Along the “Gold Coast” of Guanacaste, Playa Hermosa Costa Rica has become one of the most desired expat destinations in the country. With stunning and pristine beaches, gentle waters, and a convenient location to major airports, Playa Hermosa continues to be a gem in this thriving part of the land of Pura Vida.
AW CR
Playa Hermosa and the Guanacaste Province – History and Location
Long before Playa Hermosa became the tourist and expat magnet of the Gold Coast, Guanacaste province has featured prominently in the history of Costa Rica. Before the arrival of the Spanish, the northern part of the Nicoya peninsula was the ancient home of the Chorotega Indians.
In the 1700s, some of the residents of Rivas (in what is now Nicaragua) moved south and established a settlement at a crossroads joining the towns of Rivas, Bagaces, and Nicoya. The location was baptized with the name of the Guanacaste tree – known today as the national tree of Costa Rica.
During the years 1824-25, Guanacaste was annexed to Costa Rica; July 25, 1824 marked the decision of the towns Nicoya and Santa Cruz to become part of the land of Pura Vida. The town of Guanacaste was named as province capital in 1836 and later renamed Liberia in 1854.
The early 1990s saw a boom in development in the area north of Tamarindo. Located between Playa del Coco and Playa Panama, Playa Hermosa has become a consistent center for development of beach properties including a number of high-end resorts.
Playa Hermosa Costa Rica Today
The vibrant and established expat community in Playa Hermosa continues to be a major location for retirees and investors. Values have rebounded and there is a good selection of properties for prospective buyers to examine.
The Hermosa Beach area continues to combine a laid-back atmosphere with quality accommodations. As a winner of the coveted “Bandera Azul” award for environmental quality and safety facilities, Playa Hermosa has certainly lived up to the translation of its Spanish name: Beautiful Beach.
It’s Not THAT Playa Hermosa
If riding the waves and following the “endless summer” to fulfill a surfing dream is your destination, Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste is NOT the place you want. The surfer’s Playa Hermosa is located in Puntarenas province just south of the surfing mecca of Jaco.
Expat Life in Hermosa Beach Costa Rica
Playa Hermosa Beach
Access to this most coveted tourist and expat location is a major plus for Hermosa Beach. The Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in Liberia is a scant 20 minutes away and accepts daily flights from the U.S., Europe, and Canada.
Along with the growth of the expat population and the increase in the tourist trade, there has been an increase in construction of several large hotels/resorts at the northern end of Hermosa. An upside to this is added shopping and restaurant options for residents and visitors.
There are available taxis and shuttles that run up and down the Gold Coast affording access to the larger communities of Tamarindo and Playa del Coco. The bars, nightclubs, and restaurants in these lively beach towns can provide nightlife options without disturbing the tranquility that Hermosa’s visitors desire.
E. Daniel
Things to See and Do in the Hermosa Beach Area
Beyond the sun, sand, and gentle ocean waves, there is a wide selection of recreational activities for expats and visitors to enjoy. Snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boats are all readily available at a number of locations along the beachfront. Sunset cruises and sport fishing charters are also easy to arrange and enjoy.
Some of the finest national parks in Costa Rica are readily accessible from Playa Hermosa. Rincon de la Vieja National Park has a variety of geological wonders including hot springs, an active volcano crater, a waterfall, and bubbling natural mud pots.
Santa Rosa National Park is home to a massive nesting and breeding grounds for sea turtles. The park was originally created to protect the site of the battle of Santa Rosa and the Second Battle of Rivas where Costa Rica’s national hero, Juan Santamaria was mortally wounded helping the Costa Rican army defeat William Walker in his attempt to establish an English speaking colony.
Palo Verde National Park has lush mangroves, wetlands and savannah and is one of the rarest ecosystems on the planet: one of the last remaining tropical dry forests. Bird watchers will be delighted by the variety of species that call this unique environment home.
For the more adventurous, the southern part of the Nicoya Peninsula with communities like Samara and Nosara offer a more rustic and bohemian environment.
What Does It Cost to Live in Playa Hermosa Guanacaste
The overall cost of living in Playa Hermosa is somewhat higher than other beach locations in Costa Rica, ranging in the upper-mid range to lower end luxury prices as evidenced by the million dollar properties that can be found on both the North and South ridge areas. These higher prices may be an issue for those whose expat dreams are limited by budget constraints.
As developers return to the region in response to a reviving economy, property values can be expected to increase. The areas of the North and South ridges, in particular are slated for some exciting long term projects with the potential for a significant return on investment.
This is not to say, however, that there aren’t some more moderately priced options a short distance from the prime beachfront properties. Looking at the options available, both for completed properties and lots available for construction, is the best way to determine the affordability of living in Hermosa.
Sergio Quesada
The Downside of Paradise
While Hermosa Beach may be the perfect destination for many expats, even paradise has some features that may not tick everyone’s boxes in terms of an ideal location. Here are some things for consideration.
The sand at Hermosa is dark; for some beach “purists” this can be a real negative. If white, pristine sand is a requirement, Playa Hermosa may not be the best fit.
There is no real nightlife at Playa Hermosa although the nearby communities of Playa del Coco and Tamarindo certainly have many nocturnal entertainment options. The serenity and calm of Hermosa may be too sedate for those seeking the party atmosphere of an exciting beach town.
The calm waters off Playa Hermosa are a great location for many aquatic activities such as swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and stand up paddle boarding. However the big negative of these placid waters is that there is no surfing here. As mentioned above, the “other” Playa Hermosa is the wave riders’ preferred destination.
Playa Hermosa Costa Rica and the surrounding area on the Gold Coast are very developed. Those seeking a more “adventure camp” lifestyle or wanting to immerse themselves in a rustic Costa Rican experience would be disappointed by the modern amenities that abound in the area.
Sergio Quesada
Future Plans for Playa Hermosa Costa Rica
The future is definitely bright for the Playa Hermosa area of the Gold Coast. As the collapse of 2008 recedes in the distance, investors and developers are once again turning their resources and efforts to the promise of the Hermosa beach location.
The southern end of the beach is the location of the Steve Case Cacique Project. This development will include, among other amenities, a tennis court complex designed by stars Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf. Importantly, the project will minimize impact to the environment keeping to Costa Rica’s commitment to “stay green”.
The northern end of Hermosa is the Playa Panama development. This luxury property will have Westin, Grand Occidental, and Hilton resorts and the amenities that can be expected of such high quality operations.
Importantly for residents and long-term visitors of Hermosa Beach, there will be construction of a new state of the art CIMA Hospital just 15 minutes away. Having a world-class medical facility is a further indication of the growth potential of the this once sleepy Pacific fishing village.
So What Is the Best Way to Discover If Playa Hermosa Is Part of Your Tropical Dream
The undisputed, best way to find out how your vision of an expat retreat matches with the opportunities that abound in Playa Hermosa is to go there. Being able to physically see the area and experience life there is the first and most important step in making the decision to move.
Set aside at least a week (two would be better) so you can truly explore Hermosa Beach and the surrounding communities. Check out places like the Super Mercado (a grocery chain), take a tour (or two), maybe experiment with taking a taxi to Tamarindo or Playa del Coco.
Talk to long time expats and find out their experiences – both positive and negative. There is no better source of information than those who have made the journey (and possibly some mistakes along the way) before you.
Lastly, take all the information that you’ve gained and be honest with yourself as to whether this is the place for you. Playa Hermosa Costa Rica may not be the perfect fit for everyone but, if you discover that it’s a good match, go for your dream.
Map of Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica
Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica Fast Facts
- Population: Aprox. 1,800
- Typical temperature: Average temperature 82°F with a maximum of 100°F
- Nearest airport with U.S. flights: Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport
- Nearest U.S. consulate: San Jose, Costa Rica
When people think about U.S. citizens living abroad what comes to mind is probably retirees, or the super wealthy, or maybe even a bunch of backpacking college students. People who don’t have to worry about things like maintaining a job or finding a good orthodontist.
What seems like a bit more of a stretch, to many, is the idea of moving overseas with children, particularly young ones, and having the need to educate, protect, and support them. But the reality is that living abroad, even in a developing country, has never been easier for young families.
The Latin tropics, for example, offer a ton of locales where parents can earn a living for their families, send their kids to a bilingual international school, sign them up for afterschool art and sports programs, and never have to give a second thought about their safety.
Improved technology and infrastructure make things like telecommuting, homeschooling, and communicating with friends and family a virtual breeze. Cities with established expat communities can help to make the transition easier.
On the flip side, there are also more remote destinations that offer the opportunity to cut out all the distractions and focus on what really matters to your family. Where your children can learn to become students of the world, rather than spending their days cooped up in a classroom.
In fact, it’s been observed that living abroad helps children develop a certain skillset and adaptability that their homebound counterparts lack, making them particularly qualified for leadership positions.
Every tropical destination has its own set of pros and cons. Not every young family will share the same opinion about a certain city. But there’s no denying that each of these places has a unique appeal that families with children will likely find intriguing.
Jose Juaquin
Best City for Culture – Cuenca, Ecuador
A longtime favorite of expats of all demographics, Cuenca, Ecuador, is still a fantastic option for families with children. It offers an established expat community with lots of English-speakers, as well as expats of many other nationalities.
Cuenca has a high level of amenities, with easy access to all the necessary goods and services. Yet it’s also surrounding by an incredible natural environment that offers plenty of options for outdoor enthusiasts.
For all it delivers, Cuenca is also quite affordable. It’s big city convenience with a small town feel, right down to the cobblestone streets and charming historic architecture.
Because it’s home to a number of universities, residents of Cuenca also place a high value on education. The high concentration of students also makes Cuenca a cultural and artistic hub. It’s a great place to get a true taste of what makes the local culture so incredible.
TR Rounts
Best Expat Community – Boquete, Panama
Another destination that’s popular with young expat families is Boquete, Panama. Tucked into the highlands of the Chiriqui province, Boquete is smaller than Cuenca (and quite a bit more expensive). Yet it too offers an incredible level of services and amenities.
A longstanding expat presence has led to the establishment of everything from “Gringo Night” at local restaurants all the way up to an expat theatre group. In fact, Boquete is so expat-friendly that some complain it’s almost just like being in North America.
But understand that, even though Boquete might be full of people who look and talk like you, there’s still plenty of authentic culture to experience. Not to mention the incredible natural surroundings like cloud forests, whitewater rapids, and an abundance of flora and fauna.
Between its near-perfect climate and its welcoming residents, Boquete is a great option for newcomers with children.
Cranston
Best Beach Town – Nosara, Costa Rica
Those who think all tropical beach towns are way too heavy on the party scene for young families need to think again. Introducing…Nosara, Costa Rica.
Rather than loud dance clubs and dreadlocked drug peddlers, what you’ll find in Nosara is more like yoga studios and organic smoothie stands. It has great surfing, some of the best in Costa Rica, but it also has great schools. It’s a win-win for young families.
The abundance of health food stores, fitness centers, and sports teams make Nosara the perfect place for those looking to lead a healthy lifestyle. However, all the excellent consumer options and extra-curricular activities do tend to tip Nosara a bit towards the expensive end of the spectrum.
Nosara is clean. It’s safe. Its residents are a closely knit community, and they flock to the beach in droves each evening, just to see the sunset. Its four miles of white sand beaches are protected from any kind of encroaching development, and the many conservation efforts help keep it pristine.
Young families looking for the beach lifestyle without the stereotypical beach culture should definitely give this place a closer look.
Viva Tropical
Best Island – Boca Chica, Panama
If island living is the scenario you had in mind for your family, then forget the overcrowded, touristy places like Roatan or the Belize Cayes. There’s nothing authentic about seeing a cruise ship dump its hordes of travelers onto your shores for a quick romp.
Instead, may I suggest the tranquil forests of Boca Chica Island, where the only other residents you’ll likely see and hear are the howler monkeys and toucans perched just outside your window?
Boca Chica and its surrounding islands offer the same natural wonders as their busier counterparts (e.g. pristine beaches, ancient forests, excellent fishing, and mangroves packed with marine life). But in Boca Chica those can be explored on your own, not on a chartered tour with a dozen other strangers.
Although it feels remote, Boca Chica Island is only a 10 minute boat ride from the mainland where you can also access attractions such as Volcan Baru (the nation’s highest peak), the aforementioned town of Boquete, and the bustling city of David (the country’s second largest) where you can find any and all of the amenities you could possibly need.
photo by P. Schenll
Best on a Budget – Granada, Nicaragua
While affordability shouldn’t be your biggest factor when choosing an expat destination, for some young families it’s a necessary concern. Enter Granada, Nicaragua.
This charming colonial town boasts many of the same features as Cuenca. Yet with a noticeably lower price tag.
The tradeoff is that some of the amenities aren’t quite as good. Consumer options are a bit more limited. The infrastructure isn’t as top-notch. In fact, some may even see Granada as a little gritty.
But that authentic vibe is exactly what a lot of parents want their children to experience. The ability to take in your surroundings and feel almost as if you’ve stepped back in time 100 years. Except for the internet cafes and ATM machines.
All in all, Granada is a great compromise for those who want to experience Latin America for what it is, not a North American version of it. And not for the same amount you’d pay to live in the States.
So, if you’re looking for a place to relocate your family, or even if you just want to try a gap year to see if this whole expat thing is right for you, these top destinations are a great place to start!
Viva Team
To bribe or not to bribe? That is a very good question. On the one hand, it’s (usually) against the law. Then again, so is speeding. Yet both are commonly done in Latin America, where you can bribe your way into everything from pardon for a traffic violation to no-bid contracts for infrastructure projects.
In general, we think it’s a bad idea. Not only can offering a bribe land you a fine or even some jail time, it can also be detrimental to the legal or economic systems that fall prey to it. It violates the trust between citizens of a country and its elected leaders. It’s ultimately not a very effective way of doing business. It’s also earned Latin America a bad rap.
That being said, we’re talking about a part of the world where regulations often seem rather asinine, and processes that should be relatively painless can end up dragging on for months. So, if a $20 bill can get you out of a $400 ticket or a small favor can get your paperwork pushed through a little faster, then, by all means, bribe away.
But do it at your own risk.
Ursa
Here are a few tips to know before you start your negotiations.
1. Your best bet is to know the laws or requirements and honor them.
Being proactive in educating yourself on a country’s laws will keep you out of many of the situations where you might find yourself resorting to a bribe. Find out whether you need an international driving license or if your U.S. identification will suffice. Know all the paperwork that’s needed before you apply for a visa or a building permit.
By doing your best to play by the rules and abide by the law, you’re far less likely to end up in a situation you’ll need to bribe your way out of. Furthermore, as a gringo, you’re already a natural target. You’re more likely to get pulled over or hassled over a seemingly routine process. This is likely due largely to the fact that North Americans are perceived as being rich and carrying around wads of cash.
So, since you’re already practically begging to be solicited for a bribe, don’t do anything else to call attention to yourself. Like riding around in a Jeep with surfboards strapped to the top of it blaring Bob Marley.
2. If you do find yourself in a bind, try some smooth talking first.
A lot of people you’ll deal with in Latin America, from border patrol to bicycle cops, are less than thrilled to be doing what they’re doing. They’re often overworked and underpaid, and sometimes they’re just plain tired of standing in the hot sun dealing with the likes of you.
As a result, a smile and a “gracias” or “por favor” can often go a long way. If they still won’t bite, there’s also the option of playing that gringo card and actually using it to your advantage. “But, ma’am, I didn’t know I needed a copy of my bank statement to go with my application.” Or “No, officer, I had no idea my rental car had an expired tag. I’ll go right now and let them know, and you can get on back to your air-conditioned patrol car.”
3. If a bribe is unavoidable, just don’t be the one to bring it up.
When you find yourself in a dead-end situation, you’ll know when you’ve finally reached a stalemate. You’ll have made your case, and they’ll have made theirs. And then comes the silence. The moment where you know it’s time to either give in or up the ante.
If you do decide to offer a bribe, make sure you phrase it carefully. Don’t offer money or favors outright. Just ask if there’s another alternative, a mutually beneficial way to get what you’re after, or an incentive to speed up the process. “Officer, are you sure revoking my license is the only option?” or “Sir, is there anything I can do to help get my application to the top of the pile?”
And then shut up.
Once the ball’s in the other person’s court, it’s up to them to either propose the terms or shut it down. If they threaten any kind of recourse, backpedal like hell. It’s also best to make sure no one else is in earshot of your conversation. An official is much more likely to take the bait if no one’s around to know about it.
4. Only risk as much as you’re willing to lose.
It’s worth a few dollars to have a tour guide let you photograph a rare exhibit, and $20 is nothing compared to a hefty fine and a court appearance. But be careful bribing when it really counts.
There are several reasons for this. One is that it rarely ends with one bribe. If you pay your way out of one requirement, you’ll be fully expected to fork over even more to get over the next hurdle. It’s a slippery slope.
Another reason is that there’s less of a guarantee that things will be done right. And, if you paid a bribe to make it happen, there’s very little you can do about it without implicating yourself. Not to mention, Latin American officials and policies often change completely with every new election. Just because you paid off a prior official, you could find yourself right back at square one (or, worse, even further behind) when a new administration takes over.
Bottom line? If you bribe your way out of a traffic violation, about the worst that could happen is that you end up with the fine or ticket anyway. But try it in a business setting, and the repercussions could be much worse.
The region of Limón, Costa Rica has largely been untouched by the growth in other parts of the country. Often considered Costa Rica’s last frontier, this Caribbean location promises new opportunities for both expats and investors while still retaining the sense of being off the beaten path.
Limon, Costa Rica
Limón is unique throughout Costa Rica in that it may be the most culturally diverse location in the country. Combined with untouched natural beauty and diverse ecosystems, living in Limón is truly a chance to experience life “off the grid.”
Limón’s History and the African Connection
Very little is known about the pre-Colombian history of Limón province. There is archeological evidence that tribal groups from Brazil and Ecuador visited the region and lived a hunter-gatherer existence. In the southern part of the province, the indigenous Bribri people lived in and around what is known today as Puerto Viejo. Their descendants still are a majority in the area.
In 1502, during his fourth and final voyage, Columbus anchored off of present day Puerto Limón at Ilsa Uvita. It is ironic that this area, although discovered first, remained largely unexplored until Spanish settlers began to build there in the 19th century.
The Afro-Caribbean migration
At the beginning of the 19th century, Afro-Caribbean groups from Bocás del Toro (present day Panama), San Andrés (now Colombia), and Nicaragua followed the turtle migration in order to hunt the creatures. As time passed, permanent settlements were established and blended with the indigenous tribes creating the unique Afro-Carib-Costa Rican culture that marks Limón today.
The long arm of United Fruit and development comes to Limón
The town of Puerto Limón was founded in 1854 and, in 1870, the Costa Rican government decided to build a railroad to Limón from San José. After three years, the project stalled due to problems with logistics and money.
Enter Minor Keith who, with the encouragement of Bernardo Soto, Public Works Minister, renegotiated the loans and completed the construction in 1884. In order to offset losses due to low passenger fares, Keith loaded the empty cars with bananas for shipment to the U.S. Ultimately, this would lead to Keith establishing the powerful and influential United Fruit Company.
The Caribbean Coast: a land apart
Even though some development had arrived in Limón, there was a deep divide between the central government in San José and the Afro-Caribbean population. It was not until 1948 that residents of the province, called limonenses, could freely travel without permission from the government.
Infrastructure improvements have been much slower in the region than other parts of Costa Rica. There is only one road, route 32, that runs to Limón from San José and electricity did not arrive until 1976.
The Attractions of the Caribbean Coast
One of the special features of Puerto Limón and the surrounding region are the many unique sights and activities available to visitors. A new awareness of the natural wonders, aquatic adventures, a vibrant cultural mix, and laid-back lifestyle have created an increase in tourist activity since the late 1970s.
The beauty and mystery of nature
The Limón province is home to many natural wonders. Tortuguero (literally land of turtles) features the Tortuguero National Park. The navigable canals here have given the area its nickname of “Amazon of Costa Rica.”
The beaches in and around Tortuguero are the nesting grounds for four of the eight types of green sea turtles in the world. During breeding seasons (March through October and February through July), visitors can observe these ancient creatures coming ashore to lay their eggs.
The Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge has become a favorite location for those wanting to experience a jungle rainforest and its inhabitants. Located three miles south of Puerto Viejo, in the southern part of the province, this 23,348-acre refuge also features one of the two coral reefs in Costa Rica.
Three Fingered Sloth
The Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica, located in Penshurst, 30 km from Limón, is truly a one of a kind experience. With over a hundred two- and three-fingered sloths in residence, the Sanctuary gives visitors a chance to interact with these mysterious creatures in a way not found elsewhere.
Fun on and under the ocean
The fishing off the coast of Tortugero has become known as some of the best sport fishing in Central America. Known as one of the world’s premier tarpon spots, the Caribbean coast has become one of the most popular year-round fisheries in the region.
For scuba and snorkeling enthusiast,s the two ranges of coral reefs provide a chance to explore one of the rarest ecosystems in the world. Located at Cahuita National Park and Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge, exploring these unique living environments is an opportunity not to be missed.
For surfers, Puerto Viejo offers a special treat. Known locally as “Salsa Brava” this powerful wave that can reach 40 feet in height can challenge even the most skilled wave riders.
The cultural experience
Being able to immerse yourself in the food and celebrations of the Caribbean, blended with an almost bohemian-like outlook, can give visitors a whole new slant on the concept of “pura vida.” The slower, more casual pace is far less touristy and more attuned to the idea of living for the moment.
Three of the villages in the region – Puerto Viejo, Punta Uva, and Cahuita – offer a true slice of Caribbean culture. Exciting and exotic Caribbean food, reggae music, and a general party atmosphere make it difficult to remember that you are still on land and not on an island.
Puerto Limón has became famous for its fall celebration, known as Carnaval. Started in 1949 by a community leader, Alfred Henry Josiah Smith (known as Mister King), this festival starts on October 12th and runs for about a week (including two weekends).
Originally designed to commemorate Columbus’ anchoring there in 1502, Carnaval has evolved into a weeklong party with food, dancing, live music, and a concert by a major artist from the Caribbean or Latin America.
Living and Investing in Limón Costa Rica’s Carribean Coast
As a major port city Limón, Costa Rica, is a natural hub for commercial investment. Largely overlooked until recently, the port area promises to expand in the hopes of attracting more commercial operations and ventures.
A significant attraction to expats is the remoteness of the area and lack of the “tourist vibe.” Finding lots to develop is far easier than in other parts of Costa Rica. Rustic housing (for those so inclined) also is more affordable.
The cost of living is generally lower than on the Pacific Coast. The exception to this would be for higher-end items such as appliances, electronics, and vehicles.
If you are looking to truly immerse yourself in the Afro-Carib-Costa Rican culture, Limón is the place for you. The smaller neighborhoods and villages in the region have maintained their uniquely Caribbean flair and atmosphere, and living there is the best way to experience it.
Investment plans for the future, public and private
The Limón province promises to make up for lost time as investors from both the public and private sectors are realizing the potential that exists in the region. In addition to the continued growth and commitment to the tourist industry, residential and commercial projects are also planned.
The Agency for the Development of Limon is made up of private commercial interests, banks, universities, and governmental agencies all working in concert to improve Limón and the surrounding area. One major project, the Moin Container Terminal, is scheduled to begin construction sometime in 2014 and open for operations in 2016.
A new resort project, Grand Caribbean, is repurposing a canal dug by the United Fruit Company in the 1950s for construction of a marina and residential lots. As other real estate investors see the improvement in infrastructure and the commitment by the government to developing Limón, Costa Rica, the potential return on investment can be expected to increase exponentially.
The challenges of moving to the Caribbean side
One of the major features of Limón, Costa Rica is also one of its major drawbacks. There are limited resources in the area and fewer amenities than in the more developed regions of the country.
Medical care for the entire province is provided by a single hospital. Hospital Dr. Tony Fascio Castro is located in Puerto Limón and is responsible for a direct population of nearly a quarter-million people.
Infrastructure has lagged behind the rest of Costa Rica. As a result, getting basic amenities such as electricity and water could be problematic depending on location.
Language outside of the major population areas, such as Puerto Viejo and Puerto Limón, may be a barrier to some. Not only is Spanish a principal language, there’s also a local dialect, Limonese Creole (Mekatelyu), a blending of English, Spanish, and Caribbean tongues.
Finally, the expat community, although growing, is still quite small compared to other regions. If having fellow expats in close proximity is a requirement, the Limón region may not be your best option.
Traveling to Limón Can Be an Adventure in Itself
There are a couple of options for those seeking to explore Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. The remoteness and isolation that makes the region attractive also can make getting there a challenge.
The Limón International Airport was reopened for international travel in 2006 after being restricted to domestic travel for 20 years. At present the domestic carriers, Sansa Air and Nature Air, offer private charter flights from San Jose to Limón.
Both Sansa Air and Nature Air offer regularly scheduled flights to Tortuguero in the northern part of the region. From there, travelers can take the “water taxi” for the four-hour boat ride to the port at Moin, one of the two major ports in Limón. Alternatively, arrangements can be made with taxi drivers to make the drive to Limon.
The long and winding road
For most visitors to Limón and the surrounding region, driving is the travel method of choice. There are two routes from San Jose that lead to Limón; both routes ultimately merge onto the single road, route 32, that leads to the Caribbean coast.
The four-hour drive on this two lane road can be both scenic and difficult. Accidents, slow traffic, and even landslides can test both the patience and endurance of many drivers.
Two of the less stressful and more economical options are the public bus system and private shuttle service. Letting someone else do the driving can free your attention and allow enjoyment of the adventure ahead.
A truly less traveled path
An unusual option to making the journey from San Jose to Puerto Viejo – in the southern part of the Limón region – is by raft. Rafting down the scenic Pacuare River, adventurers are transported back to an earlier time. Though the entire trip is not by raft (shuttles are also used), this option provides a one-of-a-kind experience.
Limón’s Promise and Potential
Unspoiled and undeveloped, Limón and the Caribbean zone promise to be both the newest tourist mecca in Costa Rica and a unique expat and investor destination. Visitors and residents alike can look forward to “Pura Vida” with a dash of Caribbean spice in the days ahead.
If you know anything at all about Panama, you’re likely aware that it’s tropical, has amazing beaches and cool mountain locations, and is a great place to take up a second residence.
Here are 20 lesser known facts that show why this popular expat destination is worth a second look, whether merely for a visit or as a potential place to start the next chapter of your life.
Marc Veraart
- Panama contains the only place in the world where you can see the sun rise on the Pacific and set on the Atlantic…from the same spot! At the country’s narrowest point, only 80 kilometers separates the Atlantic from the Pacific Ocean.
- Panama City, the nation’s capital and largest city, is the only capital city in the world that has a rain forest within its city limits.
- The total population of Panama is around 3.6 million with 1.5 million of those living in Panama city.
- The official language of Panama is Spanish, but English is widely spoken. More so in the urban vs. the rural areas.
- Panama celebrates two independence days, the first from Spain in 1821 and the second from Colombia 82 years later in 1903.
- Panama was the very first Latin American country to adopt the U.S. dollar as its official currency.
- Major driver’s of Panama’s economy include cargo ships, the exportation of refined petroleum, and tourism.
- The Panama Canal was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1904 and 1914. It’s considered one of the seven modern World Wonders.
- More than 12,000 people died in the construction of the Panama Railroad.
- Panama is located south of the hurricane alley, so it is rarely affected by tropical storms or hurricanes.
- Panama is home to 10,000 different plants species, including 1,400 varieties of orchids, 678 ferns, and more than 1,500 varieties of trees.
- There are two basic seasons in Panama: the dry season from December to April and the rainy season from May to November.
- Panama has more than 976 bird species, which is more than the United States and Canada combined.
- All vessels going through Panama Canal have to pay a toll. The toll is based on the type of vessel, its size, and its cargo. The highest toll ever paid was $376,000 by the Norwegian Pearl cruise ship in 2010.
- Panama grows some of the world’s finest coffee, which can be tasted at Starbucks and other coffee houses worldwide.
- At 11,397 feet, the highest elevation in Panama is Volcán Barú, which is located near Boquete.
- Panama has the second-largest duty-free zone in the world, the Colon Free Zone, second in size only to Hong Kong.
- For a relatively small country, Panama boasts many miles of pristine beaches, with more than 1,500 miles (2,490 kilometers) of shoreline.
- The Panamanian constitution gives foreigners and citizens the same right to own property.
- The Panama Hat actually originated in Ecuador.
- Senator John McCain was born in Panama, in the Canal Zone which was at that time considered U.S. Territory.
- Panama has a 100% tropical climate with temperatures ranging between 80-90 degrees.
Want to learn more about Panama? You should check this incredible destination out for yourself!