Properties in Costa Rica Blog

Tuning with the waves

Costa Rica is divided in 7 provinces; in which Guanacaste is the province number 5. Sámara belongs to the city of Nicoya, located in Guanacaste province with a distance of 146,644 miles (236 km) from San José.

Sámara is ruled by the main activity in the area, Surf is the reason why many tourists visit this lovely town and wake up early just to catch the best wave of the day.

Sámara from all Costa Rican towns is very eccentric, small and diverse. Unique in its own kind, merges Pura Vida lifestyle in many European and American visitors or residents… This is why, once you meet this beautiful place you can never go back again.

Access is very easy and they are several ways to get here:

If you are coming from San Jose you just need to follow the Route 1 and get to Nicoya city, onces there it is just a 45 minute drive to Samara. In total the trip from San Jose to Samara could take around 4 hours driving.

1. If you landed in Liberia it is way easier and closer. From Liberia you need to start driving south towards Santa Cruz which is the first town you’ll find, from other keep driving south to Nicoya and you will be here pretty quickly. The time is about 1.5 hours.
2. You could also Access through airplane that lands either in Punta Islita or Nosara, they are both 30 minutes away from Samara.
3. If you are not driving, an other way to get here is by shuttle, there are several shuttle services from San Jose, Liberia, Arenal or any other touristic áreas. Transportation will not be an issue!

Life Style

The sunrises between 5:15 am and 5:30 am, perfect to ride some waves, walk on the beach or just enjoy the natural surroundings, and afterwards enjoy yourself with some fresh fruit smoothie. With no plan whatsoever. Sámara is the perfect place to relax and disconnect from your regular hectic life and dedícate yourself to just discover amazing wildlife and admire the most stunning sunrises and sunsets.

There are many outdoor activities to during the day and most of them involve being close to the beach/ocean or always in touch with the nature, such as:

• Surfing
• Snorkeling
• Kayak (River and Sea)
• Fishing
• Biking
• Yoga
• SUP (Stand Up Paddle)
• Slackline
• Hiking
• Horseback riding
• Traditional Cuisine Lessons
• Dolphin Tours
• Baby turtle Tours

Sámara Gastronomical Taste

If you’re looking for a nice place to try great local fresh food and at good prices we can recommend you the following places:

• Soda La Perla
• Soda Colocho
• Miss Sheriff
• El Ancla
• Casa Esmeralda

If you’re more like an organic and vegetarian taste, Sámara Organics is the perfect spot, they offer: smoothies, cookies, coffee and delicious ice cream from Pura Paleta.

For those who want to experience different food options not only typical and are interested in dinner or lunch the following restaurants offer a great selection in meats:

• El Colibrí
• El Lagarto

And for those who just can’t get enough of Italian food the best options in Sámara are:

• El Gusto Beach
• Mama Gui
• Uh La la
• Locanda

In regards Mexican food Coco’s Place presents a very nice concept mixing Mexican food and art into its restaurant.

But if your options are a bit more getting to know a bar o just eat appetizers of Sandwiches these are the options for you:

• La Vela Latina
• Bar Arriba

Sámara Nightlife

For those who love just hanging out blend in and get to know people just prepare yourself for a long night since dancing starts at 12am! But there’s also relax and nice bars to visit before the main dish.

And when the night is heating up these are the best options for you:

• Tabanuco (Reggae Nights)
• Vela Latina (Salsa Nights)

If you decide to visit Samara keep in be prepared to enjoy real natural vibes!

In recent years, Costa Rica has developed into a popular destination among celebrities. This tropical paradise equipped with modern infrastructure is the perfect place to unwind and to escape the 24/7 go of paparazzi, glitz and drama of a life lived out on the public stage. While Costa Rica has its share of roaming paparazzi, it is nowhere near the extreme levels found in New York, Los Angeles or London. Costa Rica provides a much-needed refuge to relax for the famous where they can enjoy private, personal time. It’s an escape from what can be a very stressful life. Celebrities known to frequent this happy little country include long time expat Mel Gibson, Kim Kardashian, Leonardo DiCaprio, Gisele, Matt Damon, and many more.

Costa Rica offers five star resorts such as the Four Seasons where stars can enjoy the country’s natural beauty while staying in luxury accommodations. Across the country, there are many fine resorts to choose from ranging from lovely, luxury eco-resorts, as well as concierge service magical villas for those seeking more privacy. The most popular area for celebrities is along the Pacific Coast. Five star resorts in the province of Guanacaste include: Punta Islita Hotel, Gaia Hotel and Reserve, El Mangroove, Andaz Peninsula Papagayo, JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa, Reserva Conchal, The Westin Resort and Spa Playa Conchal.

It is also a great place to purchase a vacation home. Andre Agassi and Steffi Graff, Charlie Seen, Britney Spears, Steven Tyler and Mel Gibson are among those who have purchased homes in the area. In addition to Hollywood celebrities, famous athletes known to enjoy their time in Costa Rica include: Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal and Tom Brady. There are several luxury developments being built in the province as well as a nice selection of private homes to choose from. In the last several years, Guanacaste has developed into a paradise by the sea. Celebrities enjoy their vacation without having to be concerned about being mobbed and accosted by people and press. It’s the perfect spot to rest, relax and rejuvenate. Welcome to the new Malibu.

For vacationers and retirees ringing in the New Year in Costa Rica, it can be time of parties in one of the local beach towns or a quiet time spent in nature or reflecting with family or friends. Many people opt to hold small dinner parties, and seek out this time to do some backpacking in one of Costa Rica’s parks. It’s about taking it down a notch to reflect on the past year, express gratitude and set some goals for the coming year. To connect with nature, there’s are some great mountain tops in the country and places to explore. For many people, New Year’s eve is a time of reflection. The traditional meal for New Year in Costa Rica is a pork leg, and when the clock turns 12, there is the tradition of singing “Año Viejo”. There are also some fun long held traditions that are part of the country’s rich folklore.

Ensure travel in the coming year

There is the old tradition of running around the house or crossing the neighborhood street with a suitcase or a backpack in hand to ensure travel for the coming year.

Clear negative energy in the home

Cleaning and sweeping the entire house the women is believed to clear away past evils.

Remove bad luck

Throw a pan full of water over one’s shoulder is believed to sway all bad luck from the previous year.

Attract your mate

Other New Year’s traditions include wearing red underwear in the hope that the coming year will bring their spouse or true love.

Attract good fortune

Wearing yellow in hopes of getting conferred with good luck in the coming year.

Attract good fortune

Eating 12 grapes at midnight with each one dedicated to one month in the coming year for good luck.

These are fun local traditions that you can weave into celebrating the New Year in Costa Rica. As It’s really about setting an intention to have a positive experience in the coming year that brings you much good fortune and new experiences. When we live our lives from a centered purposeful place, joy and good fortune tends to follow. It’s how many Costa Ricans live their lives daily, and perhaps is part of what attracts so many foreigners to one of the happiest countries in the world. Enjoy ringing in 2016!

Secret to a long life may just lie in the Nicoya Peninsula region in Costa Rica. Among Costa Rica’s many treasures and benefits may also be the long searched for secret to living a long, healthy and happy life. The factors that contribute to longevity include: low stress lifestyle, plant based diet, faith of some sort and water high in minerals! A sense of purpose and hard work are also part of the attitudes that lead to a longevity. Nicoyan centenarians tend to live with their families, and children or grandchildren providing much-needed support to families from which they gain a sense of purpose and belonging.

It turns out the Nicoya Peninsula is in the Blue Zone – one of five hot spots around the globe where people live longer lives. The zones include: Loma Linda, California, Ikaria, Greece; Sardinia, Italy, and Okinawa, Japan. Defined by its sandy beaches and tropical forest, Nicoya Peninsula is one of the areas in the zone.

Add to this discovery, “Costa Rica spends only about one tenth of what the United States spends on healthcare, yet more than twice as many men there can expect to reach a healthy age 90.” There’s something about being able to slow down and take life in that benefits all humans, and it’s a quality many westerners seem to have lost. Diet also plays an important role. A plant based, fresh food diet is a big factor. Fortunately, Costa Rica is an agricultural country with an abundance of fresh, locally grown organic produce available year round.

Its customs and lifestyles create an environment where people can live healthier, longer lives, and that’s great news. It’s a testament to what many people experience when coming here, and part of the reason the country’s population continues to swell. It’s a lifestyle choice that is good for the heart, mind and body. It’s no wonder, Costa Rica has also been identified as one of the happiest countries in the world, and the Nicoyans may just be the epicenter of a well lived life.

No matter where Americans are, thanksgiving is a holiday that travels with them in the heart, and it must be celebrated. This is the occasion to express gratitude for all favors received day after day, and when in a foreign land the happiness of being alive and fortunate enough to find ourselves enjoying the pleasures of nature, family and new friends found.

Costa Rica is a country that understands the culture of American people and its people loves to help expats to celebrate such a beautiful tradition with enthusiasm and love. The number of expats living in Costa Rica increases every year and finding a group of friends with whom to celebrate this traditional holiday according to your life style is not hard at all. The expats community in Costa Rica is diverse and there are different clubs and organizations eager to accept new members or to receive visitors. The Birding Club, Hiking and Camping Club, Backgammon Club, are just a few examples of a well-organized society that enables people to form lasting relationships.

Many retirees live in Costa Rica and this holiday is an occasion for their families living in the United States to visit them. It is such a pleasure to see the excitement, hugs and smiles at Juan Santa Maria Airport when grandparents welcome their kids and grandkids to a country that offers fantastic options to enjoy a short vacation in paradise. Imagine the joy of having a family reunion at a table set with all the traditional food, like turkey, sweet potato, pumpkin pie and all American staples available fresh at any of the many grocery stores of Costa Rica. If you decide to cook at home you will always find a place to buy your goodies and top quality food, no matter if you are near the beach or San José City.

Should you prefer eating out for Thanksgiving, there are highly regarded restaurants in the Central Valley and beach towns that will accommodate your party according to your needs. A traditional Thanksgiving meal in a nice restaurant costs about $ 30 per person. Remember to make reservations in advance and get ready to create a memorable evening not only because the food is good but because you might find yourself surrounded by other American celebrating the event, which would make you feel at home. If you are staying at a hotel talk to the Events Manager to prepare a nice get together reunion for your group.

Once in Costa Rica visit the most beautiful places on earth such as clear water beaches, imposing mountains and volcanos, natural parks and refuges, fascinating rain forest and many other attractions that are yours to discover.

Celebrating Thanksgiving in Costa Rica will be an experience that will make you smile in the future, every time you feel the sun in your skin, the smell of sea breeze or the taste of an exotic fruit you will remember the happiness of a beautiful day in an amazing country.

Costa Rica is famous for its beautiful, white sand beaches and world-class surfing. In fact, the first wave of foreign travellers came to Costa Rica mainly for its near perfect weather and fantastic surf.

Here’s a description of the some of the best beaches in the Central Pacific area:

Jaco

The closest beach to San Jose and one of the best surf destinations in the country. Surfers, sun worshipers and eco-adventurists alike flock to Jaco each year for its breathtaking beaches, happening town and proximity to the airport all make it an ideal spot to land for foreign visitors.

Puntarenas

A popular youth hangout. It’s the capital and largest city in the Province of Puntarenas off Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. A popular stopover point for tourists traveling to Monteverde, this area includes the beautiful Golfo Islands and comprises 1517 square miles.

Matapalo

Just off the beaten track and possessing the all the wondrous natural beauty Costa Rica is known for, it’s the perfect escape from your usual tourist destination. A laid back atmosphere creates the ideal locale to take in your surroundings. A great place for horseback riding, fishing, swimming, sunbathing, or just watching a magnificent sunset. This quaint coastal getaway is located just off a dirt road, and the town is surrounded by two smaller villages. Nearby is also the National Wildlife Refuge of Hacienda Buru and Uvita.

Playa Hermosa

Just three miles south of Jaco, one of the best surf destinations in the country. This popular beach town and beachfront resort is a laid back epicenter of ongoing beach development with large hotels at the northern end and more relaxed at the southern end. The town has an abundance of restaurants, shopping, bars and outdoor activities. The area is also known for its incredible marine fauna, snorkeling, sport fishing, and scuba diving. There also a number of national parks such as Palo Verde National Park and Santa Rosa National Park nearby.

Playa Herradura

Small beach located on the central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Formerly a sleepy village, it’s now home to the prestigious Marriott Los Suenos hotel with a popular marina and golf course. This beach town is also an excellent spot for sport fishing. Its close proximity to San Jose makes it easily accessible to an airport and major urban amenities too. The tranquil waters define this town as one of the best spots for swimming and for nature enthusiasts, also nearby is Carara National Park for eco-adventures.

Playa Esterillos Defined by no crowds, chocolate covered beaches and great surf, it’s the place to escape for the cool kids. Here waves consistently break head high; it’s one of the cleanest and most consistent breaks for surfers. At low tide the size of the beach increases dramatically exposing the a vast dark sand loved by beachcombers. Surrounded by lush hills and dense forests makes the area a little refuge adored by many.

Here’s the perfect opportunity for entrepreneurial spirits looking for a lifestyle change, as well as a good return on investment. This beautiful six bedroom bed and breakfast is a great investment for someone looking to purchase not only a commercial property but also an established business. The property is being sold completely furnished and equipped with all the existing assets. From Day-1 you can start making money. The property also includes an adjacent prime lot that could be developed into an owner’s house, rental apartments, hotel, or organic farm.

The main property is situated on a large lot of 320 m2 (3,500 sq. ft), and the adjacent lot is more than double the size: 758 m2 (8,000+ sq. ft.) and includes citrus fruit trees, coffee plants and a panoramic view. There property has a BBQ “rancho” where guests can relax on a hammock while taking in the mesmerizing landscape and sounds of nature. The possibilities are endless for future development on this unique parcel of land.

Located in sunny Santa Ana and nestled in a magical location next to the grand canyon of the Virilla River, this property is in the path of growth. It’s only 20-minutes to the airport, and 10-15 minutes to Multiplaza Mall and CIMA hospital, restaurants, shops and clubs. New commercial, medical and residential developments are being built in the area making it a one of the most sought after areas in Costa Rica.

The main house encompasses a one bedroom suite, colorful chef’s kitchen with an adjacent dining room and a reception desk area on the first floor. There is also an expansive pool and terrace with additional tables and a welcoming sitting area to enjoy the views and near-perfect year round weather.

The second floor has a generous sized room with a high double vaulted wood ceiling that provides guests with the perfect space for reading, relaxing, watching a movie or sitting out on the balcony to take in the breeze and scenery.

Two more bedroom suites are available on this level, including a Master bedroom suite with a large walk-in-closet and a Master bath with double vanity and a dual shower head.

On the third floor, there is a another bedroom suite, which is a large room with two beds, loveseat sofa and a modern stone slate bathroom with a double vanity.

The pool is the perfect spot to relax on Santa Ana’s infamous warm sunny days. Enjoy sunbathing on the open patio terrace that overlooks the amazing greenery and vistas of the river canyon where you can spot toucans, parrots and birds of all kinds!

It’s a really magical location and unique property making it the perfect getaway for travelers, as well as a special opportunity for the lucky new owner.

A common question people ask when considering relocating to Costa Rica: How much will it cost to live in the country comfortably? The short answer: It varies but most likely a lot less than where you currently reside.

Depending on your expectations for quality of life, as well as whether you are single, couple, or married with children are all factors that will have a big impact on this answer. It is estimated that the average single person in Costa Rica needs between $1200 and $1500 a month to live comfortably, but for some expats this number can easily increase to $5000 or more. It really depends on your expectations for comfort. For the average North American couple, it is estimated to be $1500 to $2500 and more for those with children and need to pay for private school and/or childcare.

According to the consumer price index, Costa Rica’s cost of living is 57.43. Renting a one bedroom apartment in the city center will cost $445.53 per month, and a three bedroom about $839.81 per month. Average utilities for an 915 square foot apartment run about $71.55. High speed internet runs around $51.33. If you are looking to purchase a home the average price per square foot in the city center is $130.39, and outside the city center it is $120.57. Most home buyers purchase in all-cash or negotiate private financing through the seller. If you are looking to get a bank approved mortgage in Costa Rica, interest rates are high running about 12.39%.

Food prices are comparable to North America. Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant will run about $34.49, a domestic beer runs about $2.00, an imported one $3.00. Coffee lovers your cappuccinos at a local cafe will cost about $2.38, a real bargain compared to North America’s Starbucks, and better coffee. A monthly public transportation pass is $56.28, and if you are considering owning a car, fuel prices are high. Gas runs about $4.75 per gallon. Car ownership can quickly add up and many people prefer public transportation and bikes and use private cars sparingly. Many people live in pedestrian friendly towns and the lifestyle does not require heavy car use.

Healthcare costs are about a third less of what most US citizens pay, and Costa Rica is known for its high quality of care. In fact, it is so good, health tourism is a major industry. Foreigners coming to Costa Rica just for high quality, affordable medical care. There is also relatively inexpensive private insurance available. A doctor’s visit will never cost more than $60, and a visit to a specialist will run $80 to $100. A routine test such as an Utlrasound is $75, and surgeries are considerably less than they are in the US. In short, Costa Ricans are not faced with mounting medical debt like most US citizens. Everyone is guaranteed insurance.

For tuition, there is a wide range of prices with pre-school costing as little as $100 or slightly less a month to $400 a month. Private school tuition can cost anywhere from $1200 a year to close to $10,000, but many schools offer quality education for considerably less, and the amount is still significantly less than North American parents have become accustomed to paying each year. The cost to hire a nanny will run between $2 to $10 per hour depending upon where you are and what type of help you seek. Still childcare is significantly less for most families here than it is in their native countries relieving them of the pressure of a major expense they confront at home.

Halloween is a major North American holiday and with Costa Rica’s growing number of US and Canadian born residents, the holiday has taken on a larger role throughout the country. In expat communities, traditional parties and trick or treaters can be found on the 31st of October. However, it coincides with Costa Rica’s traditional Masquerade Day. Both customs are tied to the Catholic holiday All Saints Day. Halloween is actually known as All Saints Eve. With both holidays involving colorful festive costumes and celebrations, the 31st through the 2nd of November in Costa Rica tends to be a lively time filled with celebration and paying homage to the departed.

Parades celebrating Masquerade Day are held throughout the country. Costa Ricans make large paper mache masks of mythical figures, famous people, and imaginary creatures that they wear similar to North Americans costumes. Groups of musicians referred to as Cimarronas, a term for self-taught musicians, play music as groups gather throughout town. People parade down the street celebrating, and local artists draw upon the tradition. For three days, Costa Ricans celebrate with festivities but the masks and parade really stands out as the main part of this long time tradition.

After the festive holiday on the eve before All Saints Day, November 1st through the 2nd, people throughout Costa Rica celebrate this Catholic holiday by decorating loved one’s graves with palms and flowers. Over the last 15 years, there’s been a big resurgence in the masquerade tradition. In part, due to the large number of North Americans celebrating holiday has fuelled a rediscovery of the country’s own different yet similar tradition. It’s another example of how Costa Rica is becoming a melting pelt of cultures from the around the world blending traditions and sharing histories. Happy Halloween and Masquerade Day!

If you are thinking about becoming a resident in Costa Rica here are the answers to the top eight questions foreigners ask when considering moving to this little bit of paradise long or short term.

Opening a Bank Account

Opening a bank account for Costa Rica residents is fairly easy. Citibank and Scotiabank both have branches here as do other international banks. There is also the local state sponsored bank. Banks work in both Colones, the local currency, as well as dollars. Some banks also offer Euros. While there is more paperwork involved in opening an account it is still fairly straight forward for foreign residents. The benefits of a state-owned bank include guaranteed deposits and an extensive network of branches and ATMs. You will need to present your DIMEX card, the identity card provided to all foreigners living in Costa Rica, make a minimum deposit, provide proof of residence through a utility bill, and proof of income. U.S. citizens will also need to complete several tax forms and documentation to inform the IRS you are opening an offshore bank account.

Importing Cars or Pets

Bringing a car into Costa Rica can be done for $1000 or less. Pets require a letter not more than two weeks old from date of entry into the country verifying that the pet is in good health and does not have any diseases and it up to date on required vaccines.

Healthcare

Foreign residents can get healthcare either through the government run universal healthcare system or through the private system. Either way costs are significantly lower than in the U.S. by a ⅓ to ⅕ what you’d pay for in the U.S. depending on the treatment.

Purchasing Property

Foreigners can easily purchase property in Costa Rica, and the friendly laws toward foreign buyers makes it one of the main attractive features for many residents. When purchasing a property in Costa Rica, you will benefit from working with a realtor who is familiar with the area and nuances as well as an attorney to assist you with the contracts and legal paperwork. Look for referrals.

Income Taxes

U.S. citizens must continue to pay income taxes. The US taxes on worldwide income, and Costa Rica will tax you on the income you make in the country. Depending on your situation you may have to pay taxes to both Costa Rica and the US. Seek out the counsel of any experienced tax accountant.

Dollars

Dollars are widely used in Costa Rica and you can also easily exchange dollars for the local currency, Colones. In short, you can use either currency here fairly easily.

Cell Phone

You can get a prepaid phone and card or swap out your sim card with one from a local service provider. It’s a fairly straight-forward process. Most people prefer to switch sim cards especially iPhone users.

Network with Expats

A benefit for North Americans traveling here for extended periods of time or moving here permanently is there is already a well established expat community here. It’s a valuable resource for exchanging information as well as getting support and forming friendships. Overall when it comes to moving to a foreign country, for North Americans, it’s fairly easy to assimilate and settle in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is a warm, hospitable country with a laid back vibe and government policies are foreigner friendly for those choosing to relocate to this happy country. Follow the recommended tips when moving to Costa Rica, and your transition will be fairly smooth.