Properties in Costa Rica Blog

The dry season is known as high season in Costa Rica and as the buzz of the Christmas holidays and New Year’s eve winds down, the second week in January starts the best time of year to visit Costa Rica. The overcrowding has died down as the snowbirds traveling on winter holiday return home and peak prices drop making it an ideal time to visit the country. The weather is perfect with highs around 86-94 degrees Fahrenheit and lows in the 70s. In the Northwest the “Papagayo” winds from the cooler air moving down from North America displace the moist, warm, tropical air creating an ideal climate. When rain does strike, it is brief late afternoon shower and for the most part, the weather is ideal.

The Central Valley and Pacific beaches are booming this time of year and it’s also the peak time for tours and outdoor activities. There are festivals, vibrant fiestas, bullfights, dancing and live music at different events all over the country. Wildlife is abundant and active making it one of the best time of year for an ecotourism adventure. From wildlife spotting to whale watching to hiking to kayaking through the mangrove forests, it really is an ideal time of year for the outdoor enthusiast to travel. You can also catch the turtles making their way to shore to lay their eggs.

If the beaches are not for you, you can venture to Costa Rica’s breathtaking rainforests and hike the volcanoes. Arenal is a popular spot to visit for volcanoes, explore caves, horseback ride through the lush terrain, and soak in geothermal hot springs. Take a canopy tour through the wondrous cloud forests or go white water rafting or explore one of the many wildlife preserves. Eco-adventures are a plenty for the nature enthusiasts.

For surfers, up and down Costa Rica’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts are some of the best breaks in the world. Both beginners and pros can catch waves here. There are also many resorts offering yoga and mindfulness retreats for those seeking a wellness vacation. Visitors looking for a cosmopolitan beach vacation can travel to popular Tamarindo or one of the nearby surrounding communities where there is a Four Seasons and world-class golf nearby. Boaters can also find paradise here traveling up and down the coast.

January through February are seven of the best weeks to travel to Costa Rica. It’s a peak time but still not overrun with tourists. It’s Costa Rica’s summer. The weather is perfect with plenty of opportunities to relax and have fun. The weather during this peak tourist season makes it ideal for exploring rainforests and relaxing on beaches too. There is also a good selection of rental properties available during this time of year. If you are considering buying a property, it’s the perfect time to explore the country to find the perfect match.

This week kicks off the Tamarindo Beach Ocaso Festival in Costa Rica to welcome in the new year with lots of dancing, music, and fine food. Admissions are free and space is limited so festival organizers suggest people sign up ahead of time to guarantee admissions. The festival starts January 5th and runs through Sunday, January 8th traveling to several locations in the Tamarindo area. It promises to be a fun bash and chance to celebrate with old friends while meeting a few new ones too.

Starting at 4 pm on Thursday at the Langosta Beach Club, festival goers can dance taking in the sweeping ocean views and enjoying good food from Sunset till the early morning hours. This club is a popular meeting place for Tamarindo’s international community and one of the hottest places to meet to party in town. On Friday, January 6th, the festival moves to Tamarindo Vista Villas Hotel. At this laid-back, boutique hotel overlooking Tamarindo Bay, starting at noon partygoers can dance poolside. On January 7th, the festival venue will take place at the natural wonder La Senda. Travel to this labyrinth to dance and get lost in the magic of the maze. Finally, the festival wraps up its last day on January 8th back at the Langosta Beach Club for a big finale dance party.

Tamarindo has grown into a cultural epicenter in recent years and the hub of cosmopolitan Costa Rica. It welcomes visitors from all over the world each year. January marks the peak season as visitors flock here to escape colder climate for some fun in the sun. Welcome in the New Year dancing poolside or oceanside. Take a break and come out to get down to great music, enjoy fantastic food and have a blast into the late night hours. It’s a four-day not to be missed celebration to welcome in 2018. It’s a brand new year fresh with possibilities and goals to achieve.

Musicians include Edu Imberon, Dance Spirit Live, Andreas Henneberg, Mikey Lion, Lee Reynolds, DJ Tennis, Doc Martín, Anthony Attalla, Aquarius Heaven, Pillow Talk, Pattern Drama, KMLN Mobius Strum, Brett Ballou, Alex Orias, De Sostoa, Fredo, Faceblind, Javee, Eleazar Delve, Hassan Marofi, David Charpentier, and Andes and Carlos Montenegro.

Costa Rica biggest Surf Town Jaco Beach is located in Garabito, the youngest county in Costa Rica, it is a black volcanic sand beach.

If you thinking about visiting Jaco let me fill you in with some local knowledge; first of all know your level of surfing!

The beach of Jaco is 4 kilometers long and has three mayor surfing spots:

– South of Jaco is a very well-knowing area for learning how to surf, this part of the beach is where the majority of surf schools go to. This area presents approximately a 19° – 22° angle from the beach to the shore break, providing long easy right and left hand breaks. So if you are in the beginner stage or use a long board or boogie board, I highly recommend this area (this spot extends from Madrigal’s street to Hidalgo’s street). Given that this area of the beach has the easiest waves and safer spot for kids on their first steps as surfers. Prime time to surf 2 hours before high tide.

– Center of Jaco, this area extends from Hidalgo’s street to Bohio’s street. This part of the beach has two river mouths; Corey river and Quebrada Seca river and presents a 22°-30° angle from the beach to the shore break, this combination of steeper beach angle and two river mouths running into the ocean makes it a more challenging wave for intermediate to advanced surfers. It’s common to see some of the professional surfers as well as the Costa Rican champions training on this area of the beach. This is the closest area of all town amenities such restaurants, surf shops, stores, medical services, banks, bars and much more, making it a convenience spot after surf sessions. Prime time to surf 2.5 hours before high tide.

– North of Jaco, this part of the beach runs from the Bohio’s street to Estero’s street this area presents a 30°-40° angle from the beach to the shore break, this area is the most expose part of the beach to the swells directions and also a very steep beach angle produces a faster more aggressive wave. This spot is where the biggest surf competitions were held such; ISA World Championship 2016 / Central America Championship 2016 / National Costa Rica Championship Circuit 2015 & 2016 / ALAS Pro Latin Tour 2014. If you like fishing, on the north corner on this spot there are some schools showing up at the shore during; September, October and November. Prime time to surf 2.5 hours before high tide.

The north area it has been growing faster over the last 2 years with important developments such Croc’s Casino and Resort recently awarded as the finest build construction, you can also find nice accommodations at Bahía Encantada Condominiums, Aqua Residence and Best Western Jaco Beach which is the first beach Hotel in Costa Rica since 1976.

Come and surf with us and don’t forget to say Pura Vida!

Alvaro Solano,
Properties in Costa Rica Team

One of the most exclusive and diverse communities in Costa Rica, Hacienda Pinilla, has something to offer everyone. Sitting on 4,500 acres of historic farm property, Pinilla stretches over three miles of pristine coastline nestled in by five distinct beaches (Playa Avellanas, Robalo, Mansita, Bonita, and Langosta). Below are just a few of the amenities Hacienda Pinilla has to offer.

JW Marriott

Hacienda Pinilla boasts the only JW Marriott Hotel in Costa Rica with the largest pool in all of Central America. There you’ll find an internationally acclaimed spa and 5 different restaurants featuring cuisine from around the globe. Whether vacationing or having friends and family down to visit, the JW Marriott is the place to stay.

Mountain Biking

Hear the songs of exotic birds and the crashing of waves as the 2 mountain bike paths guide you through the 4,500 acre property, one for amateurs and the other for professional riders. Get your sweat on while riding through the bountiful nature at Hacienda Pinilla.

Golfing

The golf course at Hacienda Pinilla was designed to preserve and enhance the ecological balance of this area. On this par 72 course, with nearly 7,200 yards playing space, you will have the chance to enjoy the extraordinary nature and beautiful beach views Pinilla has to offer.

The Beach Club

The Beach Club at Hacienda Pinilla has everything for days of enjoyment. rom the open air dining to the gnarly waves every member of your family will find something to do. The Beach Club features an incredible infinity pool, a tiki bar, a rejuvenating spa, snorkeling, surfing, a delicious dining spot, and a beachfront fitness center.

Stables

Whether you are looking for a romantic adventure or family fun time, Hacienda Pinilla’s Stables has you covered. With sixteen kilometers of scenic trails be sure not to miss out on this exciting tour. Trotting through natural forest and countryside you’ll experience Pinilla in a whole new light.

Be sure not to miss your opportunity to be apart of the Hacienda Pinilla lifestyle. With a multitude of properties, beachfront homes, luxury villas, hotels, and lots for development, there is something here for everyone.

Costa Rica commercial real estate continues to perform well in 2016. Non-residential buildings grew at an annual rate of 18%. The widespread expansion and new construction of commercial buildings in beach communities and San Jose is driving much of the growth of the commercial real estate market. Costa Rica’s economy is also performing well. While most of the world is experiencing a dramatic slowdown or economic turmoil, Costa Rica’s economy is expected to grow 4.2% in 2016. This positive forecast is tied to record high demand. Throughout San Jose, new buildings are going up to meet the demand. Vacancy rates are low and rents are rising. Costa Rica’s economic that make Costa Rica very attractive to North American and European expats.

The real estate market is also being driven by the increasing number of foreign companies with offices in Costa Rica. Five foreign owned companies are expanding their operations in Costa Rica this year. A total of 39 foreign investment projects in service industries and manufacturing technology already created an estimate 12,000 new jobs in 2016. An additional 2,000 jobs are expected to be created by the end of the year. Sykes, Amazon, Pfizer and Manpower are among the corporations expanding their operations. The commercial real estate market continues to benefit from this economic expansion through foreign investment, which not only creates demand for more office space but also restaurants and local businesses.

Beyond a strong commercial sector in San Jose due to the recent job growth and corporate expansion, the beach towns are also thriving as increasing numbers of expats purchase property in these towns. Guanacaste, Papagayo, Arenal, Puntarenas, Manuel Antonio, Dominical on the Pacific Coast, and Puerto Viejo, Punta Uva, Cocles and Manzanillo in the Caribbean side are the most popular towns. These local towns are big gathering places for the surrounding residents and tourists who can come together to enjoy music, dine or shop as needed. As the population expands, the commercial market demand continues to grow with it. Costa Rica is also one of the few Latin American countries experiencing rising immigration levels. The increase in the number of people living in Costa Rica with disposable income is a big factor driving the Costa Rica commercial real estate boom.

All this said, Costa Rica is an excellent investment choice at this time. The commercial real estate market is strong. There are 30 retail shopping centers scheduled to be built this year. With rental values rising, commercial property owners are well positioned to take advantage of the market. At this point, the market does not show signs of a slowdown making it a good investment opportunity.

The Southern Zone is known for its laid back vibe and three of the most magical towns in Costa Rica: Dominical, Ojochal, and Uvita. Rainforests, legendary surf spots, long stretches of beaches, an abundance of rich terrain and a laid-back atmosphere define this area. It’s a rare place on earth. While development has picked up recent years due to improved roadways and access to the area, the development and conservation regulations ensure this area will never become a noisy resort town with overbearing skyscrapers.

Along the Costa Ballena lie Dominical, Uvita, and Ojochal. These three Southern Zone coastal towns are off the radar hot spots. Dominical is a legendary surf spot. Uvita is a commercial center. Ojochal is a small village in the jungle. Deep blue waters meet the towering mountains and green jungles forming a breathtaking landscape that is raw, pure and clean. This is a place for adventurers and those seeking a more laid back lifestyle.

Dominical

Dominical attracts surfers from around the world each year to its legendary waves. The waters here are not for swimming and the waves are legendary. Making the trek to Dominical is a surfer’s pilgrimage. This haven beyond its legendary surf is an attractive laid back village with a few restaurants and shops. Surrounded by estuaries, mangroves, and marshes, the area has an abundance of wildlife. It’s now home to an estimated 700 residents. The pristine environment and warm culture draw surfers and eco-tourists. With lots of yoga and various types of holistic health practitioners mixing with the local culture harmoniously, it is a beacon for wellness. Vegan, raw food, and juicing are common here. Those seeking to live a more sustainable lifestyle flock here. In Dominical, there is time to reflect and just be.

Ojochal

Ojochal is a popular landing spot for expats from North America and Europe. It has grown into a culinary hot spot too. This coastal town is just 30-minutes south of Dominical. With hotels, restaurants, bars, doctors’ offices and a supermarket, it is a low-key Costa Rica town complete with the conveniences of modern life making it an ideal place to visit. With ATV tours, canopy tours, bird watching and mangroves to explore, there is no shortage of adventures and activities. For surfing, there is Playa Ballena and Playa Uvita nearby.

Uvita

Nestled in between Dominical and Ojochal along the Costa Ballena is magical Uvita. This town has a large supermarket and is probably the most developed area of the three places. Scuba diving, horseback riding, canopy tours and wildlife tours are all nearby. Uvita has grown famous for the hosting the annual music festival, the Envision Festival, which celebrates art, culture, yoga and sustainability each year in February. People flock to this small town in Costa Rica each year for the festival, which draws large crowds.

The magic and charm of these three towns lie in the quiet sustainable development, which protects the pristine ecosystems while also providing a level of comfort. The culture is laid back, health conscious and committed to wellbeing. There are few places left in the world that can match what the Southern Zone offers as a quiet refuge from the modern world for adventure, fun, and restoration.

As one of the most biologically intense countries in the world, Costa Rica has long been known for attracting people craving a more self-sufficient way of life. As one of the first countries in the world to be 100% powered by renewables, it serves as a mecca for those seeking to live in harmony with nature. The natural environment and climate is conducive to a sustainable lifestyle. Year after year people who want to grow their own food, be energy independent and have their own independent water supply move here. This trend shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon either.

From farms to eco-retreats to to permaculture to micro farms, there is a large, enthusiastic, committed community for sustainable living and green design here. The country is known for its eco-tourism, and it’s a major industry for this small country. As a country, Costa Rica was the first in the world to run 100% on renewables. What this trend reflects is a desire among the locals as well as incoming expats to simplify their lives. It’s about downsizing, simplifying in style, and living in harmony with nature. People crave a high quality life at a slower pace and Costa Rica delivers on that desire. The country’s commitment to the environment and protecting biodiversity means it supports the sustainable lifestyle new residents seek.

Costa Rica’s climate makes it conducive to living sustainably and the year round near perfect weather simplifies energy needs because the country does not experience large fluctuations in temperatures throughout the year. In addition, the climate also supports year round agriculture, which makes it easy for locals to grow and produce much of their own food. There is a lot of rich land available, and the relatively young housing stock means that homes tend to be simple yet built with current materials, and can easily be adapted.

Self-sufficiency is part of the culture. People purchasing property and homes here want to take more control of their lives and be able to manage their resources for a number of reasons. For some it’s simply about reducing cost of living, and for others, it’s forged through a deep commitment to living a more sustainable lifestyle, and for others, it’s about a lifestyle choice that allows for more independence. The available housing inventory offers plenty of attractive options for those seeking partial self-sufficiency to those seeking 100% self-sufficiency.

The fact remains there are a number of issues attracting North Americans and Europeans to Costa Rica. Self-sufficiency is a rich part of the culture and history; it’s not an idea people are struggling to grasp and adapt to as is the case for much of North America.These expats seek a simpler more balanced life, and Costa Rica is conducive to a self-sufficient lifestyle. It’s a top international destination when it comes to living a sustainably and finding a home to achieve that goal.

Nature is the remedy for emotional, spiritual and physical well being. The more time we spend in nature, the better our health and overall disposition. It balances us. Urban environments tend to be hectic and stress filled. When people get an opportunity to step away, it provides a much needed time to rest and recharge. As we become more aware of the importance of green space to our health, many cities have invested in creating more open spaces for their residents.

Costa Rica has a long established reputation for being a place that is very much about nature. Here people are able to connect with nature daily. This factor may be one of the main reasons Costa Ricans tend to be in good health, experience lower stress and anxiety levels as well as a long life expectancy. The average life expectancy is 79.4 years. Spending time in nature recharges the soul and mind while energizing the body. It builds strength and resilience, and helps people to remain centered and balanced.

Whether it’s a walk in a park, strolling the beach or hiking through the forest, spending time in nature improves every aspect of our health, and has even been scientifically proven to benefit our brain chemistry. There’s something about nature that positively impacts our physiology. It’s been proven people who live in urban environments have higher levels of anxiety and depression than those who live in more natural settings. Nature is good for our overall mental health.

We also know that when we exercise outdoors instead of inside, physically we get more Vitamin D, which is a nutrient many people in the western world are deficient in. This deficiency leads to chronic health problems. Part of the problem we face in our current age is that our reliance on technology and addiction to devices means people spend less time outdoors and in nature and more times on their screens. Science shows us that this is neither good for our physical nor mental health. Too much screen time leads to social isolation and poor health.

When we spend time in nature with people it helps us strengthen our relationships too. Modern life is filled with distractions and when we get a chance to be outdoors with family and friends, it provides the vital time needed to connect and form strong intimate bonds with the people we care about. Technology and media is pervasive in every area of our life and finding time to be quiet and reflect is critical to our overall health. Spending time with nature solo gives us time to check in with ourselves and see how we are doing. It has a tendency to boast our overall mood too.

Making time to get outdoors will improve every aspect of your health. It builds physical and mental strength, lifts your mood and provides much needed time to restore balance. It’s one of the big factors in ensuring you life a happy, long life.

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!