Properties in Costa Rica Blog

Solo travel is one of life’s great pleasures, and it’s made even more fun when your pooch can come along.

However, if you want to explore the world with your furry pal, you’ll need to do a lot of preparation and planning beforehand.

You can’t be as spontaneous when you have a canine companion, and if you’re crossing borders, one innocent misjudgment could place you both in a difficult situation.

Planning your trip in advance, while keeping your dog’s needs in mind, is the best way to ensure a great travel experience. Check out these six tips for solo travel with your dog and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

1. Consider Whether Your Dog is Suitable for Travel

Before packing your suitcase and hitting the road with your pooch, take the time to consider whether your pup is cut out for travel.

Are they anxious or reactive by nature? Do they get upset when their daily routine is disrupted? Or are they getting older or suffering from health issues?

You should ask yourself all these questions and more before deciding to travel with your dog. Not all dogs will enjoy the constant changing of surroundings that comes with travel, while others may struggle with disruptions to their routine.

If you’re unsure how your dog will react to travel, it’s best to do a short trial run first. Take your pup away with you for an overnight stay or weekend break to see how they get on before committing to a longer trip.

2. Plan Your Trip Ahead

A popular travel quote is “travel is about the journey, not the destination”, and this is especially true when traveling with your dog. Before heading off on your adventures, make the time to plan your route in detail – with the needs of your dog in mind.

If you’re traveling by car, you should choose an itinerary that has plenty of dog-friendly stops on the way, so you can punctuate the journey with shady walks and toilet stops. Your dog will be much more relaxed if they have frequent opportunities for a leg-stretch and some fresh air.

You should also make a note of all the vet clinics and pet supply stores along the way, just in case your pooch needs some medical help during your trip.

If you’re flying with your dog, triple-check the airline and arrival country requirements before you book. The last thing you want is to turn up at the airport with the wrong size of airline carrier or a missing vaccine stamp on your dog’s paperwork.

Airlines are very specific about which carriers are allowed, including requirements as minor as the bolt material and locking mechanisms. You should also check whether your dog is small enough to come into the cabin, as the hold can be an extremely stressful experience.

Most airports have areas where you can walk your pup and allow them to relieve themselves before boarding – so be sure to factor this time into your travel plans.

3. Pre-Book Dog-Friendly Venues

While more venues are pet-friendly nowadays, you cannot assume the next hotel on your route will allow you to bring your pooch. Being stranded with nowhere to stay is bad enough when you’re on your own, let alone when you have your furry pal.

To avoid this situation, make sure to research dog-friendly hotels and restaurants along your route and book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Some hotels may offer pet-sitting services, too – so you can nip out for essentials and leave your pup in safe hands.

The good news is that there are many dog-friendly hotels in Costa Rica. You’ll need to search for the area you’re visiting, but some examples include:

• Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica (Papagayo.) This hotel allows pets of any size for no additional fee, making it an excellent choice for larger dogs.
• Hotel Poseidon Y Restaurante (Jaco.) Unlike the Four Seasons, this hotel only allows dogs up to 15kg, and you’ll need to pay a small deposit.
• Casa Conde Hotel and Suites (San Jose.) This hotel allows dogs up to 20lbs with a daily refundable deposit.

4. Bring All the Essentials

Whether you’re traveling by air or overland, you’ll need to bring lots of supplies to keep your dog happy and healthy during the journey.

For road trips, make sure there’s plenty of space in the car to bring everything your pup needs and keep it within easy reach for your rest stops. Items such as a crash-tested travel crate, collapsible water bowls, poop bags, wipes, snacks, blankets, leashes, and harnesses are essential, and I recommend you also bring a comfy bed (The Dog Clinic has some good travel options,) their favorite toys and a first aid kit.

If you’re flying with your dog in the cabin with you, be sure to bring comfort items such as toys, blankets, absorbent pads, wipes, snacks, and a collapsible water bowl. If your dog is anxious on the plane, you may want to bring a calming supplement recommended by your vet.

5. Keep Copies of all Your Documents

If you’re planning to cross borders, you’ll need to have all your dog’s health and vaccination records ready. These are checked by border officials to make sure your dog is healthy and won’t bring any diseases into the country.

Countries have different entry requirements, so it’s crucial to research these thoroughly before traveling. Some countries will require a rabies vaccination and blood test results to prove it. If you arrive and you don’t have the correct documentation, your dog could be taken away and placed into quarantine.

Alongside the original documents, make sure you make several copies and keep them somewhere safe. Officials will usually want to make copies of the documents, so if you have some ready, this will save time and make the entry process much easier.

It’s a good idea to have some copies saved digitally, too, so you can still access them should the hard copies get lost or damaged.

6. Make Use of Dog-Friendly Travel Apps

Essentially everyone is online nowadays, so you’ll likely plan your vacation with your smartphone. Aside from browsing websites for information, you can also download dedicated dog travel apps to help you make the most of your trip.

Some of my favorites are:

• Bring Fido – this app lists nearby dog-friendly venues.
• Pet First Aid– run by the American Red Cross, this app tells you where the nearest emergency veterinarian clinics are and provides easy instructions to help you deal with an emergency.
• All Trails – this app lists more than 50,000 trails with maps and reviews. You can filter the search to locate dog-friendly walks nearby.

Summary

There you have it, my top tips for solo travel with your dog.

Organizing a trip with your pooch maybe a little more difficult than going it alone, but if you do your research and plan well in advance, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy exploring the world with your best friend!

Ever since the first Tennis courts started appearing back in 1941, the sport of Tennis here in Costa Rica has little by little become a sport now practiced by thousands of kids and adults. Even though soccer has always been reigning in terms of popularity, one of the events that facilitated this shift in Costa Rica’s sporting selections is the rise in gated condominiums, country clubs, and hotels over the last decade. Establishments are now interested in offering to their customers a complete experience, and this experience has been connected to sports and facilities that are made to incentivize a healthy and fun lifestyle. This is the case for tennis, and different courts can now be found from San José up to the Guanacaste Region, where you can enjoy playing with your family & friends while relaxing to the soothing sounds of the forest and its fauna. Here in Costa Rica, you’re able to find two different types of courts, predominantly hard and a few clay ones in the new Santa Ana Country Club.

In terms of competitions, perhaps you’ve heard of an important one that is played every year at the Costa Rica Country Club: “La Copa del Café”. First started 56 years ago, this junior tennis event is held each year at the country club and is included in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) program, meaning there are excellent players to be seen. Unfortunately, due to lack of sponsoring and the pandemic as a whole, the tournament was canceled and will take place in 2022, where hopefully the maximum capacity of 25,000 people can attend and enjoy this wonderful experience. Through this tournament, the game of Tennis has become more than a sport and for Costa Ricans and ex-pats, it has turned into a social event where the sport is celebrated and friends are made. If you are looking to learn and get involved in the Tennis world here in Costa Rica, don’t hesitate in doing so! Until next time.

Buying a vacation home with cash is a dream of many people. In fact, paying by cash used to be the only way to purchase property in Costa Rica. It remains the easiest way to secure real estate in the country, with buyers having more power to negotiate without dealing with stringent real estate financing.

However, paying cash is not always possible for many interested homebuyers. So what other options are available?

Here are three ways foreigners can finance a house in Costa Rica.

1. Local Banking

The banking system in Costa Rica can be divided into two categories: public and private banks. Public banks, those owned by the government, have been the dominant financial providers in the country for many years. Most foreigners end up dealing with either Banco Nacional or Banco de Costa Rica when seeking real estate financing from a public bank.

Private banking was not available in Costa Rica until a law change in 1996, which allowed them to accept consumer deposits. These local private banks have started aggressively offering mortgages to foreigners in the past few years.

The largest of these private banks is BAC San Jose, which is a division of BAC International. Other private banking options include Scotiabank, HSBC, and CitiBank.

Although the slowdown in the global economy has scaled back Costa Rican banks from marketing to foreigners, these efforts will surely get back on track once the markets begin moving once again.

2. Local Mortgage

For those looking to purchase a new home or condominium from an experienced developer, there is a good chance that the agent has a relationship with a bank that already agreed to provide real estate financing.

According to Paperless Pipeline, real estate financing is an approach where a buyer secures a method to fund their real estate purchase. Pre-approved financing can be very beneficial.

The main advantage is that a pre-approved development for financing through a bank is one that has undergone proper research. This means that everything from reviews of the value and structure to title searches has been analyzed. It also means that the property is in good shape.

However, this does not mean that the price given to foreign buyers is fair. Although the bank will hire an expert to estimate the value of a property, it also sends in a second expert to review it before granting loans. This assessed value could be higher or lower than what was initially assessed by the bank and what a buyer has agreed to pay.

If you require a mortgage but will not be buying from a developer, you can shop around and see what the different banks have to offer. The banks mentioned earlier already have programs aimed at foreigners and should be willing to provide their products to you.

3. Foreign Mortgage

Although banks that are not domiciled in Costa Rica are not allowed to advertise their services, providing them to clients is a different matter. With the rest of the world catching wind of its real estate boom and tourist attractions, many foreign banks have started offering mortgages in the country.

These deals are legal, and the terms they provide are quite competitive with what you can find in the United States. But how does one find these loans? Stewart Title is one place you can explore.

Stewart Title is a provider of title insurance and information services needed for the settlement of real estate and mortgage industries. It has ties to the United States and international markets through a network of owned operations. The company connects lenders with borrowers and vice versa.

Other places where interested buyers can find leads regarding a foreign bank include real estate brokers, lawyers, or the developer selling the property in Costa Rica. If all else fails, it could never hurt to ask a local bank where you live. Although they may not offer a specific program, they could still be open to the idea of financing foreign real estate.

After finding a bank that offers a loan for buying a property overseas, the process is similar to a normal application in the United States. Your credit score will be analyzed against your assets and income, and the bank will either approve or deny your application.

In the past, some individuals were able to buy a home in Costa Rica by using a home equity loan. This may be difficult to do at the moment, given the current financial environment.

Conclusion

The housing market in Costa Rica remains strong. Buyers from the United States are one of the key factors driving property demand.

People who wish to purchase a house in Costa Rica have three primary options to choose from if they cannot pay by cash. Dealing with local banks and getting a mortgage are the primary choices for real estate financing in the country.

With tourism ranking as the third-highest source of income in Costa Rica, it has made itself a tourist leading place throughout the years. It is home to several species, artifacts, monuments, and sceneries. Tourists visit Costa Rica to enjoy its clean air while benefiting from the exploration opportunities it offers too. It is a place for everyone – young or old – child or adult.

Its popularity continues to be on the rise due to many reasons.

Geographical location

It is near to both North and South America, making it a central place to visit. It also experiences a tropical climate, which is ideal for anyone thinking of going on vacation.

Biodiversity

Being home to more than 850 Avian species, Costa Rica is famous for its bird watching. These species comprise almost 5% of the country’s biodiversity. Their Carara Biological Reserves contain the largest community of scarlet macaws.

Hospitality

The best thing about the country is that it never fails to make you feel at home whether you are a local or a tourist. It makes you feel welcome. Costa Ricans promote peace and warmth; they provide one with an experience that makes the visit memorable. So why not pack your Gucci Bags and choose them as your next tourist destination?

Culture

San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital, is home to many museums. The Museum of Costa Rican Art and the National Museum comprised of various artifacts. Many people who visit the country would particularly want to see the Guayabo National Monument. It is the most ancient archaeological site constructed between 300 B.C to A.D 1400.

Chocolate

If you are a chocolate lover, then this is the place for you! The Timbirina Biological Reserve offers tourists to see the chocolate-making process. In the end, people can even taste samples once they are ready. Not only that, but they also have an organic farm called Finca Kobo, where people are welcome to go on a tour visiting the various specimens of the cacao fruit (from which chocolate is made).

Spas

It also has a memorable spa experience to help you unwind. One is laced with essential oils and chocolate, and that too in the open-air bungalow, making it an unforgettable experience. In Costa Rica, if you haven’t put a mud mask on from Mount Arenal to exfoliate your skin and cleanse your worries in its air, you haven’t lived!

Volcanoes

Costa Rica’s Mount Arenal is one of its active volcanoes and is also a tourist attraction. It looks particularly more beautiful in the evening. Being over 5,500 feet tall, individuals come from all over the world to take a glimpse of this beauty.

Hot Springs

Due to our hectic routines, we all forget to take a break at times. Keeping this in mind, Costa Rica’s Orosi Hot Springs are just the thing you need. According to Romanian specialists in 1981, the spring’s water is excellent for reducing stress and getting rid of muscular pain. Feel free to hop in with a tropical drink and even your Gucci Bag if you want to!

Museums

Their Gold Museum (yes, you heard that right) is not only invaluable in the whole world but features an extensive collection of gold objects for visitors to view. If you visit Costa Rica, then this is undoubtedly a place you wouldn’t want to miss out on.

Costa Rica also has a Children’s Museum specially dedicated to children. It showcases 50 rooms full of cultural and scientific activities. This is a great way to let children polish their creativity as they will be able to explore an area designed only for them.

Promotion of Peace

Being democratic and a peace-loving country, they also have a University of Peace. It directly relates to aspects of peace and democracy. Additionally, it also contains works of the country’s past leaders and is lovely for having a picnic.

Rafting

The Pacuare River offers an excellent adventure to tourists looking to enjoy the waters. It is recommended for any rafter aiming to showcase their rafting skills while enjoying the breath-taking scenery the country has to offer.

Double Coastlines

It is ideal for tourists who love surfing, lying underneath the sun, swimming, sailing, and all other water sports types. As Costa Rica’s waters border that of the Pacific Ocean, there is no doubt that tourists will have a time of their lives.

Conclusion:

From cultural legacy to chocolates, this country contains all the wonders of the world. This culture is why it is called the “rich coast” in Spanish. Because it values biodiversity, this country is environmentally friendly. If anyone is looking for their next tourist destination, consider this country a jack of all trades.

Nested in a coastal village in the Nicoya peninsula and the Puntarenas province,  Tambor is the perfect place for a serene family vacation or an adorable destination for your feature home. Living surrounded by stunning beaches will get you inspired forever. Overall, the area is known for its evergreen forest and a large amount of wildlife including turtles, hawks, and more than 200  species of birds for all you bird-lovers! Even though the area is still growing as a popular touristic destination, what it lacks in extravagance it makes up in raw nature and tranquil activities that are perfect for kids and groups of people. Be it snorkeling and deep-sea fishing or horseback riding or a game of soccer on the beach, activities in Tambor abound and are going to keep you entertained during your entire stay.  If that’s not enough, here’s a list of activities you might also like:

• Hiking trails and fauna observation at Curú National Reserve
• Visit Isla Tortuga for a glimpse of white sand beaches and options for nautical sports (snorkeling, surfing, kayak routes, etc.)
• Enjoy the food and beverages on its different beaches including Playa Tambor, Montezuma, Malpaís, or even Santa Teresa which is about 35 minutes away.
• 9-hole Golf course
• Visit Cabo Blanco National Reserve
• And much more…

The access to the area is facilitated by the Naviera Tambor Ferry boat that leaves you in Paquera, 45 minutes away from Tambor, making your travel way more comfortable and less time-consuming.

As you go down to the southern part of the village, you will find a little fishing town where anchored boats fill the view and perfectly complement the calm Pacific Ocean ocean ahead. As you can see, we are talking about a very soothing ambiance that might just be exactly what you need as we course through these stressful pandemic times.

The laid-back atmosphere that permeates the region will without a doubt make Tambor a unique experience of living and or vacationing and help in fully establishing a connection with the area and its wonderful flora & fauna.   Don’t worry, If you’re looking to save a memory of Tambor there are many souvenir shops located around the town and other essentials you might need such as restaurants, bars, supermarkets, and car rental offices. We hope to see you soon in Tambor to enjoy one of the most magical places on earth where you will want to spend the rest of your life in this incredible blue zone in Costa Rica.

The dawn of 2021 has come, and with it we seek for hope and exciting new opportunities. Even though 2020 didn’t turn out as planned, in all periods of confusion and division there are always new possibilities that can make 2021 a turnaround year for everyone. In Costa Rica, New Years’ is a time of reflection and appreciation for the good things that happened along the year and it is often celebrated in the San José area or the various beach towns of Guanacaste. Even if you don’t find any snow on the ground herein Costa Rica, the joyous festivities celebrated will make you feel right at home.

Around December, people here experience a wonderful combination of warm weather and light breezes, making it perfect for outside dinners and any type of family activities. This time a year, especially in the Guanacaste region, the sun is always present and its beautiful beaches and lively environment makes it a delightful tropical New Year’s experience. When it comes to options, Costa Rica is filled with sceneries for every taste, from a luxurious villa with a breathtaking view of the valley to a more adventurous and nature focused vacation in the middle of the jungle.

No matter what part of Costa Rica you choose to go to, you will also be able to enjoy culinary experiences like no other. Be it the typical Costa Rican Tamales or Rompope drinks or other kinds of food;  the last thing you have to worry about when traveling to Costa Rica is Food.

To welcome the New Year in the best way, ‘Ticos’ usually spend their last hours of the year out on the beach surrounded by bonfires and under an amazing starry night. Just as the clock ticks 12:00 AM, fireworks fill the sky and the New Years’ experience reaches its climax. If you are looking for a place to stay during this time, don’t hesitate to ask us for housing options to be able to enjoy the last few days of the year.

For many people around the globe, this time of the month is reserved for a special holiday where we give thanks to the people that we love and everything around us including all kinds of beings: Thanksgiving my favorite word…

 Currently, every population is struggling with the economic and social impacts of the virus, nonetheless, it is in these moments when times are rough where people try to find good and be thankful for what they do have. Even though Thanksgiving might well be a traditional US holiday, it is surely celebrated in other parts of the world and that is the case of Costa Rica.

Whatever meaning we give to this holiday and where ever we are, one thing is for sure we have to make this holiday something special, to ourselves, celebrating our values, showing compassion,  being kind, and enjoying time on this planet and receiving all the gifts that the season offers us. There is plenty to eat and preserve our empathy towards all beings.

Whether you are living in Costa Rica or are on vacation, there is plenty for you to celebrate the holiday. These options can be found in the Central Valley and popular beach towns such as Jacó or Tamarindo, where several restaurants have made it easy for ex-pats to indulge in a compassionate and healthy Thanksgiving dinner.

The heart of the Thanksgiving tradition at the end is about family, friends, and gratitude.

 Find here some very good ideas of Costa Rican Thanksgiving plates you can eat while in Costa Rica, lets start with the Tamales, Sweet potatoes, Mash Potatoes, Green Beans, Plantains, Apple pie,  there is so much to enjoy and share with friends and family!

 Let’s feast on life-giving!

Starting October 26th, Costa Rica’s minister Gustavo Segura announced that there will be no need for international visitors to show proof of a negative PCR test in order to enter the country.

This decision was subsequently followed by a statement from the Pan American Health Organization which stated that  conducting tests for incoming tourists is not recommended as a tool to mitigate the risk of international spread.

In addition to this news, another important modification to take into account is that the country will no longer send sanitary confinement orders for 14 days to national citizens arriving from other countries. Nevertheless, tourists arriving to Costa Rica still need to purchase a valid travel medical insurance and complete the Health Pass Epidemiological form.

The previous new measures according to Mr. Segura will be continued depending on the evolution of the pandemic, for he reiterated that it is essential to be self-aware of each individual’s situation and if anyone is feeling sick to reconsider flying to another country during this period.

Costa Rica’s economy is heavily influenced by the volume  of tourists arriving to the country, therefore the increasing new measures applied to facilitate traveling will help diminish the huge impact this pandemic has had in the lives of thousands of people that rely in  tourism. Stick around to know how these measures evolve and if there is any changes to Costa Rica’s travel policies in the future.

There has been lots of uncertainty regarding Costa Rica’s border opening to the United States ever since the pandemic hit the world, nonetheless, Oscar Segura, Costa Rica’s national Chief of Tourism, has recently confirmed that all states are going to be able to travel in and out of Costa Rica starting November 1st. This means that every US citizen can now travel to Costa Rica regardless of their state of residence. Either way, to be able to travel to the country these are the requisites listed by the Costa Rican government:

1. Complete digital epidemiological form called “Health Pass”.
2. COVID-19 test along with negative result, maximum 48 hours previous to the flight.
3. Travel insurance (preapproved Costa Rican or international policy) that covers eventual hospitalization and internment expenses of at least $50,000, as well as accommodation if the stay is extended starting at $2,000.

American Airlines, to help ease this process for its customers is facilitating coronavirus testing starting October 15th for those travelling to Costa Rica, and the passengers can choose one of the following three options to do so:

1. 1. Home sample during a virtual visit with medical professional.
   2. In-person PCR test at a CareNow urgent care location.
   3. On-site PCR test at airports.

Just as Segura stated, this change will have a great impact in Costas Rica’s tourism as in 2019 , of the 3 million international visitors to Costa Rica, more than half came from North America (1.3 from the United States). Either way, the entry of tourists will not be similar to that of last year; as a matter of fact, the entry requirements and pandemic’s impact more broadly has reduced this volume by about 40% compared to previous years.

A fundamental aspect to highlight is the fact that until this day, nobody who has entered the country has had the contagion of the virus and there have been no reports showing that individuals have been infected during their stay. Knowing this, it is safe to say that the international and national protocols of the airports and the touristic companies in Costa Rica have been adopted flawlessly, therefore enhancing your new traveling experience.

Be prepared because in a few weeks all states will be free to travel to Costa Rica once again, so sit tight for more news and start packing your bags! we’ll keep you updated.

Puerto Limón is an attractive place for tourists to visit due to the beautiful beaches, wildlife, and exploring this area has to offer. This city is located in the province of Limón, which stretches along the entire Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Being the seventh-largest city in the Central American country, Puerto Limón is home to a population of over 50,000 Afro-Costa Ricans. This diverse community traces some of its roots to Jamaica, Italy, and China. This region is considered to be one of the most pristine areas in the country as the city prides itself on its efforts in being sustainable and the respect they have for Mother Nature. Puerto Limón’s beauty is a must-see. Here are some of the top things to do when visiting this amazing city.

Veragua Rainforest Park

Visiting the Veragua Rainforest is a great way to see the nature that lies within this stunning province. There are hundreds of species of animals that live in this rainforest. Some of the ones you might be able to see during your visit include monkeys, sloths, birds, frogs, and butterflies. These animals can be seen by walking through the hiking trails that lead to a waterfall, or up above in the treetops, through the aerial tram.

Playa Bonita

If you’re looking for a more relaxing approach to your visit, I definitely recommend visiting Playa Bonita. Going to this amazing light-sand beach with crystal-blue waters is a perfect way to spend the day. You can surf, watch an amazing sunset, and eat delicious local food.

Reventazón River

If you’re someone looking for something more active to do in Limón, definitely go rafting on the Reventazón River. Taking part in this activity is a great way to have fun with your friends and family. Since the river’s habitat is home to a bunch of wildlife, you might see sloths and other animals as you’re rafting down the river.

Puerto Limón is a great place to visit with your entire family. Although this city might not be as popular as some other areas in Costa Rica, the traditions, culture, and nature are what makes this place stand out. No matter what you enjoy doing, I can assure you there’s definitely something out there for you! Visit Puerto Limón, you’ll love it!