Properties in Costa Rica Blog

Costa Rica became the first Central American country to legalize same-sex marriage this past Tuesday. However, this development did not come that easy with years of political debate and controversy stagnating this process until this very day.

Significant controversy over same-sex civil unions was first instigated over a decade ago due to the large influence of the Catholic Church. In 2008 people opposed to same-sex unions went to the Costa Rican electoral authority, the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE), to ask for a referendum on this subject. The TSE approved and authorized the collection of signatures, and by July 2010 the required signatures were reached. However, several organizations questioned the legality of this, and it wasn’t until August 10, 2010 that the Supreme Court declared the referendum unconstitutional.

The next development didn’t occur until July 2, 2013, where the Legislative Assembly passed an amendment to the “General Young Person’s Act”. Unfortunately, the passing of the bill was recognized to be a mistake made by the legislators, who were notoriously opposed to same-sex unions. The final version of the bill did not define marriage between people of the same-sex, and simply amended the country’s family code. In June 2015, a judge granted the first same-sex common-law marriage in Costa Rica to Gerald Castro and Cristian Zamora, based under the legislation in place during July 2013. A couple of years later, the Social Christian Unity Party introduced new civil union bills to the Legislative Assembly, to grant same-sex couples almost the same rights of marriage. However, the bill was criticized by different political parties and was eventually rejected.

More recently, the most important development to the legalization of same-sex marriage took place after a ruling which was issued in January 2018 by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR) which stated that countries part of the American Convention on Human Rights were required to allow same-sex marriage. In addition to this, a supreme court ruling in August 8, 2018 deemed the sections of the Family Code which prohibited same-sex marriage to be unconstitutional. This gave the Legislative Assembly an ultimatum: 18 months to reform the Family Code or the ban would be abolished. As the ruling was published on November 26, 2018, that meant that 18 months later, on May 26, 2020, same-sex marriage would be legal in Costa Rica. In a final attempt to delay the legalization of same-sex marriage, on May 12, 2020, a group of 26 conservative deputies went to Eduardo Cruickshank, the President of the Legislative Assembly to submit a motion to postpone the application of the ruling for another 18 months. Finally, on May 19, the Assembly rejected Cruickshank’s proposition of this motion, with 33 votes against and 22 in favor.

Accordingly, the Supreme Court’s ruling went into full effect on May 26, and same-sex couples in Costa Rica had no hesitation to celebrate this joyous moment, with Dunia Araya and Alexandra Quirós celebrating and broadcasting live their wedding at midnight in Heredia. Costa Rica has officially made history being the first Central American country to legalize and recognize same-sex marriage. This victory however not only impacts Costa Rica’s LGBTQ community, as other countries part of the American Convention on Human Rights should soon follow Costa Rica’s precedent. However, it is important to note that the fight for LGBTQ equality is still not over. As Human Rights Campaign (HRC) President Alphonso David said, “Today is a day for celebration, but also a reminder of the work we still must do around the world in our global fight for recognition and inclusion.”

As one of the most magnificent destinations in Latin America, it wasn’t much of a surprise to see Costa Rica rank as one of our ‘Top 25 Global Real Estate Markets in 2020‘.

Whether you’re making the leap on your first investment property or expanding your portfolio, Costa Rica provides some incredible opportunities for international real estate investors.

It has all of the key features that one looks for in an attractive market — natural beauty (from tropical beaches to lush mountains to rainforests), warm weather, relatively low cost of living, visa friendly, steady tourism growth, exceptional safety, political stability, strong healthcare system, the ‘Pura Vida‘ lifestyle, and much more.

While investing in Costa Rican real estate can indeed be a savvy financial endeavor, it also opens some extraordinary lifestyle benefits. How about a 2nd home on the Pacific coast or in the eternal spring-like weather of the central valley that can serve as your own tropical getaway and generate rental income when you’re not there?

Of course, international travel has been hit hard amidst the global downturn, but it’s an industry that tends to rebound strongly post-crisis and we anticipate this time being no different. After all, we’ve been cooped up at home for months and are itching to get back out to experience the world and find peaceful and sustainable places to enjoy.

For a detailed breakdown of the index and the data behind it, you can check out the full article here.

International Real Estate in the Crisis

There is certainly more turbulence ahead as the effects of the economic shutdown will be felt for months and years to come. However, such tough times also create opportunities for those that are well-positioned and may have liquid funds to deploy.

As highly leveraged property developers face a capital squeeze and are forced to sell, prices will be pushed lower and create some incredible buying opportunities. In fact, some have already begun to liquidate their assets.

Yes, tourism and rental demand will slow down for a while (just like everywhere in the world), but Costa Rica has the long-term fundamentals and is well-positioned as a safe, world-class travel destination to bounce back and regain its growth trajectory soon enough.

Although showing affection should be a year-round event, Valentine’s day is an occasion to remind your loved ones that you care and that you are happy to have them in your life.

It is time to show love and interest to all beings and a reminder that we are not alone on this earth, and that our journey in life needs to be aware of this every moment.

In Costa Rica Happy Valentines Day (the friendship and love day) is celebrated in different ways, in schools, kids bring candies and get dressed in pink or red; friends celebrate this day having lunch or dinner together, making friendship reunions or just going to the beach the whole weekend.  You will find Special hotel offers, theaters, and presentations, restaurants are full of people, and even Hotels make special activities for kids and grown-ups, a lot of concerts in the malls and commercial centers, Art gallery presentations, live music all over.  If you want more information on events, click here.

No matter what you do this day, make it a good occasion to be kind and show kindness to all beings, after all, that is what true love is all about!

Don’t forget to give Chocolates!!

I have had the great privilege to visit Costa Rica just about every year since I was seven years old. This has had a tremendous influence on the way I perceive the world, and really life itself. I am a 30-year-old Ophthalmic Technologist, who lives in Long Island (NY); and I can’t think of any particular set of experiences that have shaped who I am more than those I experienced in Costa Rica. Although I am not Costa Rican, I was able to visit my Aunt (mother’s sister) yearly; spending weeks or even months at a time, visiting different parts of Costa Rica and doing all sorts of amazing activities. From Canopy tours to white-water-rafting, from Volcano visits nature hikes; Costa Rica’s distinct way of life and diverse terrain make it a perfect place to enjoy so many different things that the country has to offer.

I am a very big believer in balance; I believe the more balance there is around someone’s daily activities, the more relaxed and stress-free atmosphere someone has around them. Costa Rica, for me, is just about the most balanced place on earth. First off, one is able to live in a fairly crowded city/urban type of environment in what is known as the Central Valley. Or, you can head to the coast and experience the beautiful coastline that Costa Rica has. You can even be up in the cool mountains and have amazing views of San Jose or breathless views of the Ocean.

While in Costa Rica, I resided mostly in San Jose. For me growing up, my dream was to become a soccer player. In the U.S. I played soccer, and I tried to play as much as possible. Unfortunately, there are so many other sports that fall in front of soccer in terms of popularity. In Costa Rica, I can’t remember happier moments then those I went to the local parks and played pick-up soccer games, or better known as mehengas in tico terms. Soccer or Futbol experiences in Costa Rica were unlimited. I have been to local matches in several different stadiums, and I was even able to attend international matches and watched some of my favorite players play.

I use to love leaving the Central Valley and heading to the coastline; to the beautiful beaches. One the way to the Pacific side of Costa Rica, there is a bridge that travelers must usually cross called, Crocodile bridge. Located along one of Costa Rica’s main highways, in the Puntarenas province, is a tourist attraction so rare, I bet you have never heard of such a unique attraction. The bridge is located over Tarcoles River, and when looking over the railings; you can see dozens of crocodiles, feasting on their meals, and bathing in the sun. These large reptiles are such an incredible sight when seen in their natural habitat.

The memories and mental pictures of visiting dark sand beaches in Punta Arenas, to witnessing enormous waves in Playa Grande, Guanacaste; will never leave my head, as it is such a powerful thought that allows me to appreciate nature in only a way that Costa Rica can provide. I will never forget riding on ATVs with family and friends in Tambor, traveling through the sand on the beach, and dense forest with howler monkeys following us. I will always remember, visiting Tamarindo, enjoying a night out in the town, meeting with people from all over the world. I can never forget white-water-rafting in the Pacuare River, experiencing the rush that is; going headstrong into furious currents. Exploring the tops of forests on canopies so high, your breath is taken every time you have a look around. Even the feared 6.1 magnitude earthquake, that happened in 2008 was a once in a lifetime happening for me, which gave me so much appreciation for what natural occurrences can happen at any moment in some parts of the world and in our lives.

These experiences are so important in my life because, as a child and young adult, you have so many different influences that can affect the way you think. Being able to first-hand witness, some of nature’s most desired places and attractions, gave me my first lesson in culture. Culture is something that can’t be taught in a book. It is something you feel deep in your soul, something that comes from the experiences and connections you have with people and nature. Costa Rica has a saying called Pura Vida (pure life), it is saying that it can be used 10-20 times per day by a single person, and it is the motto that Ticos live by. No matter what the day entails, no matter the struggles of life, it is so important to treat people with respect, honesty, and compassion. This way of life allows everyone to feel the positive effects of daily interactions with one another, the smiles that we give each other; allowing for a feeling of unity, knowing those around you, truly care for you without having to tell you but a few words. This train of thought also goes for the natural world around you. Even though it sounds cliché, respecting nature is such an important step in becoming a more well-rounded individual. I can’t think of a better place to connect with nature, than with Costa Rica. With over 12 climate zones do to altitude and geography, the biodiversity in species and plants is unheard of.

Costa Rica’s nature and experience allowed me to be more appreciative. Life will never stop teaching you lessons, but sometimes you have to take initiative and let this world show you the wonderful meanings of life, by seeing what is really out there and being aware of every moment.

Costa Rica has been exactly that for me, and for so many others. I hope for those who haven’t yet, that they are able to take some personal time to come to experience it for themselves.

M.Trigo

Located on a bridge-like terrain that connects North And South America; Costa Rica is geographically gifted when it comes to biodiversity. With thousands of miles of protected, untouched reserves and coastlines; Costa Rica easily contains one of the richest wildlife atmospheres on the Planet. Here I will try to give you some of the most known and visited spots that you can find in Costa Rica; that demonstrates just how full of diversity this country really is.

Sarapiquí

Located close to the Costa Rican and Nicaragua border, Sarapiquí sits on the Sarapiquí River. This area consists primarily of the rainforest; it has an amazing amount of diverse wildlife and is home to more than half of Costa Rica’s bird species, as well as nearly 2,000 different plant species, several dozen species of bats, and numerous different wild cats. The forest can be seen on foot or by white-water rafting and kayaking along its water paths. Many people also use it as a base for visiting the volcano known as Poas.

Arenal Volcano

Within the very prosperous and fertile northern lowlands lies a perfectly symmetrical volcano; Arenal. It has been inactive for nearly 10 years. This after regularly spitting out ash and lava following its eruption in the 1960s. Arenal allows visitors to have an abundance of outdoor activities, from hiking through the mountains to kayaking or rafting along its rivers. You can step onto the Arenal Hanging Bridges to walk through the forest canopy, while looking out for different animals like monkeys and sloths, and pay a visit to Proyecto Asis wildlife rescue center to find out how they help protect the forest’s endangered species.

Rio Perdido

This 600-acre private reserve in the San Bernardo Lowlands is where two canyons bring together cool waters Rio Blanco and the hot waters of Rio Perdido, which is known for having a number of hot springs; up-stream people can hop between the hot and cold water. All of this is surrounded by a tall forest, which is home to many birds, reptiles, and mammals, with hiking and cycling trails and a 200-foot hanging bridge to walk along, while seeking out the waterfalls.

With a canopy that is often hidden by clouds, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve harbors some of the most diverse wildlife in Costa Rica. This reserve contains roughly 2.5 % of the world’s biodiversity. Around 10 % of the flora is strictly native, and there are over 750 different species of trees alone. Alongside the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, there’s the Los Angeles Cloud Forest Reserve, which ranges from 2,300 to 5,900 feet above sea level and spreads around 1,975 acres. This mystical private reserve is usually free from the common tourist, enabling those who do visit to be able to see wildlife more often.

Tortuguero National Park

Situated on the country’s northern Caribbean coast, Tortuguero National Park has become famous across the globe as an incredible nesting ground for sea turtles, including the endangered Deep Sea Green Turtle. The national park (Tortuguero) also has freshwater creeks and lagoons to explore. One can travel and navigate by boat along the park’s waterways to see river turtles and caiman and hike through the rainforest for sightings of howler monkeys and toucans.

Palo Verde National Park

Here in the Guanacaste Province, wetlands and tropical dry forest co-exist as the result of the Río Tempisque flooding the arid land. Set out on a cruise through 12 different habitats to see its verdant mangrove, aquatic plants, and forest that encompass around 150 species of trees. Birds are the greatest attraction here though, with a small island in the river providing the perfect habitat. In the dry season, wildlife gathers around the park’s water sources, providing opportunities to see howler monkeys and white-tailed deer, among other species.

Manuel Antonio National Park

This national park on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast encompasses wild rainforest, white-sand shores, and a coral-rich marine environment. Hiking trails weave through the forest and along the coastline, taking in the staggering biodiversity of tropical vegetation and wildlife species. Around 109 species of mammals and 184 bird species have been spotted here, making it especially rewarding for wildlife sightings. After hiking through the rainforest, take a cruise out to see dolphins and turtles, and kayak through the mangrove.

New year’s in Costa Rica, just like in the rest of the world is one of the most festive and celebrated holidays. With that being said, Costa Rica has its own customs and traditional ways in which people celebrate the coming of a new year. These traditions with a mix of your own customs can create a truly eventful and unforgettable start of the new year.

First and foremost, traditionally, New Year’s is very family-oriented, a night that you spend with those who you are closest to. Unlike our North American friends, who like to spend this night out in a bar or club, Costa Ricans party at home. Unless you are in popular beach towns with tourists and vacationers; here you can find parties and events for New Year’s. But usually, you find that most bars and restaurants closed a few hours before midnight, so everyone is able to enjoy New Year’s with family and close friends. Expect a bunch of fireworks, but please be safe, especially since there is usually a lot of alcohol consumed on this night.

Some of Costa Rican traditions may seem a little unorthodox, but the average tico can be extremely superstitious about doing these annual rituals; to make sure the upcoming year brings nothing but luck, prosperity, and love.

Eating 12 Grapes at the stroke of midnight!

Costa Ricans will eat twelve grapes, at midnight, one for each month, as well as add twelve wishes for the upcoming year. This tradition can also be found in other Latin American countries, but Ticos take this tradition to heart!

Wear the color that represents your desire!

It is believed here in Costa Rica, that wearing certain colors will attract certain fortunes for the upcoming year. You can also hang ribbons of a certain color on your front door, to attract these same fortunes. For instance, wearing green underwear will bring you excess money this year. Wearing yellow will attract good luck for the year that is to come. And for those looking for the perfect romantic relationship, you wear non-other than red. People also will carry a suitcase around the block in order to bring you new travel experiences.

Water is good, great, grand!

Costa Ricans will throw water over and behind your shoulder. This is a representation of what you are leaving behind, as you look to start a brand new year, a fresh new year!

People have different ways of celebrating with those close family and friends. Some will celebrate at home. Others may find their way to the beach in order to join spectacular celebrations. Some may even attend the Fiesta Zapote, which is a week-long celebration with drinks, food, games. Whichever way you decide to celebrate here in Costa Rica, make sure you do with the ones you love, and make sure you do it the Tico way and the Kind way!

Costa Rican Christmas is a day filled with festivities and family traditions that go back decades. Christmas decorations can go up as early November, right after the Halloween decorations go down, Christmas ones go up. As holiday preparations kick into high gear, many Costa Ricans decorate their homes with blinking lights, a Christmas tree, as well as your favorite Christmas and religious characters (Santa, Nutcracker, Jesus).

Christmas is a time of bonuses and long vacations from school and work. All employers are required by law to pay an aguinaldo, an annual bonus equivalent to one month’s salary. Students enjoy about 2 months off from school, while many employees get at least a week or two off from work. Most government offices close for the weeks preceding and following Christmas day. Due to the extra vacation time and bonuses, the end of December is one of the most popular times of year to travel. In terms of travel, families from all over the world love to travel to Costa Rica during the holiday season, surging prices to max during this period.

Christmas is a very important tradition for Costa Ricans. Most families, religious or not, display a nativity scene in their home. Tradition states that families who do not own a home may only use gifted nativity scenes so that the Holy Family will help them buy a house in the future. Schools, churches, and town parks also assemble large and elaborate nativity scenes. Both personal and public displays are a source of pride, featuring fresh moss, brown wrapping paper, and treasured figurines to depict the night of Jesus’ birth.

Traditionally, Costa Ricans buy cypress trees for Christmas. Artificial trees are also used and recently have become more common. Most families decorate their trees with ornaments, lights, and a golden star, very similar to our North American friends. A large Christmas Tree displayed at the San Jose Children’s Hospital is perhaps Costa Rica’s most famous Christmas tree. It is said to represent thankfulness for all we have been given especially during that year, and the year that is to come.

Groups walk through the streets on some nights, singing Christmas carols and spreading the Christmas spirit. These processions, known as posadas, vary by town. Some are led by two small children carrying a replica of Joseph and Mary on a donkey, while others have their own personal traditions

Though most homes and public places have been decorated for weeks, the Christmas season officially kicks off with the Festival of Lights in San Jose. The event, which annually holds about one million individuals, and usually takes place two weeks before Christmas. The giant parade, which includes floats and bands, also displays hundreds of thousands of lights, including inspiring fireworks displays.

Christmas Eve, known as Noche Buena (Good Night), is a day for the family. After spending the day together, many Catholic families attend a Christmas Mass. After mass, families settle in for a late-night Christmas feast, which can often include turkey, pork leg, tamales, and other traditional foods. Once the children are in bed, the baby Jesus brings gifts that will be opened on Christmas morning. Only until recently has Santa Claus become a part of family Christmas traditions. After the midnight meal, most families place a Baby Jesus figure in their nativity scene manger, symbolizing the one and only holy birth.

The holiday season officially ends on January 6th, the Epiphany Day (Day of Kings and WIzards) Costa Ricans add the three wise men to their displays on this day, representing their arrival to Bethlehem. Religious songs and hymns can be sung, as this marks the end of the festive holiday season in Costa Rica.

As we pass the date of December 10th, we marked International Human Rights Day. Here in Costa Rica, we continue to fortify our model regarding the development and culture of peace and unity. This type of mentality allows individuals to move forward together in order to deliver us free from all types of discrimination.

Trying to reach the full potential of activism in human rights is like a full marathon with a never-ending finish line. It requires a steady dedication and relentless attitude in order to continue the fight against the unfair and unjust. That is why campaigns and movements have been launched in Costa Rica for many years, in order to avoid prejudices towards the physical appearance of people and combat those who judge based off stereotypes; that for years has been an obstacle that does not let our society advance, for achieving a more inclusive and humane society. One of these campaigns was Dare to Know Me, an institutional initiative that recognizes a diverse, multiethnic and multicultural Costa Rica in which we should all be recognized as equals.

Let me introduce to you, a closer look into Costa Rica’s human rights history. In 1945 the United Nations System is created and Costa Rica is one of the founding countries. Since 1947, the country has been committed to the guiding principles of the United Nations, an organization that seeks equality in human rights of all people, without any discrimination when it comes to race, ethnicity, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, language, political opinion, national or social origin, economic position, birth, gender identity or any other condition that separates you or a group from others. In 2017, the United Nations recognized the efforts of the Costa Rican State to adopt legislative measures on the multiethnic nature of the State, people trafficking, migration, racial discrimination, and other ethical issues. At the same time, Costa Rica welcomed the introduction of several international human rights instruments.

Costa Rica is a country that has stood out since its inception as a defender of human rights, freedom, and equality of people, as well as democracy. Overall Costa Rica, has never as a governed state, lacked the attitude and mentality of demonstrating that we are all one amongst equals. Although we can’t go on without saying that there have been difficult obstacles that we as a nation have faced. Costa Rica, like many countries, must work to deepen equal rights in its population and one of its main challenges is with indigenous communities because they usually have inadequate access to education, health, and employment. Another example of a group that does not yet have equal rights is those of the LGTB community, as is the case of same-sex marriage. This seems to be an issue that needs immediate resolutions, as the world seems to be changing in terms of the general agreement of individuals that same-sex couples have the right to freely express their will. Male abuse on females is another factor that must be worked on, although compared to other Latin American countries, Costa Rica is probably not as bad as others. Despite these conditions, Costa Rica is a country committed to democracy, equality and the guarantee of rights for all people among other facts, because it has comparably low levels of crime, poverty, and illiteracy.

Last year, Costa Rican youth from different provinces in the Central Valley decided to call out society on several topics such as…

• More study opportunities in scientific careers for women
• Promote professional work alternatives in rural areas and with decent wages
• Achieve equality between men and women
• Eradicate femicides and violence against women
• However, young people said that among all Costa Ricans, a society based on peace, equality and human rights-based on elevated values that characterize the inhabitants of this country must continue to be built.

We hope as Costa Ricans to both continue to be a platform for others around the world to follow, as well as continue to learn that we are far from where we need to be.

Over the years Costa Rica has made an enormous effort to protect the rights of companion animals, especially those on the streets without a home. The amount of support that includes shelters and animal clinics have duplicated over the last decades solely on the concept of protecting our furry friends. Also satisfying to animal lovers, the amount of dog parks and gourmet food available for pets has had a significant change for the better as of late. When it comes to our companions at home or strays that are or were on the street, Costa Rica has made huge strides to make sure all the necessary requirements to properly take care of these beautiful animals are met.

Costa Rica has had a steady increase in the number of hotels that are becoming pet-friendly in order to cater to a new generation of pet owners who do not want their companions to miss out during family trips. This approach is beneficial in a few ways. First, this route allows those who care dearly for pets, in general, to be able to give their furry friends an enjoyable experience that they would normally miss out on. On the business side, this gives hotels a more broad amount of potential clients that again, deeply care for their pets and their happiness.

The key to providing a pleasant pet-friendly experience is to be naturally passionate about pets and those who own pets; to care for their contentment, their activities, and the general well-being of the animals. In actuality, just allowing a family to be able to bring their pets without restrictions is the biggest gift you can give the family and their companion.

In Playas del Coco Guanacaste, for example, Hotel Chantel welcomes guests who wish to bring their canine and feline companions along. Ground transportation for pets to Hotel Chantel from the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport is very accessible and manageable for all pet-owners. In Esterillos beach, Rancho Coral is a lovely, cozy hotel that sits steps from the beach. They are complete pet-friendly, allowing you to take your pet to the beach during your stay. Other pet-friendly hotels include; the 4 Seasons Resort in Papagayo (no pet fee), Selina in Manuel Antonio, The Sheraton in Escazu (no pet fee), Arenal Lodge (no pet fee). Many more are not mentioned, but it is important to know that there are dozens all over Costa Rica.

In terms of animal rescue, Costa Rica has one of the most famous Dog Sanctuaries in the world. Territorio de Zaguates (Land of the Strays) is a Dog reserve, where over 900 stray dogs have been welcomed. This refuge is a redefined, top-class animal shelter that has miles of open space, lush fields, and even certain indoor areas for sleeping, eating, and bathing. Here, visitors can see hundreds of dogs running free, up and down the grassy hills. All dogs are welcomed, with no restrictions whatsoever. Here any visitor can adopt a dog. With all types of breeds are available, and even unique hybrids can be found. We also encourage those who can, to donate to the cause of maintaining these wonderful creatures. Please visit for more details.

Here in Costa Rica, we have thousands of Expatriates who call this beautiful country home; many of these ex-pats carry on special American traditions, like Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is one of the most celebrated American holidays in Costa Rica. Every year many ex-pats and even locals celebrate the traditional Thanksgiving festivities. The Fall Feast is enjoyed with typical Thanksgiving dishes, with a possible twist that can include local cuisine and if you choose compassion then Vegan Thanksgiving meal can be served in many restaurants or you can cook your one plant-based food.

In the Central Valley and other popular towns, several restaurants and local shops make it easy for ex-pats to indulge on traditional Thanksgiving day cooking. You can enjoy salad, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, as well as apple and pumpkin pie. If you dine out, you can share the dining room with many happy families, which helps create an air of festivity and Thanksgiving cheer. If you decide to eat at home, you can still enjoy this delicious feast with those closest and dearest to you. All your favorite Thanksgiving foods are available at local supermarkets.

You can always opt for a typical Costa Rican version of Thanksgiving. Green beans and apples are in their high season in November, so it’s easy to whip up a green bean casserole or apple pie from local ingredients. Ayote, a huge squash that resembles pumpkin in flavor and color, can be used to make a delicious pumpkin pie.

After Thanksgiving, you may want to check online for Black Friday deals. Online retailers based in the U.S. offer incredible savings, and Costa Rican private mail services such as Aerocasillas, Jet box, and Mailboxes, Etc. have recently begun to offer Black Friday shipping deals and discounts.

Thanksgiving is an important holiday, and not just to yearn for the past. Those of us who are lucky enough to live in Costa Rica, whether it is temporary or long term, have a lot to be thankful for. To begin with, we don’t have to worry about freezing our tails off during our Thanksgiving festivities. Happy Thanksgiving dinner!