costa rica real estate

Ask most anyone the three most important criteria for purchasing a specific piece of real estate and they will reply ‘location, location, location’. The concept is useful in deciding what country to invest in, as well.

The decision to purchase property in Costa Rica is strongly supported by this premise, and there are several location-based reasons to purchase here. Perhaps the most obvious is the physical location itself and all that it encompasses: beaches, mountains, sun, and practically perfect weather. Secondary to these items comes the experiences available here: the culture, the people, the history, the language.

Many people choose to invest in Costa Rica because of monetary reasons. Those looking to reside here point to the low cost of living, how far their dollar will go toward satisfying their needs. When one’s needs are taken care of, the remaining funds comprise their disposable income which may be used to purchase wants and desires or to invest. Those wishing to invest here point to the weakening U.S. housing market, its ever-broadening effects on the U.S. economy as a whole, and their desire to find an alternative market unencumbered by these woes. Costa Rica is the location where these conditions exist.

Perhaps the most compelling of the reasons to purchase real estate in Costa Rica is lifestyle enhancement, a hybrid of the above reasons. When you combine sun, surf, friendly people, an exciting environment, low cost of living, and investment opportunities the result is an enhanced lifestyle for less money; ‘More Bang For The Buck’. Who wouldn’t be interested in decreasing the amount of money they spend while simultaneously improving their diet, accommodations, spending power, and the service they receive?

Those interested in investing in Costa Rica real estate, but not residing here still have the opportunity to reap the rewards of improved lifestyle. Income from owning investment property in such a lucrative market is often substantial enough to make a significant improvement in lifestyle at home and allow for travel to Costa Rica. Ownership of condo-hotels and similar arrangements allows for use of the unit whenever desired, and income for the rest of the year, when escape from the rat race is impossible.

Whether you are interested in residing in Costa Rica full-time or looking for a solid investment with benefits, purchasing real estate here will make your lifestyle richer. Riverside Developers can assist you in finding the right investment property, one that fits your image of the ideal lifestyle. The selection we offer ensures that you will find the unit that is right for your needs, and our experience in the Costa Rican market assures that you will have a truly turnkey experience even if you have little or no previous experience in purchasing real estate abroad. Give us a call and we’ll help you attain the lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of!

Volunteering in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the few regions in the world that has an amazing diversity of flora and fauna. Situated in Latin America, Costa Rica has some of the most beautiful and mysterious wild life living in the tropical forests or rain forests. Some of the tropical mammals that you will find here include sloths, monkeys, tapirs, and then there are the wild cats like jaguars. There are over 850 species of birds, 200 species of animals, 35,000 species of insects, 200 species of reptiles, and 9,000 species of plants. 25% of the country landmass is considered as a protected area and there are several national parks like the Rara Avis Reserve, Whale Marine National Park, Santa Rosa National Park, and Corcovado national park among many others.Why Volunteer In Costa RicaVolunteering in Costa Rica is a part of a more beautiful experience, one that you can’t compare with any other experience you have had so far. As a volunteer in Costa Rica, you will get to become a part of their vibrant and unique culture, which will provide you with the base for fostering a meaningful working relationship with the local community. Costa Rica offers different types of volunteer projects but a larger number of programs deal are focused on the conservation aspect. As a volunteer in Costa Rica, you will get an opportunity to be a part of their environment and take back home more than just a certificate of completion. Types Of Projects AvailableAs a part of volunteering in Costa Rica, you will get to choose the kind of project you are interested in. The different types if projects available include:• Teaching: There are many schools in the rural areas of Costa Rica who don’t have enough funds or resources to facilitate a good education system. As a volunteer, you will get the opportunity to share your learning over the years with the students of these schools. Subjects can vary from teaching English to science, arts, sports and others. There are plenty of opportunities in far off regions like the Guanacaste province. • Wildlife Conservation: Wildlife conservation is one of the integral conservation projects in Costa Rica. There are several species of wildlife that are considered endangered including the Jaguar. As a volunteer, you will get an opportunity to work with wildlife rescue centers in the Alajuela or Guanacaste provinces in Costa Rica. Depending on the type of conservation projects, you will get to work on marine turtle research, research on Jaguars using camera traps, research on migratory birds etc. There is no technical experience required. The important thing is that if you love to work with and around animals then you will be fine and might have a better time in the rainforest than in a crowded city.• Orphans: Working with orphaned children can be demanding as well as satisfying. As a volunteer in Costa Rica, you will get to work with orphaned children and this can include everything from taking care of them to imparting education and take them on an adventure tour.• Street Children and Youth: There are several youth programs in Costa Rica that you can volunteer for. These programs are targeted at making life better for the troubled youths and the street children who have experienced every form of depravity. As a volunteer, you will be living with these children and share a part of their life. You will help them to change their lives. Volunteer RequirementsAge: The minimum age for volunteering in Costa Rica should be 18 or older. For conservation projects, the maximum age limit is 50.Duration: The standard duration of most projects is 5-8 weeks although they can also vary from 1-2 weeks or 9-12 weeks.Fitness: A high level of fitness is required for working in wildlife and conservation projects.Fee and Other detailsThere is a fee attached to each of the projects that you volunteer for. The fee is charged in advance and is charged for the following:1. Accommodation2. Emergency evacuation services3. Food/meals4. Travel insurance5. Transportation within the region6. Emergency support7. All types of training material8. Supervision by local staff9. Orientation on arrival10. Local sightseeing & recreational activitiesConclusionVolunteering in Costa Rica will bring you closer to nature and wildlife and also the warm people who are ever ready to help you become a part of them. As a volunteer, you will get to enjoy the limitless opportunities and attractions that Costa Rica has to offer.

Costa Rica Villa – Get Free Holidays & Make Money – Here’s How

You can get your own Costa Rica villa, make money from it and enjoy free holidays whenever you like! Sounds to good to be true? Then consider this.

Costa Rica villa’s are cheap just $30,000 ($60,000 can get you a 3 bed house) so for what is a small investment you can get a Costa Rica villa – but it gets better!

Costa Rica real estate has risen on average by 300% in the last 10 years so if you have under performing mutual funds you may like to consider in investing in a Costa Rica villa.

Of course you may not have the time to be on holiday more than a few times a year, so you can also rent your Costa Rica villa out and make extra money.

Consider this you have an appreciating asset and you can make money from rentals that more than make up for your investment

The idea behind the above is that your Costa Rica villa is an asset that can make substantial long term gains, you have the opportunity to make rental income from it and can enjoy FREE holidays whenever you choose!

Buying your villa is easy and profitable:

The advantage of buying your own Villa as an asset are numerous

• 300% growth in just 10 years

• Buying is easy and there are many companies to help you

• You gain the same rights as Costa Rica residents there is no penalizing of foreigner buyers in anyway

• More Americans and foreign nationals are travelling to and working in Costa Rica than ever before, making this a buoyant market for rentals of villas on a long or short term basis.

• As a second home prices are up to 80% cheaper than in the southern US states investing in a Costa Rica villa is cheap.

Convenience

Your Costa Rica villa is just a 3 hour flight from the major southern US airports and the time difference is just a couple of hours. With major airlines flying regularly its within easy travelling distance to

You will never bored in your Costa Rica villa!

It may only be a small country but it has much to offer from stunning beaches, volcanoes, rain forest and rolling hills and much more.

You can enjoy white water rafting, surfing, walking and climbing and a number of outdoor sports the list is endless

In 2003, Pacific Business News stated that Costa Rica was the best destination in the world for adventure tourism.

In 2003, Adventure Site Explorer and National Geographic declared Costa Rica to be one of the top ten destinations in the world for adventure tourism.

The Costa Rica Tourist Board estimates that by the end of the year 2006, the approximate growth in the annual number of visitors arriving to the country will increase by up to 20%.

This would mean the arrival of over one million six hundred thousand tourists who will generate an average of $1,500 each – think of Costa Rica rental income here.

Your own foothold in paradise

As you can see from the above not only is your Costa Rica villa affordable, it can actually make you money as well and give you free holidays whenever you choose.

This is not a dream – It’s a reality for many Americans, who are buying Costa Rica villas in ever increasing numbers and maybe you should consider buying a Costa Rica villa too!

Water Fun in Costa Rica; Water Activities with a Tropical Theme!

Costa Rica lies between Panama and Nicaragua and it is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the east and the North Pacific Ocean to the west. It is comprised of 51,100 square kilometers and the territorial waters take up about 589 square kilometers. The beaches extend to more than 1100 miles of sheer beauty with the Pacific Ocean on the western side and the Caribbean Sea on the eastern side.
At the Costa Rican beaches you can engage yourself in various kinds of activities. Among the numerous activities you can spend time in snorkeling, scuba diving, yachting, kayaking, surfing, water-skiing, deep-sea fishing, sports fishing, diving, swimming and many such water sports.
Surfing is perhaps the most popular activity. The Playa Avellana, Nicoya Peninsula’s Playa Santa Teresa, Santa Rosa National Park’s Playa Naranjo, Playa Negra, Playa Hermosa, Playa Grande, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Dominical and Playa Pavones are considered as the best options among the Costa Rica beaches for surfing with regards to the breaks and swells.
Fishing in this country, is also a popular most satisfying water sport. Costa Rica has a vast resource of fish in its huge stretches of lakes, seas and ocean. Be it deep sea fishing or fresh water fishing, Costa Rica has it all. Due to the large scale in which fishing is carried out there are several formal units of Costa Rica fishing. There is a wide variety of fish that are available, like the Sailfish, Wahoo, Billfish, Roosterfish, Marlin, Dolphins, Tuna, Cubera, Snapper, Blue runners, Snook and various other unusual fish. One can fish in various places with a lot of success.
The primary center for fishing is the stretch between Gulf of Papagayo Flamingo Beach and Cabo Blanca that has a complete marina option.
Popular ports of the Pacific area that is used for fishing are Flamingo, Carrillo, Coco, Ocotal, Tamarindo, Golfito, Dominical, Punta Leona, Puntarenas, Zancudo, Quepos and Manuel Antonio, Drake Bay, Zancudo and Tambor.
Another popular area for fishing in the Central Pacific region is the stretch between Drake Bay Quepos and Cabo Blanco.
Golfito is probably the major juncture for fishing in the South Pacific region with two developed marinas.
The lodges that let you experience great fishing at the Caribbean are situated in Parismina, Barra del Colorado and Tortuguero.
In Costa Rica you can also enjoy Diving and Scuba Diving. Little discovered, and still uncrowded, Scuba divers travel here from all parts of the world to see thousands of hammerhead sharks and enormous schools of innumerable fish in our tropical, plankton rich water. The waters offshore also teem with marine life.
You can dive in calm transparent waters on the Caribbean coast or opt for the wilder and more spectacular Pacific side. Most good diving is on the Pacific side. The Caribbean reefs were decimated some years ago due to pesticide runoff from the banana plantations although the last two or three years have seen a definite return of life to the region. The best months are in September-November.
There are three main areas for diving on the Pacific Ocean side. The first area is Isla del Cano, located on the Osa Peninsula in southern Costa Rica. The other two lie in the northern province of Guanacaste.
Canoeing and kayaking is one of best low impact ways to enjoy this amazing area and sea kayak and canoe tours are designed with an educative emphasis that seeks to assure preservation of the environment for years to come. The warm, rushing rivers which sweep through Costa Rica’s lush countryside offer world class white water rafting and kayaking opportunities. Rafting enthusiasts from around the world try their skills against these wild and turbulent rivers.
River Rafting is also great. If you’re trying river rafting for the first time, there are gentle rapids and lovely places to just float through. Whichever type of experience you have, you will be paddling through prime nature viewing areas, and so you will likely see otters, herons, parrots and iguanas too.
Most of the rivers in Costa Rica flow towards the Caribbean. After a heavy rain they come to life, going from being a reasonable river to become a place to enjoy the best whitewater rafting. The waters of these rivers are fairly warm so you are not at all uncomfortable unless you are nervous about trying Costa Rica rafting. Experienced water goers can also try their hand at kayaking the rivers as well.
Boating in Costa Rica is the ultimate experience. There are several boat trips that are well worth doing and are perhaps the most interesting way to get from one region to another. Traveling by boat across the eastern end of Lake Arenal is expensive, but by far the fastest and most beautiful way to travel between Arenal and Monteverde. There is a fascinating four-hour boat trip from Puerto Viejo on the Sarapiqui River into Nicaragua on the San Juan and on the Tortuguero. The boat trip from Cano Blanco to Tortuguero is also worth doing.
This a small list of the water fum you can have in Costa Rica. A country blessed with beautiful beaches, tropical waters and peacefull energy, has a lot to offer, especially for the water sports lovers!

The Beautiful Costa Rica

Whether you’re searching for an exotic resort vacation or an exhilarating eco-tourism adventure, Costa Rica is sure to dazzle and amaze.  Costa Rica is the place where millions of travelers enjoy a taste of the ‘Pura Vida’ or ‘pure life’, a country that offers stunning views of the ocean and natural territories, idyllic venues for resorts and hotels, and plenty of activities to enjoy the great outdoors at its best.  With twenty-six national parks and dozens of luxury hotels and resorts, a trip to Costa Rica is a true vacation to paradise.

Key points of interest and attractions in Costa Rica include: the beaches of Drake Bay and Pavones; the Irazu volcano; the Monteverde Cloud Forest; whitewater rafting rivers on the Rios Pacuare; and the nightlife hotspots on the Southern Caribbean Coast.  Rainforests and tropical dry forests are prime locations for the eco-travel enthusiasts, and offer plenty of hiking trails, parks and rafting adventures where you can catch a glimpse of some of the rarest wildlife on the planet.

The Southern Caribbean Coast is where you’ll find several tourist hotspots, unique cultural events and a medley of restaurants and cafes that speak to the Afro-Caribbean culture of the area.  Visitors here can explore the banana plantations, head out on a safari trail, or simply take in some local music on the streets; it’s easy to find Rastafarians, calypso music and reggae bands throughout the area on any given day.

Key cities to explore in the South Caribbean include Puerto Limon, Manzanillo, Cahuita and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Other key regions in Costa Rica include San Jose, the South Pacific and Osa Peninsula (South Puntarenas); Limon, otherwise known as the Caribbean Coast; and Caratago, or the Central Valley.

Each region in Costa Rica offers a wealth of activities, attractions and cultural sites to explore and experience. Costa Rica has become a world-renowned ecotourism hotspot, and continues to offer an unforgettable vacation experience for millions of travelers of all tastes, each and every year.

Tips on Planning a Holiday in Costa Rica

You’re in for a big treat, if you’ve got plans to visit Costa Rica. Costa Rica has a lot to offer and is thought of as one of the most beautiful vacation destinations in the world. There are a couple of things you should know when planning a vacation to Costa Rica. Remember these suggestions in order to maximize your travels in Costa Rica.
Step 1:
Be aware that Costa Rica is not cheap to visit.
Vacations in Costa Rica tend to cost more money. This gorgeous destination offers tropical scenery at a price. It is important to budget a little more if you are going to Costa Rica for your vacation than it would be for other travel plans. Take my word for it you will feel you are getting your money’s worth.
Step 2:
Think about where you want to begin. As their first and main destination in Costa Rica, most people select the capital of San Jose. You can spend days checking out all of the city’s places of interest. However, if you do not have a large budget, maybe you should think about flying into another airport in Costa Rica such as the new Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport located near Liberia. It will still be possible to experience how pretty Costa Rica is but it will not cost as much.
Step 3:
Choose where to stay. Tourists are warmly welcomed when they go to Costa Rica. You will have your choice of almost any kind of lodging. A lot of your vacation planning is taken care of if you decide to stay at a resort. There are various accommodation choices for Costa Rica trips. Realise you will probably be staying at an independently-owned hotel in Costa Rica, as there are not a lot of big hotel chains there. Opt for hotels with gorgeous rainforest scenery, or lively locations like a room downtown where the night life beckons. Some of the other choices include campgrounds, ecocamps, cabinas, and tico homes, and bed and breakfasts. First, think where you’d like to stay, then choose lodgings.
Step 4:
Select the places you would like to go. You may not be interested in countryside traveling while you are in Costa Rica if you are going to be staying at a resort. However, if you have not purchased a vacation package, then you’ll want to think about a variety of places to go to. The National Park, the Nature Reserve, the rainforests, and the beaches all come highly recommended as tourist attractions in Costa Rica. Having the water nearby, it is possible to get in a bit of sailboarding or beach walks. There are horseback riding and great mountain bike trails in the scenic rainforest. So consider doing some camping, hiking, or bird watching while you’re there too. Costa Rica attractions are all about the natural world.
Step 5:
Choose the dates that you will be traveling. Costa Rica is pretty every day of the year, but there are some seasons that are better than others. If you visit when it is summer (or as it is known, the green season which is May through November) you will lay out less money. However, it is liable to be somewhat rainy. Keep in mind that if you are planning a vacation to Costa Rica, the driest season is the high season. Because of the ideal conditions, beware the prices and numbers of people are more substantial. There are disadvantages and advantages to both seasons. Understand that the timing of your trip to Cost Rica will affect your entire experience there.
Step 6:
Are you going alone or with people? A travel website or agent can give you the choice of going to Costa Rica as part of a discounted or group rate. If you don’t have a lot of money to spend, this could be a good option for you. But, if you feel like wandering and traveling wherever you want, maybe you should make plans to visit Costa Rica by yourself.
Step 7:
Know the best places to eat. The local fare is part of the allure of Costa Rica. Ensure that you leave a little bit of time in your Costa Rica plans to enjoy the local food, with so many wonderful flavors to enjoy. Costa Rican food cooked at home is definitely better than food from a restaurant. When you need to dine out, make sure to choose some traditional menu items such as tamales, gallo pinto and ensalada palmito. Experiment with something different by visiting a soda, a combination of a grocery store and family-run restaurant. You can get a good tasting and inexpensive meal here. Tipicos, resorts or hotels, fast food are your other Costa Rica dining options. (McDonalds does in fact have outlets in Costa Rica also). Just as tasty as at any large chain, food is often quite cheap at smaller establishments.
Step 8:
Keep your transportation needs in mind. To get around Costa Rica is not always that easy. Remember to leave time to get to your destination as well as organize transportation when you are planning a trip to Costa Rica. You can also hitch a ride on a farm cart, rent a car or bike, take the bus, or hire a taxi. Remember that it will take longer to get around in Costa Rica because there are no highways. Have some patience and keep in mind that you are on vacation. Close your eyes and relax on your Costa Rica trip.

A Costa Rican Fairytale: Beauty And The Beach

Costa Rica literally translates into “Rich Coast,” so named by Columbus for the gold necklaces worn by the native people when he arrived in the early 16th century. However misleading the name might have been for gold hunters, it appropriately describes Costa Rica’s copious coastline, which is an endless paradise for surfers, scuba divers and those in need of tranquil relaxation.
Costa Rica is also a bastion of political tranquility, which has historically marked the country as an attractive destination for Central and South American travelers. Not a single gun-shot was fired when Costa Rica earned its independence from the Spanish Empire in 1821. Democratic development progressed after independence and in 1949 Costa Rica become the first country in the world to abolish its army, setting a historic precedent for other democratic nations in the region.
Spider Monkey Around
Without a military budget, Costa Rica has had the luxury of allocating a considerable sum toward systems of wilderness conservation and cultural preservation. Over 25 percent of the nation’s territory, rich with biodiversity, is protected by national parks. While basking on the Caribbean shores, visit Tortuguero National Park to witness the most important nesting site of the endangered green turtle. If you are lucky, you may also get to see the giant leatherback turtle (the largest known turtle at an adult weight of 1,500 pounds!) nesting in the park’s sand. Gain some elevation and venture through temperate forests until you come to Chirripó National Park, which protects Costa Rica’s tallest peak. Scale the winding trails of mysterious cloud forests while spider monkeys swing from the trees and sloth lurk in the undergrowth as you get closer to the rainforests of Corcovado National Park along the Pacific Ocean. Observe jaguar roaming along the waters’ edge while over 360 species of bird rustle overhead. Nature surrounds you when you travel to Costa Rica.
Urban Creatures
If you’ve had your fill of all things wild, Costa Rica’s cities and towns will not relent on mesmerizing their visitors either. The capital city of San Jose is a fast-paced cosmopolitan playground and the beating heart of Costa Rican life. The remains of coffee baron mansions have been transformed into a splendid backdrop for boutique hotels and restaurants. The National Museum has a few of the nation’s mysterious stone spheres on display, the origin of which is still up for debate today. For an unbeatable resort experience, visit the Gulf of Papagayo along the northwest coast. From intimate hotels and cabanas to luxury resorts, these beautiful beaches are a prize view from any perspective when you travel to Costa Rica.
You should need no other reason to travel to Central America other than the quintessential natural beauty of Costa Rica. The backdrop of peace and all-around serenity make Costa Rica a true gem among the countries of this tropical region. For more information, your source for cheap airfare on the web.

Volunteer for Sonafluka Community Building Project in Costa Rica

The role of the Sonafluca Community Youth Group is to provide a medium by which the youth of the community can come together and take an active role in improving their community. They serve the Sonafluka Town and surrounding areas. This placement needs volunteers because although the town has many plans to improve the its infrastructure and facilities, they lack the labour force. The Youth Group (“Jovenes Activos Sonafluca”) has stepped up to the challenge but needs lots of extra hands. As in most communities, there is always lots of work to be done to help the community by keeping in clean, and by building new structures. It is a rewarding experience as the volunteer can feel like a part of the community and see the progress they have made.

The volunteers can help by doing followig tasks:

-refurbishing different buildings and facilities in the community -painting (signs, buildings, etc.) -clearing trails in the town’s ecological reserve, preserving the water reserve -construction (taking down rotten structures, or helping to build new ones) Other tasks that you may be requested to preform outside of your core duties: Helping kids to improve their level of English after class. Helping to fix the local church (painting, reinforcing existing structure)

The specific skills they are looking for at this placement are :

 Carpenter

 Framer

 Drywall

 General

Labour

Forestry

Waste Management

Soccer

Basketball Hiking

  Basecamp International Centers welcomes all the interested volunteers from around the world to volunteer and make a difference. If you are interested in this placement then please contact us for the details: Email: info@basecampcenters.com Website: www.basecampcenters.com Mailing Address 298 Bagot Street, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, K7K 3B4 Phone: 613.541.7862 Toll Free : 866.646.4693 Fax: 613.541.1604