and sites of Costa Rica, make sure your vet has a chance to check in to make sure your older dog is up for the trip. In addition, compile a complete list of your dog’s medications and home vet contact information. This will help in the event that you need to seek medical treatment for your senior dog while away from home.

While traveling in Costa Rica with your senior dog, it is also important to do some research on the veterinary clinics that will be open in the event your senior dog needs emergency veterinary care. Make a list that includes the contact information for such clinics nearest your destinations. Keep in mind that it is generally easier to find 24-hour vet care near popular tourist destinations. Finding them in rural or remote destinations is more of a challenge.

Stock Up on Specialized Dog Food

Many senior dogs have sensitive stomachs or dietary needs that require specialized dog foods. In Costa Rica, these specialty foods can often be found in larger areas such as Central Valley. However, if your travels will take you outside this area, you may have a hard time finding the brand your dog is used to, and if you do find it, the price may be extremely expensive. So, if your old friend is a picky eater, be sure to plan on bringing enough food to last the duration of your holiday.

A Few Tips for Those Traveling with Senior Dogs from Outside of Costa Rica

If you haven’t had the pleasure of traveling to Costa Rica before, you may be surprised to learn that many people here allow their dogs to run free without leashes. This means that if you decide to travel with your senior dog, it is important that they get along well with other dogs, otherwise, it may be better to leave your older dog at home.

In addition to the required vaccinations that you will need to enter and leave Costa Rica with your canine companion, you should also be sure they are current with flea and tick prevention. Although fleas and ticks can be a nuisance everywhere, in Costa Rica we have a tick born illness known as Ehrlichia that can be deadly if contracted by your pet. Better safe than sorry!

Another thing to be on the lookout for, particularly after a rainstorm is Cane Toads. These large ugly critters can appear in large numbers when it rains. Unfortunately, they excrete a toxic venom when bothered as a self-defense mechanism. If you suspect your dog has licked a Cane Toad during your travels, prompt veterinary attention is required.

Author Bio: Sharon is a professional writer and received her M.S. in Science and Technology Studies from Virginia Tech and has worked as a professional dog trainer for over 10 years.

Yes. If you look closely the vast majority of coastline in Costa Rica is now owned by foreigners. Anyone looking to expand their real estate holdings to Costa Rica should feel safe and confident when purchasing land in Costa Rica.

There are a few different ways real estate transactions are handled here in Costa Rica.

First find a reputable real estate agent and begin the search. Once you find the perfect investment you will begin with the “transpaso” which is the title change of property. All you need as a foreigner is an up-to-date passport and the good news is if you have traveled down to Costa Rica chances are you got through immigration with a valid passport. Once you are ready to make the purchase you can have the property in your private name or develop a company on paper that will hold the property for you. There are benefits to both. Check with your realtor and lawyer on which best works for your purchase.

You can literally buy land over a long weekend in Costa Rica making it as easy if not easier than buying in the US. The best part is in recent years anyone can have access to the National Registry and you can keep tabs on the “transpaso” and information involving your new property.

Is Buying in Costa Rica a Good Investment?

People always want to make a good investment. Anything that can produce 8% I think would be a no-brainer and anything higher would just be icing on the cake. Here is some quick reasons why we consider Costa Rica an excellent investment for property.

• It is a stable, safe, tropical paradise
• Property Values maintained during the 2009 recession
• International Market

With this said we do advise investors to be smart about their purchase. Like any investment don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Make a decision based on re-sale value even if it means sacrificing a few of your “wants”. Be smart when looking. Some people look for the perfect setting which is fine if you plan to make the property a personal home, you don’t have any intention on liquidating or a remote hotel but if it is money used for investing it should be treated as an asset you have access to.

Some of the better investments in Costa Rica will be at the more popular beach areas of Tamarindo in Guanacaste or Dominical in the Central Pacific. If you are not looking for the beach and want to invest inland you would be smart to look at Escazu. Now if you just want some land to hold on to then anywhere in the country is fine but understand it might take years to get your earnings.

If there was a sure investment we all would have our money in it. We always say the worse case scenario when buying property in Costa Rica is that you own property in a tropical paradise surrounded by some of the happiest people on the planet.

Costa Rica is a small country with rich wildlife due to its number of ecosystems and not to be left behind, we have one of the most diverse and marvelous marine worlds. Discovering the undersea ecosystem of Costa Rica by scuba diving or snorkeling is a magical experience. The rich-nutrient waters have the perfect conditions for the marine world to coexist. Most tour offices you can rent the necessary equipment since there are snorkeling and diving spots all over both coasts.

Let’s explore some diving/snorkeling places that you must visit along the Pacific Coast!

North Pacific

In the North Pacific coast, you will find plenty of diving and snorkeling spots full of marine life. The best time to immerse into the submarine world is during the months of May to December, nevertheless, each spot has its time-frame due to the winds that affect the visibility. We recommend you calling the tour’s office to check on the visibility previously.

Two remarkable spots that you MUST visit in the North Pacific are Isla Murcielago (Bat Island) and Catalina’s Islands. Located on the tip of Santa Rosa National Park, Isla Murcielago is one of the renown places worldwide for expert divers. Here, you will be able to swim within giant bull sharks, manta rays, turtles and tropical fish.

In the other hand, Catalinas Islands which are a group of 20 small islands for all levels of divers and snorkelers. The islands are known for a large population of all types of manta rays like and during winter, you will most certainly see the Giant Manta Ray of the Pacific. There is also a large population of white tip sharks that live in the rocky caves of these islands.

Humpback whales, pilot whales, whale sharks, and dolphins have also been spotted in both areas. Although the interaction with whales and dolphins has been banned to protect them and not interrupt their natural course, if come across one be grateful to admire their beauty and feel privileged to watch them freely, in their natural habitat. Also, If diving is not your thing, there are reefs and rock formations at a higher level for you to admire the marine life from the surface with your snorkel equipment.

South Pacific – Southern Zone

In the Southern Pacific Coast, you will find some of the best diving and snorkeling spots with good visibility all year round. The famous Biological Reserve of Isla del Caño off the coast of Drake Bay in the Osa Peninsula is rated as one of the prime diving places due to its abundant marine life. The Biological Reserve offers beautiful and accessible places for snorkeling as well, where you will be able to swim between corals, turtles, sea rays and colorful fishes. Nevertheless, El Bajo del Diablo, Paraiso and Cueva del Tiburón are deeper spots for scuba divers where they will be able to see white tip sharks and bull sharks on almost every dive. There are more fish than any diver can handle, you will swim within thousands of schools of colorful fishes of different sizes. The coral gardens found in Isla del Caño create a perfect undersea scenery worth of discovering. There are also daily tours for all levels of divers and snorkelers launching from Uvita beach and Dominical, two well-known beach towns for surfers in the southern zone as well.

Central Pacific

In the Central Pacific, you will find one of the most famous national parks, Manuel Antonio. Here you will find beautiful beaches with crystalline waters and perfect conditions for snorkeling. Marine life includes rays, colorful fishes, bright corals and sometimes you will be able to interact with sea turtles. The best time for snorkeling or diving in nearby rock formations is from November to April.

Protected areas along the coast help to preserve marine life and this is why animals live freely in a natural habitat. During the expedition, you will find coral reefs, atolls, volcanic rock formations, shark caves, shipwrecks, and some of the most beautiful animals. Costa Rica’s has the perfect combination of temperature, clearness, rich-nutrient water, and abundance of wildlife for everyone to explore either snorkeling or diving. The undersea life in our country will surprise you!