Properties in Costa Rica Blog

Given that many people around the world have been transforming their eating patterns due to health issues, self-consciousness, animal empathy, or good taste, Costa Rica is becoming part of that change too.

Vegan and vegetarian food in Costa Rica is much easier to find than people think. The base food of the country is rice and beans, and since we are talking about a Tropical country you will be able to find plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables almost anywhere. Most restaurants have been adapting to the market’s demand, serving dishes for every type of diet: ketogenic, vegan, vegetarian, celiac…

Below you will find a list of our recommended restaurants which offer vegan and vegetarian options in San Jose:

RAW Co. Juicery & Food (San Jose, Santa Ana)

• A new and modern space to eat clean, organic, healthy, fresh, and delicious! Their special product is cold press juices with original flavors using 100% natural fruits and vegetables. All the food is homemade, from the garden to your table. Some options of the menu include avocado toasts with tofu, cauliflower rice risotto with mushrooms and other vegetables, veggie sandwiches with gluten-free homemade bread, soups, super-bowls with açaí and fruits, gluten-free pancakes, and more to discover. They even offer a detox menu and meal plans combining vegetable juices and special dishes.

Árbol de Seda (San Jose, Barrio Escalante)

• This restaurant is located in a beautiful neighborhood full of restaurants, stores, and nightlife. They have a very complete menu, offering all kinds of dishes with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. It is a great alternative if you are looking a place for large groups and with people who do eat meat. Arbol de Seda offers a homemade fresh taste with plates like veggie burgers,, sandwiches, falafel wraps, veggie bowls, soups, gluten free bread, pizzas…

Búlali (San Jose, Escazu)

• This shop, cafeteria and restaurant is located in a modern commercial center in Escazu. Conformed of beautiful architecture and an outdoor terrace, Bulali offers local, handmade, organic, eco-friendly and grass fed food. 100% national coffee and chocolate are served in your table, fresh fruits on deserts will surprise your palate. They create a “season menu” combining fresh fruits, fresh vegetables and organic ingredients. One of our recommendations is to try the “UNO + UNO” lunch option, where you can combine half sandwich with half portion of salad or soup or you can pick half portion of salad and half soup.

LuvBurger (San Jose, San Pedro)

• They are known as a plant-based fast casual whole food company. They use 100% fresh organic ingredients with no artificial flavors or colors nor preservatives. LuvBurger’s goal is to make a transition from fast-unhealthy-food to fast-healthy-food. On their menu, you will also find soups, salads, and breakfast options. Try the “COCO BACON” burger, where they use honey smoked coconut strips as bacon!

If you are looking to try typical Costa Rican food, you could include:

• Gallo Pinto: Rice and beans
• Patacones: Crunchy plantains topped with guacamole, mashed beans, and pico de Gallo (tomato, onion and red pepper salad). You can ask for these ingredients on the side as well.
• Casado: It comes with meat, but you can ask for a vegetarian option. It consists of a dish full of rice, beans, salad, plantains, tortilla, Pico de Gallo and sweet plantain.

Eating vegetarian and vegan food in Costa Rica it is always easier Fresh fruits and vegetables are always a top option in this country. The caring and conscious love for animals and nature make Costa Rica an easy country for those who are looking for empathy for each other, for us, and even for other species.

With an extension of 1.5 km of clear water and thin sand, Marbella beach is described as a paradise for surfers, fishers, and lovers of the sea. Considering the sudden urban growth of Guanacaste, the town of Marbella is the ideal place for those seeking for a remote and quiet place, but yet with natural beauty. Although its popularity is increasing, it offers one of the least crowded beaches in the area.

Marbella beach is located 30 minutes by car from the Ostional Wildlife Refuge, one of the key nesting sites for sea turtles in the Pacific Coast. The nesting season runs from July to December, time when national and international tourists visit and appreciate this incredible natural phenomenon. Hundreds of thousands of marine turtles return each year to this beach to lay an average of 80 eggs, being the main attraction for tourists and a natural spectacle with great impact on the ecosystem.

It is quite common to find tourists of different nationalities looking for a bit of solitude in Marbella beach. The bright green color from the lush vegetation contrasted with the intense turquoise color of the sea creates a beautiful scenery. Sunbathe laying on the sun while watching a family of spider monkeys jumping from tree to tree. Sloths are very common in this area as well, so keep your eyes open for these sleepy animals in the top of the trees. You will also be able to observe different types of birds, including toucans and magpies.

For those looking for adventure, luxury, and the ones that are on a budget, there are all types of lodging in Marbella beach. There are camping areas, options of hostels and B&B. You will find different categories of Hotels with different price ranges according to the amenities as well as beachfront houses and villas for rent. There are many lots available to build your dream home. The mountains of Marbella are the highest point around, that’s why it also offers the best views!

The extense and beautiful beach is also well known among surfers. Since winds blow against the sea there are more leisured waves, the main feature of the best surf spots in the world. Its conditions mean that only the most qualified and experienced surfers can tame the waves that can become quite big for some months.

You can access the beach by bus car boat or walking, there is a ramp and path to facilitate the access of wheelchairs. If among your plans you are visiting an exotic place in Costa Rica, without a doubt Playa Marbella responds perfectly to that description. The perfect climate and relaxed atmosphere will make you fall in love at first sight.

During the last months of 2018, the new W COSTA RICA hotel was inaugurated in Guanacaste. Strategically located inside famous Reserva Conchal, a 2,300-acre nature reserve that features real estate development, a West In Hotel, professional golf course, and a wildlife refugee. W COSTA RICA came to redefine the experience of a luxury resort for travelers who yearn to experience the characteristic adventure of the country. It seeks to translate through design, details and in a modern way the history and culture of both the country and the region.

While entering the property you’ll notice that the pathway is marked by the typical trees of the region called “Indios Desnudos” which leads you to a bright red semi-circular arrival area. This was inspired by the cultural activities that are held in the country where bulls run around a circular area called “plaza de toros”. Since the beginning, you will find all the allusions that are made to the culture and you will feel attracted to this new fun and sophisticated hotel.

The hotel counts with a wet deck decorated with colorful oxcarts, including a hot tub, a beautiful pool, and a wet bar. The beach club, known as “Zona Azul Beach Club” is located right below. There is an integrated zip line that goes from the Wet deck right down to the beach club, placing you in a 10-minute walk away from the beach. On Zona Azul you will find an infinity pool with enough space for sunbathing within luxury details. Enjoy a meal in any of the 5 restaurants located in the Blue Zone offering different international tastes like Italian, Japanese, Greek, Californian and Costa Rican. At night this area turns into a sophisticated bar with cocktails and access to the beach.

The innovative design of this outstanding hotel is astonishing, adding up to the natural ecosystem where it’s located, Conchal Beach. In Reserva Conchal, you will find beautifully built neighborhoods with exclusive amenities and unique styles. The three private neighborhoods mix within the lush forests and blend with the impressive ocean views. Some of them are already built but there are still lot sites to build your dream home. Sustainability is one of the main goals of the complex since they focus on economic social and environmental development. For example, the beach club, hotel and golf course located in the development are carbon positive, compensating %25 above the total carbon emissions.

With the grand opening of the new W hotel, Reserva Conchal is full of opportunities for tourists and locals, offering you an exclusive lifestyle full of nature and luxury.

Tamarindo is one of the most visited towns in Guanacaste. It is very popular for its beautiful beaches, excellent surfing spots, boutique stores, nightclubs, yoga studios, schools, and all the different possibilities for lodging! Tamarindo has a lot of variety of foods with more than 100 restaurants. The City is truly a mix of different cultures and thus this cultural diversity is reflected in the food as well. Local dishes are less expensive and worth a try, Gallo Pinto (rice and beans) is the traditional breakfast, Casado is the main dish for lunch, Ceviche and Coconut water are served fresh along the beach and town.

Here you will find some places that are well known for its unique services.

Please note

Pangas Beach Club

A beachfront restaurant located right next to the Tamarindo estuary. It is secluded from the center of town so you will be able to enjoy a peaceful meal right next to the ocean. If you are looking for a romantic dinner the place is elegantly decorated and illuminated by the moon. It is also perfect for large groups with a variety of dishes including fresh seafood, meats, pasta, salads, as well as vegan and vegetarian options. The place is always a good choice for watching the sunset with a cocktail and an appetizer. This restaurant/beach club is merged with Las Mareas Villas which are private luxury villas with full access to Pangas, located right across the street. In their Facebook page, you’ll find a weekly calendar with the schedule and announcements of the activities they host. Pangas Beach Club is also an amazing venue for private events like weddings.

Wok and Roll

Conveniently located in the center of town, Wok and Roll is one of town’s favorite Asian restaurant. With a unique fusion of Korean, Thai, Vietnam, Japanese and Mongolian food this is a top choice for most locals. You will find remarkable dishes and flavors in this popular restaurant. They have an oyster bar with fresh and tender oysters and a sushi bar. It’s a family restaurant with choices for everyone, Wok and Roll even offers a children’s menu. The place is nicely decorated, with a modern Asian twist that makes this place one of the most visited one in the main strip. The sushi rolls here are one of the most acclaimed in Tamarindo!

La Bodega

An organic store and cafeteria, ideal for breakfast or a quick healthy lunch. It is a small boutique with few tables that serve fresh ingredients and homemade food, mainly recommended for small groups. You will find baked goods like brownies, banana bread, cookies, carrot chia muffins, bread, and more ready to go or to sit and enjoy while drinking a local coffee. Do not miss the seared tuna-mango-avocado tacos on homemade tortillas, the most acclaimed dish of this restaurant! In the store, you can buy organic and artisans goods like energy bars, coconut oil, honey, and kombucha which are all prepared in La Bodega. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available in their menu. In this beautiful cafeteria, you’ll be able to eat healthy but delicious!

Patagonia Argentinian Grill & Restaurant

One of the most popular restaurants in Tamarindo. This BBQ and Grill is located right across Tamarindo beach, in a corner of the main strip. A beautiful place to enjoy an Argentinean wine and a fine dinner with family and friends. They serve imported meat cuts but and also have vegetarian options, seafood, pasta, and pizza. We highly recommend making a reservation before going since they tend to have high demand. Our recommendation: Meat empanadas!

Dominical is one of the most visited beaches by local and foreign tourists both during summer and the green season. This beach is located in the province of Puntarenas and is also known as Costa Ballena, which includes Uvita beach as well. There are uncountable rivers that run through the jungle and up to the mountains, creating natural pools of waters and waterfalls. This area is rich in biodiversity and ideal to visit if you would like to balance between the salty ocean and the fresh water from rivers.

Surfing! If you are an expert you will enjoy it to the fullest. It is a well-known surfing spot for professionals worldwide. If you are not an expert or would like to learn, you can book some lessons and start surfing the crystal clear waves on this beach.

Visit the Río Baru / Baru River! This River runs directly into Dominical Beach. It is a place with plenty of activities like stand up paddle board, swimming, kayaking, hiking while appreciating the flora and fauna… You can enjoy a good picnic or bbq right at the side of the river, bathe in the clear waters or simply admire the scenic beauty. Here you’ll be able to watch monkeys, sloths, different kinds of birds and butterflies, and maybe some otters.

Nauyaca Waterfall is another main attraction of this area. The entire set of waterfalls measures a total of 80mts wide. There are several falls starting at 20mts tall and the main one measures almost 45 meters high with a free fall in a much smaller pool. The temptation to get into the crystal clear water is a lot and inevitable to refuse!

Whale watching is definitely one of my favorites, each year the Pacific humpback whales from the southern hemisphere travel from Antarctica to Costa Rica and arrive around the end of July, August, September. It is definitely a must see, please make sure you picked the best time to see whales in Costa Rica!

Many actors, soccer players, NFL superstars and others came to enjoy different areas of our country. Zac Efron was one of the most sought-after celebrities that came this past year. He stayed in the country for 2 weeks during late October and early November. Efron was seen on several occasions with friends and his brother Dylan in the southern Pacific coast, in a luxury private property in Osa. The Efron brothers and his friends also practiced extreme sports in waterfalls and visited Alta Gracia Auberge Resort in Perez Zeledon and went horseback riding there. This is the second time that the High School Musical star visits Costa Rica, last time he enjoyed the Papagayo Peninsula with friends surfing and sailing.

The Australian actress Margot Robbie, best known for her performances in Suicide Squad, The Wolf of Wall Street and The Legend of Tarzan, came to the country during July 2018. She spent some time at the beach with Tom Ackerley her husband and British film director, surfing, sunbathing and relaxing before starring in the new Quentin Tarantino film “Once Upon a Time In Hollywood” with a cast that includes Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio.

The French soccer player Raphael Verane also came to Costa Rica during 2018 after winning the world cup with his team. The Real Madrid player came with his family and enjoyed the beautiful beaches of the Pacific Coast. His Spanish teammate Dani Carvajal was also seen in the country. He went fine dining in San Jose, exploring Tortuguero in the Caribbean, and waterfalls in San Carlos.

It is no surprise to see Tom Brady and former supermodel Gisele Bündchen in Costa Rica since they own a house in Santa Teresa and constantly shares pictures of their trip in social media. They are in love with our country and claim to want to retire here. They usually spend their vacation at the beach in their private ocean view home, but this time they also decided to explore San Carlos while horseback riding. Giselle and Tom are current visitors of the country and they even spent Valentine’s in Santa Teresa, a surfing and yoga paradise.

Most of these superstars choose to be very inconspicuous about the place they stay and tend to share pictures of their trip after leaving the country. Costa Rica is the perfect place to mix adventure and adrenaline with a rustic or luxurious relaxing vacation. Mountain or beach, Costa Rica has to offer real experiences and there is no doubt that celebrities love Costa Rica not only for its flora and fauna but for the adventure traveling as well.

New Year’s Eve is one of the most celebrated holidays around the world. It’s all about new starts, sharing with the ones you love and receiving the next year with a big smile and positive attitude. There is no doubt that we all know how to celebrate this holiday!

Costa Rica, like the rest of the world, has several new years traditions. You might find some of them odd, but they will certainly surprise you! Wearing colored underwear will make you attract different things for the upcoming year. For example, yellow will bring you good luck, red will bring you love and green attracts money. Some people discard the colored underwear and tie-up ribbons of the same colors on the front door to attract the same things. Another well-known tradition for good luck is eating 12 grapes at midnight, each one stands for one month of the upcoming year. Some keep the tradition of throwing water over their shoulders several times during midnight to erase old memories and be ready for fresh ones.

Another common tradition is spending the week at the beautiful beaches with family, friends, or both. Most people tend to rent homes or condos close to the populated areas to have access to the best beaches and to the modern amenities. This is the peak season for the Pacific Coast since summer is hitting in. Expect big lines of cars if you are traveling from San Jose to the shore. Nevertheless, the traffic will be worth it once you lay back in the sand listening to the ocean during the sunset. Guanacaste and Puntarenas are two of the most recurrent places to visit during this season.

Guanacaste is home to some of the biggest local and foreign tourism during these months. Here you will find well-known areas to stay. We recommend you Tamarindo, Hacienda Pinilla, Reserva Conchal, Las Catalinas, Flamingo, or places nearby… These are centric places, where you can rent any type of property like private homes, villas, condos or even penthouses. Also, you will have direct access to the beach, restaurants, stores, tours, groceries, and more. Guanacaste is also home to the renown parties of New Year’s Eve. Parties start from December 26th and end during the first week of January. These celebrations are formal parties at the beach, they can be during the evening or at night, but all of them include amazing decorations, masquerades, famous DJ’s, plenty of surprises, and the most beautiful fireworks that will be reflected in the sea.

If you have never spent a vacation in the tropics, Costa Rica will surprise you. During this festive period, you will find the streets full of joy, decorations, and everyone will have a smile on their face. Celebrations for New Year’s happen all around the country.

Costa Rica has beautiful beaches, mountains, unique places to enjoy as a family, with friends or alone. There is a great variety of ecosystems as well as properties to enjoy the natural paradise. You will find luxurious and modern homes or more affordable villas and condos. It is certainly a perfect country for vacation, for this reason, vacation rental properties are a great business.

Before finding a house that will work as a vacation rental, you must take into consideration the area and climate. Costa Rica counts with 2 seasons: Dry or summer, and rainy often known as the green season or winter. Summer extends from December thru April, where the driest months tend to be February and March. On the other hand, the green season goes from April till November. Nevertheless, like most tropical countries, the climate is mostly unpredictable.

A beach is always a great option for your vacation home. Short term vacation rentals can generate a great amount of return on investment if your marketing efforts are good. Most people look for homes with security, close to the beach or with a view, close to town, easy access to main roads, grocery stores and with all the services. A vacation rental can be a single home, villa, apartment building or condo.

Guanacaste tends to have a big tourist population during the months of December to April and in July. Christmas, new years eve and holy week are the main holidays in Costa Rica and the world, thus many European and American tourists come to explore this wonderful country. It is also “summer” or the dry season, where days are mostly sunny and there is total activity in the beach towns around. Tamarindo, Conchal, Hacienda Pinilla, and Las Catalinas are some of the most visited places in this area. This can be for the proximity to Liberia International Airport and for being areas with private communities, amenities close by and beautiful beaches. Guanacaste has been developing touristic areas like restaurants, commercial centers, shopping malls which add great value to close by properties. Here you will find long term and short term rentals for families, large groups or small groups. Nevertheless, you have to look for the rentals with time in advance since it’s one of the most sought-after areas for the holidays.

In the Southern Pacific region, you will also find all kind of properties with amazing ocean views and proximity to the beach. You will also be able to stay within the tropical rainforest but with the best views. December thru April are the strongest months for vacation rentals and you can expect also an annual return of 4%-6% on your investment. The South Pacific area will also have plenty of tourism during the months of August to October since it’s the whaling season. Despite having the rainy climate, this is a true natural spectacle worth watching.

Long Term rentals can help owners with a more stable income. Nevertheless, short-term rentals are a great option when looking for a higher income. Some recommendations to have a better performance with your rental property is to have:

• Pool
• A/C or fans
• Security
• Tv and Wi-Fi
• Views
• Fully equipped kitchen for the number of people the property is suitable for
• Information – restaurants, phone numbers, maps of the area…
• Full contact person
• Board games – beach games
• BBQ area
• Privacy
• Wildlife and nature
• Proximity to the beach

Costa Rica is known for its beauty and happy people. There’s no doubt that it has the most beautiful sunsets that can be admired by all the different ecosystems. People are very social and they have a beautiful saying: “PURA VIDA” which stands for pure life. You will certainly listen to this phrase very often, Pura Vida can mean “ok”, “good morning”, “how are you?”… Our small but astonishing country is perfect for everyone: beach lovers, mountain people, the ones that love the chilly climate and the ones that love the heat. In every part of the country, you will have access to adventure and nature.

The beach is one of the reasons why Costa Rica is famous. The amazing temperature of the ocean plus the beautiful green surrounding is the best combination to be front row watching the supreme sunsets. You might think of the beach as just relaxing and sunbathing, but this country is all about the adventure. In each beach town, you will find tour offices that can guide you on your expedition.

Scuba diving or snorkeling is always a great choice. When you book a scuba diving tour they do ask for the driving license, nevertheless, most offices give you the option of snorkeling for those that don’t have the permit. Marine ocean life is very diverse and unexpected. Even while traveling to the diving point you may be able to see tons of animals like dolphins, turtles, whales, flying sea rays and more. These are animals that you will be able to encounter while diving or snorkeling. While diving you most likely will be able to admire a few white tip sharks, giant sea rays, octopuses, starfishes, turtles, eels and plenty of colorful fishes. It is a unique experience to be full of peace while swimming right next to all of these beautiful animals in their natural habitat.

Costa Rican beaches are also well known for the surfing potential. Nevertheless, there are waves for beginners and experts. In most of the beach towns, you will also find several surfboard rentals and locals that impart lessons. If you come to Costa Rica it is a must to surf at least one wave! You can book ATV’s tours or horseback riding to get to different beaches or to waterfalls. These rides are a whole experience since you travel through the forest to get to paradisiac beaches or to freshwater rivers with waterfalls.

If you are willing to stay in the mountains, in a chilly climate, there are also amazing activities to enjoy as a family or with friends. Hiking through the tropical rain forest can be a unique experience. You will be surrounded by nature, being able to observe butterflies, birds, toucans, snakes and more animals. It is recommended to take a cape and impermeable shoes in case you encounter some rain while walking. Nevertheless, rain never stops the admiration one feels for this climate. Another way of visiting the forests in this beautiful country with some adrenaline would be the hanging trees or zip lining. Costa Rica is home to the largest zip-line in Central America. You will fly through the forest while feeling the breeze in your face and viewing every kind of flora and fauna. The hanging bridges, where you can walk at the level of the canopy of trees, are also a main attraction that we recommend.

Where to stay while visiting Costa Rica? There are hotels and villas available for people who are in a budget. There are also luxury hotels and private properties that can be rented per night to have a more relaxed vacation. The most convenient way of traveling is to stay in the area that you will visit. Let’s say if you wish to explore Guanacaste, stay within in the area, close to Tamarindo, Pinilla, Conchal… Here you will find beautiful homes, condos, and villas available for people with every type of budget. If you are traveling to the mountains you’ll have the same options: hostels and villas or luxury residences with amazing views and accommodations.

Costa Rica can be a small country but the diverse ecosystems make the trip totally worth it.

Fly across the forest or lay back an relax at the beach while watching the monkeys and sloths in the trees. Relax in your mountain home with a hot chocolate or scuba dive with white tip sharks in the Pacific Coast. In each place, mountain or beach, you will find the perfect balance of adventure and calm.

Oxigeno is the first human playground in the world and you will find it in Heredia, Costa Rica. It opened it’s doors to the public on November 27th. A place for everyone and satisfying the needs of families, adults, young adults, teenagers, kids, while combining entertainment, shopping, gastronomy, spectacles, nightlife and nature. This super mall is designed to surprise and make everyone enjoy. It also integrates culture, learning and the community around it.

It is located in San Francisco of Heredia, and its proximity to the city is a plus. It will be built in an area of 200,000 m2, it will have 3 phases with more than 200 stores and a value of more than $200M. This budget will also include improvements on the roads that lead to the mall, two new lanes will be added to the 111 freeway, benefiting the community as well. The mall will be also providing more than 200 jobs, it will benefit the economy in Heredia as well as nearby businesses. The mall will also include a tv Chanel called OxigenoTV to inform and invite customers to the different activities held here.

The mall will be divided into 4 worlds created to surprise and transform the shopping experience. The main goal is to give the customers a whole new way of buying.

El mundo de vivir – The living world: This world includes shows, music, sports, art, community, entertainment, culture, and gastronomy. Some important restaurants found here will be PF Chang’s, Taj Mahal, Friday’s, Matsuri, Frida Kahlo between others.

El mundo de respirar – The breathing world: Attractions, business activations, and events. This world will promote an active lifestyle

El mundo del sentir – The feeling world: Style, love and indulgence.

El mundo del ser – The being world: A dynamic place to enjoy and explore your inner child. It’s designed to entertain, teach and it will include different places to have fun as well as stores for kids and families.

As for the “being world”, something innovative to learn and be entertained will be KidZania. This Mexican franchise will be open to the public on December 6th. This will be the first time in Costa Rica and it’s already incorporated in 19 other countries. It consists of a mini-city of 4000 m2 for kids to explore and learn while playing and interacting with others. A dynamic place for pre-teenagers, kids, parents, and grandparents. It will have a fee of $17 per day per kid so that they can enjoy the attraction at any time. A great alternative to entertain, learn and be active while going to a mall. As they enter, they will be given a certain amount of fake money that can be used in the mini city. They will have to work in the available areas to earn more. Some public jobs will include being a police, firefighter, dentists, paramedics among others. There will be also well-known brands offering jobs in the private sector. There are 34 spaces for brands and they will provide 70 different roles.

Oxigeno will show how malls can evolve, creating an experience for everyone. It will also be a different way of learning, exploring and having fun while inspiring and redesigning shopping. The building will also include green areas and different playgrounds to have one nearby in each phase. It’s a project for young people, families, grown-ups interested in sharing and admiring art, sports, and design. Oxigeno will transform the shopping way and give a twist to your typical mall experience.