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With a combination of stunning and pristine beaches, luxurious villas, and a vibrant expat community, Playa Flamingo has gained a reputation as one of the most desirable spots in Costa Rica. The continued development of the area and the close proximity to the international airport in Liberia is creating an investment potential that promises a high return on investment both short and long term.

playa flamingo costa rica

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Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica Is the Jewel of Guanacaste’s Gold Coast

Nestled between Brasilito Bay and Potrero Bay, Playa Flamingo has earned a reputation as the crown jewel in Guanacaste’s Gold Coast. The exclusive resorts and much desired private properties provide tourists and expats with an atmosphere second to none in Costa Rica.

Often compared to San Francisco – but with beautiful beaches and a much warmer climate – Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica combines the beauty of the beach with the potential for adventures and exploration on and below the ocean’s surface. Flamingo is also famed as Guanacaste’s sport fishing capital with some of the best blue marlin and sail fishing in the world.

The amazing 360 degree views of the Pacific Ocean from either the North Ridge or South Ridge, make this beach location the “star” of the Gold Coast. Speaking of stars, Playa Flamingo has also hosted Hollywood royalty including Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.

As might be expected, life at Flamingo Beach is geared to luxury and comfort. The resort properties with a veritable cornucopia of amenities sit side-by-side with multi-million dollar villas with private beach access and lush landscaping.

Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica

Playa Flamingo

Playa Flamingo Is Also a Hub for Adventure and Exploration

Beyond the well-appointed resorts and lush villas, there are many experiences and adventures that can be enjoyed in the Flamingo area. For ocean lovers, there are numerous opportunities for exploration and adventure including scuba, wave running, and whale watching.

For nature lovers, the Santa Rosa National Park and Palo Verde Nature Reserve are a short distance away. Tours to the Rio Perdido area including the MiraValles Volcano and an aerial canyoning experience (zip lines, Tarzan swings, rock climbing, and thermal pools) provide a unique combination of adrenaline-rush and natural beauty.

It was Guanacaste’s surf that was introduced to the world in the movie “Endless Summer”. With Tamarindo only a short drive away, visitors to Flamingo can enjoy the world-class surf breaks that surfers the world over come to challenge.

Playa Flamingo Costa Rica

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Flamingo Beach Is a Model for Investment Potential

Costa Rica offers a wide range of lifestyle choices and investment opportunities. The Flamingo Beach area continues to be a focal point for investment by both well-heeled foreigners and Costa Ricans building quality residences, condominiums, and resort properties at a rapid rate.

With the continued development of new construction in and around Playa Flamingo, the infrastructure has also been improved to support new residents and investors. Though higher in price, the potential for a strong return on investment in Flamingo is quite good both near and long term.

The expat community in Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica is well established and vibrant. For those considering relocating to a Central American country, having the convenience of not needing to learn a new language can be a powerful drawing card.

Flamingo Beach stands as a prime example of how a beach location can be transformed into an investment bonanza.  By working on growing a thriving tourist trade with high standards for residential development, this beach front community is a model for the future of Costa Rican and Central American investment.

Playa Flamingo Is Very Accessible and Close to Many Attractions

The opening of the Autopista Del Sol highway between San Jose and Caldera in 2010 has made access to Playa Flamingo much easier. Additionally, the small regional airport in Tamarindo handles commuter flights by the two domestic carriers, Nature Air and Sansa Air, from San Jose.

Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in Liberia is only 46 miles (75 km) from the Flamingo area. Shuttles, rental cars, and taxis make travel from airport to the beach both inexpensive and convenient.

Several international carriers, such as Jet Blue, Delta, U.S. Air/American, and United have flights from the U.S. to Liberia as well as San Jose.  With two Costa Rican airports to choose from, finding and booking flights in order to get to Playa Flamingo becomes an easy task.

Flamingo’s convenient location to such attractions as Santa Rosa National Park, (76 km), Rincon de la Vieja National Park (60 km) and Marino Las Baulas National Park (46 km) is an additional attraction to this vibrant beach community.

Playa Flamingo costa Rica

Villas Costa Rica

Flamingo’s Style May Not Be Your Tropical Dream

For all the positives that Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica has going for it, living in a high-end resort community may not fit everyone’s ideal of what a tropical escape should be. First and foremost is price; property values in Playa Flamingo continue to rise and, as a result, may not be suitable for those with a limited budget.

Unlike other beach communities, there is no village center as such. If an active nightlife is important, visitors to Flamingo might have to head to the Tamarindo area for entertainment.

One of Flamingo’s main draws is the level of development and infrastructure that has been one of the hallmarks of this beach community. For those seeking a rustic Costa Rican village or an adventure retreat, Playa Flamingo would not be a good fit.

Having access to a vehicle is important for those considering Flamingo Beach as a possible expat location. With most stores and restaurants located in the Tamarindo area, having a mode of transportation is a major concern.

Playa Flamingo and the Future

The future looks promising for Playa Flamingo’s growth and investment potential. Property prices have continued to hold their value and, with the resurgence of the real estate market, can be expected to climb.

As many Baby Boomers from the U.S., Canada, and Europe look for tropical escapes to retire to or invest in, Playa Flamingo will be at the top of a short list of desirable locations. The best way to decide if this golden beachfront is the place to be is to visit and find your own “endless summer”.

Map of Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica

Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica Fast Facts

  • Population: 3,500
  • Typical temperature: 76-86 degrees F
  • Nearest airport with U.S. flights: Liberia Airport (Liberia, Costa Rica)
  • Nearest U.S. consulate: San Jose, Costa Rica