Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a country blessed with some of the most beautiful natural
landscape in the world, as well as incredible diversity of plant and animal
species. This beauty, combined with beautiful tropical weather (typically
between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit), and a rainy season devoid of hurricanes
that plague many other tropical regions, creates an extremely appealing
destination.
“Ticos”, local Costa Ricans, have developed an incredible multifaceted culture
that compliments the beauty and diversity of their home. Therefore, Costa
Rica tends to have something interesting for everyone, and a great deal
of excitement for all. Whether one is seeking an outdoor adventure experience,
a relaxing resort vacation, a chance to view amazing plants, wildlife and
scenery, a full or part time retirement home, nightlife full of jazz, Latin
dance and opera, or a little of some or all of these experiences, it is
available in Costa Rica.
Not only are all of these experiences available, there tend to be more than
most people can fit into a vacation. This has led to increases in migration
to Costa Rica from North America and Europe. Still, the eco-friendly Costa
Rican government, led by Nobel Peace Prize winner President Oscar Arias,
has protected large swaths of the country, nearly 25%, with national parks
and preserves, and has done an incredible job of balancing preservation
and development.
Costa Rica, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, is home to more than 200 volcanic
structures. While 100 show volcanic activity, no less than 5 active volcanoes.
This volcanic activity has helped develop the geographical landscape of
Costa Rica. Mountains run parallel to the coasts, with each range dropping
off to the ocean on one side, and the central valley, location of the capital,
San Jose, and the majority of Costa Rica’s population, on the other. While
these volcanoes pose little to no threat for Costa Rica’s population, they
do provide some spectacular nighttime scenery when expelling lava.
Seemingly coming right out from the sea, Costa Rica’s mountains rise as
high as Mount Chirripo’s 12,526 feet. These massive elevation changes in
a small country which is approximately the size of Denmark or West Virginia
(Costa Rica is between 19 and 20 thousand square miles or between 50 and
51 thousand square kilometers) create stunning waterfalls, raging rivers,
and tropical forests that are literally in the clouds.
Changes in climate and elevation, as well as its central location for migrating
birds and insects, are also responsible for Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity.
Biodiversity should be understood as the variation of living species in
an area, as well as a measure for how ecologically healthy a region is.
If an area has more biodiversity than landmass it should be viewed as an
ecologically healthy area. Unbelievably while Costa Rica is home to about
5% of the Earth’s plant and animal species, it is only about 0.1% of the
Earth’s landmass.
While many species of plants and animals are found throughout the country,
others are located in specific climate zones. Birds such as toucans, quetzals,
parrots and macaws, and mammals such as jaguars, anteaters, sloths and both
white faced and howler monkeys, tend to be the biggest draws for tourists,
but there are incredible species of insects, especially butterflies, and
cold blooded creatures as well that may not be seen anywhere else in the
world.
Costa Rica also has hundreds of miles of beautiful beaches on both the Caribbean
and Pacific Coasts. Costa Rica’s coastal waters are home to coral reefs
which draw aquatic life. The ocean waters are teeming with dolphins, sharks,
marlins, sea turtles, rays, coastal birds and many other aquatic species.
Aquatic life is so abundant, it is no wonder that Costa Rica literally defined
means rich coast.
Costa Rica provides opportunities for outdoor adventure enthusiasts, more
traditional vacationers, and retirees. For those who want to get out into
Costa Rica’s wild there are almost endless options. Multiple rivers have
class III-V rapids, some as large as those in the grand canyon, for raft
adventurers. These adventures are geared for all levels, from no experience
to expert, and provide an opportunity to view Costa Rica’s jungles from
a different perspective.
Stunning scenery and temperate mountain climates make for great hiking throughout
the country. There are cave complexes for cavers/spelunkers, as well as
rock climbing and canyoneering opportunities. Some of the most consistent
surf breaks in the world on isolated beaches make Costa Rica a Mecca for
surfers. Other beach options include sea kayaking and snorkeling/scuba diving
in Costa Rica’s incredibly clear waters. Fishing charters are also available
throughout the country. Within tropical forests zip-line canopy tours provide
an exciting way to see the jungle and cloud forests.
Those looking for more relaxing experiences can take advantage of the beautiful
beaches, as well as the spas, golf courses and resorts that are scattered
throughout the country. One may decide to go bird watching, visit colonial
towns and rural farm areas, spend time in eco-lodges, or take boat and flight
sightseeing tours.
Finally, cities in the Central Valley, as well as many of the coastal cities
and towns, have burgeoning night life, with casinos, fine dining and music.
San Jose’s jazz, Latin, opera and dance clubs provide great options for
all different types of musical tastes. Taking time to go out at night and
enjoy what Ticos do with their free time allows for a true experience of
Costa Rican culture.
Although Costa Rica has seven provinces, the majority of the country’s infrastructure,
development and economic opportunities are located within three specific
regions. These regions are the Central Valley, Guanacaste/Nicoya Peninsula,
and the Central Pacific Coast. While the focus is on these three regions,
Costa Rica is a special place and one may find their piece of paradise in
another area. Still, these three regions, have some of the best climates,
the most incredible scenery, the fastest growth of infrastructure, and show
the most potential for homes as well as investment opportunities. Privacy
and beauty remain in these regions for those who seek it, while amenity
and quality of life improvements are constantly occurring.
The Central Valley is home to more than two thirds of the 4.5 million Costa
Ricans, or, as they refer to themselves, Ticos. Over a million live within
San Jose, the capital. Most corporations, factories, health care facilities,
malls and schools are located in the Central Valley, as is the major international
airport, Juan Santamaria International Airport. While San Jose proper is
extremely urban, the surrounding towns and cities have personalities of
their own. Some have an authentic colonial/historical feel, while others
such as Escazu and Santa Ana have transformed into modern and upscale commercial
centers. Companies such as Microsoft, Intel and Proctor and Gamble already
have offices and factories in Costa Rica, and the neighboring towns and
cities have boomed as a result. This increase in corporate business and
the development of beautiful suburban areas will continue for years to come.
The acceptance of CAFTA by the people of Costa Rica in November 2007 will
encourage further corporate investment in Costa Rica’s Central Valley and
raise property values even further.
Guanacaste/Nicoya Peninsula is the region which encompasses the Northern
third of Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. This region has seen the largest influx
of tourists over the past few years, and infrastructure improvements are
underway that will make visitors’ experiences’ that much more pleasant.
Costa Rica’s second international airport is located in this region, as
well as some of the most upscale resorts and spas in the country. The region
has the shortest wet season as well as the driest summers. Mountain breezes
cool down beautiful beaches where surfers can find great surfing conditions
under year round ocean sunsets. Further inland there is untouched jungle,
home to howler monkeys, anteaters, butterflies and jaguars while back in
the ocean sharks, whales, dolphins, giant turtles, marlin, rays and innumerable
other aquatic creatures can be seen. Development in the area has made property
here extremely valuable, but large undeveloped swaths remain. Opportunities
exist in this region for both the perspective developer, as well as homeowner.
The area is also home to a growing ecotourism industry that has proven extremely
lucrative. Possibilities exist for investors hoping to show profit while
leaving Costa Rica pristine for future generations.
The Central Pacific Coast is the area where Costa Rica’s modern tourist
and eco-tourist booms began. These beaches are closest to San Jose and most
can be reached in less than 90 minutes. Beaches such as Jaco draw a young
surf crowd and have great nightlife while the beautiful Manuel Antonio and
the adjacent national park are a huge draw for eco-tourists. Multiple species
of monkeys and sloths, as well as some of Costa Rica’s spectacular birds,
can be viewed in the regions national parks. Further south along the coast
beach towns such as Dominical are beautiful and more secluded. This region
offers some of Costa Rica’s best scenery as well as convenient access. A
major highway project is currently underway that will make this region even
more convenient. Ground has been broken on this highway which will cut travel
time in half to many of the beaches along the Central Pacific Coast. Soon,
some of the best beaches in Costa Rica will be less than an hour drive from
Juan Santamaria airport in the Central Valley.