Coffee is one of Costa Rica’s main exports. Why? ’cause it’s awesome coffee. Grown in Costa Rica’s highlands, the local coffee is amongst the finest in the world. Coffee plantations around the country offer tours to demonstrate the coffee growing process and the history of coffee in Costa Rica and its effect in the local economy. Want to take a look? Here’s three great tour options.
Espiritu Santo Coffee Plantation is located in Naranjo, Alajuela. The tour, starting at $22 USD starts with a sampling of their coffee, then the tour of the facilities will show you everything from seed to roasting and brewing of the local coffee. Some added highlights are the Casa de Juancho, a replica of Read more
What are the entry/exit requirements in Costa Rica? What should I do if I want to become a Costa Rican citizen? These questions can seem overwhelming and sorting through all the information available is a big job. Fortunately Costa Rica has very clear policies and the government websites have reliable up-to-date information on the subject.
Entry/Exit Requirements vary significantly depending on which country you’re from. The United States, Canada and Great Britain amongst several other countries do not need consular visas to enter the country and are allowed to stay up to 90 days. When entering Costa Rica you need to show proof of a return trip, whether this is your first time coming in,
Why are so many people investing in Costa Rica right now? In recent years, Costa Rica’s economic growth has been largely aided by foreign investors. Due to this Costa Rica is very open to anyone who is willing to invest in a venture that will further the growth of the local economy. Investors remain interested in Costa Rica due to high education standards, political and economic stability. Many are investing in property and tourism which bring in large profits both for Costa Rica and the investor.
Property prices are rising rapidly in Costa Rica, particularly land close to the coast. When considering investing in property consider areas that have potential for tourism or that are currently being developed for that Read more
Rio Celeste is a wonder of nature hidden in the northern part of the country within the Volcan Tenorio National Park close to the towns Guatuso and Bijagua in the province Alajuela. The neighbor town Fortuna gets tons of tourists visiting the nearby Arenal volcano. Rio Celeste, however, is in a rural area and visited by few tourists.
Rio Celeste is no ordinary river. Clear water runs races through the forest and then two rivers meet and sulfur and calcium carbonate mix to create a single bright, shocking turquoise river which then feeds several hot springs and a large waterfall. To get to the waterfall you’ll have to hike about an hour and a half through the national park Read more
If you visit the beach in Costa Rica, it is not uncommon to see foreign retirees spending their time sunbathing or taking a stroll around town. What makes Costa Rica retirement so popular? What are the laws regarding retirees entering the country? Should you buy or rent? Will you have access to proper health care?
The laws about entering the country are quite simple. The US and many other countries are granted 90 days stay in the country without getting a visa. If this is the case, all you need to do is travel to a neighboring nation and get your passport stamped, after which you are free to stay for another 90 days. Visitors from certain countries Read more
Jaco is famous as Costa Rica’s wildest party beach. The beach at Jaco isn’t great for swimming – it’s too rough. The waves are big, and have called to surfers all around the world for years. Nearby Playa Hermosa has some of the best waves in the country for surfing, and a black sand beach. There is now an annual surf tournament at Playa Hermosa. When the surfers are done for the day, the party begins at night. If you’re looking for young partying surfers and backpackers, foreigners and Costa Ricans coming down from the city, then Jaco is where you want to be. Lots of celebrities choose Jaco as a vacation spot. You never know who you might Read more
Costa Rica is famous for its beautiful beaches, Playa Hermosa Costa Rica is no exception. When planning your vacation to Playa Hermosa it’s important to know that there are two beaches by the name Playa Hermosa. One Playa Hermosa is in Guanacaste, the other is in Puntarenas. They are equal in beauty but the appeal of each one is quite different. Which one should you go to?
Playa Hermosa Guanacaste is a gray-yellow sand beach, perfect for walking, fishing, beginner surfing and water skiing. Accommodations are easy to find and there are lots of options ranging in prices and quality. One popular hotel for the locals is Condovac. If you live in Costa Rica you can purchase Read more
Some of the main questions for those considering living in Costa Rica are: Will I be able to find my favorite foods? Can I feel safe drinking the water? Where should I go if I get sick? The answers are simple and will probably put to rest any doubts about living in Costa Rica.
Will I be able to find my favorite foods?
When it comes to finding your favorite foods here in Costa Rica, it really depends on where you live. Stores like Pricesmart and Hipermas, located in the Central Valley, are very similar to Costco or Sam’s Club and sell bulk items. Other local supermarkets like MaxiBodega, Jumbo and MegaSuper, offer many popular foreign foods and goods. You
Real estate investment in Costa Rica is quite a project, but by keeping a couple of helpful tips in mind you can successfully venture jump through all the hoops and end up purchasing your own little plot of land in paradise.
In recent years more and more fradulent real estate dealings and investment scams. Therefore, it is important to keep your wits about you and don’t give anyone the benefit of the doubt. Many foreigners come to Costa Rica expecting things to run just as smoothly as they do in the States when it comes to business dealings, and sadly, that’s just not they way it is down here.
So, how can you protect yourself from being subject to a Read more
If you are white, and especially if you have blond hair, there is very little you can do to not stand out as a foreigner in Costa Rica. However, there are a number of things you can do that will make you seem more Costa Rican and not call attention to the already obvious fact that you aren’t a Tico.
When you greet a person, touch your cheek to theirs and kiss the air. Main mistake made by foreigners: actually kissing the cheek. To remember:Men kiss women, women kiss women, but men do not kiss men.
At smaller parties and gatherings greet everyone this way and do the same when saying goodbye. Main mistake made by foreigners: Only greeting the
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