Costa Rica is best known for its beautiful volcanic beaches and its rainforest wildlife: many people come visit to enjoy some stress free vacation and while they are at it, they oftenly get to see monkeys, butterflies, sloths and even some exotic birds, all interacting at their natural habitat. But there’s also a marine wildlife to be enjoyed at this lovely country: you can be able to see turtles, a variety of fish, dolphins and whales! Yes, whales!!

When I first arrived at Costa Rica, I was amazed by the fact that one could be able to see whales. I had an idea in my mind that whales only lived at Antarctica because of the cold waters. Little did I know that when waters start to cool too much during winter, two huge migrations of whales take place. Costa Rica offers the longest season for humpback whale watching in the world: there’s approximately nine months out of the year were you can spy on these amazing, magnificent mammals. How is this even possible? As I mentioned above, two huge migrations of whales occur: we get whales migrating from the north, more specifically from Alaska or even California and then we get other migration from the Antarctic zone to the South. Northern humpback whales can be seen in Costa Rica from December through April, while Southern whales arrive late in July and stay until November.

Whales usually spend their time in Costa Rica at the Southern Pacific, more specifically at The Osa Peninsula and Gulf of Dulce, but also at a beach town called Uvita known for attracting whales close to shore and Dominical (Whale Coast). If you are planning to see them, there are some paid tours offered at Uvita. Usually snorkeling time is included too, so you might get to see some turtles, rays or even dolphins.

Do not worry if you are at Guanacaste or somewhere at the North Pacific: although tours to see whales are not very common there, many ocean tours often detour to popular zones where humpback whales are mating at the migration season.

A great advice if you want to ensure your whale watching tour trip, would be to book it while the Annual Whale and Dolphin Festival is taking place at Uvita. It usually starts in September, at the peak of the “whale season”.

Some other tips to make the most out of this experience would be to bring waterproof clothes or maybe a light blanket because it does tend to get chilly and also to avoid sea sickness: keep in mind that you will be inside a boat for a few hours, so do not skip your breakfast since an empty stomach could worsen the sickness. A pair of binoculars could be useful too (though not strictly necessary), sunglasses to protect your eyes, sunblock, and lastly and most important thing YOUR CAMERA! Be sure to keep it ready to shoot because you will never know when you will spot a whale soaring into the air!!

At Properties in Costa Rica , we hope that you make the most out of your time in this great country, so do feel free to share some of your memories with us, using our hashtag #propertiesincostarica on Facebook and Instagram. Have fun!

If you are planning to come to Costa Rica or if you are already here, don’t think for a second that beautiful beaches is all this country has to offer. There are also some great places to visit, that will surely look great in the pictures you will definitely want to take.

So today, I made this sort of countdown about places to go to in the Costa Rica Central Valley. Hopefully you will fall in love with this places too.

1. 1. Arenal Volcano National Park think it is safe to say that Arenal is the most popular of all volcanoes in Costa Rica, located at Alajuela province, it used to be the most active volcano in the country with 41 eruptions per day. Nowadays is not possible to see Lava coming out its crater because right now it is going through a resting phase but there is still so much to do around the Arenal Volcano National Park. Visit Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest river, and the base of the Volcano. There are some activities done in this river such as fishing, or stand up paddleboarding. No matter what you decide on doing, take in, for just a minute, all the beauty around you.If you want to live a great adventure, this is a place to visit. Whether you are into hiking or a more laid back activity such as horseback riding, there’s no problem, there’s plenty of everything for all taste. Do make sure you find yourself a bilingual guide so that you don’t missed out on anything. Be sure to visit La Fortuna Waterfall, this is very near Arenal, you can get here only by foot, so you can either take a 15 minute hike or horseback. Do bring your swimming suit with you so that you can get to swim in a crystal clear water natural pool. There are also the natural hot springs Arenal has to offer. You can relax and enjoy a nice time taking a warm bath in this therapeutical natural waters.

1. 2. San Jose Central Market or Mercado CentralIf you want to get a taste of Costa Rica’s food and also get a chance to hang out with locals and get a sampling of the authentic urban culture of Costa Rica, this is the place to visit.This marketplace was founded in 1882 and since then it has experienced many remodelations throughout the years. Do be advised, this is a crowded place with lots of shops and eateries. Perfect place to buy some souvenirs for sure.Be sure to try some typical dishes such as Casados or Gallo Pinto and also some typical Costa Rican sweets.

1. 3. Lankester Botanical GardensLankester Botanical Gardens is located near one the most beautiful central regions of the country, the province of Cartago.If you love orchids, this a must go to place. Lankester Botanical Gardens was founded in the 1940’s by a british orchid enthusiast named Charles Lankester, he dedicated his life to the creation of one of the most comprehensive orchid gardens in Central America. You can visit any time of the year, but in March and April most of the orchids are in bloom, so if you happen to be in Costa Rica at this time of the year, take a visit to this place. There are guided walks offered at the main desk every 30 minutes but I honestly would recommend you to go by yourself and take the time to appreciate the wide variety of plant species there is.The place is really clean and well maintained. There is a Japanese Garden too, you can walk through a beautiful bamboo path. There is also some areas for doing picnics so you can bring your food basket and blanket and enjoy. This is a pet friendly place!

1. 4. The Ruins of Ujarras.Ujarras town is located at Cartago province. This town offers a truly good experience of Costa Rica’s history and its culture. The Ruins of Ujarras is the place where the oldest church in Costa Rica was built. The legend states that indigenous Huetar Indian fisherman found a box with an image of Virgin Mary on it, which they were unable to remove from the location. Because of this, Nuestra Senora de la Limpia Concepcion was built on the site. Over the years, it is believed that the spirit of the Virgin Mary cautioned locals of a devastating flood and performed several miracles for the villagers. There is a beautiful garden surrounding the ruins, so you can spend the afternoon here.

There is so much more that Costa Rica has to offer and also so many things to visit but for now we will just leave you this four places to go to. We truly hope you fall in love with this country and don’t forget to think about us when you do visit, we would love to see all the pictures you take, so don’t forget to use our hashtag #propertiesincostarica on Instagram and Facebook so that we can check out all the memories you make. Pura Vida!

Costa Rica is home to plenty of properties and whether you want a beachfront condo , a beautiful villa on the banks or even a plot of farmland to call your own, you will find a wide selection of homes to choose from.

Not only that, but the country has so many activities to keep people of all ages busy day and night that you will never run out of things to do. When you combine the variety of living arrangements available together with the great fun as well as the friendly people living in the country, you will find that a move to Costa Rica is like living a dream vacation every day of your life. Everyone can use a vacation, but when you can live one every day, you really have it made.

The Lifestyle

The locals are friendly and helpful. Whether you’re a tourist in the area, or someone looking to move here, you can find that pretty much everyone is ready to help. The markets are always bustling on mornings, but provide a gentle, not rushed flow of people through the aisles. You can grab fresh fruit, veggies and even meat during these times.

The atmosphere as a whole is laid back, inviting and refreshing. Without having to worry about the hustle and bustle of normal life, you can slow down a bit and take in the area, the people and all that life can offer you.

You will quickly find that living a laid-back lifestyle is easily done in Costa Rica. Even if you are working, the environment around you can help keep your stress level low and your productivity level high.

The Climate is Wonderful

The average temperature in Costa Rica is 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which allows you to get the most use of the beaches and other great outdoor fun. Yes, you may run into some rain if, especially if you live inland, but don’t let the ran dampen your fun. With such a great year-round climate, you will have plenty of time for not only surfing, snorkeling, boating or soaking up some sun on the shore, but you can also enjoy other exciting outdoor experiences such as bungee jumping, parasailing, hiking or biking or taking a trip through one of the rain forests or even a day hike to check out a volcano.

Moving Can Be Done Easily, For Anyone

Moving yourself and even your family can be handled quite easily, even if you need to have a few things shipped over. Most people arrive in Costa Rica with a few bags that they bring along on their flight. While you can find accommodations that are partially, and occasionally even fully furnished, you will most likely find that you’re going to need some of your own personal household things. One thing you will want to do is compare the price to ship with the price of purchasing new or used before you schedule anything.

Another thing to consider, besides basic household goods, will be whether you need to ship your own car. If you will live in a large city, you’ll find ample public transport, and will most likely be able to walk or even take a bicycle to most local places you need to travel. If you live rurally or plan to trek off to the mountains or travel frequently to Panama or Nicaragua or even from one side of Costa Rica to the other, a car may be a good thing to have. You may find numerous cars for sale when you arrive, but be sure to have any car checked out thoroughly before you buy one. You may find that it is less expensive to have your own car shipped over but be sure to speak to local mechanics and check with parts supply stores to make sure your car is one that can be easily repaired if anything goes wrong.

You will need paperwork to import household goods as well as a motor vehicle. Some of the basic paperwork that will be necessary includes:

• Passport
• Motor Vehicle Registration
• Original Bill of Sale
• Driver’s License
• Signed authorization from vehicle owner if you are bringing a car that is not in your name. This must be notarized by the Costa Rican consulate.
• Bill of Lading
• Emissions test certificate
• Itemized list of goods (for household and personal items) Be sure to include all serial and model numbers for electronics or appliances.

More information on shipping a motor vehicle to Costa Rica can be obtained from https://www.a1autotransport.com/

Moving to Costa Rica is an exciting adventure that many people only dream of taking. Whether you are planning to visit for a while or you are making a long-term move, you can find a great place to live including vacation rentals as well as beautiful family homes during your stay. You will also be able to partake in some of the biggest adventures of your life while being able to live stress free in paradise.

The southern part of the Nicoya Peninsula is home to many lesser known marvels of nature that are both exciting and pristine. The northern beach of Playa Blanca, a short distance from the ferry that arrives in Playa Naranjo from Puntarenas, has sugar-white sand and clear waters.

A little further south in the town of Rio Grande, 7 miles north of Paquera, the Campinas Waterfalls, three separate waterfalls cascade down a smooth rock face into a cool pool below. It is a short walk from the parking areas and is a well-kept secret for the locals to enjoy. Also in Rio Grande is Playa Pajaros, a sandy beach along the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Nicoya. There is no development, no buildings, no cables and very few people on this lovely beach.

In the town of Paquera, where the other ferry from Puntarenas docks, the locals enjoy the long, uncrowed beach of Playa Organos. It is situated directly in front of Isla Tortuga and the islands block the large Pacific swells making it a safe and fun place to swim and play in the waves. The offshore island of Tortuga is visited by over a dozen tour boats a day as well as by local tour operators. It has white sand, clear waters for snorkeling and the tour companies provide tropical picnics with delicious drinks. The guests can snorkel, swim, kayak, jet ski or just relax in a hammock in tropical paradise.

The Biological Reserve at Curu is open to tourists to see the domesticated rescued animals as well as observe the wild animals around them. Several walking paths weave through the tropical forest and a 4 mile long private beach is there for the visitors.

Heading south past Tambor, one arrives at the Tango Mar resort with a quiet, uncrowded beach and a picturesque waterfall that drops into a large pool and then the sea.

The town of Montezuma is well known for its local crafts, waterfront bars, Tarzan and Jane waterfall and its Bohemian attitude. It is a laid back place surrounded by natural beauty. The trip up the creek to the waterfall is rewarded by a spectacular sight and a large swimming pool beneath the cascade.

Costa Rica has submitted a proposal to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to establish the Savegre River Watershed as a Biosphere Reserve. A biosphere reserve is an area of land or coastal ecosystem that promotes solutions in reconciling conservation with sustainable use. The Savegre River, which begins in the Talamanca mountain range between Cerro de los Muertos and Chirripo and ends in an estuary in the Manuel Antonio National Park on the Central Pacific Coast would be Costa Rica’s fourth Biosphere Reserve (joing La Amistad, Cordillera Volcanica Central, and Agua y Paz). The Savegre is one of the nations cleanest rivers surrounded by lush rainforest, waterfalls and canyons, with only 1,000 people living along its banks. It is a welcoming habitat for all kinds of exotic wildlife.

According to UNESCO, biosphere reserves are, “are areas comprising terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems. Each reserve promotes solutions reconciling the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use.” Thus the goal of UNESCO biosphere reserves are to encourage sustainable development, balancing the relationship between people and nature. There are three zones in one biosphere reserve to fulfill three complementary functions. The core areas are a strictly protected ecosystem that contributes to the conservation of the landscapes, ecosystems and species, the buffer zone that surrounds the core areas used for activities compatible with sound ecological practices that can reinforce scientific research, training and education, and the transition area which is the part of the reserve where the greatest activity is allowed, fostering economic and human development that is ecologically sustainable.

There are currently 669 biosphere reserves in 120 countries. If the Savegre is recognized as a biosphere reserve it will receive international recognition and benefit from efforts to find a balance between conservation and socioeconomic development.

Properties in Costa Rica

There is not a shortage of outdoor adventures in Dominical. This green area includes two national parks, magical waterfalls, wildlife and nature sanctuaries, legendary surfing and plenty of water activities for the novice and the pro. There are few places in the world that match the abundance of opportunity and fun families couples and friends can enjoy in Costa Rica. Only a short drive from San Jose, it’s one of the country’s favorite spots for nature enthusiasts and eco-minded people.

1. Nauyaca Waterfalls

A two-tiered waterfall that rises 61 meters (200 feet) high with a natural pool for swimming makes Nauyaca Waterfalls one of Costa Rica’s top destinations for adventure seekers. Arrive either by horseback (tour includes lunch) or hike to the waterfalls and spend the day. If you plan on hiking, the trail to the falls is very challenging and rugged but well worth it.

2. Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary

Visit the Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary where you will find over 75 animals native to Costa Rica. This non-profit organization feeds, provides shelter and veterinary care to distressed animals brought under its care. The center also includes an educational program for school children. It’s dedicated not only to the care and preservation of wildlife but also to teaching the future generations about the importance of animals and preserving their natural habitats. It’s a remarkable place to visit when traveling through Dominical.

3. Hacienda Baru

This 800-acre wildlife refuge hugs the southern coast of Costa Rica neighboring Dominical. With a diversity of habitats, primary and secondary forest, mangroves, grasslands, and beaches, you can get pleasantly lost here for hours hiking through the reserve. A cattle ranch till 1990, the owner banned hunting on the land and quickly went to work to create one of Costa Rica’s most treasured reserves. It officially became a reserve in 1995. The lodge, restaurant and zip line tours fund the property. It’s a sustainable, self-supporting venture that relies on responsible eco-tourism to protect the wildlife and ecosystem. Here you will find treasures everywhere in the over 330 species that inhabit the land. You can take one of the many self-guided hikes to spot monkeys, sloths, caiman and more or opt for the zip line tour for a bird’s eye view of the reserve.

4. Yoga

Dominical is home to one of the top yoga retreat centers in Costa Rica. The Danya Yoga Retreat and Eco-Lodge offer visitors retreats, yoga, surf, meditation and arts and crafts programs. There are daily drop-in yoga classes taught by well-regarded instructors. It’s a special place to reconnect with yourself, rejuvenate your spirit, and return to balance.

5. Marino Ballena Park

Just 20 minutes south of downtown Dominical, Marino Ballena Park attracts visitors from all over the world. Established in 1990, the protected 270 acres of land and 13,300 acres of ocean is one of the newest parks in the country. Home to the largest coral reef on the Pacific side of Central America it beckons scuba divers. The crystal clear blue waters make it perfect for snorkeling. You can also venture out to Cano Island for more scuba diving. Explore the mangroves, and spot the humpback whales during migration season. The beaches are also a favorite place to spot Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtles. Spend hours here horseback riding, hiking, paddling through the mangroves or just laying on the beach; it’s a perfect refuge to take in the wonders of nature.

6. Surf Lessons and Surfing

In Dominical, surfs up every day of the week. One of the most popular destinations for both experienced as well as those new to surfing, Dominical offers consistent waves. With waves averaging anywhere from three feet to double overhead and a sandy bottom, it’s a top surfing destination. As a bonus, the town of Dominical extends to the beach making parking fairly easy. You can also take surf lessons and get some yoga in at Bodhi Surf School.

Escape into the wonder of waterfalls, zip-line across the rainforest canopy, explore the beaches on horseback, take in the surf and enjoy the wonder of the ocean at sunset in Dominical. It’s one of Costa Rica’s treasured spots for visitors and residents. All are welcome here.

So its that time again! The Costa Rican real estate market took an upswing 8 years ago and it is happening again. As many of you think – what’s going to happen? whether you are looking at your life now, in retirement, your home for vacation or even your politics – think ahead and buy a build-able lot here in Costa Rica.

1-Pick a price range that you can afford and want to be in. Anywhere from $30,000USD and up

2-Choose an area with good resale. Right now the ‘suburbs’ of the central valley are hot – and I mean that in a good way! the mountains that make up the valley have access to the city and are actually 70-80 degrees year round with no need for need A/C. Not only expats are moving there, but lots of ticos as well.

3-Schedule a trip with a trusted realtor who can show you different areas, such as San Ramon, Grecia, Naranjo, or a company with Realtors in several different areas you are interested in. many Realtors here will help you with more than just buying a lot so it is worth using a good one with a reputable company.

4-Find the lot that works for you and buy it! Yes, its that simple here. Due diligence is already half done on lots with Properties in Costa Rica, so we can close in as early as a few days if nothing new has come up.

• Bring your passport and license
• Have 10% of your budgeted purchase price ready to put down in escrow
• Sign a Limited power of Attorney to your realtor, friend or family here to ONLY sign the closing documents if the Closing will happen when you are not here and you are not able to come back.

5-Build right away or wait – there are many good companies and builders in the mountain areas. don’t pick one yourself, find one through references from your realtor. Don’t let the few bad stories trump all the successful building stories that don’t make the headlines.

6-Furniture – One of the hardest things for my expat clients to believe is that we have good, quality furniture and household items here. Sure – you can fill up a container in the states and ship to for 10,000. And honestly, if you are building 3 or more rentals and need to furnish them all, you may save money doing it that way. but furnishing one or 2 homes, better, put that money into the CR economy, and buy the items easily right here and have them delivered to the house for much less than shipping them from the US.

7-Move! or vacation, or rent, or sell. Just like any other part time home or investment property. If you use it, great! Welcome! Don’t move? Rent or sell, or do both. This is a little slice of Paradise, and we people always want to come enjoy it. The weather is great, we are close to everything, literally. I can day trip to the beach, or a volcano, or a huge mall with Forever 21 and Benetton. Costa Rica’s allure isn’t going anywhere!

So if you are thinking of buying a lot here as a backup plan to build later, I say do it! And do it now.

K. Rubens

Guanacaste is a mayor touristic destination in Costa Rica. People seek their pristine beaches, surf spots, and retreats to stay for a holiday or even entire seasons. Many visitors become locals after a couple of times of visiting the area, others do not think it twice and just move. Maybe a reason why they do this is because Guanacaste provides a better living environment than the one they enjoy at home. Some reasons researchers point out about why living in Guanacaste is good for your health are the following.

The food, Costa Rican food is fairly mild, fresh fruits and vegetables are very important in the mix and rice and beans are a staple of most Costa Rican meals. In Guanacaste the diet is traditionally based on products derived from corn such as tortillas, corn bread, corn soups and other meals using this ingredient. Only until resent years, there was no fast food restaurants or big chains in the area, and the life style here just focuses more on slow food than the fast one. On top of this, several producers and food businesses choose organic ingredients or even, grow them by them self.

The climate, living in a warm climate definitely favors those who have bones or joints conditions. Also the heat of the sun affects our endocrine system, endorphins are the natural chemicals in our body that make us feel relaxed and less stressed. Climate has a direct influence on our state of mind.

The air quality is essential to achieve balance in the body through the oxygen. You may only need one or two liters of water per day, but you need 13,000 liters of clean air per day. Guanacaste is isolated from factories, which makes possible a very high air quality. Properties closer to the beach coast in areas like Tamarindo, Flamingo, Potrero, have also other great benefit, sea air. Have you ever thought why you always sleep better after spending the day on the beach? Sea air contains healthy negative ions that increase our ability to absorb oxygen. The levels of serotonin in our body is also balanced by negative ions. Serotonin, is another body chemical that is linked with mood and stress, because of it and endorphins is that you feel more relaxed and with more energy after a holiday at the coast.

Sea water is also a factor, the sound of waves alters wave patterns in the brain calming you into a deeply relaxed state. Just relaxing in this way can help rejuvenate your mind and body. Researchers also show that floating in water makes blood divert around from our lower limbs towards our abdominal region. Fresh blood being pumped around the body brings more oxygen to our brain which makes us more active and alert.

Last but not least, the The Pura Vida lifestyle. This Costa Rican slogan says it all, enjoy life. It isn’t a secret that living in the country side far from the rush and hustle of the cities improves your lifestyle. In Guanacaste life can definitely be enjoyed like this slower and without too many complications. Proof of this, is the area of Nicoya nominated a blue zone by Dan Buettner and his team. They study communities around the world, in which the elderly live with great strength and vigor until a record age. Let yourself live a healthier life and come to Guanacaste. As the old Spanish says “en el mar la vida es mas sabrosa!”, or “Life by the sea is more delightful!”.

“How much does it rain in Costa Rica?”

This is a common question from my property clients, and it’s a good one. Nobody wants to invest in a piece of Costa Rican real estate if it’s going to be cloudy and rainy week after week. So, in this article I will explain the nuances of the rainy season, its regional rainfall differences, and its positive effect on our living experience.

Why The Rain Is Glorious

Most tourist and investors travel to the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica in the summer (meaning December-April). Whether your motivation is to beat the cold and snow of North America and Europe or it’s simply a convenient time to travel, the Costa Rican summer is b-u-s-y. What you typically experience during those months is sunshine… and lots of it. By March, most areas, even in the southern Pacific zone are dried out. This includes the hillsides and waterways (think- rivers, creeks, waterfalls, etc.). Summer in the tropics is hot, which works out fine if that’s what you are looking for.

I’ve lived in Costa Rica for 10 years now, and without question, the rainy season is my favorite time of the year. This comes as a surprise to many people, and I’ve figured out the reason. The rain in North America and Europe ranges from cold to downright miserable. In the tropics, the rain is much warmer and often refreshing. In fact, the rain serves a variety of purposes that most people do not consider:

• Temperature— it is hot in the tropics, and the rain decrease temps by at least 10 degrees
• Dust— as the roads dry out and experience heavy use, the dust increases. The rain helps to keep the dust down and improve overall air-quality. This comes in handy if you’re walking or biking places.
• Growth— the rainy season is also known as the “Green Season” because the plants and animals love it. For example, the southern Pacific zone bursts into an impressive spectrum of greens and floral colors.
• People— there are fewer people in the rainy season. This means easier to travel, to find accommodations, and most importantly… to find a quiet spot and r-e-l-a-x.

One misconception relating to the rain is that it “rains all day”. Mornings are characterized by sunshine and blue skies with bright white clouds on the coastal mountains. Around 1-2pm, the rain clouds pass over and it pours. The drops are BIG, and it’s quite the experience. Now, if you wake up to rain, do not worry. The vast majority of time the sun will come out in the afternoon.
There is a break in the June/July timeframe when we experience El Veranillo de San Juan (The Little Summer of San Juan). These sunny breaks vary from a few days to a couple of weeks, and they are very enjoyable… especially when you know there is more rain on the way.

Rain By Region

The annual rainfall on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica varies depending on the region:

• Guanacaste (Tamarindo, Flamingo)— 40-60”/year, heaviest in Sept./Oct. The rain often doesn’t restart until May, and February-April can be very dry will the hillsides dominated by brown grass.
• Nicoya (Nosara, Samara)— 60-80”/year and very similar to Guanacaste to the north.
• Costa Ballena/Osa (Manuel Antonio, Dominical, Uvita)— approx. 120-160”, the majority of it coming in May-November with that sunny break in “little summer”. With twice as much annual rainfall than the regions to the north, the flora and fauna are noticeably thicker and greener.

Abundant rain means full aquifers, springs and waterways. It inspires the jungle and all its trees, plants, and wildlife to grow. It cools down the tropic temperatures. It reduces the dust from the dirt roads, thus improving the air quality. It is beneficial in so many ways.

Conclusion

From a business (tourism, rentals, real estate) point of view, the peak season is in the summer. If you are considering investing in a vacation rental, the summer is the time you will make the majority of your income (higher rates and occupancy). But, the trend we see is more and more people are visiting Costa Rica in the rainy season. This is especially the case for those interested in relocating to Costa Rica. These clients want to see what it’s like in October, a month with heavy rain, ample sunshine, abundant colors, and minimal people. Ask any Tico or expat living in Costa Rica what their favorite time of the year is, and they will invariably say, “The rainy season.”

Pura vida.

Guanacaste is located in the North Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. This province is famous for its beautiful beaches gorgeous sunsets, and action and adventure activities. Surf, Paddle boarding, zip lining are some of the activities one can enjoy at its best while in Guanacaste.

Surf in Tamarindo has been number one spot for surfers since long time ago. All kind of surfers come from everywhere in the world because it offers a wide variety of surf breaks a river-mouth and reef. Surfers find this beach and waves perfect for learning or improving their skills. Because of the location of Costa Rica, it has warm waters all year round; this makes the experience even better for beginners. Beaches like Tamarindo, Avellanas, Grande, Negra, and Junquillal are perfect for this sport, in the other hand calm waters present in beaches such as Potero, Penca, Prieta, and Danta are perfect for other water sports, like paddle boarding and kayaking. Both sports can be seen as less active than surf but they definitely demand a big amount of effort and condition.

From the sea to the sky, even though lots of activities in Guanacaste involve water sports; Costa Rica in general is a pioneer in zip lining adventures. With more than 100 zip line companies in the country, Guanacaste hosts one of the most exciting ones. You will get to fly high above the canopy and between narrow canyon walls over the White River (Rio Blanco) on various zip lines. In addition, you can cross three hanging bridges and for the adrenaline lovers, two Tarzan swings. Costa Rica is an expert in providing extreme sports experiences with all the security measures need to enjoy safely. Having the opportunity to be where almost only birds and monkeys can reach is incomparable. Zip lining is an experience that everyone should try at least once in his or her life, however most probably is that after trying that freedom and exciting feeling you will want to repeat it repeatedly.

Other than the activities mentioned before one can go horseback riding, waterfall rappelling, river tubing, hiking or mountain biking in the jungle and much more. No matter your taste for adventure sports, if its water, sky or ground activities; you will definitely have most of the best possibilities down here in Guanacaste.