Properties in Costa Rica Blog

Life within Hacienda Pinilla has a feel like no other, As you enter the gates of the private ranch and drive through the communities 4500 acres of winding roads the overwhelming feeling of nature and the beauty that surrounds you is nothing short of breathtaking.

The only way to properly describe this feeling is that this was the authentic Costa Rica that I had been searching for. With nearly a million trees of dry forest having being planted throughout the ranch, Towering native forest and monkey filled mango trees line the communities roads. The only traffic jam here is when the cattle are being moved from one field to another and anyone having to wait have a smile from ear to ear!

It’s not until you circumnavigate the 4500-acre property that you realise it isn’t all just natural beauty but pockets of luxury can be found in every corner.

From a private luxurious beach club, gymnasium and spa to the 18 holes beachfront golf course, tennis courts, horse stables, and over 20 miles of mountain biking and walking trails, it is clear what the master plan of Hacienda Pinilla provides, a pure, safe and adventurous lifestyle is yours to have.

In creating this vision the Hacienda have protected their biggest asset, the natural environment, securing a Blue Flag from the Costa Rican Tourism Board for the cleanliness of its 6 kilometre-stretch of beaches and a White Flag for its water system. Its eco-friendly, par 72 golf course has been certified by Audubon International.

When you have to leave the ranch, the touristic hub of Tamarindo is just 10 minutes away. Here you can enjoy the boutiques, restaurants, bars, and nightlife that Tamarindo offers. The most famous Auto Mercado grocery store is located here and even a cinema will be ready in December.

In making my own family’s move to the area our first priority was actually based on the quality and availability of schools for our children, the find of the community and lifestyle at Pinilla was an incredible bonus after the fact. The area is lucky to boast some of the best schools in the country and its diverse options cater for the diverse community.

From, La Paz offers a fully accredited IB, International Baccalaureate program to the very popular CRIA, united states accredited college, and even a thriving Waldorf school, the options really reflect the success of the region and diversity of the community. In any class of 15 children, it’s not uncommon to find up to 10 nationalities all growing, learning and thriving together, that alone is the highlight of our families journey. These schools have private buses that will pick up the kids right from the communities entrance.

With a fully servicing domestic airport right here in Tamarindo and one of the countries only 2 international airports just an hour away in Liberia, it is the perfect location and gateway for both tourists and residents.

A highly regarded fully servicing private hospital here in Liberia rounded out and ticked all the boxes needed.

If you ask my wife Life at Hacienda Pinilla is simple, safe and relaxed, if you ask me life at Hacienda Pinilla is simple safe and nonstop adventure, the way Costa Rica is supposed to be!

Playa Flamingo hosted a prestigious fishing tournament the last weekend in July, The Presidential Challenge. The Presidential Challenge is the premier sportfishing circuit of the Americas, and is dedicated to the conservation and protection of billfish and inshore gamefish. Flamingo hosts this fishing tournament yearly.

Playa Flamingo, located in Guanacaste in the North Pacific, has long been known for its sports fishing. It’s is one of the best places in the world to fish and anglers come from all over the just to fish the waters of the North Pacific. The Catalina Islands are one of the best areas fish and are about 40 miles offshore. Being offshore this far you will certainly see schools of dolphin swimming around your boat and you
might even see a whale!

Because of the amazing fishing here, you will find many highly qualified captains to navigate these waters and have you coming home with a catch! Some of the best boats out there are JJ Boating and the Wetass II. The Wetass II won the completion and beat out 14 other boats with 52 anglers. Many of these boats came from other marina’s throughout Costa Rica but it was the hometown Flamingo boat to win
this Competition. This was an awesome event and just another reason why Flamingo is so special.

What is exciting about being in Flamingo now is there is a new marina to be built soon. With the new marina coming real estate will be at a premium. It is already known as the “Beverly Hills of Costa Rica,” so this new marina will be great for this area and all are excited to see it happening.

At Properties in Costa Rica, we are thrilled that you choose our country for your next adventure, so if you don’t mind sharing pictures from your future trip with us, just tag us on Instagram or Facebook,@propertiesincostarica and don’t forget to use the hashtag #propertiesincostarica. See you soon!

Costa Rica’s capital

Costa Rica’s capital is often the most overlooked part of the country for travelers looking for sandy beaches or lush canopy. Few will confuse San José as the must-see part of Costa Rica when you have world famous waves, gorgeous mountains, and dense jungle into Central America’s tiny eco-jewel.

In recent years, however, the gritty metropolis adoringly called “Chepe” by the locals has taken part in some what of a revival in hopes of keeping more and more foreigners in the Central Valley. If you don’t mind the bad traffic and look past the mismatching architecture, then you may be able to find some hidden beauties amid San José’s concrete jungle.

Here are some of our favorite activities while we’re in the capital:

Museums: Not surprisingly, San José has the largest concentration of museums anywhere in Costa Rica. Some of them, like the Museum of Costa Rican Art that is attached to Sabana Park west of downtown even offer free entrance to locals and foreigners alike. The one-time airport servicing all of Costa Rica has now been remodeled to feature the best local modern art.

In the city center, you’ll find the more popular National Museum that was made from a military fortress that still bears the scars of cannon fire on its outer walls. Inside, the sprawling courtyard features the famous stone spheres that date back to pre-Columbian times. Other museums worth checking out are the Gold Museum, where you’ll find more indigenous work, and the National Theatre – although not a museum – makes for a cool tour due to its intricate interior design.

Craft beer scene: The first producers of craft beer in Costa Rica started in 2010 and ever since the industry has become unavoidable when checking out San José’s restaurants and bars. Well-established brands like Costa Rica Craft Brewing Co., Treintaycinco Brewery, and Costa Rica Beer Factory have taken over the market to give customers more of an offering the standard fare of Imperial and Pilsen.

Though the craft beer scene is still growing and sometimes hit or miss regarding quality, the tight knit group of Cerveza artisanal producers have done well in making their products readily available – whether it is a gastropub in the city’s booming Barrio Escalante or on the shelves of the local supermarkets. Established organizations like CarpeChepe offer tours that shuttle travelers around the city’s best bars, letting them imbibe without worry of driving.

Hiking: San Miguel peak, known more commonly by the Cruz de Alajuelita, and nearby peaks are popular day trips among locals looking to let off some steam. Impressive views of the city below await anyone willing to make the one-hour hike starting near Escazú. Once you reach the famous metallic cross that hovers over the city’s southern stretch of mountains, you can work your way back to peaks like Rabo de Mico, Pico Alto, and Pico Blanco.

Amusement Park: Though small compared to U.S. standards, the aptly named Parque de Diversiones (Amusement Park) is the lone full-time park in the country offering roller coasters and thrill rides. Located right off the InterAmerican Highway, the park is always a hit among kids and makes for a great day trip. But be advised it is only opened from Friday to Sunday each week when local schools are in session.

A popular leaping off point to get from the heart of Costa Rica to the Nicoya Peninsula, Tambor is one of the perfect examples of an untouched beach paradise. The large golden beach is still relatively void of crowds and offers a little something for everyone. Unfortunately, there isn’t much opportunity for tourism happening in the town like there is in Montezuma Beach to the south. Still, Tambor is ideal for a romantic getaway or a beach-filled vacation with the kids.

Here are the best activities we’ve found during our time in Tambor:

Curu Wildlife Reserve: The environment-lovers delight is located just a short drives north of Tambor. Unlike many of the protected areas in Costa Rica, Curu is actually a privately-owned refuge that strives to protect threatened and endangered forest habitats and animal species. Not surprisingly, the area is teeming with beautiful wildlife like white-faced monkeys, peccary, coyotes, and more. Bird watchers will also be in heaven as parrots, woodpeckers, herons, and scarlet macaws are just some of the avian species commonly seen flying through the forest.

Barceló Resort: Because there isn’t much in the way of a town in Tambor, the resort chain provides a solid alternative for those wanting to stay right by the beach. The all-inclusive resort includes a large pool, golf course, and restaurant and bar. Barceló makes a great choice for families staying in the areas due to its kid-friendly entertainment.

Tour to Tortuga Island: Without a doubt, one of the best-kept secrets in Costa Rica travel books is the majestic Tortuga Island. The island just off the east coast of the Nicoya Peninsula looks like something straight out of Pirates of the Caribbean with its clear blue waters and white sand. Boat tours run daily from Tambor and don’t take long to get you to the desolate island. Included in tours will usually be lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear.

The trip to Cabo Blanco: The nature reserve located on the southern tip of the peninsula is just a half-hour drives away and makes a great tour for those looking to get more acquainted with Costa Rican nature. Cabo Blanco offers hikes through the protected tropical jungle setting that eventually lead out to a remote beach, where you may become convinced you’re the last person standing on the planet if you stay for too long.

Nosara, best known as the “no shirt no shoes” town, is the ideal place to surf and to practice yoga here in Costa Rica. Considered by National Geographic as one of the best 20 cities around the world to do surf, and according to Tripadvisor, the number 1 traveler’s choice, reviewed as the best place to go on vacations inside Costa Rica, without any doubt Nosara is a magnet for tourists.

Home to the oldest expat community in the country, Nosara will give you a very North American vibe, although you will also have the chance to live a 100% the Costa Rican experience. Everyone speaks Spanish but you’ll also find a lot of native English speakers too.

It is located on the Pacific Coast, more specifically in Guanacaste. The town consists of five beach towns: Playa Nosara, features the most calm vibe, it is not very crowded, you can enjoy paddle boarding or kayaking on its river mouth, Boca Nosara. Playa Garza, best known for its light golden sand, is a perfect spot to do some snorkeling due to the crystal clear waters, it is also considered a key spot for fishing activity. In the Garza town you can be able to relax too, and grab a bite at their local eateries. Playa Guiones, takes it all! Featuring white sands, It’s the most visited beach by tourists and it’s the place where surfers want to be, from beginners to experts. There’s also a variety of bars, restaurants and cafes, as well as yoga, pilates and surfing schools. Playa Pelada, has periods in which you could surf but the tide here is not very consistent, however, this beach is visited by swimmers, tourists interested in snorkeling or diving, if you find a boat or maybe a fisherman willing to give you a ride you can spot whales when in whale season (mating), turtles and dolphins. Playa Ostional, located in the Nosara – Ostional Wildlife Refuge, best known for its dark sands that welcome hundreds of thousands of turtles that come to nest at the shores. Many tourists come during May and November to see this awesome Mother Nature’s phenomenon called in Spanish Arribada (Arrival – English).

Nosara is also considered the safest beach in Costa Rica, people who live there try to go out of their way to make sure it stays the same way, so if you feel like walking at night on the beach it is safe to do so.

Whether you are planning to live in Nosara or visit, this place will really melt your heart. Don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful sunsets and while you do, make sure to share all your memories with us, using the hashtag #Propertiesincostarica on Instagram or Facebook or tag us on your photos, @propertiesincostarica on instagram.

Standing up paddle boarding, best known as SUP, is a surfing derivative sport that has its origins in Hawaii. Many surfers practiced SUP, way before it became “famously known”, when waters were waveless in order to stay in good shape and physical condition and also many photographers practiced it while trying to get the right angle for a good shot. Over the past couple of years it has become the ‘it’ water sport everyone’s talking about.

Costa Rica is considered one of the best spots to do paddleboarding and there’s a variety of places in the country where you can practice it. Don’t worry if you are beginner, there’s place for everyone.The most talked about advantage Costa Rica has to offer is the weather, since it is warm enough all year around, waters tend to be mild, making any water activity enjoyable.

The Pacific Coast offers calm waters were beginners can find an opportunity to learn safely. A few of the places where you can practice SUP are: Tamarindo , Peninsula Papagayo in Guanacaste and Gulf Dulce at the Osa Peninsula. There’s plenty of paddle boarding schools with rental equipment available, so if you are a beginner maybe you could save an extra buck and instead benefit from renting any gear you need and try out a couple of lessons and see who it goes before. In addition, there’s also Lake Arenal, a place where beginners can practice too due to the calm waters and enjoy the sightseeing of Arenal volcano.

There are lots of options for surfers or more experienced paddleboarders too. Try out Manuel Antonio, one of the hottest beach destinations the Southern Pacific Coast has to offer. Tamarindo , also has a couple of beaches where you can enjoy some waves as well.

If you are looking forward to enjoy a relaxing time in Costa Rica, a new trend offered by hotels and paddle boarding schools is the practice of SUP and combining it with yoga. Many online packages feature yoga lessons on the paddleboard or even yoga retreats, SUP and accommodations. Try and search around Nosara and Tamarindo for this specific type of deals.

At Properties in Costa Rica, we are thrilled that you choose our country for your next adventure, so don’t mind sharing with us pictures from your future trip, just tag us on Instagram or Facebook, @propertiesincostarica and don’t forget to use the hashtag #propertiesincostarica. See you soon!

Discover a few of the best activities Tamarindo has to offer:

Surf: Probably no activity is as popular as riding waves on Tamarindo‘s long stretch of beach measuring more than a kilometer long. If you’re a beginning rider, it might be frustrating to make your way through the crowded surf during the day. One of the best resources out there for novices is Witch’s Rock Surf Camp, known as maybe the top surf camp in all of Central America. There expert surfers like founder Joe Walsh will give you hands-on lessons and have you riding waves in less thank a weeks time. More experienced riders can always find less crowded waves in the morning, but might also want to head to nearby Playa Avellana for even bigger waves.

Tours: For those who want to take it easy, tours are offered to trek around the Playa Grande estuary north of town. Here you’ll have a chance to see the wildlife – crocodiles, monkeys, birds, and more – that inhabit the nearby area, as a professional guide takes you around Tamarindo‘s biodiverse neighbor. If you’re in the area anytime between October and March, look out for leatherback turtles, as Playa Grande boasts one of the world’s most popular nesting sites for the magnificent reptiles.

A sunset cruise is another great option after a day on the beach. A variety of companies, including Antares Sailing Adventures, offer catamaran tours that are often referred to as “booze cruises” because of their open bars. But the tours also offer guests the chance to snorkel, kayak, and swim far off Tamarindo‘s coast.

Horseback riding: Riders have the option to stroll down the beach or go into the lush mountains tucked behind the town. Normally, tours on the beach will only last a few hours and take place around sunset for a postcard image moment that is perfect for couples. Longer tours take place going into the tropical forests east of town. Other places offer tours through the small Guanacaste pueblos nearby that will give you a better feel for the amazing culture and history of Costa Rica’s second biggest province.

Zip lining: You’re not really Costa Rica until you’re screaming at the top of your lungs while flying through the jungle canopy on a zip line. Tours are offered just a 20 minute-drive from the center of Tamarindo in the heart of Costa Rica’s beautiful jungles. Most operators will offer pick up service to your hotel or home. A normal tour will last around two hours as professionally trained local guides lead you through the set of lines, where from above you can look down on the country’s impressive greenery and active wildlife.

Costa Rica has become the ultimate destination for many Americans, Canadians and Europeans that want to avoid cold weather but still wish to enjoy the perks of living in a country that’s politically stable with a growing economy. Many come to find peacefulness in a beach-like environment and many others come to retire somewhere around the Central Valley to enjoy life in the city.

Today, I would like to suggest a few things to take into consideration when pursuing your dream of buying a property in Costa Rica.

Once you have decided you want to buy a property, the first and most important thing you should do is find a real estate company that’s well known and has a good reputation. The realtor plays a key part in all this process: It is most likely that he/she will have a better knowledge about locations, paperwork, contracts, questions on legal or financing you might have. Also, keep in mind that it is very likely that an agent could get you a better deal on the property you want.

Don’t worry, if you are reading this, it means you are in the right place. Properties in Costa Rica is an established company, that has 18 years on the market and there are many agents, myself included, willing to go the extra mile for you and eager to help you on your adventure of buying a home in Costa Rica.

Another key point to take into consideration is the location: It is very important that you let the agent know what locations you’d like best. If you don’t know your way around Costa Rica yet, just let the agent know specific details of what do you expect of the area where you’d like to purchase your property. Tiny details do help on finding you the perfect place. The real estate agent can also give you a better understanding of property’s value around the area you are interested in.

Once you’ve found a right property for you, it is important that you get in contact with a home inspector, so that if there’s something that needs repairing or isn’t safe you’ll be aware of it. Any remodeling or drastic change will affect your pocket; so financially speaking I think hiring a home inspector is the best way to go. Don’t be shy to ask as many questions as possible about the property you want to buy.

If you are buying a property in a Condo or a gated community be sure to ask about the maintenance fees or what are the costs of the municipality taxes. These municipal taxes are not as high as in the States, so for many Americans this might seem great, specially because automatically they make the comparison with taxes paid back home, It is truly a humongous difference.

When you finally find a right property for you and decide to purchase, remember to read carefully the contract before signing anything. If there’s something that you don’t understand very well, ask the seller, or you can even find support in professional help, find yourself a lawyer, maybe asked about the clauses on the contract so that everything is crystal clear for you before signing. Your lawyer can also help you afterwards on registering the property.

Either way, your real estate agent here in Properties in Costa Rica will guide you through all of the process and clear any doubt you may have.

I’m most certain that looking forward to moving to Costa Rica might sound like one of the greatest adventures in one’s life, and it actually is. However, be smart when it comes to renting a property so that you get to enjoy first, instead of having trouble with the place you choose.

The first thing you should consider when moving to Costa Rica, is the area you want to live in: for someone who has never been to the country, this could be tough but hey! Cheer up! That’s why we are here for.

Make sure you find real estate agent you can trust and once you do, talk about what your expectations are. Tiny things such as “waking up to a mountain view”, “being in touch with nature”, “proximity to grocery stores”, “having a nice garden do matter”, so be sure to mention this kind of details.

Another thing to consider is San Jose’s ever-lasting traffic: People in Costa Rica live life very stress free and this perhaps will be one of the things you first notice BUT, and this is a big but, when it comes to traffic things might get a little tense. The driving is a bit rough and there is really no way to sugar coat it, there is always a traffic jam so be smart on the location you pick to move in. Ask the agent who is helping you if there are alternative routes to get to what you will soon be calling home. Maybe being close to work or school could save you hours stuck in traffic.

Even though Costa Rica is really safe, it is still really important to check if the neighborhood you are moving into has 24/7 security or if it is considered a good area by locals. There are a few areas, as in any other country, that’s best to keep away from. Most expats search for areas such as Escazu , Santa Ana , Heredia , Grecia. So maybe try and look for options around these neighborhoods.

Make sure you mention if you are looking for a long term rental or a short term rental. Furnished or unfurnished . Do know that if you are committed to a long term rental and you don’t stay the full year you lose the fully security deposit.

Once you have found the perfect place to call home for a while, the process of renting isn’t complicated at all. Make sure you read the leasing contract very well, in it you will find your obligations as tenant and the obligations of the landlord. Also, if you are not fluent in Spanish, ask your real estate agent for a contract in English, they should provide it for you.

It is important for you to check the condition in which they are giving you the property: it should be flawless but if it’s not, be sure to let the owner know so that he can fix it or so that he can keep in mind the state in which things are. Dirty walls, for instance, is something you should notify to the owner or the agent before you sign the contract, so that you get a response before you move, maybe the owner isn’t willing to paint the property but can lower the rental price a bit. In addition, if once you already moved in something inside the apartments stops working, let’s say it’s a broken sink, notify to the owner the issue, he is in charge of fixing it.

Some people jump at once to the idea of purchasing a property, which is OK when you know the area and neighborhood you want to live in, but if you have never been to the country, it may be best to take it slow and rent first to see how you like living in the area. Don’t forget that at Properties in Costa Rica , we are really eager and happy to help you on your new adventure and on finding a place that is right for you!

If you are planning to visit Costa Rica and you are not into the crowded very touristy places, you have got to read this.

I’m a firm believer that every place holds hidden treasures that are special because not many people can be found in them. That secrecy gives tourists a sense of freedom and a chance to discover a place entirely, no rules apply, no tourist guides, no time restrictions.

1. Playa Zancudo: this beach is located at Puntarena’s province. What’s so cool about thisplace is that you get to enjoy at the North side of the beach a calm, wave-free water, perfect to do some snorkeling or to just relax and take-in all your surroundings. You also get waves on the Southern side of the beach , great for those looking forward to doing some water activities, such as surfing, water skiing, boogie boarding, you name it. Get to experience tranquility and enjoy this isolated beach town. There’s also a chance you might see some monkeys and even crocodiles near this place.
2. Barra Honda National Park: if you are into exploring, this would be an ideal place tospend your afternoon. This often forgotten National Park has a large amount of caves for you to visit. There are 42 caves in this place but only 19 have been explored. You can also appreciate a diversity of rock formations, such as stalactites and stalagmites. The Park is located at the Nicoya Peninsula . There are some caving and bats tours available, so if you are concerned with getting lost, don’t be.
3. Mal Pais – Santa Teresa: Mal Pais used to be a well kept secret destination butnowadays, many young tourists visit this place because it is considered one of the best Pacific Coast beaches. It’s starting to attract many surfers. However, it makes the cut on this countdown due to the fact that it is a beautiful and relaxed place you must visit. Santa Teresa gives you the opportunity to get to enjoy some international cuisine and maybe do a little yoga or my ULTIMATE FAVORITE, horse back riding at the beach . Oh! And if you are not into surfing don’t worry, the town services are available and close by. If you are not quite into surfing but interested in trying it out, there are also lessons offered. Take into consideration that you can reach Nicoya Peninsula by taking the ferry at Puntarenas. If you are planning on taking a road trip from the Central Pacific to Mal Pais, this would be the easiest way to go.
4. San Gerardo de Dota: is a small town located next to the Savegre river, a quiet, relaxedoption if you want to get away from all the chaos, just two hours away from San Jose. Around the town, there is a wide variety of options to stay from hotels to villas, that allow you to enjoy mountain and forest views. The main attraction in the forest I think would be the variety of birds around the area, including hummingbirds and woodpeckers. There is also a chance to fish some trouts within the Savegre river. Nature enthusiasts really would love this place. There are one-day tours available for this outing.

Whatever place of these top 4 you decide to visit, make sure you take lots of pictures and remember to relax and have a great time. Don’t forget to share with us your special memories by using the hashtag #propertiesincostarica . Dare to discover Costa Rica!