Andrea Pignataro is today’s guest, an attorney who specializes in residency in Costa Rica. Get inside information straight from the source in this informative and ultra detailed conversation.
We discuss everything you need to know about residency from the different options to costs involved, to if you even need residency at all. You will learn what is involved in the process, what choices you have and how to hire the right professional.
In this episode, we discuss:
- If you need residency to purchase property, buy a car, or open a bank account in Costa Rica
- What type of residency is best for you or if you need one at all
- How much and what costs are involved in the process
- If you can do it yourself without an attorney
- A fee breakdown so that you know you are not getting ripped off
- What paperwork you need from your home country to apply for Costa Rican residency
And much more.
Listen to the show
You can listen to the show using the player above or grab it and listen on the go via one of the following options:
- Click here to download the mp3
- Click here to subscribe via iTunes
- Click here for the RSS feed (non iTunes)
- Click here for the show archive
React to the Show
We appreciate your reaction to episodes of Viva Radio and feedback about how we’re doing.
Send us your thoughts any time in an email or comment below.
The Show Notes
- Email Andrea or give her a call (506) 8846-0985
There is no denying that Nosara Costa Rica, in particular Playa Guiones, is a popular place for expats to stop and rest their traveling feet.
Exactly why has this beautiful area on the Northern Coast of the Nicoya Peninsula become so popular with expats?
Photo: Viva Tropical
The surf is consistent, easy to learn on, and fun and challenging for experts. World class yoga classes and teacher certifications are everywhere. Health food is plentiful and accessible, unlike many other parts of Costa Rica and Central America. International schools with excellent academic and cultural programs are available for those with children, making it a great place to raise a family. It is a safe community without a drug culture, unlike many other beach towns in Costa Rica. The beaches are some of the most beautiful in Costa Rica and easy to explore by foot, bus, or car. It has many of the luxuries from home making a transition towards living there relatively easy.
With all of that, what more could an expat ask for?
Surfing for All Levels in Nosara Costa Rica
Playa Guiones, a popular beach town in Nosara, has some of the most versatile surfing in all of Costa Rica.
Close to the beach there are rows of clean white water, which are perfect for beginners. In the town of Guiones several surf schools including Kaya Sol and Coconut Harry’s. Board rentals are everywhere for those looking to practice on their own. Slightly further out is a break for intermediate surfers where they can easily practice turns. On the outside big waves that will challenge seasoned surfers.
Another great thing about Playa Guiones is that the waves are surfable at any tide level, which means practicing and learning to turn is possible at any time of the day.
Playa Pelada, a short walk from Guiones, has a volcanic reef point break that is a great option when Guiones is too windy to surf.
The Nosara Rivermouth, about a mile north of Playa Pelada, is not at all crowded likely because it is the most challenging break in the Nosara area. The Rio Nosara empties into the ocean and the rocky break produces some of the best waves in the area. The waves are for intermediate to advanced surfers only.
For those with a car tons of nearby beaches have incredible waves for you to explore including Ostinal, with heavy hollow breaks, and Playa Marbella with hollow but softer waves.
Nosara Offers World Class Yoga
The Nosara Yoga Institute not only put Nosara on the map as a popular travel destination in Costa Rica, it put Costa Rica on the map as a popular place to practice yoga. For years the NYI has offered world-class yoga classes and teacher trainings. Sitting up on a hill in the forest, the NYI is a peaceful, intimate place to practice whether for one afternoon, during a week long retreat, or for a month long teacher training.
Following the Nosara Yoga Institute’s lead, several studios now exist, offering incredible drop-in classes and teacher trainings. The Harmony Hotel hosts a lovely space tucked in the garden across from a pond with twice daily classes taught by many of the same teachers as classes at Nosara Yoga Institute.
Blue Spirit yoga is another popular spot that offers yoga and meditation retreats and Yoga Teacher Trainings.
Unique styles of yoga difficult to find elsewhere are in Nosara including 5 Rhythms Dance, which is a type of moving meditation and aerial yoga where yogis practice their asanas while suspended.
It is not uncommon to see groups practicing yoga on the beach and you may feel inspired to get playful with some acro yoga.
Pilates courses are also available at Pilates Nosara which offers daily drop-in classes, workshops, retreats, and teacher trainings.
Nosara’s Health and Wellness Culture
In harmony with the spectacular and plentiful yoga there is a very dedicated health community in Nosara.
Playa Guiones has one of the only organic grocery stores in Costa Rica. Organico Deli-Market has organic produce daily, healthy staples like bee pollen and quinoa, a bulk spices, nuts, and dried fruit section, local cheeses and other goodies, and delicious ready made soups, salads, and sandwiches.
Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. is an organic Farmer’s Market selling organic meat, fruit and veggies, and homemade bread and pastries.
Naked Foods, also in Playa Guiones, has an incredible healthy juice and snack selection. Amazing juice combinations like coconut water, ginger, cayenne, cucumber and honey are bottled and available from their cooler. They sell glass jars filled with dehydrated bananas you can top with incredible cacao butter, spirulina fruit snacks, and other raw goodies. Jars of fresh spices are also for sale.
Most of the yoga studios offer body work, as does Tica Massage, further supporting your wellness transformation.
Nosara Is a Great Place to Raise a Family
With two private schools with international students, Nosara is a great place to raise your children. The schools have small class sizes, a diverse curriculum, and are taught bilingually to teach your children Spanish while continuing to cultivate their command of the English language. Because the schools are international, kids learn not only about Costa Rican culture, but about the many different cultures of the other students in their classes.
Del Mar Academy has a summer program that lasts only a couple of months for families looking to test out the area.
It is also full of fun activities for kids. Aside from playing at the beach and exploring the jungle, there are surf lessons safe for kids of all ages, yoga classes for kids, and boxing, ballet, swimming, and tumbling classes.
The many other expat families who have already chosen to call Nosara home make this community very family centered. It is easy to meet other families in Playa Guiones simply shopping at the market, eating in a café, or playing at the beach because it is such a small town.
Bringing your children closer to nature is a great reason to move in Nosara. In this small town in the jungle it is not uncommon to interact with wildlife daily. Howler monkeys, lizards, and beautiful birds are as common to see as squirrels and pigeons in North American cities.
Nosara Is Safe
When deciding to live abroad, safety is often a concern. Nosara is known to be one of the safest beach towns in all of Costa Rica. Because it is a small community, everyone looks out for one another keeping the town protected. Playa Guiones and the surrounding beach towns have a complete lack of party scene, which means no drug culture or scene. This keeps most unsavory individuals and activities away which contributes to a very low crime rate.
Expats and locals will tell you it is completely safe to walk at night all over Playa Guiones.
It Is Beautiful
Nosara spans over several beaches that have dramatic rocky cliffs, tropical palm trees, and big expansive sand shores. Walking from one beach to another you see how beautiful this area truly is.
A short drive from Playa Guiones is San Juanillo, with clear water and white sand. Beachcombing is excellent with incredible shells all over the shore and the water is clear and calm enough for some snorkeling around the nearby rocks.
Between June and December it is possible to see one of the most incredible sights in all of Costa Rica at the Ostinal Wildlife Reserve less than a half hour from Playa Guiones. Thousands of sea turtles run onto the shore to lay their eggs and in later months you can see these eggs hatch and make their pilgrimage out to sea.
It is undeniable that watching the sun set over the ocean and the sky light on fire is one the most incredible sights in the world. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Nosara has some of the most beautiful sunsets anywhere. So much so that watching the sunset is a daily community activity in Playa Guiones. Surfers come in from their session, families perch on the hill, travelers and expats sit in silence for an hour to watch the descent of the massive orange sun.
It Is an Easy Transition
Compared to the rest of Central America, Costa Rica can feel very North American. Compared to the rest of Costa Rica, Nosara feels particularly North American. In fact, at times Playa Guiones may feel like a small California beach town. This makes transitioning into life abroad much easier.
Restaurant workers, hotel staff, and shop clerks all speak English and many foods we are accustomed to in North America, like health food, pizza, and fusion, are all available in Nosara. High end hotels like The Harmony Hotel and other retreat centers offer many first world luxuries.
That said, it is entirely possible to have an authentically Costa Rican experience here. If you desire to, locals will speak Spanish with you. There are also Costa Rican style cafes. However, if you long for some of the comforts from home, they can certainly be found in Nosara which can make taking the leap a lot less scary.
You may have heard about Playa Negra and assumed it was only for diehard surfers. And it is one of the premier surfing spots in Costa Rica, if not the world. But what’s more is that Hotel Playa Negra and the surrounding area offers a truly relaxing and authentic experience that’s guaranteed to delight everyone in the family.
Let’s start with the area itself.
Viva Tropical
Bona Fide Pura Vida
Many Costa Rican beach destinations are either convenient, but really touristy. Or they’re more laid-back, but completely isolated. Playa Negra is a great compromise between the two.
You can make the 1 hour and 45 minute drive from Liberia’s international airport. Another option is to take a domestic flight from San Jose (which is a 4-5 hour drive away) to Tamarindo. There are also buses, taxis, and of course rental cars that can get you to the hotel from nearby Santa Cruz.
Once you arrive you’ll find a quaint little surfing town that isn’t the least bit tawdry or touristy. It’s just simple and clean and quaint for those seeking a bona fide tropical getaway without any of the unnecessary accoutrements. It’s also only a short drive to other popular destinations like Tamarindo, which offers a bit more in the way of development and tourist infrastructure should you desire it.
Viva Tropical
World-Class Surfing Without the Crowds or Commotion
One of the most popular activities in Playa Negra is surfing. In fact, the world famous surf break, featured in the movie “Endless Summer II,” is situated directly in front of Hotel Playa Negra.
It has a rock bottom with right-hand barreling waves and a well-defined channel for easy paddling out. The water is crystal clear, and the swells are consistent year-round. The dry season of December to April provides a steady supply of cloudless skies and offshore breezes. While May through November is generally rainy, there is the occasional veranillo, or “little summer,” that offers the same near-perfect conditions coupled with a Southern Hemisphere swell.
Within walking distance are a number of other breaks, as well as some offshore reefs. You can also make the 10-minute drive to nearby Avellanas with its reef, beach, and river mouth breaks. Another half hour will find you in Tamarindo, which is considerably more crowded at popular spots like Playa Grande and Langosta.
If surfing isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the beach at Hotel Playa Negra. The shore that lies along the property is composed of a beautiful sand beach that’s dotted with rocky outcroppings and tide pools that beg for exploration. Just 100 yards south lies a white sand beach that’s perfect for swimming, boogie-boarding, or just relaxing near the water’s edge.
There’s plenty of sea life to observe, including sea turtles and parrot fish. There isn’t much development around the hotel, which makes for a pristine, private setting that easily trumps any artificially manufactured beachfront tourist development.
Viva Tropical
Privacy and Relaxation with Top Notch Amenities
The property itself consists of a sprinkling of bungalows that are nestled into a tropical garden. Each is a stand-alone hut with a roof of palm leaves, known locally as “rancho.” The many windows allow the ocean breeze to flow freely, and many boast a wooden deck complete with a sitting area and hammock.
There’s a large oceanside swimming pool, just steps from the sand. There’s also a yoga area and surf shop on-site.
Viva Tropical
The hotel’s restaurant and bar are also located right on the beach. From 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. the kitchen serves up salads, burgers, tropical fruit platters, steaks, fresh seafood, sandwiches, and traditional Costa Rican cuisine. There’s also a weekly Argentinian barbecue, which guests love.
The bar stays open much later and offers fresh fruit smoothies, cocktails, margaritas, and other frozen libations. It’s the perfect place to sit a while or even an entire day, just relaxing under the thatch roof, watching the surfers, and conversing with other travelers from all over the globe.
In the evenings, people gather on the beach to watch the spectacular sunsets.
Hotel Playa Negra is the perfect place to get away from it all and enjoy an authentic tropical beach vacation, without having to compromise any of the creature comforts you’d get at other, more well-visited locales. Whether your interests include surfing, sunning, or just soaking up your surroundings, this is a destination that promises not to disappoint you or the family.
Everything you need to know that happened in the last 2 months in Costa Rica.
Each day we sift through hundreds of articles in English & Spanish to bring you the very best ones from Central America. From investment indicators to new infrastructure projects. Adventure stories to politics. It’s all here.
Costa Rica May 2014.
Zack Kruzins
Costa Rica Tourism
- Marina in Costa Rica Set for June Groundbreaking (Trade Only Today) After suffering a deep economic loss following the departure of the Chiquita Land Company, Golfito Costa Rica is ready for a comeback. Golfito Marina Village & Resort, Costa Rica’s newest resort catering to super yachts, is scheduled to break ground in June in this southern Costa Rican town. Improvements have already begun with the renovation of the town’s central boulevard and roads.
- Natural Riches: Abundant Flora, Fauna Highlight Jaunt through Costa Rica (Commercial Appeal) Though Costa Rica occupies 0.03 percent of the planet’s surface, it hosts 4 percent of worldwide species and is worth putting on your travel agenda in 2014.
- In Search of ‘Wild’ Costa Rica (New York Times) Costa Rica is home to large tracts of untouched yet accessible rain forest and according to News York Times Travel, it is the most bio-diverse vacation you will ever have.
- Tourism Sector in Costa Rica Poised to Grow 5.5% in 2014 (Costa Rica Star) Costa Rica is set for a good year in tourism growth as visitors from Asia and Latin America are willing and more able than ever to travel both within and beyond their borders.
- Costa Rica’s New Border Crossing Fees Are in Full Effect & Causing Delays (Costa Rica Times) Costa Rica’s border crossing fee is in place like it or not. The fee started to be collected on April 1st. It’s a $5 departure tax and a $2 payment for protection services at the border, which are provided by Costa Rica.
PDTillman
Costa Rica Lifestyle
- Costa Rica Is Getting More and More Expensive. Here’s Why: (Costa Rican Star) Is it more expensive for an expat to live in Costa Rica than say Panama? Maybe so, a recent report by Costa Rican TV network Teletica says that expats living in this tropical paradise are not feeling the Pura Vida when it comes to their personal finances, and their stories confirm the ongoing trend of skyrocketing prices in consumer goods and services.
- Eight Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Overseas Retirement Destination (Huffington Post) Do you know what your lifestyle requirements are? Do they fall in line with living abroad in a tropical (and maybe less expensive) climate? Check out Huffington Post’s top eight factors to consider when moving abroad to find out.
- Costa Rica Untapped (Audubon) A real wilderness adventure awaits in one of the world’s most popular nature travel destinations, Costa Rica, where you get off the beaten path (and life’s rat race) on the Osa Peninsula.
Barnaby Wasson
Costa Rica Real Estate
- Real Estate Leads Costa Rica FDI (The Nation via Google Translate) Foreigners are investing in Costa Rica real estate in record numbers. In 2013, $1.16 billion was invested according to information from the Costa Rican Coalition for Development Initiatives (Cinde), the largest contributor to Costa Rica’s foreign direct investment numbers.
- 2014 Real Estate Trends Looking Up in Costa Rica (Digital Journal) The Real Estate market in Costa Rica is looking positive in 2014. With the new wave of retiring Americans and Canadians comes a new wave of buyers and future expats.
Zhu
Costa Rica Economy
- Business in Costa Rica: Intel Outside (The Economist) Intel shuts a factory, slicing away one-fifth of the country’s exports and possibly crippling its export economy. The pain will be felt across the economy. Intel’s operations in Costa Rica are worth around $2 billion a year, making up about 20% of the country’s exports. The firm accounted for 11% of net foreign direct investment in 2000-12.
- Intel and Bank of America Layoffs Stun Costa Rica (The Oregonian) Did Costa Rica’s presidential election cause a fallout in its economic sector? Both Bank of America and Intel might think so. Both companies stunned Costa Rica’s government by announcing they would fire about 3,000 workers in the Central American nation just two days after the opposition won a presidential runoff.
T_Pixel
Costa Rica Environment
- Greenwashing Away Minority Land Rights in Costa Rica (Huffington Post) Amid the clamor of a presidential runoff election this week, few likely noticed one of Costa Rica’s outgoing president’s last acts: the signing of Law 9223. The law is unique in that it gives recognition of the Rights of Inhabitants of the South Caribbean and does something apparently quite simple: It removes several long-standing coastal communities occupying some 900 acres along Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast from the confines of the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge.
- Tulemar Receives Costa Rica’s Environmental Blue Flag Award (Digital Journal) For the seventh consecutive year, Tulemar Beach has been named one of the cleanest beaches in Costa Rica.
- Access to Water Becomes Fundamental Right in Costa Rica (Aqua Now) Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly passed a bill that will make general access to water a fundamental right. The new bill establishes water for human consumption as a priority use.
- Stunning Photos of 8 Million Flower Petals Raining Down on a Costa Rican Village (PetaPixal) Word’s can’t describe it…watch 8 million flower petals shoot out of a volcano in Costa Rica.
Like this country brief? Get it in your inbox weekly for free.
Be sure to catch the weekly country briefs by subscribing via email right here:
Playa Negra in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste on the Northwest Pacific Coast probably isn’t on your radar. It feels worlds away from the popular, developed surf towns of Tamarindo and Jaco. With barreling waves, beautiful tide pools for swimming, and a relaxed community atmosphere, Playa Negra is Costa Rica’s hidden gem.
You should go there now.
Vagablonding
Location
Playa Negra is less than a two-hour drive from the Liberia International airport, making it a convenient first stop after landing in the country. It’s also just a half hour drive away from the world famous waves in Tamarindo. The town and surrounding area can be accessed only by small dirt roads, making a 4-wheel drive vehicle necessary. The road can be rough and there are several river crossings. However this difficult path is exactly what keeps out most of the tourists and development.
To reach the capital of San Jose, visitors and residents can fly from Tamarindo in under an hour or drive around four to five hours depending on weather. Public buses leave from the town of Santa Cruz, just a few miles away from Playa Negra.
Magalie L’Abbé
Activities
Most famous for its great surfing, there is plenty to do in Playa Negra. The town has two popular surf breaks and several more nearby that you can drive or take a boat to. A break exists for any surf level and beginners can take lessons right in front of Playa Negra. Swimming on the beach is possible because of tide pools, making it a great hangout beach for families. There are also horseback riding tours down the beautiful beach, fishing trips in small boats, body boarding, mountain biking in the gorgeous jungle, canopy tours, and yoga classes; just like at other popular spots in Costa Rica.
For even more adventure the Ostional National Wildlife refuge, a nesting site for the Olive Ridley sea turtle, is less than thirty miles away. During the months of July through December hundreds of turtles run from the beach out into the sea under the full moon, a stunning natural phenomenon.
Drew Domkus
Why You Should Go to Playa Negra Now
First Class International Dining
Playa Negra may be a small town, but the quality of restaurants serving international dishes puts it on par with much larger cities for dining. From wood fired pizza to Tex-Mex to French pastries, this town seems to have it all. Café Playa Negra has the best Peruvian food in Costa Rica serving ceviche patacones, passionfruit cheesecake, and of course Pisco Sours. A former five star restaurant chef from the U.S. has opened Villa Deevena with elegant dishes and an extensive wine list. There are also plenty of local Costa Rica restaurants that add some fusion and flair to their cuisine.
Excellent Surf Opportunities
Tamarindo may be famous for its consistent barreling waves, but Playa Negra has excellent surfing with less crowds and development. The main peak in Playa Negra is considered the best reef break in all of Costa Rica and has a fast, long right that tends to get quite hollow with plenty of green room. This area is unpolluted, which means the ocean remains crystal clear and full of animals. While surfing you can simply look down into the water and see parrotfish, sea turtles, and colorful reef fish; a truly magical experience.
Just a five minute drive away is famous Playa Avellanas which caters to many surfing abilities. Beginners and intermediates can surf the soft rights and lefts near the shore with a long board. Surf camps and surf instructors generally take students here. More advanced surfers can walk down to the Avellanas Rivermouth to surf an A-frame break with long barrels on both sides. Just north is Little Hawaii with a powerful Hawaiian-style right hand break. Finally, Playa Negra is close enough to Tamarindo to hit all of the famous spots including Witches Rock, with long lefts and rights that are easy to surf, and Ollie’s Point, with fast hollow waves that break on a rocky floor.
The Perfect Place to Get Away
Kim F
This small, sleepy town is home to just a few hundred residents, making it a peaceful place to hang out and relax. The long stretches of white and black sand beach are great for laying in the sun and reading a book or taking long walks. Tide pools with still water make little swimming pools for anyone looking to relax, especially kids, away from the waves. Perhaps one of the most relaxing things you can do is simply lay in a hammock with a cold beer and watch the sunset and Playa Negra is the perfect place to do just that.
Remote Yet Accessible
Playa Negra may feel like a quiet haven far away from it all, but it remains in close proximity to the development further up the coast. Just around the corner are the luxury resorts, variety of restaurants, and thumping night clubs in Tamarindo. This makes Playa Negra the perfect place to live out your deserted beach fantasies without missing out on any of the first world luxuries.
Map of Playa Negra, Costa Rica
Play Negra Fast Facts
- Population: A few hundred residents
- Typical temperature: Average temperature is 85 degrees
- Nearest airport with U.S. flights: Liberia International Airport
- Nearest U.S. consulate: San Jose, Costa Rica
Anoldent
The beautiful island of Ambergris Caye, Belize, was recently named the best island in the world by the readers of TripAvisor. The island takes top billing for the second year in a row, knocking out favorites like Bora Bora and Chile’s Easter Island.
When choosing it as their top pick, voters cited its beautiful natural environment, its perfect balance of quaint-meets-contemporary, and the myriad of activities the island offers. Here are a few of the things that make Ambergris Caye such a great choice for tourists and expats.
It has a relaxing laid-back feel.
Despite being popular enough to rank tops with TripAdvisor travelers, Ambergris Caye has retained its quaint island atmosphere. There are no high-rise buildings, no traffic lights, and nothing but palm trees lining the long stretches of beautiful beach.
Most everything is within walking distance, and most inhabitants do their walking in bare feet. Beyond that, golf carts are about the most sophisticated vehicles you’ll see on the sandy roads.
The people are an eclectic mix of locals as well as expats from all over the globe. Many residents come over from mainland Belize, but there are also immigrants from other Latin American countries, the U.S., and elsewhere. They’re all helpful, super friendly, and eager to share their love for the island with other newcomers.
Yet it’s far from sleepy.
Even though Ambergris Caye can be peaceful and quiet, there’s no shortage of things to do, thanks to its well-developed tourist culture. There are a variety of restaurants, due largely to its diverse blend of cultures.
You can visit a hot dog or burrito stand for lunch, snack on ceviche or stuffed jalapenos from a street vendor, and enjoy dinner at an elegant restaurant serving authentic Belizean cuisine. The island also has a happening evening scene, with plenty of bars, beach parties, and more.
It offers some of the world’s best scuba diving.
Ambergris Caye is less than a mile from the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest in the world. It’s also a short distance from the Great Blue Hole, one of the world’s top diving sites.
The waters around the island are also great for snorkeling. The fishing is great, and you can also sail to the nearby cayes, like Caye Caulker which is another popular Belize vacation spot.
Not to mention, the amazing scenery.
Ambergris Caye is much more than the sand and sea of your average beach town. It does have some great sand beaches that have been cleared for the enjoyment of sunbathing tourists. But what’s even more interesting are the other ecosystems on and around the island.
From the mangrove swamp that occupies the center of the island to the jungles on the surrounding cayes to the reef itself, there’s so much to observe in Ambergris Caye. If you’re only looking for the white sand beaches with shady palms, you can definitely find them. But don’t miss the other opportunities the island offers.
If you like Ambergris Caye, you’ll love these options…
James Willamore
Roatan, Honduras
Located just off the country’s northern coast, Roatan is also only a short hop from the reef. As a result, it offers the same opportunities to explore seawalls and shipwrecks while swimming with dolphins and sea turtles in the warm waters of the Caribbean.
Except when there are cruise ships docked offshore, Roatan is pleasantly uncrowded compared to some of its Central American competitors. Yet it also enjoys all of the same amenities tourists and locals seek, like great bars and restaurants.
It has equally friendly locals, many of whom speak English, and plenty of expats. Prices there are also still relatively affordable.
Roman Königshofer
Bocas del Toro, Panama
Also located in the Caribbean is the archipelago of Bocas del Toro, Panama. The country’s vacation destination, it’s popular among travelers from all over the world.
With its network of buildings built on stilts out in the water, it’s everything you picture when dreaming about a Caribbean vacation. It also enjoys the same easygoing vibe as the other destinations.
Visitors to Bocas del Toro can participate in diving, snorkeling, world-class surfing, jungle hiking, or just relaxing on the beautiful beaches.
Jackiemora01
Nosara, Costa Rica
A longtime popular choice among expats, Nosara is a great mainland beach option. It’s known for its fantastic surfing and healthy, active culture. It’s also gaining popularity among young expat families.
It’s a safe community that lacks the drug problem that plagues many other destinations. Its longstanding status as an expat haven has resulted in the addition of many amenities families seek, such as quality schools.
It also has some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, which are protected from the scars of any large-scale developments. They offer nothing but shady palms, rocky cliffs, and long expanses of sand.
VivaTropical
Boca Chica Island, Panama
Located in an archipelago in the Gulf of Chiriqui, off Panama’s Pacific Coast, Boca Chica Island is one of the country’s final frontiers. Its sandy beaches give way to lush virgin rainforests, making it the perfect place to relax in a tranquil setting away from the crowds and noise.
From Boca Chica, you can hop to one of the over 50 surrounding islands and explore deserted beaches, eerie mangroves, and ancient jungles. The area also offers some of the world’s best sport fishing.
While it sounds remote (and it certainly feels that way), Boca Chica Island is only a 10 minute boat ride from the town of Boca Chica on the mainland, and then it’s less than an hour to the city of David (Panama’s 3rd largest).
Because of its excellent location, plus the massive renovation of David’s airport that now allows for international flights from the U.S., property on Boca Chica Island is also a fantastic investment. It’s the perfect place to enjoy an active tropical lifestyle without giving up any modern conveniences.
And thanks to our newest Adventure Colony development, you can still buy oceanfront lots in this up-and-coming area at unbelievable prices. For more information on the Adventure Colony experience and its investment potential, here are some helpful insights and cool video of the area.
Map of Ambergris Caye, Belize
Belize Fast Facts
- Population: 324,060
- Typical temperature: mid-80s
- Nearest airport with U.S. flights: Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, Belize City
- Nearest U.S. consulate: Belmopan, Belize
Everything you need to know that happened in the last 2 months in Costa Rica.
Each day we sift through hundreds of articles in English & Spanish to bring you the very best ones from Central America.
From investment indicators to new infrastructure projects. Adventure stories to politics. It’s all here.
Costa Rica March 2014.
AJ Doudt
Costa Rica Lifestyle
- These Top Three Countries Offer the World’s Best Benefits and Incentives for Retirees (Virtual Strategies) Costa Rica is one of the top three countries who are home to the worlds’ best benefits and incentives for retirees. Luring retiring foreigners with special visas and significant discounts on everything from airfare to health care.
- Playa Guiones, Costa Rica is Top World Travel Destination for Great Surf (Costa Rica Star) Want to live like a surfer?Playa Guiones might just be the world’s best surfing spot. Want to know a bit more, check out the inf at the 2014 Olympus National Surfing Circuit site.
Guy Buchanon
Costa Rica Investment
- Mel Gibson, others not happy as new route planned between Samara beaches (Inside Costa Rica) Mel Gibson doesn’t want a road in Samara Costa Rica to be built. Gibson’s Nicoya home is situated smack-dab in the middle of a planned beach access route. Municipality of Nicoya Plans to Open Route Between Samara Beaches (Costa Rica Star) Gibson and several other land owners are protesting the beach access point. But it appears the municipality is pushing forward with the project.
- New CR International Airport on the Horizon? (Costa Rican Times) Costa Rica has pushed aside once again its plans for a southern airport, instead Orotina is the new spot for a brand new international airport. It sits at sea level, is 30 minutes from San Jose, and is being billed as the perfect spot to build.
Taraji Blue
Costa Rica Tourism
- Eco-Escape: The Landscapes and Wildlife of Costa Rica (Weather Channel) According to the Weather Channel, the only way to avoid the next big polar freeze is with an eco-escape to Costa Rica.
- Chasing Snakes in Piedras Blancas National Park (The Expert Vagabond) The Central American nation’s natural beauty and richness is one of the reasons many travelers and travel-blogger photographer Matthew Karsten continue to return to Costa Rica.
- Costa Rica: Your family and other animals (Independent UK) Lonely Planet is in love with Costa Rica too. In its ‘Great Escape’, series the well-established traveler’s handbook once again shows travelers how to get the most out of the nation’s wildlife, beaches, and jungles.
- Costa Rica welcomed record number of tourists in 2013 (Fox News Latino) Costa Rica welcomed a record number of tourists in 2013, with just over two million tourists setting foot in the nation.
- Costa Rica Launches Tourism Campaign During the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics (The Costa Rica News) Even with posting those high numbers, Costa Rica went after an eveng reater U.S. audience, the approximately 1.5 million watching the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi.
Brad Coy
Costa Rica Real Estate
- BUDGET Analysits of Panama, Costa Rica, & Ecuador to date! (Lyman’s Journey) An interesting comparison of cost of living report by blogger Tricia Lyman (who made the decision to sell everything and go country shopping) shows that a comfortable expat life in Costa Rica can be cheaper than in Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, and even Nicaragua -as long as you don’t live in Tamarindo Beach. Find out why here (Costa Rica Star).
- Tourism, Wealth and Unemployment: Guanacaste in Costa Rica (Costa Rica Star) Real estate in Guanacaste, Costa Rica is booming. Lots of new commercial and residential construction is underway along with an influx of new faces, which has some experts are wondering if there is another real estate boom taking place on the coast? And why now? Learn more at here (Costa Rica Star) .
- Jaco Beach: Costa Rica’s Real Estate Hotspot (The Costa Rican Times) Those not flocking to Guanacaste are ending up in Jaco beach, another real estate hot spot in Costa Rica. This popular little beach town has a little over two miles of beach front with plenty of world renowned surfing, authentic local culture and a caliente nightlife.
- It’s a Buyer’s Market for Private Islands (New York Times) Island buying in Costa Rica continues to establish itself with affluent buyers, who are seeking out non-traditional (think the Caribbean and St. Barts) warm climates. Here affluent buyers are splurging on land in the emerging areas of Costa Rica’s Southern Zone.
Arturo Sotillo
Costa Rica Economy
- Costa Rica’s Economy Rebounding, Vice President Says (Bloomberg) Bloomberg says Costa Rica’s economy is waking up. Following the global financial crisis of 2008, exports and foreign direct investment are picking up and there is a lower unemployment rate.
- Starbucks steps up search for Latin America’s El Dorado (Seattle Times)Where do you find the best coffee in the world? Starbucks of course and now you can get Starbucks in Costa Rica who is betting Costa Rica, and other coffee-rich Latin American nations, will be a source not only of fine Arabica, but also middle class customers.
MD Verde
Costa Rica Environment
- Costa Rica Aims For Carbon Neutrality With Payments For Ecosystem Services (Ecosystem Marketplace) Costa Rica’s grandiose experiment with payments for ecosystem services has restored millions of hectares of forest. The nation continues to establish a domestic carbon market with plans to link it to international markets in the future; all as part of its plan to become carbon neutral by 2021.
- Environmental Performance Index: Costa Rica (Yale) Is Costa Rica really as green as it says it is? Not according to Yale’s Environmental Performance Index. Costa Rica fell from fifth place to 54th out of 178 other countries in the well regarded environmental index.
Like this country brief? Get it in your inbox weekly for free.
Be sure to catch the weekly country briefs by subscribing via email right here:
Costa Rica has long been a favorite of expats and international travelers. With its beautiful beaches, friendly locals, and perfect weather it has claimed the top spot on lists of best tropical destinations for decades.
But what about newcomer Ecuador?
Rich in culture, and with a wide variety of climates and settings, Costa Rica’s South American neighbor is giving it a run for its money. Speaking of which, the cost of living in Ecuador is another perk that’s causing it to take top billing in many of those lists that Costa Rica once dominated.
Which is the better travel destination or expat haven?
Well, that depends solely on you and your priorities and expectations. To help you make a more educated decision, we’ve aligned the two countries in a side-by-side comparison so you can see how they stack up in several of the most important categories.
Ecuador vs Costa Rica
Use the Infographic on Your Own Site
Round #1 – Lifestyle Hacks
Slight Advantage: Ecuador
One of the most amazing benefits of living in Latin America is the opportunity to outsource a lot of your less desirable tasks. With a wealth of local labor resources that aren’t available in North America, you can hire helpers ranging from gardeners to tutors to drivers to grocery delivery guys.
You can even enlist the full-time services of a maid. (Think cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, and laundry.) And, in Ecuador, that’ll only run you a mere $10 per day!
The cost in Costa Rica is a little higher, closer to $15 per day, but it can be argued that this is one area where you get what you pay for. With Costa Rica’s heavily customer-oriented service culture, the aid you’ll get there is top-notch.
However, the service in Ecuador is excellent as well so, in terms of value, we have to award this category to them.
Mathew Kebbeckas
Round #2 – Connectivity
Outcome: Ecuador Advances
For a country that excels so well in so many areas, Costa Rica is light years behind the rest in terms of internet speed and availability. Broadband is available in most of the larger cities, but it’s often difficult to find a signal elsewhere.
The country’s connection speed has increased by 43% in the past year. However, at 2.1 megabytes per second, it’s still barely enough to stream a movie in standard definition (and you can forget high def).
Ecuador, on the other hand, is aggressively working to increase its internet coverage. Currently, over 35% of the population is connected, with a goal of access in 50% of households by 2015. In Ecuador there are also free public access centers, called Infocentros, scattered all over the country, even in more remote areas.
Anthony Doudt
Round #3 – Living Options
Winner: Costa Rica for its Tropical Lifestyle
Both Costa Rica and Ecuador, with their varied topography and diverse ecoclimates, offer a wide range of living and travel options. There are mountain towns, beach communities, and bustling cities.
In most of those categories, Ecuador is a worthy competitor. Cities like Cuenca and Loja offer colonial charm plus all the modern conveniences. The Galapagos Islands offer some of the world’s best biodiversity. Ecuador also has major cities, like Quito and Guayaquil, for those who want easy access to services and amenities (arguably better than boring, unattractive San Jose, Costa Rica).
Where Ecuador falls flat is with its tropical lifestyle. In short, beach towns. While it has a handful of established destinations, like Salinas and Montanita, those towns aren’t even in the same ballpark with what Costa Rica has to offer.
Tropical living and ecotourism are exactly what Costa Rica does so well. As a result, it can be a bit overrun with tourists at times and in certain locations. However, with so many options, there are still a number of places off the beaten path where you can find a secluded beach or a remote surfing spot. Costa Rica is the epitome of most expats’ ideal tropical lifestyle.
Wanja Krah
Round #4 – Green Living
Slight Edge: Costa Rica
In keeping with its commitment to the natural environment and its push towards ecotourism, Costa Rica is about as green as they come. Almost ¼ of the country’s total area is parkland. Over 90% of its electricity comes from renewable energy sources, with 95% projected by year end. It’s also well on its way to becoming the world’s first carbon-free economy.
It also feels greener in Costa Rica, with many businesses and communities promoting green initiatives and healthy living. However, Ecuador is certainly taking strides in this direction as well.
It’s the only country in the world where the rights of the natural environment are protected in the nation’s constitution. Ecuador is also home to Yasuni National Park, the most biodiverse place on earth. Although the region is constantly being threatened due to its 800-million barrel oil reserve, the country has undergone tremendous measures to protect it.
Tibo
Round #5 – Cost of Living
Clear Winner: Ecuador
Costa Rica is a top tropical destination for tourists and expats alike. However, it isn’t for its low costs. While still a fraction of what you’d pay for the same goods and services in North America, Costa Rica has one of the highest costs of living in Latin America.
By contrast, Ecuador’s reasonable cost of living is often one of its biggest selling points. There a couple could live simply on a mere $1200 per month. This total even includes rent, which runs around $450 on average.
And, by “simply,” we don’t mean completely free of luxuries like once-per-week maid service and high speed internet. While Ecuador’s cost of living is low, the lifestyle it affords is far from meager.
Sean Hobson
Round #6 – Ease of Access
Advantage: Costa Rica
Because of its long-standing status as a top Latin American destination, Costa Rica is serviced by a whopping 13 large airlines. It’s only 2 ½ hours from Miami and air travel from North America is often quite reasonable.
So not only is Costa Rica easy to access, it’s also a great starting point for travel in and around Central America. The only downside is that it has relatively few airports.
Ecuador has two international, Quito and Guayaquil, as well as a number of regional airports. However, most incoming flights have layovers in Miami, Panama City, Bogota, or the Caribbean, resulting in longer (and more expensive) travel.
Once you arrive in either country, public transportation is available to get you to points throughout the country. However, some trips in Ecuador can grow quite long. And Costa Rica isn’t exactly known for the quality of its roads.
CC
Round #7 – Business Climate
Champion – Costa Rica
We’ll go with some cold hard facts on this one. The International Finance Corporation ranks Costa Rica #102 for ease of doing business. Ecuador comes in at #135. In other words, neither has the ideal business climate, but Costa Rica’s is significantly better.
While far from perfect, Costa Rica’s business environment is one of the most stable in Latin America, with numerous incentives like low tariffs and competitive tax rates. Recent legislation has been aimed at attracting foreign investment and supporting the private sector. Processes like obtaining a visa or starting a business are relatively hassle-free, by developing country standards.
Ecuador’s business climate has been somewhat unpredictable in recent years. Its dollarized government is heavily based on petroleum, resulting in the need for the nation to look for ways to improve its trade balance. However, recent strides in economic policy have led to an estimated 5% growth.
Ecuador also offers a number of visa options. However, a number of stipulations (like losing your visa if you’re gone for more than 6 months) make maintaining residency a challenge at times.
My Future
Round #8 – Banking
Lesser Evil: Costa Rica
Due to FATCA and other U.S. tax evasion agreements, both Costa Rica and Ecuador have recently implemented stricter measures that create difficulties for foreigners attempting to bank there. You can no longer open an account with merely a passport, in either location. In fact, the requirements are very much the same for both countries.
Why Costa Rica? Mainly because of Ecuador’s inconsistent regulations and subpar accounting standards. The process of establishing an account can also take a good bit longer there.
One advantage Ecuador has is its use of the U.S. dollar as its official currency. Costa Rica’s colon, while it generally follows the dollar, is thinly traded and could present a problem in the event of a worldwide financial crisis.
Patrick Hall
Round #9 – Investment Opportunities
Winner: Ecuador
Costa Rica’s economy is one of the safest in Latin America, and its policies encourage foreign investment. However, though it excels in stability, it lags behind in opportunity.
Ecuador offers a wealth of real estate and business opportunities at a lower cost and, consequently, with a larger growth potential. The country is investing heavily in infrastructure, which generally results in increased property values. Infrastructure improvements are the #1 catalyst for real estate appreciation, as we discuss extensively in Pay Dirt, our latest ebook.
Tourism investments are also a great option in Ecuador. For its incredible number of natural attractions, Ecuador has a relatively weak tourist infrastructure. There’s a lot of potential for savvy entrepreneurs to profit in this arena as Ecuador continues to gain popularity among expats and international travelers.
Yannis
Round #10 – Health Care
Slight Edge: Costa Rica
This was a close one. Both countries offer excellent health care with skilled medical professionals and modern facilities, particularly in the larger cities. Costs are often as low as ¼ of the price for the same service in North America. Health insurance is also widely available and extremely affordable.
English is widely spoken among doctors in both countries, and many physicians even trained in the U.S. Hospitals are clean and equipped with the latest technological innovations.
While the care provided is great in both countries, the quality of Costa Rica’s health care system is ranked 36th in the world, ahead of the U.S. at 37th. It’s also physically closer to the United States, which could come in handy in the event that medical evacuation or frequent medical travel were necessary.
Mathew Johnson
Round #11 – Consumer Goods
Winner: Neither
Both Ecuador and Costa Rica have a few strikes against them when it comes to the availability and affordability of consumer products. Costa Rica taxes consumer goods heavily (its Value Added Tax is 14%), so as a result less of them are imported.
This can make it particularly hard to find the things you’re after. And if you do locate a hard-to-find item, you’re very likely to pay out the wazoo for it.
At 12%, Ecuador’s VAT is only slightly lower than that of Costa Rica. However taxes on imported goods have been steadily increasing. As a result, many Ecuadorians are actually going outside of the country to buy things like electronics.
Andrew Hall
Round #12 – Foreign Land Ownership
Our Pick: Ecuador
While both countries’ laws protect foreigners who own property, Ecuador’s are much more liberal. Property rights are guaranteed by the constitution, and they apply equally to foreigners and Ecuadorians alike.
What’s more, Ecuador places no restrictions whatsoever on foreigners who wish to purchase land. And there’s an abundance to choose from, often at rock bottom prices.
Compare this with Costa Rica who do not allow foreign residents to purchase land considered restricted or concession areas (which includes 95% of all beachfront property) until they’ve lived in the country for at least 5 years. However, many circumvent this limitation by buying property in the name of a Costa Rican corporation in which they have 49% ownership.
Due diligence is an absolute must before buying land in either country. We recommend the services of a qualified attorney, with experience in land transactions, who can thoroughly research the title and ownership rights.
Costa Rica vs. Ecuador – Who’s the Grand Champion?
Were you keeping score? We weren’t. That’s because it’s so difficult to say for certain exactly which destination is right for an individual.
Our best advice? Come see for yourself.
Is Costa Rica, with its tropical lifestyle and established expat communities, your idea of a dream destination? Or do you prefer to invest in up-and-coming Ecuador, where there’s excellent investment potential and so much left to discover?
There’s only one way to find out.
Ron Lewis
Located on the Nicoya Peninsula on the country’s Pacific Coast, Nosara, Costa Rica began as an agricultural community with a deforestation problem. The town caught the eye of a developer with a plan to leverage the area’s natural beauty and turn a piece of land into a community.
After over 40 years and several conservation and preservation initiatives (yet no paved roads), Nosara, Costa Rica real estate is highly coveted by investors, would-be expats, and their families.
Nosara is different in many ways than most other beach towns in Latin America, and even Costa Rica. Its natural beauty has made it a popular tropical destination. Yet it maintains a slightly bohemian, small-town feel.
Unlike most coastal towns, its beaches aren’t dotted with luxury high-rise condos and all-inclusive resorts, as much of the area consists of a protected wildlife refuge. However, it still has the amenities you’d expect, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, medical clinics, banks, and a police station. Construction is also constantly ongoing on new housing and retail developments.
Carlos Adampol
The Humble Beginnings of Nosara, Costa Rica Real Estate
For centuries, the area around present-day Nosara was used primarily for grazing cattle. As a result, much of the area had been deforested, greatly diminishing its beauty.
Finally, in the 1970’s, developer Alan Hutchinson flew over the peninsula in a small plane and was taken by the beauty of the Nosara River and the surrounding mountains. He purchased the land from a local and started building what came to be known as “The American Project.”
With labor from the nearby pueblo and supplies that were brought in by boat, the first few houses were constructed at Playa Pelada. The going was slow, with goods being brought in from San Jose or even the U.S. Fresh vegetables came once a week, and the only electricity came from generators that ran a few hours each day.
Sure it’s a great story. But what’s even more important about the way that the Nosara project began is that there was a master plan devised by its developers, something that was unheard of back then and still isn’t even that common today.
As a result of having a plan, Nosara has been able to avoid the pitfalls of amateur development. Along with community effort Nosara has been able to avoid zoning issues that are common in most coastal towns. Its real estate has benefited greatly from these factors making it a perfect place to invest in real estate with a bright future.
In Nosara, you may not drive on a paved road, but you will see million dollar homes. Thanks to a development plan that included thousands of acres you just don’t see beautiful hotels next to chicken coops, and it can’t be underestimated how valuable that makes the land today. And don’t forget the beach. Thanks to the town’s development plan, it’s as pristine as it ever was with no development visible on the coastline. Which is why Travel and Leisure and The New York Times love it and why it is home to people who could afford to live anywhere, but they choose an isolated stretch of coast called Nosara.
FK Nosara
Nosara, Costa Rica Today
The intentional directives of those earliest developers definitely paid off. Today those who have the privilege of owning property in Nosara enjoy one of the greatest lifestyles in all of Costa Rica, if not the entirety of Central America. The Nosara Civil Association, among a number of other groups, have launched initiatives that contribute to the preservation of the town and the enhancement of its residents’ quality of life.
Areas that were cleared for cattle now boast thick, rich forests, thanks to the reforestation component of the master plan. Nosara has the cleanest water table in Costa Rica with no dumping of gray or black water into its streams or beaches (an unfortunately common practice in Costa Rica, where waste management and other basic services are often lacking). Regular trash collection, recycling programs, and sustainability initiatives have also contributed immensely to the area’s cleanup and beautification.
Residents also enjoy an adequate water system, dependable electricity (for Costa Rica), decent roads and bridges, phone and wi-fi service, medical facilities, and a number of other amenities. The bargains scored by those earliest settlers are no longer to be found, but neither are the difficulties those first residents faced.
Nosara is comprised of four main communities, each of which is named after its respective beach: Playa Nosara, Playa Guiones, Playa Pelada, and Playa Ostional. These areas are the most populated, particularly with expats. They, along with the small area of Esparanza de Nosara, are also home to most of the hotels, restaurants, and other tourist attractions.
John and Christina
Nosara Enjoys One of Central America’s Healthiest Lifestyles
A major selling point of Nosara, Costa Rica real estate is the active, healthy lifestyle the area offers. In keeping with its residents’ aim to protect the natural environment, most are equally committed to maximizing their own health and wellness. As a result, Nosara offers a number of options for those who want to enjoy optimum nutrition and fitness.
-
Surfing – Nosara is internationally known for some of the best surfing in Central America. It enjoys consistent waves that allow for all-day enjoyment. There are also breaks that are perfect for every skill level, from beginners to experts. A number of surfing schools in the area offer lessons for beginning surfers of all ages.
-
Yoga – Nosara is one of the most popular places in the country to practice yoga, and there are classes, studios, and teacher certifications available on every corner. Yoga, with its focus on balance and awareness, is also a great complement to surfing and helps to relieve the tension that results from paddling.
-
Other Activities – Those aren’t the only active hobbies that Nosara residents engage in. Others include boxing, hiking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Football (soccer) and tennis are also popular, with access to fields and courts available.
-
Health Food – Healthy and nutritious food options are available throughout Nosara, from raw food cafes to smoothie stands to organic markets and grocers. You can find health drinks, local dairy products, organic produce, bulk nuts and spices, and even artisan foods like coconut and cacao products. Fresh fish is widely available, and there’s even a program that allows for you to sign up online for deliveries of fresh, organic goodies.
-
Green Initiatives – From recycling programs to sustainable building practices, there are a number of efforts in place aimed at keeping Nosara green. Recent programs include campaigns to reduce styrofoam use, beach cleanups, and tree plantings.
-
Nature – There’s much evidence to support the fact that merely being in nature is enough to improve one’s health and wellbeing. And there’s plenty of it to behold in Nosara. From gathering with locals on the beach at sunset to watching turtles nesting in their natural habitat, the area is brimming with wildlife just begging to be observed.
Nosara Is Also an Ideal Place to Raise a Family
Much of the buying pool for properties in today’s Nosara, Costa Rica real estate market consists of young families who are looking for a place to give their children the valuable experience of living abroad. And Nosara is one of the rare places in Central America where you can actually raise a family. As a result, you’ll see families shopping together at the market, eating in a cafe, or just hanging out at the beach, making it an easy place to meet other expat families.
Nosara also feels very North American, with a large number of English speakers (including locals), so it’s a natural choice if you’re looking for a place that’s an easy transition from the North American culture (although there’s still plenty of authentic culture to enjoy in Nosara).
Another huge advantage to raising kids in Nosara is the presence of two bilingual schools, the Del Mar Academy and the HSB Academy. Both have small class sizes and a diverse curriculum, allowing children to learn about the many cultures represented in their classroom. Del Mar Academy also offers a summer program for those who wish to try out the area for a short time.
In addition to their formal education, there are many other opportunities for expat children. Examples include surfing, dancing, boxing, gymnastics, and yoga. Not to mention all the ways your children can connect with nature. Rather than having to go to a zoo or wildlife preserve to see exotic animals, it’s perfectly common to see howler monkeys, lizards, and exotic birds just walking home from the beach.
Another tremendous benefit of Nosara is that it’s safe. Unlike many other beach towns in Costa Rica, it has little drug culture and no real party scene. As a result, it remains free of most shady individuals and maintains a low crime rate. Residents of the small community also do a great job looking out for one another.
What’s important about these characteristics is that they practically guarantee Nosara’s consistent growth as an established town with amenities and services to meet the needs of real families. It isn’t just some latest and greatest destination that’s heavily reliant on its tourism industry and destined to fail once another up-and-coming spot moves into the lead.
Instead it’s a rare find, especially among beach towns. Few other options in the Central American real estate market offer safe, family-friendly beach living, complete with farmers markets, desirable schools, and everything else you need to raise a family.
Jen Watkins
Is Nosara Primed for Another Real Estate Boom?
While it’s been growing steadily in recent years, there are some who suspect the Nosara, Costa Rica real estate market could be about to experience its largest growth spurt since 2006. And a visit to the town these days would quickly confirm those suspicions.
There are many new faces on the street, new homes and businesses going up at record speeds, and many other changes underway. Likely many are beginning to realize the value of living in a small, beach community as opposed to a large, fast-paced city (whether elsewhere in Central America or back in their home countries).
However, there’s no reason to worry that development in the area might get out of control. Due to the federally protected zone being established along the beach, no structures can ever destroy the natural beauty of Nosara’s coastline. This of course is affecting the price of land values as there is a limited supply. Likewise, height restrictions in the areas that are available for development also help to prevent the buildings from dominating the surrounding natural environment.
Philip Reid
Nosara, Costa Rica Market Data and Trends
The lifestyle available in Nosara is without a doubt a critical driver of the real estate market. You don’t see many real estate offices that don’t have vacation rentals as an offered service. This is because vacation renters end up buying lots of real estate, which is a testament to the attractive lifestyle offered in the area.
There are a few things that we’ve seen happening in Nosara’s real estate market over the past few years. For starters, the quality of the construction that buyers are seeking has changed considerably. Today’s buyers aren’t looking for quaint little shacks with thatched roofs, prices for land are far too high to make this idea work. People want high turnkey properties with all the conveniences you would expect in an emerging tourist mecca, a trend that’s also being echoed by the quality of new businesses that are being built or renovated.
Another trend is that property appreciation rates exceeded expectations in 2013, particularly on land prices which were up as much as 50% in some cases. This is a result of dwindling supply, in a 40-year old project there isn’t much that is new and most people at this point don’t want to drive very far to get to town.
As we mentioned previously, one of the easiest themes to notice right now in Nosara is the incredible amount of construction that’s underway. With hardly enough supply to meet the increasing demand (and with sophisticated buyers who know exactly what they want and are willing to wait for it to be built) there is more construction going on in Nosara than ever before. You can’t drive anywhere without seeing something getting built, from houses, to hotels, to tennis courts, the town is changing right before our eyes.
Also, with limited space in the central areas (due in part to the zoning ordinances we referenced), many of these new homes are being built on the outskirts of town or in the surrounding mountains. In those areas, lot sizes are much larger. They offer more privacy and tranquility, as well as a somewhat cooler climate and some killer views. Its expected that the higher prices in town or more space will push buyers into nearby areas.
Chris Goldburg
Why Your Investment Is Safe in Nosara
With so much to love in Nosara, it should be no surprise that it isn’t one of the cheapest places to live. Quite the contrary. It’s one of the pricier options in Costa Rica and in Central America in general. But the desire to live there is really strong and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. Even if you don’t want to live there a vacation rental can deliver a healthy return on investment up to 10% to 20% .
So, while properties in Nosara may not have the emerging upside of those in some lesser-known areas, it’s clear that its real estate market continues to go nowhere but up. If you want proof, you must only look at the expanding schools, new businesses, and infrastructure improvements, such as airport renovations and road pavings (finally!).
These advancements, combined with the slower pace of life and natural harmony, are what make Nosara the best of both worlds. And that trend isn’t one that’s changing any time soon.
Map of Nosara, Costa Rica
Nosara Fast Facts
- Population: About 1,700
- Typical temperature:Mid 80’s
- Nearest airport with U.S. flights: Liberia
- Nearest U.S. consulate: San Jose
Viva Team
Craigslist.org has long been a great resource for buying or selling anything from real estate to sofas to used cars. And Craigslist Costa Rica is an excellent way for expats to locate things they need when living overseas. However, like any online transaction, it’s important to exercise a great deal of caution when exchanging money or goods with complete strangers.
Most of these tips deal with how to buy goods or services without getting screwed. However, much of the same advice also applies when selling items as well. In fact, it’s even possible to become the victim of fraud when merely applying for a job on Craigslist.
One of the most common sources of fraud on Craigslist Costa Rica involves real estate. Sellers advertise properties they don’t own or that don’t exist and try to get unsuspecting expats or tourists to wire money in advance to buy or rent them sight unseen. Spotting these types of scams can be tricky, but the rules below can help you weed out the legitimate deals from the scams.
Some tips may be common sense. Some may never occur to you until you’re walking away from the Western Union office $1000 poorer while some guy in Russia is laughing all the way to the bank.
Here are some of the best ways you can successfully navigate Craigslist Costa Rica and avoid any scams or otherwise bum deals.
While You’re Searching: How to Spot Red Flags in Craigslist Costa Rica Ads
-
Do your homework before you begin searching. Whether you’re looking for electronics or automobiles, it’s important to have an understanding of the features and specifications of the items before you begin your search. Know what options are available and how much the item generally sells for, so you can select exactly the right product and be well prepared to negotiate a fair price.
-
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. This is true for everything from items for sale or rent to job postings. If the photos of that flat in the city center look like they’re straight out of an international travel magazine, they may actually be. Especially if the monthly rental rate is a fraction of the amount you already know other properties in the area are going for (because you took our advice above and did your homework). If something appears to be drastically below the market value, there’s probably a reason.
-
Make sure any photos show the actual item for sale. If the seller has posted a picture of the item from the internet, ask them to provide photos of the one they’re actually selling. If it’s an item whose aesthetic value matters (like furniture), have them take pictures of all sides, including close-ups of any damages or flaws.
-
Cross-check any company or brand names referenced in the ad. Many scammers use the name, website, and even logo of real companies to lend credibility to their fraudulent posts. Contact the company involved to make sure the deal is legit. For example, a piece of real estate might actually be listed by the company described. However, the ad itself could be a scam and not posted by the agent of record.
-
Verify whether the ad has been posted in multiple locations. Craigslist users are only permitted to post their items for sale in one city, as those who attempt to do otherwise are often involved in a scam. You can search the entire site by going to search craigslist and entering some of the details of the item. You can also copy and paste some distinctive part of the item description into a Google search bar to see if anything turns up.
-
Beware of any ads that are full of grammatical errors or odd word choices. Many scams originate overseas, and bad writing is usually an obvious sign of a foreign seller. However, this can be a bit trickier in Latin American countries where the seller could speak English, Spanish, or something else entirely. Just try to make sure the errors aren’t excessive. If someone is comfortable enough posting a legitimate ad in Spanish (even when it isn’t their native tongue), then they probably care enough to try to get it right. Errors should be minimal.
-
Avoid any sellers that seem way too eager to get rid of their items. Reasons for wanting to unload things quickly often include factors such as divorce, relocation, or even deployment. If a seller cites one of these and is selling a large number of items, or asking discount prices for high-value stuff, stay away.
P. Paouline
Communicating with the Seller: How to Make Sure They Aren’t Shady
-
If they pressure you, walk away. Sellers who are involved in a scam may be in a hurry to get the transaction completed. If they try to rush you, possibly by telling you there are multiple buyers interested, it could be a red flag.
-
Be wary of sellers who respond too quickly or at odd hours. Sure, smartphones have given us the ability to respond to email within seconds. But if you consistently receive lightning-fast responses, it could be because you’re dealing with someone who’s sitting behind a computer scamming people for a living. The same is true if all of your inquiries are addressed at odd hours of the night, even though the seller claims to be local.
-
Do not, under any circumstances, provide any personal information. This includes everything from your home address to your social security number to financial information, like your bank account number. Don’t do it. Sellers or employers may claim they need it for credit or background checks, but if they’re needed these can wait until you’ve verified that the product and the seller are legit.
-
Make arrangements to meet in a public place. Don’t ever agree to meet the seller at their home, and don’t dare invite them to yours. Instead, suggest somewhere well-lit with plenty of people around. A bank lobby is a great choice, for a number of reasons. Take someone with you if you have concerns, but at minimum at least make sure someone knows where you’re going.
-
Be clear on the terms of the transaction. Verify the payment type and that the seller will have the item with them for your inspection. Negotiate a price, based on your knowledge of the product and its market value, but make sure the seller understands it’s contingent on your evaluation of the physical item itself.
The Transaction: How to Walk Away with a Great Deal
-
Be leery of wire transfers. Don’t ever wire money up front. Ever. Period. Not even a partial payment. This is the most common trick scammers use to get your money. Sometimes sellers may sometimes ask for a deposit (for instance, for a vacation property), but at least with a credit card payment, you can get your money back if you get scammed.
-
More on wire transfers. That’s right. They’re so scary they get two bullets. Some scammers pay sellers with fraudulent cashier’s checks, asking them to wire the difference to a third party (often a business partner or someone they owe money to). There are also job postings where scammers, claiming they can’t receive direct payments from their customers, seek to hire people to accept the funds and wire it to them (in exchange for a percentage of the funds). This is just a way of helping them scam someone else.
-
Avoid any questionable payment methods. Aside from wire transfers, other common tricks are to use an online escrow service. These are more often fraudulent than not. Also, don’t pay for anything sight unseen no matter what the payment method. The same is true if you’re selling. Beware of any buyer who offers to send you a payment without inspecting your item.
-
Understand that Craigslist does not handle any transactions. Some scammers try to gain buyers’ confidence by assuring that they or their transactions are guaranteed or certified by Craigslist. They may even have an official-looking email from the website itself. The truth is that Craigslist does nothing of the sort. Neither do they process or protect any payments.
-
Inspect your item (or the payment), and you’re done! If you’ve met in a bank lobby like we suggested, then have a seat with your seller and inspect each other’s offering. Make sure the product and all of its features are in working order. Plug it into an outlet if needed. If it’s not to your satisfaction, you can still walk away. The same is true for the money. Go ahead and deposit the funds or cashier’s check to make sure the bills or documents are authentic.
Following these tips isn’t a guarantee that you won’t get screwed when using Craigslist Costa Rica, but they’re still good guidelines for transacting business online. If you use good judgment and common sense, then hopefully you can find a great apartment or the perfect dining room set with minimal hassle.
When looking for the perfect destination in the Latin tropics, many would-be expats have things like beautiful scenery, good weather, modern amenities and services, close-knit community, and laid-back atmosphere on their list of must-haves. Then they quickly find that it’s difficult to find all of these characteristics in a single destination.
Not so in Tamarindo, Costa Rica.
Located on the Nicoya Peninsula on the country’s northwest Pacific coast, Tamarindo has practically everything you could want in a beach town. The sun shines almost every single day. It’s warm all year. May through October sees a frequent afternoon shower, just enough to make the wet sand sparkle beneath a sunset exploding with color.
The almost two mile stretch of white sand is dotted with shady palms. And the sparkling turquoise water is warm with gentle waves. It sounds like a nice postcard picture. And it is. But that’s just the beginning. There’s so much more than just its picturesque setting that makes Tamarindo stand heads above other Costa Rican beaches.
Kristin Crane
Its people make up one huge multi-cultural family.
When sport fishermen and pioneering surfers first discovered Tamarindo, it was a tiny fishing village with about 50 residents. Word began to spread and the town has experienced quite an influx of tourists and expats. It has a number of hotels and luxury resorts, restaurants, and other businesses.
But it never lost its small-town feel.
A large number of visitors come and go, but they blend in nicely with the 4,000 or so long-term residents who all seem to know each other. Tamarindo has one of the most diverse populations in all of Costa Rica, with immigrants hailing from Italy to Argentina to Canada to Israel.
They’ve all brought tidbits of their culture with them and seasoned it with authentic Costa Rican flair. What results is a fusion of traditions, cuisines, and lifestyles that is 100% uniquely Tamarindo.
It has a funky, laid-back atmosphere.
Tamarindo is a beach town through and through. There are surf schools, souvenir shops, and dozens of places you can enjoy a meal or a cocktail right on the beach.
Shirts and shoes are optional. Watches are unnecessary. And “pura vida” is an appropriate response to almost every prompt. Yet because of its multi-cultural population, Tamarindo has a very cosmopolitan vibe.
It’s also a very friendly town. Everything’s within walking distance. So locals are out and about to greet strangers or stop and chat if they see a familiar face.
While there’s plenty to walk around and see in town, the beach is where everything happens. With just the right amount of activity, it’s a great place to spend time with your family or even meet new friends. It’s the gathering place of the community, and at sunset the action really picks up.
Locals show up to go for an evening stroll or meet friends for cocktails. Kids play soccer on the sand. Surfers take advantage of the last few minutes of daylight. There are frisbees, dogs, blankets, bonfires. It’s like one big community picnic. And it happens every day.
In Tamarindo, your time is yours to use as you wish.
Other than your presence at the daily sunset beach party (which is really more of a much-anticipated event than an obligation), there is absolutely nothing that’s required of you in Tamarindo. Life there runs at a slower place, and it’s yours to fill with whatever you desire.
The most common praise that expats offer for Tamarindo is how it has helped them regain their sense of family and community and how they’ve instilled those same values in their children. They feel in control of their own schedules and their own futures.
And goodness knows there are plenty of things in and around Tamarindo to help fill your time. There are water sports to enjoy, mangroves to explore, languages to learn, animals to discover, and tons of people to meet. There are also restaurants serving up every cuisine imaginable, art galleries, spas, and fitness centers.
So, if you’re considering becoming an expat in Costa Rica–or anywhere in the Latin tropics, for that matter–make sure you give Tamarindo a try. Plan a visit to check out this popular destination.
Don’t forget to show up at the beach at sunset and mingle with the locals. They may not speak your language, but that’s okay. “Pura vida” is universal.
Worst case scenario…you’ll enjoy what will end up being one of your best vacations ever. Best case? You might find your forever home in Tamarindo, Costa Rica.
Map of Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Tamarindo Fast Facts
- Population: About 150,000
- Typical temperature: 84 degrees
- Nearest airport with U.S. flights: The nearest major airport is Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, Costa Rica.
For would-be expats looking to relocate to Central America, Costa Rica and Panama are natural front runners.
And for good reason.
Located adjacent to one another at the southernmost end of Central America, the two are quite similar in many ways. Both consistently top the lists of best places to retire in Latin America, and the world for that matter.
They both boast amazing vistas, near-perfect climates, modern amenities with a low cost of living, excellent health care, and some really great options for how you can spend your free time. However, there are a few areas where one nation has a slight advantage over its neighbor.
While many areas of consideration depend largely on personal preference, we lined up Panama vs. Costa Rica in a head-to-head cage match to see which one comes out on top.
Use the Infographic on Your Own Site
Round #1: Lifestyle Hacks
Advantage: Costa Rica
Both Panama and Costa Rica offer the opportunity to simplify your life by hiring out a number of services that, quite frankly, you’d just rather not have to do on your own. You can easily enlist the help of a gardener, a driver, a tutor for your children, or even a full-time maid who cleans your house, buys your groceries, does your laundry, and prepares your meals six days a week (for less than $15 per day).
While the costs are fairly close, domestic help can be a bit more expensive in Costa Rica. Why’d we pick it as the winner if it’s the more expensive of the two? Easy.
When comparing Panama vs. Costa Rica, Costa Rica has a much more customer-oriented service culture. So, while you may pay a few more dollars per day for domestic help in Costa Rica, the extra money is totally worth it in terms of the quality of personal service you’ll receive.
Round #2 – Connectivity
Winner: Panama by a Landslide
Due in part to a long-standing U.S. military presence, Panama is one of the most connected countries in Latin America. Broadband internet service is available in most cities and is very affordable. There are also numerous free wi-fi hotspots nationwide.
In fact, Panama was recently named #2 in all of Latin America for technology and internet penetration. It also earned the #1 spot for wireless availability. That’s why so many multinational companies like Dell, 3M, and Philips are choosing to establish regional headquarters there.
By contrast, Costa Rica is light years behind its Central American neighbors in terms of internet speed. Although its average connection speed has increased 43% percent in the past year, it’s still only 2.1 megabytes per second. (Streaming a movie requires 1.5 Mbps, or 4 Mbps in high definition.)
Brian Gratwicke
Round #3 – Living Options
Outcome: Varies by Region
This category is a hard one to call. Both Costa Rica and Panama have such varied topography and eco-climates. Not to mention all the other factors that can vary greatly from one region to the next, such as climate, infrastructure, and proximity to attractions.
For comparison’s sake, we’ll compare Panama vs. Costa Rica in four subcategories and examine the top cities expats are choosing for each type of area.
-
Mountain towns…Winner: Panama A popular mountain destination for North American expats in Costa Rica is Atenas. Located in the Central Valley, it enjoys mild weather year-round, great views of the surrounding mountains, proximity to San Jose, and an established expat community. Boquete, Panama, offers all those things plus cooler temps, better roads and infrastructure, and a million things to do nearby, from ziplining through cloud forests to climbing volcanoes to sport fishing off the coast.
-
City living…Champion: Panama Again Panama City, the nation’s capital, is a vibrant cosmopolitan city that caters to residents and travelers looking for both business and adventure. It offers world-class shopping and dining, as well as a 655-acre rain forest that’s within its city limits. On the other hand, San Jose, Costa Rica, is much smaller, much less attractive, and much more limited in terms of anything interesting to do.
-
Beach communities…Advantage: Costa Rica Beach living is right in Costa Rica’s wheelhouse. Towns like Nosara and many, many more have been drawing nomads and expats for decades, and the country caters very well to this genre. Costa Rica’s beach towns have everything you need, from aquatic adventures to quaint accommodations. Panama has a few good options, such as Coronado near the capital, but none can hold a candle to the laid-back coastal cities of Costa Rica.
-
Island retreats…No Contest: Panama Costa Rica was almost a no-show for this match. There just simply aren’t many island living options available for comparison. Cano Island offers a serene natural setting among the reefs, but with such slim pickings island ownership is pretty much out of the question. However, in Panama, you can own your own piece of paradise on our own Boca Chica Island, a 400-acre private island offering lots ranging from 5 to 50 acres. It’s just off the coast in an area that’s surrounded by a multitude of land and sea adventures.
Round #4 – Green Living
Winner: Costa Rica, Hands Down
Both Panama and Costa Rica have great options for living in harmony with nature. However, Costa Rica is committed to protecting its natural environment, due largely to its importance in the country’s eco-tourism industry. Almost ¼ of its total area is dedicated to parkland.
Over 90% of the country’s electricity comes from renewable energy sources, with a plan to increase this to 95% by 2014. It’s also on its way to becoming the first carbon-free economy in the world.
Both countries have tons of options for eco-tourism, from jungle tours to mangrove exploration to scuba diving.
Smilla4
Round #5 – Cost of Living
Slight Edge: Panama
Panama and Costa Rica both boast a cost of living that is a fraction of that of the U.S. or Canada. However, from the cost of property to the cost of a bunch of bananas, prices are a bit lower in Panama on average.
It’s true that in both countries there are certain regions or cities (typically the most developed or heavily-touristed areas) where everything from rent to a three-course meal runs close to North American prices, but in general you can find more places in Panama where those expenses are considerably less.
One of the largest contributing factors to Panama’s affordability for many expats is its Pensionado Program. Available to “retirees” of any age, those who meet the income requirements can qualify for discounts ranging from 15-50% on everything from health care to entertainment.
Round #6 – Ease of Access
Verdict: It’s a Tie
Panama and Costa Rica are fairly neck and neck in this category, each for their own reason. Panama takes the prize for international arrivals and departures. Its Tocumen International Airport has flights to several North American cities, as well as various points in South America, making Panama a great destination for those who want easy access to faraway places.
Costa Rica wins for being a great jumping-off point for other adventures throughout Central America, due to its more central location and affordable travel options.
Round #7 – Business Climate
Advantage: Panama
The International Finance Corporation ranked Panama 55th in the world for ease of doing business, compared to a rank of 102 for Costa Rica. Their findings are based on an examination of 10 factors to determine which countries are most conducive to the startup and operation of a local business.
And the difference is obvious if you’ve experienced the business climate of the two nations. Panama’s government is extremely pro-business and pro-investor. It’s also something of a tax haven. Costa Rica on the other hand is much more bureaucratic, with slower processes and higher taxes and fees.
Arturo Sotillo
Round #8 – Banking
Winner: Costa Rica (For Now)
With changing regulations, in both the U.S. as well as Costa Rica and Panama, this category tends to fluctuate greatly over time. However, for the past few years at least, banking for North Americans has typically been easier in Costa Rica.
This is mainly in terms of opening and holding a bank account. Both countries share many of the same requirements (identification, proof of residence and income, etc.). However, Costa Rica only requires a $25 minimum deposit (vs. Panama’s $1,000). Panamanian banks may also ask for additional documents such as proof of employment or reference letters from one or more North American banks.
One difference worth noting is that Panama’s official currency is the dollar, while Costa Rica uses the colon. Because it’s so thinly traded, the colon generally follows the dollar. However, in the event of a financial crisis, this could mean problems for Costa Rica.
Round #9 – Investment Opportunities
Our Pick: Panama
To put this showdown into perspective, let’s use the analogy that Panama is basically the Costa Rica of twenty years ago. When North American retirees began to get tired of the overcrowded expat communities and rising costs of Mexico, they turned to Costa Rica. Now that Costa Rica has reached mega-expat status, people are looking to Panama.
Costs are still lower and, as a result, there is much more capacity for growth. In addition to those factors, the Panamanian government is and has been placing heavy emphasis on tourism investment, largely in the form of tax incentives. It’s also possible for foreign residents to obtain financing in Panama, something they can’t get in Costa Rica.
Round #10 – Healthcare
Outcome: Too Close to Call
Healthcare is excellent in both Costa Rica and Panama. The two countries both have inexpensive public health care, with Costa Rica’s being touted as one of the world’s best low-cost medical programs. In fact, the quality of its health care system is ranked 36th in the world by the WHO, with the U.S. in 37th place.
Both countries also have private hospitals available, where many of the doctors speak English and trained in the U.S. Panama has several state-of-the-art hospitals that are affiliated with world-renowned facilities in the U.S., such as Johns Hopkins.
Panama’s only drawback is the accessibility of its modern private medical facilities. They’re often found only in the largest cities, specifically Panama City and David. Those in rural areas may have trouble finding the care they need, as often only first aid is available in the most remote areas.
World Bank
Round #11 – Consumer Goods
Winner: Panama
We mentioned that the cost of living is slightly higher in Costa Rica. This is especially true when it comes to consumer goods, like groceries–for instance–which generally run about 15-20% higher than in Panama. Exports are also taxed more heavily in Costa Rica, so as a result a lot of products are much harder to find.
Costa Rica also has a higher value added tax (VAT), 14% vs. 7% in Panama. It also has a lot more taxes on luxury items like cars, electronics, and appliances. Compare this with Panama which has lower taxes and even a number of duty-free zones.
These factors have made Panama quite the shopping hub for folks in Latin America. In fact, on one of our last trips to Ecuador we met some people who were on their way back from Panama City where they’d gone specifically to buy several flat screen TVs, due to the country’s lower prices and better selection.
Round #12 – Foreign Land Ownership
Undisputed Champ: Panama
Panama has virtually no restrictions on the ownership of property by foreigners. In fact, there’s only one, and here it is. Foreigners, or foreign owners of Panamanian corporations, can’t own property within 10 kilometers of the country’s borders. That’s it. Also, under Panamanian law, foreigners have all the same protections as citizens.
By contrast, Costa Rica’s land ownership laws are not as liberally applied to foreigners. Land considered restricted or concession areas, including 95% of all beachfront property, is not eligible to be owned by foreign residents (unless they’ve lived in Costa Rica for at least 5 years). The only option for use of this kind of property is through 49% ownership in a corporation with a native Costa Rican.
The buying process is also much easier in Panama, where a good attorney can help to simplify things like title searches, purchase agreements, and the registering of the deed.
Coco Lime Monkey
Panama vs. Costa Rica…Which is the Grand Champion?
Were you keeping score during that match-up of Panama vs. Costa Rica? If so, we would advise you to take our recommendations with a grain of salt. Panama and Costa Rica both offer a host of great places to live as an expat. And determining which one is right for you depends 100% on your values and what you want out of your life in a new location.
Want to Learn about Residency Options?
Each one of these countries has different strengths, but you can listen to our interviews with the experts and find out what it takes to become a resident or if you need to do it at all. The Costa Rica residency interview is here and the Panama residency discussion can be found here.
Our best advice? Plan a trip down to Central America. Check out both of these amazing expat destinations and choose for yourself which one is right for your family.