Dolphins and whales migrate heavily through Costa Rica’s southern pacific from July to October. It is the best time of year for whale watching and spotting these magnificent creatures as they make the epic journey across the ocean waters. All along the coasts of the pacific waters there are many special spots for whale watching. The Dominical is one of the favorite spots for whale watching as is deep in the Osa Peninsula around the Golfo Dulce. The magnificent Humpback Whales are easy to spot along the waters and known for their enchanting sounds and songs.
Costa Rica is known to have the most biologically diverse marine wildlife in the world, and the Osa Peninsula has been named the most biologically intense place on the planet. The humpback whales have one of the most incredible migration patterns of any creature on the planet. They travel across the northern and southern hemispheres. Travelling from the Antarctic to Costa Rica, a journey of 5000 miles twice a year, makes them the furthest migrating species in the world.
A large part of the Gulfo Dulce is where whales come to give birth, rest and nurse their young for a week before continuing on with their migration through the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean. The Humpback Whales are among the many endangered species on the planet. Recently that population has grown to approximately 65,000 to 75,000. While still endangered the population is starting to recover. They are also the largest living mammal on the planet. The area is also known for being a significant migration spot for the Bottlenose Dolphins, Spotted Dolphins, Spinner Dolphins and occasionally False Killer Whales.
The whales choose Costa Rica as their ideal location because the shallow warm currents that lie above low oxygen and cold currents making the warm water swell up to create the ideal ecosystem for this creature with an abundance of food sources. There are currently strong efforts underway to make the Golfo Dulce a marine protected area to safeguard this breeding ground. It’s critical to the survival of these species facing huge threats to their populations as a result of environmental degradation of the world’s oceans and climate change. If you get a chance to watch these whales in their habitat, it is an incredible opportunity and a awe-inspiring magical experience.
Central America is a vibrant place known for its colorful diverse collision of world cultures that creates a rich melding of traditions and histories unlike anywhere else in the world. Here indigenous cultures combined with European and most recently North American has created a world unique to any other part of the world. Known for its strong latin influence, it is a hybrid of ancient cultures dating back centuries. Today it marks the emergence of a new culture after centuries of conflict and migration, a new cultural identity is beginning to take shape in these parts and the values it supports are attracting peoples from all over the world.
The original people of this part of MesoAmerica where the Mayans and Aztecs, as well as bands of smaller tribes throughout the regions. When the Spanish came to the area in the early 1600s, it marked the beginning of the areas tragic relationship with colonization and the melding of Spanish heritage into the indigenous heritage to transform it into what is now widely referred to as Latin American culture in the modern world. Throughout parts of South America, the early European influence is broader and deeper to include French and German immigrants to these territories. An effect strongly experienced and visible seen in Argentina, which may one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world.
Since the late part of the 20th Century Americans and Canadians have begun to flock to the shores of Central and South America along with increasing numbers of Europeans. It is creating a third major wave of immigration impacting and influencing these countries as the newest arrivals settle in bringing their own traditions and cultures with them. The effect is creating truly global urban centers throughout the major cities of South and Central America. Costa Rica is known for its rich diversity, as well as its troubled history with colonization and struggle for independence. However, this small country appears to be emerging as a positive example of the hybridization of many cultures, traditions and complicated histories. It is story of adaptation and hybridization after many years of struggle.
Ostional Wildlife Reserve is a biological wonder in Costa Rica. Founded in 1984 to protect one of the world’s most significant nesting sites of the Olive Ridley sea turtles. For over 30 years, the reserve has dutifully protected the wondrous creature protecting it from extinction. The turtles travel from all over the world to return to lay their eggs. Weeks before the nesting they congregate in the waters offshore. When the Arribada begins, a few hundred turtles come to the beach followed by a steady stream over the next three to seven days. While the turtles nest at Ostional year round, the peak time is during rainy season.
These arribadas occur during the darkest nights. A few days before the new moon, the majority of the turtles arrive between 8PM and 4AM. The largest arribadas on record occurred when 500,000 females came onshore. The turtles are use to life in the ocean and drag their bodies up onto the shores over the beach to lay between 80 to 100 soft shelled white eggs the size of a ping pong ball. Over the course of about five days, the turtles will leave about 10 million eggs.
The reserve is the only place where harvesting eggs is legal. Costa Rica allows the community to harvest doomed eggs on the first three days of an arribada. In return, villagers clean debris, protect turtles, patrol day and night for poachers. After the laying of the eggs, it takes the baby turtles anywhere from 45 to 54 days to hatch. As soon at the hatchlings have struggled out of the sand, they race back to the ocean struggling to avoid predators such as vultures. It’s a perilous journey. Women and children from the community protect the hatchlings, while they make their way to the sea by keeping away predators and even carrying them across parts of the hot sand.
Once they make it to the ocean they are still not safe from predators. It takes them 10 to 15 years to reach maturity and most turtles won’t make it. The wondrous part is that they never forget the place of their birth and while some will travel as far as the ocean’s of India, those that survive reaching maturity will travel back to the shores of Ostional to complete the cycle of life laying their own legs. It is another example of the wonders of nature.
September 15th, Independence Day in Costa Rica, is a day filled with freedom, gratitude and remembrance of a a very important day in Costa Rica’s national history.
The “Independence Torch” now a national symbol in Costa Rica, was carried in 1821 from Guatemala to Costa Rica when the Central American countries gained their independence from Spain. Since then this historical event has been reenacted with a torch being passed through the five countries from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and ending in Costa Rica.
The celebrations in Costa Rica are starting today. Children light home-made lanterns and parade through the streets wearing traditional dress and performing traditional dances. Tomorrow bands from schools performing, street gatherings, parades, and fire works. Every Costa Rican enjoys the festivities as they see patriotic displays on the streets through out the day.
Costa Ricans are very proud people not only because of their freedom but also because they know that on this day their Army are their children dressed up with school uniforms. All students march in front of the government officials and that also includes the President of the Country, showing with joy and humbleness the three main colors of the Costa Rica national flag: Red, White, Blue.
The Motto is “Vivan Siempre el Trabajo y La paz” or “may work and peace live forever” Costa Rica will be always be a place to enjoy and inspired a PURA VIDA LIFESTYLE meaning happiness tranquility and peace.
For those seeking elegance, privacy and a prime location in one home look no further than Valle del Sol listed for just US$1,395,000. This stunning 8,000+ sq. ft. Spanish Colonial located in the secure Golf Course and Tennis Club Community of Santa Ana takes luxury to the next level. Exquisite architecture and design define this impressive home. A grand marble staircase greets you in the foyer, luxury finishes throughout include custom design cabinetry. A well thought-out floor plan takes you with ease from room to room.
The first floor is designed for entertaining. It includes an elegant living room, expansive chef’s kitchen, which can double for informal entertaining, and a half bath for guests. The office creates a pleasant, quiet atmosphere, the ideal space for those who take joy in their work. The dining room has sliding glass doors that take you out to a lovely terrace that includes a wet bar and a pool. There is also a two car garage and a maid’s quarters on the first floor perfect for your housekeeper or your nanny.
The second floor includes an expansive family room for quiet private time, as well as two large bedrooms with en-suite bedrooms on one side of the home. There is a master bedroom on the other side of the second floor for extra privacy, which includes an en-suite bathroom, a walk in closet and a private terrace. The home sits right in front of the scenic 18-hole Golf Course of Valle del Sol. This residence defines good taste and discreet elegance. It’s a grand home that balances privacy with access to five-star amenities making it the perfect place for a tranquil getaway in style.
Costa Rica is now making space for the technology community. According to a recent announcement, techXscapes launched an Indiegogo campaign for funding its destination bungalow-workspace pilot location in Costa Rica with the funding goal of $75,000. TechXscapes choose Costa Rica for its natural beauty and pro strong pro-foreign investment policies. The country is a favorable place for the technology community to develop new companies and ideas.
The idea behind the space is to create a combined co-working and co-living space in paradise for remote technology professionals to work. The concept simplifies the process and logistics of both living and working abroad. Residents can be both comfortable and productive in this space. The pilot location will include large monitors in rooms, fast internet and dry/erase boards. They are also developing Growth Track Programs, which can be customized by users. The programs will be offered in Health and Fitness, Adventure, Cultural and Software Development allowing participants to track and monitor their growth in each area.
It’s a space for developing new ideas, working, collaboration and personal development. The concept is to create a positive environment for the tech community that supports holistic development. If the program is successful, it will be a welcomed addition to Costa Rica’s growing community.
Costa Rica may just be the most ambitious country in the world when it comes to clean energy. It’s turning out to be a leader in sustainability and a model country for the global community. The country set a world record this month of running 94 consecutive days on 100% clean energy on August 9th. The majority of Costa Rica’s clean energy comes from hydropower. It breaks down into 77.6 percent of electricity is generated from hydroelectric power plants; 12.34 percent from geothermal sources; 10.05 percent from wind power; and 0.01 percent from solar panels. The strike ended when the ICE had to burn 1% of fossil fuels to meet energy demands. Overall, its an impressive accomplishment. Costa Rica is the first country to meet 100% of its energy demands from clean energy. It sets a new bar for other countries to follow.
Many homes under construction are being installed with solar panels. Solar’s contribution as a source of energy is expected to substantially grow in the coming years. On the agenda is decreasing the amount of power that comes from hydropower. Costa Rica is also working to overhaul its transportation sector with the intention of having the country becoming completely independent of all fossil fuels in the by 2020. There is discussion of implementing a rail system. There is also a push to increase the number of hybrid and electric vehicles. Once a sustainable transport system is figured out, Costa Rica will be the first country to be completely running on clean power. It’s the last hurdle the country faces in achieving its goal of being a sustainability model. It’s a very big accomplishment for the country and Latin America as a whole.
Santa Ana is literally the borderline or transition place from the city to the country.
The main access is highway 27 which connects Santa Ana to major important Costa Rican landmarks in matter of minutes: CIMA Hospital and Multiplaza Mall 10 minutes, Airport 15 minutes, San Jose downtown 20-25 minutes, Central Pacific beaches less than 1 hour
Santa Ana by itself has it’s own amenities and lifestyle. Beautiful residential neighbourhoods, commercial plazas with restaurants, shops, stores and clubs, all the top supermarkets are present within minutes, banks, clinics, gas stations and all you can imagine without the need to leave town.
Known also as Valle del Sol or Valley of the Sun, Santa Ana enjoys a privileged sunny weather with temperatures ranging between 65º to 85º F year round… which is warmer and drier than Escazu, Sabana or San Jose downtown.
I can testify that some days it is dark and raining in Escazu and as you drive down to the valley of Santa Ana you see clear skies! This weather allows for outdoor activities and sports.
Runners and cyclists all over Costa Rica come to train and do their their routes around the Santa Ana Valley and it’s towering mountains. Golf lovers have the opportunity of playing in the gorgeous Valle del Sol course and those who enjoy playing tennis, there are several academies where they can play either outdoors or indoors. Being soccer the most popular sport of Costa Rica, there are also several soccer fields and basketball courts where people can get together for a match.
Learn more about the advantages of living in Santa Ana while looking at the Real Estate opportunities in Santa Ana.
Looking for the perfect house to meet your needs can be a daunting process even for the most experienced buyer, purchasing property in a foreign country requires a different approach and expertise. Whether you are searching for a villa close to the beach, apartment or condo close to town, a casita or farm tucked up in the mountains, Costa Rica has a rich diverse selection of real estate in a wide price range that can fit just about any budget, desire or situation.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
First you must do your research. This includes taking trips to Costa Rica, exploring the different parts of the country, talking to people and researching the real estate market. You want to get a feel for the country pinpointing where you enjoy spending the most time. Your main objective for purchasing a property will also impact your decision.
For instance, are you looking to purchase a property to establish residency and make the country your home year round? Are you looking to purchase a vacation property? Are you purchasing an investment property that you want to rent out most of the year? These factors will impact where you buy, as well as what kind of property is most useful to you. You also want to decide on the location. Do you prefer to be close to the beach or in the mountains? They are very different environments. Also, some areas offer more of a resort experience whereas other areas are remote surfing towns. You want to buy where you will be comfortable.
ENGAGE AN AGENT OR ATTORNEY
Working with an attorney or agent in Costa Rica who is knowledgeable about the area, reputable and a solid track record is the easiest and most resourceful way to go about finding a property. They can help you pull listings that match your search and guide you toward areas and neighborhoods that match what you are looking for in a destination. Engaging the services of someone who can help guide you through the process is a critical step in purchasing property in a foreign country.
GENERATE A LIST OF PROPERTIES
Create a list of potential properties matching your requirements and then schedule a viewing. Go out and start looking for properties. Once you have a list established, you can more forward looking at various listings.
CLOSE THE DEAL
Once you have narrowed down your search, start the initial paperwork to close the deal. You don’t want to miss out on an opportunity to secure your ideal place because you took too much time moving forward with the offer and initial paperwork. Once you find the property you want, start the process of purchasing it.
DUE DILIGENCE
Once you hone in on a properties that match your requirements, you can begin to due your due diligence investigating the property’s history and condition. A reputable broker will be very helpful here in negotiating the details of evaluating the property as well as researching the chain of title. You want to make sure the property is a match, and all the details are in place.
Following these general guidelines will help ensure that you make the right purchase when buying property in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica real estate prices continue to rise. In the last ten years, even the Osa Peninsula, known as the edge of the world, has experienced a robust market as development continues to spread south. This small vibrant country has become an expats’ paradise. In many countries, buying property as a foreigner can be a complicated, nerve-wracking process. Costa Rica law makes the process fairly simple, which is a huge selling point. Beyond the natural beauty, sustainable lifestyle and great climate, a big selling point, it is relatively easy and uncomplicated for foreigners to establish residency and buy property in Costa Rica. Foreigners are entitled to the same ownership rights as citizens.
The booming Costa Rica housing market is not expected to slow down anytime soon. Prices continue to rise. While Costa Rica does not report median homes prices, the available data suggests the strong growth experienced in 2014 will continue through 2015. Foreign buyers are driving market prices. It is also important to note that Costa Rica’s economy is stable with steady GDP growth projected through 2015. Right now ¼ acre beach lots sell for $40,000 to $200,000, and beachfront homes start at $165,000 going as high as $3 million plus. For Americans, the strong dollar also means being able to get a lot more for your investment.
Regardless of whether you are looking to purchase something in the low six figures or high sevens, the majority of the available housing inventory in Costa Rica is desirable. The surging real estate market in the southern pacific offers a different lifestyle than exploding Guanacaste province. Dominical is known for its laid back rustic lifestyle, whereas Tamarindo has become a golfers’ paradise. From retirees on a fixed budget to the independently wealthy to young families looking for a more self-sufficient lifestyle, Costa Rica attracts different types of people with widely varying reasons for purchasing property here. Depending on your tastes and lifestyle choices, you can find your niche as an expat.
An added benefit of purchasing Costa Rica property is the potential investment income. Costa Rica is a popular vacation spot with year round near perfect weather, which means you can rent out your property a good nine months and create a secondary income source. Owning property in a foreign country is a means to protect your assets and wealth, and beautiful, stable Costa Rica is one of the top destinations for foreigners for good reason.
If you are considering purchasing property, take a few trips to Costa Rica to become familiar with the nuances of the different areas and explore what the country has to offer. Also, reach out to experts and expats for input and information.
