Costa Rica is a beautiful country that is becoming increasingly popular among digital nomads. It has a great climate, incredible natural beauty, and a thriving tourism industry.

As a result of these factors, many people want to move there but are still determining if they can get a visa. The good news is that Costa Rica recently introduced the digital nomad visa, which makes it easy for foreigners to come and work remotely in Costa Rica.

The new digital nomad visa will be available to people who meet specific requirements. They must have a valid passport, proof of health insurance and sufficient funds to support themselves while they live in the country.

They will also need to prove that they have a secure source of income that allows them to work remotely. If you already own property or have investments in Costa Rica, this may be easier for you.

If you are considering moving to Costa Rica as a digital nomad, this article will give you all the information you need about what makes it such an attractive place for remote workers and how to apply for your digital nomad visa.

THE REINVENTION OF WORK

Remote work has been around for a while, but lately, it has been getting more attention from companies. It is any work that you can do in a location outside of an office setting. It can include working from home, a coffee shop, or anywhere worldwide if you have an internet connection.

Hybrid work is when people who usually work remotely also spend time at an office, usually in the same city where they live but sometimes across the country or the world. Hybrid workers still have some independence regarding their schedule and how they complete their assigned tasks. They can pick up extra hours or take off whenever they want without too much trouble from their employer.

For many people, working from home is an essential part of their schedule, and for a good reason. For one thing, it gives you more flexibility in managing your time and workload. You can take care of personal errands like grocery shopping or getting your car serviced without worrying about missing a deadline or not being able to do your job effectively.

Also, working from home makes it easier to focus on the task at hand because you are not surrounded by distractions like coworkers who might be talking loudly or making noise while they work nearby. Plus, if you have young children at home who need looking after while you are working, having them close by means less time spent running back and forth between locations.

Remote work has been around for decades, but it has only recently taken on a new form – the digital nomad, touted to be the future of remote work. While nomads have always worked remotely, they have just been able to do so while traveling the world.

With technology making it easier than ever to work from anywhere and companies becoming more open-minded about remote work arrangements, we expect to see more and more people living their lives as digital nomads.

We are already seeing this trend grow in popularity among millennials and Gen Zers, who are less interested in traditional workplaces than previous generations were. According to Two Tickets Anywhere, there are more than 35 million digital nomads globally as of 2022.

Nomads do not just work remotely. They also live their lives remotely. It means not just working on your laptop while sipping coffee at a cafe in Costa Rica but also renting an apartment for two months, sending your kids to school there, and eating at local restaurants every night. It is a way of living that lets you experience different cultures while still being able to support yourself financially through your digital job.

DIGITAL NOMAD VISA: A CLOSER LOOK

As of November 2022, 49 regions are offering digital nomad visas. The Digital Nomad Visa aims to make this process easier for people who want to travel and work remotely. The visa will allow people employed by a company or organization outside their home country to visit that country for up to 90 days without applying for a tourist visa or work permit.

Digital nomad visa holders will also get access to any social benefits that other citizens receive, like health care and education. It means they can travel more easily around their host country while enjoying the same protections as residents.

When they choose to settle down permanently, digital nomad visa holders can apply for permanent residency in their host country with just one year of residence instead of the usual five years required by most countries.

TIPS TO PLAN YOUR WORKATION IN COSTA RICA

The best way to plan your workation in Costa Rica is to know what you want. Do you want to work remotely? Or do you enjoy a vacation from work? Do you want to spend time with friends or spend time alone? Do you want to go somewhere that is already touristy or off the beaten path?

Once you know what kind of experience you are looking for, it is time to look at the logistics. How much time do you have? What budget are you working with? How many people are going?

Costa Rica has something for everyone, like beaches, mountains, rainforests, volcanoes, you name it. You can stay in luxury hotels and resorts or camp in the most remote location imaginable. There are options for every traveler on every budget and every taste.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa is a dream come true for remote workers, who can now enjoy all the benefits of living in one of the world’s most beautiful countries at a fraction of the price. Remote workers will be able to travel around the country without having to worry about visas or work permits and can also work from anywhere in the world as long as it’s Costa Rica.

The post What Costa Rica’s Digital Nomad Visa Means for Remote Workers appeared first on Cerro Grande Estates.

Costa Rica was awarded the recognition as the “most desirable” country in 2022 during the twenty-first installment of the Wanderlust Travel Awards. These awards are given by the renowned British magazine Wanderlust in London.

The award was received by William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism, as well as by representatives of the marketing area of ​​the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT). They arrived in the English capital to participate in the World Travel Market fair, which began yesterday in this city.

An incredible achievement

“For Costa Rica to win this award and be recognized by thousands of passionate travelers and Wanderlust readers is an incredible achievement. “Our country works day after day to maintain its position as a world leader in sustainability and we will focus on maintaining this position through the promotion of responsible tourism. But also with continuous sustainable initiatives,” said Rodríguez after receiving the main award of the night. Rodríguez spoke before an audience full of special guests from different countries of the world who participated in the award ceremony.

Above other destinations

By obtaining the main prize of the night with the gold category as “best desirable country”, Costa Rica outvoted other finalist destinations. Among them were Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Japan, Peru, South Africa and Jordan.

Costa Rica was also recognized for being a pioneer in ecotourism and possessing an “extraordinary tropical forest”. Also for the exuberance of its coasts and for being home to more than 500,000 species that include sloths, toucans, sea turtles and many others.

The ceremony was held in the iconic historic building of the Tower of London and a total of 15 prizes were awarded due to the taste of readers and the general public. They chose the best travel destinations, airlines, operators and influencers

Wanderlust is the UK’s oldest and most established travel magazine. It is also recognized for being at the forefront of sustainable travel for almost three decades, explained the ICT.

Currently, the United Kingdom represents the first issuing market of tourists from Europe by air to Costa Rica. Only between the months of January and October of this year have visited our country more than 55,000 British tourists, revealed the ICT.

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Moving to Costa Rica

Moving to Costa Rica is particularly appealing because Costa Rica is a long-established democracy and politically stable. Also, because Costa Rica has been welcoming retirees and other expats for more than 30 years, and is a premier eco-tourism and beach destination for tourists. Many locals speak English. And, for the most part, it is safe. There is a low incidence of violent crime here; and outside the capital city of San José, there isn’t much crime of any kind. Costa Rica is known as one of Latin America’s most peaceful nations (and one of the most politically stable—it has enjoyed over 60 years of uninterrupted democratic rule). José Figueres Ferrer, who led an armed uprising that ended a 44-day Civil War, was glorified for abolishing the army and drafting a constitution that guaranteed free elections with universal suffrage. Unlike many of its neighbors, Costa Rica never had another civil war.

Because the country has no army to support, it is able to provide money for universal medical care and free and subsidized educational programs. The well-run national healthcare system means that the country’s people are strong and healthy. The average life expectancy is 79 years–one of the highest in the world. The country has an up-to-date medical system with hospitals, clinics, and complete medical services in all major cities and some towns. Costa Rica is considered to have one of the best low-cost medical care systems in the world. Dental care and cosmetic surgery is affordable, and Costa Rica’s plastic surgeons are considered among the world’s best.

You Don’t Have to Leave Much Behind When You Move to Costa Rica

You’ll find a wide variety of inexpensive housing in Costa Rica, whether you rent or buy, and a wealth of every imaginable activity to keep you busy and happy. There are excellent English-language magazines, newspapers, and websites catering to the expat community, as well as an active online presence of expats on Facebook and other social media sites and online forums—great for networking. You can get cable and satellite TV with all of the U.S. channels, including premium channels, movie channels, and sports packages for football and more. There is also reliable high-speed internet throughout the country, even in remote areas. That’s great for keeping in touch with family and friends back home with internet services like Skype and FaceTime. If you’re business-minded, there are a myriad of exciting opportunities for entrepreneurs, especially in the growing tourism sector. And consider this: If you move to Costa Rica, you can live comfortably on $2,500 to $3,000 per month, depending on your lifestyle. A full-time maid costs around $10 per day. Utilities, like telephone and water, are much lower than in the U.S., Canada, or Europe. Although electric rates are comparable, in the Central Valley region you won’t use AC or heat—so there is savings there. Public transportation through local, regional, and national buses, as well as taxis, is excellent and inexpensive, so you don’t really need a car.

There are also many tax advantages you can enjoy after moving to Costa Rica. Investors pay no capital gains taxes on real estate, business taxes are minimal, and high-interest bank accounts are tax-free. Property taxes are very compared with the U.S. and elsewhere. You’ll pay just 0.25% of the assessed value of your property annually.

Moving Your Household Goods

No matter where you move to, transporting household goods and personal belongings can be challenging. For a move to Costa Rica, for example, you can choose an American moving company, but that firm will still have to deal with a local relocation company to deliver your goods in Costa Rica, a process that can entail tedious dealings with bureaucracy. To avoid this problem, experienced expats say the best strategy is to first select the Costa Rican shipping broker. This firm will then choose the American company that it wants to work with. You can bring a full 40-foot container of goods, including your car. Or you can share a container with another expat. You also have the option of shipping smaller crates. Some expats liberate themselves and bring only what they can fit in their suitcases. It’s important to think long and hard about what possessions you’ll bring to Costa Rica.

Moving With Your Pets to Costa Rica

There are no quarantines for pets arriving in Costa Rica. And bringing your pet to the country is a relatively easy process. A rabies vaccination is required for pets that enter Costa Rica, and it must be administered within 30 days of departure. You’ll also need to have your veterinarian fill out and sign the APHIS 7001 International Health Certificate from the United States Department of Agriculture stating that your pet is in good health. Small dogs and cats can ride in a carrier under your airline seat (subject to rules for your specific airline—always ask). Larger dogs can ride in crates with the luggage. There are extra fees involved in transporting pets. You can also hire a pet shipper to handle your pet’s transport on a charter plane or send them cargo unaccompanied—an import permit will be required in that case. Keep in mind that some breeds are restricted from flying for health reasons. And if temperatures are too high anywhere on your itinerary, the pets may not be allowed to fly. Again, check with your airline. Birds require additional paperwork.

Can You Take Firearms to Costa Rica

The admission of firearms and ammunition into the territory of Costa Rica is subject to restrictions and import permits approved by Costa Rican authorities. At this time only citizens and permanent residents of Costa Rica may possess firearms. Permanent residency is possible after three years as a temporary resident, in the pensionado category, for example. Applications to import non-military weapons into the country may be filed by or through a licensed importer, authorized dealer, or a particular person. You must register your weapon at the Ministry of Public Security’s Department of Firearms and Ammunitions once you arrive in Costa Rica. You must also pass criminal background check, psychological test, and firearms safety test.

When you take into account all of these factors and the fact that in Costa Rica you will surely enjoy a more peaceful and laidback way of life, it’s hard to understand why everyone isn’t moving to Costa Rica.

By Kathleen Evans

The post Reasons to Move to Costa Rica appeared first on Cerro Grande Estates.

U.S. and Canadian citizens do not require a visa to enter Costa Rica as a tourist. An immigration validation will be stamped into the passport upon entry, and this provides proof of legal status in the country. Your passport should be in good condition; Costa Rican authorities may deny entry if the passport is damaged and you must have at least six months left on your passport before its expiration or you will be denied entry.

You must also provide proof of onward travel out of Costa Rica within 90 days, the amount of time your “tourist visa” is valid. This could be your return plane ticket or a ticket to another country. If you would like to stay longer, you must leave Costa Rica and re-enter. You can do this by flying back to your home country or by traveling to the land border with Nicaragua or Panama. But this “border run” trick is not reliable for long-term living. At any time, government rules allowing this “loophole” can change. Or a border official can give you a shorter visa term or deny you entry altogether at his discretion, although this is rare.

Though Costa Rica’s immigration laws changed in 2010, they still offer prospective residents a wide range of options. You don’t have to make an immediate decision on your residency status. You can renew your tourist visa as needed by making “border runs.” But if you plan to live in Costa Rica long term it is best to seek residence.

Here are some of the more popular visa options:

• Pensionado Program: This requires proof that you have at least $1,000 a month in income from a life-long pension from some source recognized as a major entity, such as state teachers’ retirements, Social Security, etc. 401K and IRA plans are not recognized. Certain annuities may qualify. a pension. You won’t be able to work as an employee in Costa Rica, but you can own a company and receive dividends from it.
• The Rentista Program is for people without fixed retirement income. It requires proof of $2,500 monthly income for at least two years or a $60,000 deposit in a Costa Rican bank approved by immigration authorities.

If you want to invest at least $200,000 in Costa Rica in a business or commercial or residential property (including your home), you can become a resident under the Inversionista Program, which applies only to investors, not their families.

How to Apply For Your Visa

Residence applications are processed by the Costa Rican Department of Immigration (Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria), which is governed by the Ministry of Public Security and Police (Ministerio de Gobernacion, Policia y Seguridad Publica).

All applications for residence must be filed in your country of origin, through your local consul, or directly with the Department of Immigration in San Jose. It is recommended you also hire an attorney in Costa Rica to handle your residence application, especially if you don’t speak Spanish.

The Department of Immigration states that it “favors applicants that can demonstrate that they will provide a financial benefit and contribute to create employment for Costa Rica citizens either in the form of direct investment or indirect investment.” “Direct” investment refers to direct investors and entrepreneurs, while “indirect” investment refers to Pensionado and Rentista visas.

The Process for Securing Residence in Costa Rica

It is possible to go through the residence process on your own. But it is recommended that you hire a reputable Costa Rican attorney to guide you through the process, especially if you don’t speak Spanish. Most of the government officials you will interact with will not speak English. Plus, attorneys are familiar with the process and will help you avoid unnecessary delays due to missing documents or other issues.

The cost of hiring a lawyer is between $600 to $2,000 per person. Cheaper is not always better. And be wary of non-lawyer “fixers” who offer to shepherd you through the process for a fee. But lawyers are not just translators. They’ll take you to the right government offices to turn in the documents to the right people. In sprawling government complexes with lines everywhere, this can be a big plus. Attorneys even have a special window at the immigration office with no wait.

Doing it on your own costs around $400 per applicant for filing fees, payments to translators and lawyers (who still have to certify certain documents) and such.

Whether or not you hire a lawyer, patience is key. Immigration offices are crowded and officials overworked. There are long wait times. Whenever visiting a government office be sure to get there early. And bring a book to read.

Required Documents

It’s important that you gather all the required documents before you leave the U.S. Many will be difficult to obtain from abroad by mail. Here is the list for pensionado residence:

1. A letter explaining why you are seeking residence, as well as personal details like nationality, occupation, age, and marital status. (Even if applying on your own, ask a lawyer for a template you can fill in).
2. An application form available from the immigration office.
3. A receipt showing that you have deposited money for your application in the government account at the Banco de Costa Rica. The amount will be $50 if applying from outside the country and $250 if you apply while here on a tourist visa.
4. Two passport photos (bring at least eight though, just in case).
5. Proof of fingerprinting by the Ministereo de Seguridad Publica (Ministry of Public Safety).
6. Proof of registration with your country’s embassy in Costa Rica.
7. Birth certificate, with apostille. If you’re married and applying for residency for both you and your spouse, you also need to provide your marriage certificate with an apostille. An apostille is a special stamp, usually from your home state’s State Department that certifies the document is valid. Contact the State Department where your documents were issued for details on sending in your document to be stamped. Apostilles must come from the same state a document was issued. So if you were born in a different state than the one you got married in for example, you need to make sure those documents are being apostilled by their respective issuing states, which is not necessarily the same state as where you live. Canada doesn’t issue apostilles. So Canadians must have their documents authenticated by the government, specifically the department of Foreign Affairs.
8. Police record, with apostille (if you don’t have a clean criminal record, your application could be rejected)
9. Certified document showing you receive at least $1,000 from Social Security or other government guaranteed pension.

Having all these documents before you leave your home country for Costa Rica will help the process go smoothly.

The list for the other categories is similar. You can review requirements for all types of residence at the official government immigration office website (the website is in Spanish, but it’s the only official list).

There are many sites in English, run by expat “experts,” without the complete requirements. Only two sites in English come close to having the right information: the U.S. Embassy and the Association of Residents of Costa Rica. The ARCR also maintains a list of recommended attorneys and will even help you through the application process for a fee. Your home country’s embassy will not help with the residence process.

Once you have applied, your attorney will keep track of the status, but you can also check on your application online at the immigration department website. Approval can take anywhere from four months to a year, depending on the type of application and how busy the immigration department is at that time.

While waiting you can return to your home country, or you can stay in Costa Rica without having to leave every 90 days to renew your tourist visa. Having a pending residence application eliminates that requirement. However, your foreign driver’s license is only valid for 90 days at a time. If you drive in Costa Rica, you’ll need to exit and re-enter the country every 90 days to renew your permission to drive on your foreign license. Once you are a resident you can apply for a Costa Rica driver’s license.

The post Obtaining Your Visa or Residence in Costa Rica appeared first on Cerro Grande Estates.

From cloud forests at nearly 5,000 feet to white sand beaches at sea level, Costa Rica offers some of the most incredible natural environments the world has to offer. It also delivers modern cities full of cultural attractions and entertainment venues, reliable infrastructure and access to high-quality health care. It’s no wonder, then, that the country has become so popular among retirees looking for a high quality of life at a low cost.

For most retirees, the cost of living in Costa Rica is much lower than it is in the United States. If you are a single, budget-conscious retiree, you can live very comfortably in Costa Rica for about $1,400 to $1,700 per month.¹ A couple can cut per-person costs even further by sharing housing expenses.

Immigration Costs

There are three types of official Costa Rica residency options available to retirees, each with its own financial requirements. The Pensionado Program is designed specifically for retirees. It requires a regular monthly income of at least $1,000 from a pension or retirement fund.²

If you don’t have enough fixed retirement income, you can opt for the Rentista Program. This program requires you to provide either a bank guarantee showing an income of $2,500 per month for two years or to show a current cash balance of at least $60,000. You must transfer either the full sum of $60,000 or $2,500 per month into a Costa Rican bank and exchange it into local currency.³ ²

 A third option, the Inversionista Program, requires an immediate investment of at least $200,000 in an approved Costa Rican business or property.⁴³

Program application fees amount to $250.² Other costs include document translation, authentication and notarization fees, as well as any fees associated with obtaining the required official documents from your home country. Costa Rican consulates charge $40 per document for authentication services alone; document fees can accumulate well into the hundreds of dollars for each family member listed on your application.⁵

You must renew your program status every two years. The renewal fee is $100 plus associated document fees. You must submit updated proof of your income at the time of renewal. If you maintain your status in any of these programs for three consecutive years, you may choose to apply for permanent resident status.³

Moving Costs

Travel to Costa Rica is typically cheaper and faster than travel to other popular retirement destinations in South America or Asia. A quick survey of prices for round-trip flights in April 2019 between New York City and San Jose shows airfares starting at around $300. If you plan to return to the United States for regular visits, a move to Costa Rica is a lot easier on your bank account than a move to a far-flung country such as Thailand or the Philippines.

Shipping household and personal cargo to Costa Rica is also cheaper than shipments to more remote destinations. New residents may import many kinds of personal items and some household items without paying import duties if the items are not new. You must pay duties on furniture, household equipment, and many other common possessions; consider renting furnished housing or purchasing these items locally.⁶

Cost of Living in Costa Rica

In the International Living magazine’s 2019 report of the world’s best retirement destinations, Costa Rica ranked second just after Panama. While Costa Rica is more expensive overall than some of the other popular retirement destinations, it is still more affordable than living in the United States.

Although housing costs and living expenses can vary, most retirees in Costa Rica can achieve a comfortable standard of living at a much lower cost than they could in the United States. For example, according to international consumer price data gathered by Numbeo.com, the average person living in Phoenix faces an overall cost of living more than 31-percent higher than the average person living in San Jose.⁷ In another example, the cost of living in San Diego is more than 79-percent higher than in San Jose.⁸

Housing costs in Costa Rica are highly variable depending on city, location, size and other factors. However, Numbeo.com provides some insight into the average rental costs for apartments in the country. A nice three-bedroom apartment near a city center averages just over $900 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment costs about $510. Average prices outside the city center are roughly 20-percent lower. Many other housing options exist, including cheap beach bungalows, furnished condos, and homes with private lawns and gardens. You can also choose to buy a home. Utilities including water, electricity, and garbage collection average a little over $75 per month. Unlimited Internet service averages about $60 across the country.⁹

Fresh fruits, vegetables, and staple foods common to the American diet, including chicken, fish, eggs, bread, and rice are widely available and relatively cheap in Costa Rica. Foreign food items are available in some areas, but they are typically quite pricey. Cooking meals at home always helps keep food costs down, but dining out is not terribly expensive if you avoid international chains and other places that tourists frequent. A single retiree who sticks to home-cooked meals should be able to eat very well on a grocery budget under $200 per month. Frugal shoppers can lower costs further, while those who enjoy dining out every day can expect to spend quite a bit more on food.⁹

Other common expenses include personal and household items, clothing, transportation, and medical care. Costs in all of these categories tend to be substantially lower in Costa Rica than in the United States as long as you shop for local goods and services. Make sure you plan for unexpected events, opportunities, and emergencies that require periodic spending above your usual budget limit.

The post What Does it Cost to Retire in Costa Rica? appeared first on Cerro Grande Estates.

As a Costa Rican who’s been ripping local waves for the past nine years, I’ve surfed them all.

I think.

According to my mom, I went nuts the first time I set foot in the ocean, but because we lived in San José, I couldn’t get a board and start surfing until I was 17. I didn’t know anything about the sport. I didn’t have a car or a network of fellow surfers.

I bought myself a $150 LSD board with plastic fins and a Kommunity leash and pad and learned how to paddle, duck dive and float. I couldn’t get into a good pace until I got a car years later. My main spots were now just 90 minutes and $30 worth of gas away.

Then my network of local surfers started growing. My girlfriend’s best friend’s boyfriend was this Italian guy who shaped boards in Santa Teresa. He took me to his favorite spot and then pointed out the fact that I needed a board that fit my body better.

I found the perfect match at a shop in Tamarindo, and I could totally feel the difference after my first session. I no longer was the slowest paddler, and I got the first taste of a right and left-hander.

Now I’m 26 and have two boards, a 6’0” Denga with large Future Fiberglass Fins from a local surf shop in Santa Teresa, and a 6’2” Carton with FCS Medium size fiberglass fins from a legendary Jacó shaper. Both these boards both have a volume between 30 and 35 liters and they’re a couple of rockets. I’m hoping to get more barrel time and, with a lot of hard work and patience, land my first aerial tricks.

I spend most of the time surfing in Hermosa or Jacó, but I’ll occasionally road trip out to Guanacaste, the Southern Pacific, Limón or Santa Teresa to rip some waves.

When I go to these places I have friends that guide me and point me to some sweet secret spots and amazing locations I never would’ve thought existed so close to home.

I’ll start you off with some of the more popular spots.

Difficulty will vary from spot to spot, and you should choose where you feel more comfortable and likely to surf. Jacó, Tamarindo and Puerto Viejo are the three most important surf towns.

Not only will you be able to connect with the ocean and its waves, but there’s also plenty of food and nightlife that won’t let you down.

Jacó, in the Central Pacific, is the best spot to learn and start getting used to duck diving, paddling, floating, and getting in sync with the ocean. It has a beginner’s level of difficulty, yet when the proper swell hits its coast waves up to 7 feet and you will be able to rip lefts and rights.

The best time to surf Jacó will always be the mornings when there’s little to no wind, yet the tide must be in sync too. Afternoons tend to be windy and this has a negative effect on the waves. But when the elements are properly aligned, the afternoon session can become extremely fun. The best tide to surf Jacó will always be two hours before high tide peak and the next two hours after.

Tamarindo is a great option for beginners as well. It has several surf schools for those interested in knowing the basics. The waves are mostly small to medium-sized and perfect to practice and learn this magnificent sport.

If you’re with friends who aren’t ocean-driven, you will have multiple options to get grub or a fresh beverage and enjoy the view. If you enjoy nightlife, then Tamarindo will serve a wide menu of options to go out partying with your friends and some locals.

Playa Grande is one of the most popular spots on the northern Pacific coast. It’s known for its recurrent offshore wind, sunny days and its extensive right-hand waves. Playa Grande, like Hermosa, can change from one day to another. Sometimes it has small waves and is perfect for the family.

If you come during summer and get a solid swell, there’s a high chance you’ll even find some shade in these blue-water barrels. It’s literally right next to Tamarindo and if you don’t want to drive your car a few miles, you can pay a couple of bucks for a boat ride that will take you across the estuary that divides these two beaches.

If there are no waves anywhere else, go to Hermosa. Regardless of the swell forecast, Hermosa will always have waves to offer. Its difficulty level can change from amateur to pro from one day to another. If you have never surfed before in your life, Hermosa is not recommended for you. You might get surprised by a massive set at any time, and you wouldn’t be the first one to break a board in this epic spot.

If you are a barrel junkie then this will be your mecca, and you can get to choose between a right or a left. Just make sure to go fully committed or else pay the price of this mythical spot.

If you are planning your next surf trip to Costa Rica, then you are in for a treat.

Not only are there multiple spots with diverse types of waves, but you can also find plenty of surf shops to buy everything from a brand-new board to a wax bar. After hitting the water and ripping waves you will be able to lay back and enjoy a cold one while watching a multicolored sunset. Make sure to respect the environment, the local scene and the priority in the water, and you are in for one remarkable experience.

Coming soon I will talk about two magical spots that have a lot to offer: Cóbano and the Southern Pacific, with some insight from local surfers and shapers. See you next time and till then, see you in the water.

The post Surfing in Costa Rica: Secrets from a local surfer appeared first on Cerro Grande Estates.

In this article, we will cover some questions that you should ask yourself before buying a vacation home in Costa Rica.

1. Is it affordable for you?
This is a critical question to ask yourself because you could put yourself in a world of financial hurt if you pull the trigger too quickly.

Make sure that you know the annual maintenance costs, HOA fees, all of the taxes (property, corporation, luxury home), closing cost, home insurance, and property management fees before you go through with the purchase.

2. Do you need to finance?
If you’re not a cash buyer, then you’ll need to mortgage the home, and, in order to do so, you need to be a legal resident of the country before you get any banks to finance the deal.

In Costa Rica, the bank financing will cost you between 6.5% to 8% in annual interest in U.S. Dollars. There are other costs, like formalization which is 1.5%, that you need to keep in mind as well.

You can also finance it privately, but this is a much greater cost at 12% to 18% in annual interest.

There are other vacation homes that offer owner financing, and sometimes buyers can use an equity loan to finance their property back home to help with the Costa Rica purchase.
Also, if you are buying the vacation home just as a rental unit, you can use a 401(k), self-directed IRA, or other retirement funds.

3. How is the home security?
Before buying the home, you should also check to see whether the property has enough security to prevent theft.

Another option is to have a full-time caretaker on property, which will add additional costs, which include the caretaker’s salary, social security, and insurance. Or you could look into purchasing a condo instead, which would mean that you would just pay your HOA fees and not have to worry about any of the other fees.

4. What are the rules and restrictions?
Oftentimes there will be rules or bylaws that can restrict you from doing certain important things, like bringing your pet with you, having a barbecue on the balcony, or renting out your vacation home to third parties.

Make sure that you get a copy of the covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) and go through it carefully before signing the purchase agreement.

5. Are you planning to rent it out?
If you’re thinking of renting out the unit, then ask for advice from existing property managers to see what they think of the rental unit and how it would fare among vacationers. See how much they think it would rent for and see what additions would make it into a lucrative vacation rental.

6. Do you want someone to manage the property for you?
A local property manager can help you immensely with planning out your purchase. They can tell you how much the home can rent for, how to market it, and even smaller things like how to pay the bills. They can also help you with identifying some hidden costs that you weren’t anticipating initially.

7. What are the taxes?
Consult with your realtor or property manager to see which taxes you need to pay and how much they are. Also, make sure to ask your CPA about having a foreign income and how that affects your typical tax payments.

8. Do you have a lawyer?
You will need an attorney who is also a notary public so that you can close the purchase. You should find one who is bilingual and specializes in real estate to make the purchase as smooth as possible.

Make sure to ask yourself all of these questions before going through with buying your dream vacation home in Costa Rica!

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It is well known for its famous surf breaks and world class sport fishing but many others come to the area to enjoy the equestrian life offered here. We had been vacationing in Costa Rica for eight years when we decided to make a permanent move four years ago.

One big factor was the ease and relative value of horse ownership in the area. Our first month here my daughters began taking lessons and riding their bikes three times weekly to the stables near our home in Flamingo.

Before I knew it, we had leased a horse (testing the waters!) One year later, we had our own horses at a fraction of the cost in the states.

Our area in the northern beach zone of the Guanacaste province has many equestrian centers but the three most popular ones are Finca Casagua, Cerro Grande and Tierras Nativas. All three offer boarding facilities, lessons and trail rides… but that’s where the similarities end.

Meet Kay Dodge, Guanacaste’s horse country pioneer. Kay first came to Costa Rica in 1974 and finally settled into her ranch, Finca Casagua, in 1989. Casagua is located in Portgolpe, just 15 minutes from the best beaches of Guanacaste, including Playas Conchal and Flamingo.

Kay is a wildlife artist and has a Ph.D. in Biology and Ecology. Kay breeds and trains her own stock, offering English and western lessons. She married her Costa Rican vet, Esteban, and they have worked side-by-side for almost twenty years.

Over the years their 50 acre ranch has evolved and now offers private suites and guest houses at the Painted Pony Guest Ranch. They are famous for their cantina tours and weekend western shows.

Next on the scene was The Cerro Grande Combined Training Farm (Equestrian Center) which is within the gated development of Cerro Grande Estates. The property is located between the popular beach towns of Playa Tamarindo and Playa Avellanas.

The equestrian center in this 250 acre development has one of Costa Rica’s finest horse trainers, Amanda Gardner. Amanda has an impressive resume, having trained an Olympic competitor. In the full 30 x 70 dressage ring she offers lessons and also takes her students on the miles of trails weaving throughout the property.

Cerro Grande is known for it’s annual equestrian competition and also the huge Halloween party. Tierras Nativas, although a newcomer in it’s field, has the most state-of-the-art facility in the area. The buildings were all built with native hardwoods harvested on site.

Located in the little town of Tempate, this 70 acre equestrian facility is near Finca Casagua and all the best beaches. It is situated in the center of an amphitheater setting inside rising hills and native mature landscaping.

From the top of the hills, the Pacific Ocean can be seen. The facility is currently home to local horses as well as some of the finest imported European horses such as Friesians and Warmbloods.

The ownertrainer, Jen Dalton, grew up under the wing of her grandfather, a famous rodeo champion. She recently won the roping competition at the Liberia festivals. Just for fun, she also raises goats and personal protection dogs.

No matter what you’re looking for, there is an equestrian facility here in Guanacaste that will meet your needs!

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Twenty-seven years have passed since I moved to Costa Rica, and I have been fortunate enough to run world-renowned fishing operations over the years. Big fish tend to beat me up more these days than vice versa, but the fever for both the sport and the country has never left me.

Costa Rica has so much to offer all types of anglers that it is a shame not to experience it. Here is a rundown of some of the many sport fishing opportunities.

Freshwater:

Guapote (rainbow bass) are available in Lake Arenal, along with machaca, a relative of the South American piranha that is quite acrobatic when hooked. The rivers and lagoons in Los Chiles, which is in the Northern Zone, and all along the Caribbean seaboard have those species as well, plus tarpon and snook that also venture deep into the freshwater ecosystems. Several types of other cichlads, known as morjarra are found deep in the jungle and make for great ultra-light fun.

High in the mountains that divide the Pacific coast from Cartago, known as the Cerro de la Muerte, anglers will find wild rainbow trout in almost every creek. In that region, San Gerardo de Dota is a popular area and is also great for birdwatching species like the elusive quetzal. Fishing in a National Park is not permitted, so check that the area you are in is not park property.

If you would like to take the kids, there are trout hatcheries along the Pan American Highway, which runs through the Cerro de la Muerte. You can fish at those hatcheries and they charge you by weight. Stone Mountain Outdoors in Santa Ana has good information on trout fishing.

Saltwater:

The Caribbean side is world-famous for tarpon and snook. Tarpon school up outside the mouth of the river in pods that cover several acres. When it is hot, it is red hot and you will pull on big fish all day. As mentioned above, they will also enter the rivers and back lagoons.

The fishing in the ocean is done with lures or sardines on circle hooks. Inside the mouth of the river, it is almost always done with artificial lures. The late Bill Barnes made fly fishing for tarpon popular in the area.

Snook are also taken in the rivers and lagoons as well as the beach. There are four species of snook on the Caribbean side. The fat snook (calva) run that starts in December offers a chance to catch lots of snook on light tackle. It is a smaller species of snook and averages 5 to 8 pounds. The monsters that made Costa Rica famous in the fishing world are usually taken off the beach at the rivermouth. Rarely will you see lots of fish, but you have a chance to tangle with a once-in-a-lifetime fish of 35 pounds or more.

The Pacific side of the country boasts two fishing seasons, with the central and southern regions most productive November through April. In the north, the good bite is from May through December.

The last few years have seen record numbers of sailfish on the Pacific side. El Niño slowed the bite last year, but during the two previous years, records were broken for the number of releases in the Los Sueños and Marina Pez Vela tournaments. Last year in the Offshore World Tournament at Marina Pez Vela, the sailfish were noticeably absent, while marlin released records were crushed.

Dorado or dolphinfish have started off as a bang this fishing season, showing what seems to be a recovery of the stocks that migrate through here. Dorado is not only a beautiful fighting fish but also great table fare.

Also in the bluewater are marlin, tuna, and wahoo. Tuna have made a great comeback after the area in which purse seiners are allowed to work was reduced 200,000 square kilometers in 2014, and the reduction of purse sein licenses granted to foreign fleets was reduced from 43 to 13 in 2017. There have been phenomenal catches of marlin around man made marine eco-systems. You probably won’t see a grander (a marlin over 1000 lbs) here in Costa Rica, but the Pacific offers blue, black, and striped marlin.

Roosterfish are the Holy Grail inshore on the Pacific side, and are available there all year, unlike other areas. The average is 10-15 lbs, but 50-lb fish are common. Also available inshore are a large variety of snappers, grouper, jacks, African pompano and others. When the water is clear, wahoo and dorado venture close to shore. Roosters, snook, jacks and snapper can be taken here casting from the beach.

Don’t pass up a chance to fish in Costa Rica. And remember: a Costa Rican fishing license is required for all anglers over 16 years of age.

This article originally appeared in our 2017-2018 High Season Print Edition. Read more here about where to download or pick up a copy today.

Todd Staley is a Tico Times columnist and director of communications for FECOP, a sport fishing advocacy federation recently chosen to represent Costa Rica in the Panamerican Sportfishing Delegation, formed by groups from the United States and all Latin America countries. One of the group’s goals is to get sportfishing recognized as a competitive sport and to organize teams from various nations to compete in the Pan-American games. The group also seeks a common front on conservation issues. Costa Rica will host the Federation Assembly in November 2018 followed by a roosterfish tournament with competitors from the different nations. Learn more at fishcostarica.org.

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While planning your trip, keep in mind that the weather varies by region. In the thick forests of the Caribbean Sea coast and Northern Plains, expect high humidity and temperatures ranging between the 70s and high 80s year-round. Conversely, in the North Pacific, prepare for lower humidity levels, but temperatures that often soar into the 90s during Costa Rica’s dry months.

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