Costa Rica´s Best Guide Online Magazine

COSTA RICA´S BEST GUIDE MAY 2024 ISSUE

8 COSTA RICA REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE

SPORT FISHING IN COSTA RICA

Costa Rica ’ s amazing coastlines offer what is arguably some of the best Sport Fishing in the world and each coast has its own different delights to offer. On the Pacific Coast side, you are in for a real treat with the chance to fish for marlin, dorado, tuna, wahoo, roosterfish, snapper & more. While on the Caribbean (East Coast) side of the country the main attractions are big snook and big tarpon.

SEE FULL ARTICLE ON PAGE 160

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COSTA RICA ´ S BEST GUIDE

COSTA RICA´S BEST GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

78 80

01 02

BUY OR RENT IN COSTA RICA

SPORTS FISHING IN COSTA RICA

84 DESTINATION ATENAS THE SOUTH PACIFIC COAST

LA FORTUNA-LAKE ARENAL AREA ITINERARY IDEAS 08 13 16 20 22 MEDICAL TOURISM IN COSTA RICA EL CAMINO SEA TO SEA X-COUNTRY TOUR TOP 10 TIPS LIST FOR TRAVELERS CENTRAL PACIFIC COAST ITINERARY CR INFO AT A GLANCE

89 95 96

CENTRAL PACIFIC COAST

COSTA RICA´S TOP 20 TOURS

BLUE ZONES

ITINERARY FOR AN 8-DAY TRIP INSURANCE IN COSTA RICA INSURANCE IN COSTA RICA

100 102 104 106 111

SAN JOSÉ INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

38 40 28

MARINAS IN COSTA RICA

CARIBBEAN COAST

COSTA RICA PROPERTY AS AN INVESTMENT

DIGITAL NOMAD

HISTORY OF COFFEE IN COSTA RICA

COSTA RICA CORPORATIONS

DRIVING IN COSTA RICA 45 DESTINATION MONTEVERDE 46

THE HAPPIEST COUNTRY

118 117 114

COST OF LIVING IN COSTA RICA

68 58 72

JUICING FOR HEALTH

THE CENTRAL PACIFIC COAST

COSTA RICA CORPORATIONS COSTA RICA´S FARMER´S MARKETS 122 THE NORTH PACIFIC COAST

ISLA DEL COCO

TOP 10 REASONS TO MOVE TO CR

COSTA RICA´S BEST GUIDE May Issue - 2024 - ( Tel. +506 7266 7558)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COSTA RICA´S BEST GUIDE

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128 136

PHOTO CREDITS: ED CASTELLA VINCENT BRANCIFORTI ETIENNE DELORIEUX AWAKEN ALIVE EELCO BOHTLINGK CHARLOTTE RUSH SELINA BUBENDORFER NAT FERNANDEZ TOM PODMORE JULIANA BARQUERO LESLIE CROSS PHILIP GRAVES ROBIN CANFIELD CHARLOTTE VENEMA AUSTIN DISTEL

THE PURA VIDA TIMES

DESTINATION SAN JOSÉ CITY

142 DESTINATION TOWNS OF OCCIDENTE 146 DESTINATION NICOYA PENINSULA

OBTAINING RESIDENCY 187 VIDEO LINKS 188 SHOULD YOU MOVE TO COSTA RICA?

HOW TO MAKE YOUR VACATION HOME PAY FOR ITSELF

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150 158

DARIA MAMONT BRADEN JARVIS VERA FRANK EIFFERT ATANAS MALAMOV

COSTA RICA WILDLIFE CALENDAR

DESTINATION TOWN OF TILARÁN

THE LONG ROAD BACK BUYING REAL ESTATE IN COSTA RICA - INS & OUTS 196

DESTINATION LA FORTUNA - ARENAL LAKE / VOLCANO 164 170 176 PORT OF PUNTARENAS THE NEW PENSIONADO (RETIREE) LAW ARCHITECTURE - STAGES OF HOME DESIGN

LINGCHOR JAN WEBER

NELSON ACLAN ANGELA ERICK DANA FALLENTINE MIGUEL VARGAS JAMES TING ZACH CASTILLO CHRISTHIAN CARREÑO JOSUE ISAI RAMOS ALEKSANDER POPOVSKI BON VIVANT

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THE WEATHER IN COSTA RICA - JUN 24-MAY 25 HOLIDAYS IN COSTA RICA 199

MARISOL BENITEZ MANNY GUTIERREZ HERNAN CARAZO TANGERINE NEWT EELCO BOHTLINGK SUSY ZAMORA

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF HERNAN CARAZO B.

COMMUNITY MANAGER CID CARAZO A.

OFFICE ASSISTANT MARIA SANDOVAL V.

PLUS THE LOYAL SALES & EDITORIAL STAFF

EDITOR LETTER FROM THE To: Our Highly Appreciated Readers & Advertisers From: Editor/Publisher Date: May 2024 Subject: Costa Rica´s Best Guide Digital Online Edition

We are extremely pleased to bring you this Latest Issue of Costa Rica´s Best Guide . The idea had been gestating for several years and one thing or another kept us from just doing it. As the interest in visiting or moving to this beautiful place we call home has greatly increased post pandemic, we decided it was the best time to do it. Costa Rica is truly special and with each issue we expect to bring you more info about the areas of Costa Rica and the subjects that are of most interest to you. Always with the idea of providing the best and most up to date information so that you can use it to make the best vacation or relocation plans. We have also launched a companion YouTube Channel to further help in this endeavor and we really appreciate your taking your valuable time to see what we have to offer you so that you can be better informed and take advantage of our nearly 30 years of experience living and working in Costa Rica. The channel links are on the back pages of the magazine.. As a Dual citizen of both Costa Rica and the United States, I believe I can bring a unique perspective that helps to join both cultures. Again, Thank you for being here and please keep reading and viewing our offerings as we promise to keep getting better and better with each monthly issue and please help us

spread the word too. Hernán A. Carazo

WELCOME to our LATEST ISSUE - Offering useful information for both Travelers and for those Individuals and Families who are considering a move to Costa Rica. In the past it was mostly Retirees that would make up the Ex-Pat population in the country but now, as a result of a variety of events in North America and Europe, such as the Pandemic, which gave remote work a really big push by both showing that it was feasible and giving people a taste of the advantages of working from home plus the seemingly increasing intensity in natural disasters and more extreme weather which is becoming the norm where before it was the exception in North America and Europe. Now when you look at this reality and compare it to living in Costa Rica, more and more people are deciding that it is the right time to make the move. This also applies to people wanting to move to other countries and while Costa Rica is not the cheapest place to move to, when you compare a variety of parameters that make up the sum of a great place to live in with the best quality of life, then Costa Rica is definitely at the top. In the next Issue we will have a comparison table between Costa Rica and the other top contenders in Latin America where we can really see how Costa Rica stacks up against the competition, and in each and every issue , we will be adding more articles, updating happenings in Costa Rica and we will also be expanding the coverage on specific towns and their tourism attractions, both at the beach and inland. In each subsequent issue we will explore more in depth and also provide embedded videos for you to view the various tourism and living areas in more detail. UPCOMING Articles include: Top 10 reasons to Move to Costa Rica and Top 10 Reasons Not to Move to CR. Employee Rules and Regulations and who is allowed to legally work in CR. Importing Vehicles, Furnishings and Pets into Costa Rica. What is the best vehicle for Costa Rica? Is an Electric Vehicle your best bet? A more in-depth look at Taxes and at starting a Business in Costa Rica. Advantages of Free Zones in Costa Rica - Costa Rica History and Customs Private schools and Language schools for learning Spanish. Getting the best quality and deals on buying Home and Office Furniture. Medical, Dental, Wellness and Longevity Tourism. Receiving Mail and Packages, Living the Outdoor Life, and much more! More suggested Tour Itineraries for a great Costa Rica vacation. Top 10 Things to remember when Visiting Costa Rica. Top 10 Fun Tours to do.

La Fortuna-Lake Arenal Suggested 7 Day-6 Night Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival and Relaxation Day

Check into your hotel or Airbnb accommodations. Treat yourself to an afternoon Spa treatment and/or massage or just take a walk and get to know all the great shops, art galleries, coffee shops and restaurants in the downtown La Fortuna area near La Fortuna Central Park. Dinner at one of the many varied and delicious restaurants available in the area. Morning hike at Arenal Volcano National Park. Take a guided hike through the park to explore the rainforest trails and learn about the flora and fauna of the area. You'll have the opportunity to see the iconic Arenal Volcano up close and learn about its history and geology. Afternoon at one of the many natural hot springs available. La Fortuna is famous for the many hot springs which are heated by the Arenal Volcano and offer a relaxing and therapeutic experience while surrounded by lush tropical scenery. Evening dinner with a view of the magnificent Arenal Volcano.

Day 2 - Nature and Hot Springs Day

“THE LA FORTUNA LAKE ARENAL AREA IS A MUST-SEE ON YOUR COSTA RICA VACATION ADVENTURE”

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Day 3: Adventure Day

Zipline through the rainforest canopy and experience the thrill of soaring through the treetops on a series of zip lines and all the while enjoying panoramic views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal as you glide from platform to platform, and/or explore nature at a leisurely pace from the network of suspended bridges that wind through the rainforest canopy, offering breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano, plus the lush vegetation, and wildlife. Keep an eye out for monkeys, birds, and other creatures that inhabit the area. Afternoon horseback riding to a secluded lagoon or rent a scooter or quadracycle (ATV) to explore the town and lake on your own. Dinner at a local farm-to-table eatery or at one of the many downtown La Fortuna restaurants.

Day 4: Adventure Day

Sign up for one of the multiple activity day tours which combine a variety of exciting activities such as an ATV (quadracycle) tour in the morning and excitement filled rafting in the afternoon. Explore the many dining options located on the main road from La Fortuna to Lake Arenal. Explore the various nightlife offerings in this same area.

Day 5: Adventure Day

Take a short drive to go explore the Cavernas del Venado, these caves with formations over 6 million years old which offer waterfalls, an underground river, many stalactites and stalagmites, exotic wildlife and some endemic species with a guided tour and afterwards enjoy the large pool and get a tasty lunch there right next to the parking area. Afternoon wildlife safari float on the Peñas Blancas River. Embark on a peaceful river float safari where you'll have the chance to spot various wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, birds, and reptiles in their natural habitat. Your guide will provide interesting insights into the local ecosystem.

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Day 6: Lake Exploration Day with possible stay in the lovely Tico town of Tilarán on the way to your next Costa Rica destination. Take one of the boats from the landing located on the left side just a couple of kilometers past the bridge that overlooks the lake as you work your way around this initial part of the lake or make it a full day trip and enjoy a longer tour around the lake with a stopover on the way at Nuevo Arenal to enjoy the German bakery and then on to the large catamaran docking area at Puerto San Luis which offer a tour of the Arenal Lake. As you head into the Puerto San Luis area you will see some excellent restaurant options on your right which you can enjoy in the late afternoon or early evening. You can also explore the pretty Tico town of Tronadora and its surrounding area, which includes some impressive homes and estates and lots of lake views. You also have the option to spend a night in the quaint and lovely Tico town of Tilarán at one of several modest but very nice hotels or at one of the Airbnb´s offered in the area. The town is easily explored on foot, and you can check out several very good restaurant choices. Staying here is a good option as you can just head out of town the next day and take the road that goes to Monteverde and continue your Costa Rica vacation there!

Day 7: Departure Day

Time to head to your next adventure destination in Costa Rica. Will it be the Monteverde Cloud Forest or perhaps you will head to one of the many North Pacific Coast beach towns like Tamarindo and Playa Grande, or Playas del Coco, Ocotal and Playa Hermosa, or maybe Samara or Nosara beaches just to name a few. Then you also have the option to head to the Nicoya Peninsula beaches and Blue Zone or maybe shoot across to the Central Pacific exploring Herradura and Jacó beaches and of course the world-famous Manuel Antonio Beach and National Park and then explore the South Pacific Coast towns of Dominical, Uvita, Bahia Ballena and Ojochal and then head further south to discover the awesome, untamed Osa Peninsula. This itinerary offers a mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty, allowing you to experience the best of what the La Fortuna - Arenal Lake area has to offer, and we have just started to scratch the surface of all the fun activities and tours available. Enjoy your trip!

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Costa Rica Information at a Glance

Population: 5,181,000 (July 2022 estimated) Gross Domestic Product (GDP) $64.40 billion (expected to reach by end of 2022) GDP Per Capita: $12,408 (end of 2021)

Inflation Rate: 3.5% (September 2022) based on Consumer Price Index per Central Bank of CR Currency: Costa Rican Colón Exchange Rate Versus U.S. (05/03/24) Dollar Sell: 505.50 - Buy: 519.00 Colones (CRC) per US Dollar (05/03/24) Euro Sell: 539.98 - Buy: 570.02 Colones (CRC) per EURO

Language: Spanish (official), English is growing. Population in Capital City: 1,809,000 - San José Time Zone: UTC/GMT -6 hours

Seasons: dry season (November to April); rainy season (May to October); cooler in highlands. International Dialing Country Code: 506 Electricity: 120 V, 60 Hz System of Government: Democratic Republic Name and Background of Current Leader: President Rodrigo Chaves (since 8 May 2022). He was a Director with the World Bank previously. Income Tax Rate for Residents: 0-15% Property Tax: 0.0025% of appraised value (slightly more if it is a luxury property). Capital Gains Tax: Capital gains are exempted unless the gains are derived from the habitual activity of the seller or the assets sold, are tangible and can be depreciated. Taxed at 15% net Profits. Inheritance Tax: Inheritance and gifts are not specifically taxed in Costa Rica. Real Property Tax: 1.5% transfer tax and 0.25% municipal tax on real property applies. Annual "luxury house tax" also applies depending on the value of the asset. Transfer Tax: 1.50% - Sales Tax: 13% Restrictions on Foreign Ownership of Property: None except the Maritime Terrestrial area.

Local Chamber of Commerce: http://www.camara-comercio.com/ American Chamber of Commerce: http://www.amcham.co.cr/

Primary Exports: bananas, pineapples, coffee, melons, ornamental plants, sugar, beef, seafood, electronic components, and medical equipment are the main exports.

Residency and Visa Requirements: Generally, citizens of the United States, Canada and the European Union countries do not require a visa to enter Costa Rica. Those citizens can enter Costa Rica with a valid passport and remain in the country for up to a maximum of 180 days.

El Camino de Costa Rica Trail Exploring Costa Rica

Spanning over 266 kilometers, the trail begins by touching the Atlantic Ocean and concludes on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. This exceptional trail unfolds through diverse and breathtaking landscapes, embracing the very essence of Costa Rica. Starting in Limon and touching the waters of the Caribbean Sea at the Pacuare Reserve, the Trail meanders through the majestic Talamanca Mountain Range and crosses the imposing Brunqueña Ridge, culminating its journey in the warm waters of Quepos.

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Conceived by the Mar a Mar Association, and inspired by the renowned Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain, the trail carries the noble purpose of fostering the well being of rural communities along its path. The central objective of the El Camino de Costa Rica Trail is to establish a world-class long distance trail that, through its global appeal to hikers, contributes to the economic advancement of the country's rural areas.

https://www.urritrekcostarica.co m/elcaminodecostarica

Continued on next page

The trail is divided into 16 stages, allowing walkers to savor it at a leisurely pace over 16 days. While it's possible to complete it more swiftly, adventurers should be physically prepared for the challenge. Each stage concludes with a variety of accommodation options, ranging from homes and campsites to hotels. Anticipation and basic knowledge of Spanish are helpful for coordinating these lodgings, as not all the hosts are fluent in English. Urritrek, involved from the outset, has crafted detailed itineraries spanning 11 to 14 or 16 days, encompassing all the necessary services. These packages cover baggage transportation, lodging, meals, bilingual guides, farm passages, and solutions for the thrilling 16-day journey along the trail.

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For those intrepid travelers opting for a solo adventure, they will carry their luggage daily and manage their sustenance. On its course, the trail traverses over 30 rural villages, an indigenous reserve, national parks, and four biological corridors, offering a vibrant tapestry of life, authentic Costa Rican cuisine, rich culture, and an authentic view of Costa Rica's essence. With a focus on local providers, El Camino de Costa Rica Trail stands as an engine for driving regional microeconomies. Rooted in its essence, the project extends beyond mere hiking, extending a helping hand to these communities, especially women, indigenous people, and local microentrepreneurs. Walking the Costa Rica Trail is more than a journey; it's about embracing the heart and soul of Costa Rica with every step.

"Do things at your own pace. Life's not a race."

https://www.urritrekcostarica.com/ (506) 6023-5507

Costa Rica has acquired an excellent reputation as a provider of Medical and Dental services by offering World Class services at truly affordable prices. Thus, tens of thousands of foreigners come every year to Costa Rica to avail themselves of these Medical and Dental Services. For many foreigners and particularly for U.S. citizens, there is a significant savings in coming to Costa Rica for Medical and Dental care when compared to the cost of getting the same type of treatment in the United States. Annual checkups are another greatly discounted service that can be taken advantage of while combining it with a fun vacation in Costa Rica. The savings alone can be used to pay for your vacation expenses and then some! https://www.statista.com/statistics/1290168/health-index of-countries-worldwide-by-health-index-score/ Costa Rica is ranked above Canada, Thailand, U.K., Uruguay, Colombia and yes the United States as well... Medical Tourism in Costa Rica

In fact, average savings can range in the 35 to 70% range, making Costa Rica a very attractive alternative even without considering the highly attractive possibility of scheduling in some touring of this beautiful country as well as just plain relaxation, either before or after the treatment is received. While Costa Rica is not the only alternative for offshore Medical and Dental treatments, it is possibly the best alternative due to its consistent high quality in offering these services, its high ranking in Medical Services and the nearness to the United States as well as relatively easy entry requirements. We highly recommend that you explore the various options for Medical and Dental care offered by Costa Rica as well as the longevity and wellness offerings that are also available at extremely competitive prices.

High quality dentistry at reasonable prices

osef Cordero Telma Rubinstein Cosmetic Dentistry J

Drs

COSTA RICA REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE 9 clinic@prismadental.com | www.prismadental.com Local (506) 2291-5151 | Toll Free from USA 1-866-741-8194

CASA OPERA SALVAJE 13: 4 BEDROOMS, 4 BATHS, POOL, BBQ RANCH, FINNISH SAUNA, 340 SQ. MTS OF CONSTRUCTION ON 900 SQ. METER LOT IN GATED FAMILY COMMUNITY. USD 595,000. SELLER FINANCING.

HOME CLOSE TO PLAYA HERMOSA, CENTRAL PACIFIC COAST

We've got the keys to your future home in paradise.

GREAT ESTATES OF COSTA RICA 25TH ANNIVERSARY

LUXURY REAL ESTATE

+506 7266 7558

greatestatescr@gmail.com

DESTINATION:

CARIBBEAN COAST Cahuita - Puerto Viejo - Playa Cocles - Manzanillo

MANZANILLO BEACH

The Caribbean Coast discovered by Columbus in 1502, extending some 200 kilometers from border to border, encompasses the beaches from the border with Nicaragua to the border with Panama. In between you can find some of Costa Rica ´ s most beautiful beaches and some of the most spectacular nature reserves and wildlife including in the North the area of Tortuguero, an area popular with marine turtles which has a town, a national park and the extensive canals in the Barra del Colorado which has a town, an airport and a wildlife refuge. This is an area that is also very popular with sport fishermen due to an abundance of tarpon and snook. The North Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica is part of the province of Lim ó n, a beautiful remote area with dense vegetation, meandering rivers, glorious lagoons and home to some of the most exotic wildlife and flora in the country. This is one of the few places in Costa Rica where turtles periodically come to lay their eggs. COSTA RICA ´ S BEST GUIDE MAGAZINE 28

The North Caribbean Coast is home to two major national parks, and this is a remote location with a small number of inhabitants. The Barra del Colorado Refuge is north of the town of Barra del Colorado while the Tortuguero National Park is south of the town of Tortuguero. This area has many spectacular beaches which are surrounded by green coastal forest with many marshes. This is a basically unspoiled gem due to its remote location and access that is limited to coming in by boat or by air. A popular destination for eco-tourists, sports fishermen, bird watchers and adventurers. This is a very rainy area, with rain most days, the weather tends to improve slightly from December to April, which is Costa Rica's dry season. However, this does not mean that it stops raining, it just lessens a bit. An important detail to remember is that transportation to this region is very limited, it can only be accessed by boat or small plane. Its inaccessibility has been positive, this area has large extensions of virgin jungle lowlands and is the nesting ground for four of the eight species of sea turtles in the world. Continued on next page

MANZANILLO BEACH

Monkeys, crocodiles, caimans, sloths, and a myriad of exotic birds can be seen in the canals and freshwater lagoons of the Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge and the Tortuguero National Park

TORTUGUERO CANALS

The South Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica is simply a wondrous place to visit, offering awesome surf beaches, delicious food and an Afro-Caribbean culture. This is a different feel than the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica or the Central Plateau Greater Metropolitan area. Most of the people here are of Afro-Caribbean descent and come from Jamaica and some from other Caribbean islands. Some came to build the railroad and others to work on the banana plantations. These banana plantations still operate South of Lim ó n and provide exports from this province. Calipso and reggae music can be heard in the streets and the delicious aromas of local Caribbean cuisine fill the air. The language is mostly Spanish, but sometimes a dialect of English called Patois is heard. The town of Puerto Viejo and its neighboring towns welcome all foreigners with open arms, and provide visitors with shopping, dining and unforgettable experiences.

SLOTH CLIMBS TREE IN PLAYA COCLES

NIGHTLIFE, SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS IN PUERTO VIEJO

HOTEL LE CAMELEON DINING AREA IN PLAYA COCLES

PUERTO VIEJO SHOPPING

STROLLING IN PUERTO VIEJO

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INSIDE THE NATIONAL PARK - MANZANILLO

Waking up to a Caribbean sunrise is a very special experience. The area from Cahuita, past Puerto Viejo, then Playa Cocles and on to Manzanillo beach is a very special area which feels much more natural and less affected by modernity in its negative sense. This is a rustic beach towns area with a laid back attitude and lots of culture influenced by Jamaican and Indigenous roots. The Caribbean flair also influences the culinary offerings found here which have a very unique flavor in comparison to the rest of Costa Rica. In fact, the entire lifestyle along the Caribbean coast is quite different than in the rest of the country. Here life is lived and enjoyed much more slowly, so relax and get into the groove. This local Creole culture has the most mingling of races and cultures. From the early British pirates and their slaves to the later arrivals mainly from Jamaica to work on the railroad and the plantations and then add Spaniards and Mestizos, Caribbean Indians and Afro-Indians plus the Talamanca Indians and let ´ s not forget the Chinese settlers, all adding something to the uniqueness and attractiveness of this very special coast. So make sure and place this on your must visit areas of Costa Rica!

CARIBBEAN BEACH COSTA RICA ´ S BEST GUIDE MAGAZINE

CAHUITA BEACH

ENTRANCE TO GANDOCA-MANZANILLO WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

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COSTA RICA ´ S BEST GUIDE MAGAZINE

FROM LIMON CARNIVAL

CARIBBEAN CUISINE

PUERTO VIEJO

MANZANILLO BEACH

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COSTA RICA ´ S BEST GUIDE MAGAZINE

Digital Nomad

The Perfect Lifestyle Choice in Today´s World

What is a Digital Nomad? Well for starters, it is a totally new category of Traveler/Resident. They arrive like a tourist but generally prefer to travel during less crowded months and want to be fully immersed in their new location´s culture and day to day living just like someone who moves here as a resident. Their stay can generally be from 6 to 12 months and sometimes longer if they become enamored with the place. They are concerned with finding a place with good to excellent Internet service so that they work efficiently and constantly. They generally make a good income and thus have disposable income to spend during their time at a new location,

thus contributing to the general economy. This is a trend that has been growing steadily and will continue to do so and while the pandemic severely limited the travel choices in the short run, in the middle and long run it has helped to accelerate this trend as many companies realize that working from home, wherever that may be, is a much better option in many ways for both the employee as well as for the employer. There are of course many Digital Nomads who work for themselves and do not actually have a formal employer.

The beauty of this workstyle is the absolute freedom to choose where you will work from so that you can be on a permanent vacation where at the very least you have nights and weekends to explore and enjoy your current destination.A Digital Nomad only needs his computer, a good Wi-Fi connection and an up-to-date passport and the money needed to sustain this lifestyle which should be coming from his or her online work. No longer are you tied to the four walls of an office environment. Here in Costa Rica, you could be working from your terrace in the jungle or forest while the monkeys and birds watch you and wonder what you are doing or from a beachside café after an early morning of surfing, swimming or running. It is an almost perfect working lifestyle! Costa Rica also sees this as a good opportunity for the reactivation of the economy and offers a similar time zone for North American related work in addition to all the other advantages of living in Costa Rica. With this new type of Traveler in mind, a new Digital Nomad Law has been passed as follows:

BENEFITS FOR THE DIGITAL NOMAD

One Year Visa which can be extended. No Income Tax.

Free importation of needed Professional equipment-materials. No vehicles included. Current Driver´s License is fully valid during Nomads stay. Permission to easily open local bank accounts.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DIGITAL NOMAD

Have a US$4,000 Medical Insurance for family group. Monthly Minimum Income of US$3,000.

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COFFEE The Golden Bean

Costa Rica´s Coffee History

"Coffee - the favorite drink of the civilized world." A delicious beverage that not only helps stimulate millions of individuals all around the world every day, but which has also served to stimulate the national economies of many a tropical nation worldwide and perhaps none more so than that of Costa Rica, where it has had a significant economic impact since the early 1800´s. Discovered over 1000 years ago, coffee has had a great influence throughout the world and Costa Rica is no exception. Costa Rica´s specialty mountain grown, hand-harvested arabica beans grown in high altitude rich volcanic soil and receiving an excellent quality of water & tropical sunshine are well known throughout the coffee drinking world as a gourmet coffee of truly superior quality.

- Thomas Jefferson

40 Costa Rica´s Best Guide

El grano de oro (the golden bean) has been a vital ingredient in the social, economic, and cultural development of Costa Rica for over two centuries with the first exports going out in 1820. It has been an important part of the development of Latin America´s most stable and longest lasting democracy. The very high quality of Costa Rican coffee beans has led many coffee roasters in the United States to use it to raise the quality of other less expensive coffees when creating blends. Costa Rica is very proud of its reputation for growing what is arguably the best coffee in the world and passed a law about 50 years ago making it illegal to grow any other type of coffee such as the robusta variety. In fact, the golden bean is so important to Costa Rica that it has its

own government branch: the Costa Rica Coffee Institute (Instituto del Café) which originated in 1933 as the Institute for the Defense of Coffee and whose first President would go on 3 years later to become President of Costa Rica. This was Don León Cortés Castro who was a very good friend of my father. You can see a statue of a lion in his honor where Paseo Colón starts near the old airport building in San José which is currently an art museum. Coffee grown worldwide can trace its heritage back centuries to the ancient coffee forests on the Ethiopian plateau. Legend says the goat herder Kaldi first discovered the potential of these wonder beans. The story goes that Kaldi discovered coffee after he noticed that after eating berries

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The Best Coffee in COSTA RICA

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(506) 7093 0381

from a certain tree, his goats became so energetic that they did not want to sleep at night. Kaldi reported his findings to the abbot of the local monastery, who made a drink with the berries and found that it kept him alert through the long hours of evening prayer. The abbot shared his discovery with the other monks at the monastery, and knowledge of the energizing berries began to spread. Coffee cultivation and trade began on the Arabian Peninsula. By the 15th century, coffee was being grown in the Yemeni district of Arabia and by the 16th century it was known in Persia, Egypt, Syria, and Turkey.

European travelers to the Near East brought back stories of an unusual dark black beverage. By the 17th century, coffee had made its way to Europe and was becoming popular across the continent. Some people reacted to this new beverage with suspicion or fear, calling it the “bitter invention of Satan.” The local clergy condemned coffee when it came to Venice in 1615. The controversy was so great that Pope Clement VIII was asked to intervene. He

decided to taste the beverage for himself before making a decision and found the drink so satisfying that he gave it papal approval. Despite controversy, coffee houses quickly became centers of social activity in the major cities of England, Austria, France, Germany, and Holland. In England “penny universities” sprang up, so called because for the price of a penny one could purchase a cup of coffee and engage in stimulating conversation. Coffee began to replace the common breakfast drink beverages of the time, beer and wine. Those who drank coffee instead of alcohol began the day alert and energized, and not surprisingly, the quality of their work was greatly improved. By mid-17th century, there

were over 300 coffee houses in London, many of which attracted like-minded patrons, including merchants, shippers, brokers and artists. This growth led to an increased demand which by the 1800´s Costa Rica was quite happy to help fill. Nowadays you can get the finest specialty coffees from Costa Rica right to your door and even special blends that include CBD. So ENJOY el Cafe de Costa Rica!

DRIVING IN COSTA RICA

Many VISITORS and newly arrived RESIDENTS are wary of DRIVING in Costa Rica. It is, however, not as bad as some make it out to be. I learned to drive in California where I drove for 25 years with the exception of a couple of years driving German autobahns. When I arrived in Costa Rica nearly 30 years ago, I found a very different driving environment here where drivers were less than careful or obedient of the laws. I also found that the normally friendly Tico can at times have a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality when it comes to being behind the wheel. That being said driving in Costa Rica is quite doable as long as you maintain a constant alertness, unlike driving on a Freeway where you can zone out at times and still be okay, a lack of attention here can result in an accident. It could be a big pothole that you fail to see, a sudden motorcyclist that passes you where you don´t expect it, a truck or bus that bullies its way into your lane, or a farm animal that blocks your way. So basically you need to bring your alertness and your patience and you should be okay. Also, try to avoid driving at night unless it is a major highway and even then nighttime will increase two or three fold your probabilities of accidents.

Your home country Driver's License is valid for the duration of your 180-day Visa.

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DESTINATION:

MONTEVERDE COSTA RICA´S RENOWNED CLOUD FOREST TOWN

MONTEVERDE is the home of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. A must visit place when you come to Costa Rica if you are a nature and birding lover or just enjoy outdoors adventures in general. The town itself is relatively small but has a good variety of places to eat in various cost categories. There is some nighttime entertainment available and some great souvenir shops. You can also find some very reasonably priced accomodations very close to the center of town as we did. When you do explore the Cloud Forest or the Hanging Bridges do get the...

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services of a knowledgeable guide as it will definitely enhance your experience of this habitat. The amazing amount and variety of mosses, ferns, orchids and other epiphytes found on the trunks and branches of most trees are sure to delight you. The mammals such as the white nosed Coati, the Central American Agouti, the Mexican Prehensile-tailed Porcupine and the Two-toed Sloth can be seen in this forest, Guided night tours are also popular here as you get to see all those critters that only come out at night. Birders were familiar with Monteverde long before other tourists even heard of this unique destination as they flocked here to see the hundreds of species and in particular the Resplendent Quetzals, which are considered one of the most beautiful birds.

TORTUGUERO CANALS

QUAKERS in MONTEVERDE

The small Quaker community in Costa Rica was founded in 1951 by a group of eleven Quaker families from Alabama. Four young Friends had recently been jailed for refusing to serve in the Korean War and the families were seeking somewhere they could live in peace. Hubert Mendenhall travelled overland by truck from the US, looking for suitable land for the group to settle, eventually arriving in Costa Rica. The country had just abolished its army and the government was encouraging foreigners to come and develop the land. Once Mendenhall found Monteverde in the centre of the country, which was then accessible only by ox cart, he knew he had found what they were looking for. The families purchased 1500 hectares of land, which was divided between the families. Each family then built their own house, with the community holding “house raising bees” to set the foundations and raise the heavy frames. Soon after, they set up Monteverde Friends School, completing the main school building in 1957. Today it is a bilingual school serving the local community – both Quakers and local Costa Ricans - from pre-school through to high school. Part of the land the Quakers purchased was used to set up a dairy farm, and the Monteverde Cheese Factory, which today produces over a ton of cheese a day.

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COSTA RICA ´ S BEST GUIDE MAGAZINE

However, the community also made the far-sighted decision to set aside an area on the mountain slopes as virgin cloud forest – high altitude forest cooled by moist air from the Pacific. In the early 1970s, when scientist George Powell began buying up land to prevent forest clearance, this land became the kernel of the newly established the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, now an international model for conservation. Wolf Guindon, one of the original Quaker settlers, was among the leaders of these pioneering conservation efforts.

INSIDE THE NATIONAL PARK - MANZANILLO

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DESTINATION: CENTRAL PACIFIC COAST

JACO BEACH

Extending from Tarcoles to Herradura Beach and then passing by Jaco beach, Esterillos, Parrita and continuing down South to the Manuel Antonio-Quepos area, the Central Pacific beaches of Costa Rica have so much to offer. This area is booming as it concentrates many of the top attractions including the most visited National Park in Costa Rica at Manuel Antonio Beach.

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Manuel Antonio National Park, on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, encompasses rugged jungle, white-sand beaches, and coral reefs. It is renowned for its vast diversity of tropical fauna and plants, from three-toed sloths and endangered white-faced capuchin monkeys to hundreds of species of birds. The park's nearly 1,500 acres are crisscrossed by hiking trails, which meander from the coast to high up in the mountains. Declared a National Park in 1972, Manuel Antonio is a must see on any Costa Rica travelers list of places to visit and enjoy! With a narrow peninsula and protected coves this National Park encompasses nearly 700 hectares chuck full of flora and fauna. Additionally, the Central Pacific offers world class aerial trams to view the treetops and canopy adventures with spectacular views of the forest canopy and the ocean as well as ATV tours, nature treks, horseback rides to enchanting waterfalls and natural pools and some of the best Sportfishing and Scuba Diving on the planet. You can take a Catamaran tour to the white sand and clear waters of Tortuga Island and enjoy an unforgettable sunset aboard as you head back to your port in the Central Pacific. Perhaps you prefer a day or several days of tour aboard your very own chartered yacht departing from the Marina in Quepos. Or a relaxing stay at the Los Sue ñ os Resort and Marina where you can enjoy the fine cuisine....

HERRADURA BEACH

ATV TOURS BEHIND JACO BEACH

CATAMARAN TOUR TO TORTUGA ISLAND

MARRIOTT HOTEL AT LOS SUEÑOS MARINA & RESORT

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offered by restaurants at the marina or at the Marriott Hotel there and play a round of golf amid iguanas and monkeys. Maybe a horseback ride along deserted endless beaches returning to soak your body in a hot tub or pool and a cool refreshing drink in your hand to watch that great sunset. Perhaps a full spa day with some regenerative massage to recover energies for more adventures is the ideal way to go. And we should not forget the active nightlife of Jaco Beach which is very popular with both visitors and locals from the capital city of San Jose as it is just over an hour away by automobile and offers many hotels, restaurants, clubs and bars to choose from. The choices are yours and the Pura Vida lifestyle of endless summer is there at your fingertips. Of course, with so much to offer this is an area that is also perfect for a permanent move or for an investment in a vacation rental property with several very enticing offerings that range from condominiums in a beachfront or ocean view tower to a custom home in the nearby hills with endless Pacific Ocean views. Or maybe a nice oceanview lot to build your own dream home on. From Tarcoles to Herradura Bay to Jaco Beach to the expansive and deserted beaches of Esterillos and continuing South past the fast growing city of Parrita and all the way to Manuel Antonio / Quepos and all the great beaches and towns in between, you are sure to find just the right place for your unforgettable vacation destination or for your new home in the tropics.

NEAR TORTUGA ISLAND

MANUEL ANTONIO BEACH

JACÓ BEACH

COSTA RICA REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE 21

Tico Style

FUTBOL (SOCCER)

COSTA RICA

Club Sport Cartagin é s, representing the province of Cartago was the next club to be officially started and it has quite an interesting history. It is still active but went for 82 consecutive years without winning a championship title and this was such a long dry spell that many avid Cartagin é s Fans

Soccer or F Ú TBOL as it is known in Latin America, is the National Sport of Costa Rica and has been so since the first Futbol Team became official in 1905. That pioneer club was Club Sport La Libertad, a San Jos é based club which did very well in its time but is now only found in the 3rd Division.

were born and died without getting to celebrate a national championship title. They came close in the 70 ´ s, 80 ´ s and the 90 ´ s especially, when in the early 90 ´ s they took 2nd Place in the National Championship and actually went on to win the 1994 CONCACAF (Central American, Caribbean and North American Confederation of F ú tbol Clubs) TITLE by winning all the eliminations and the Final game with a score of 3-2 against ATLANTE from Mexico which had its world famous former Real Madrid scoring star attacker Hugo S á nchez in the line up. This game was played in San Jose, but not in Costa Rica as one might think, rather it took place at Spartan Stadium in San Jose, California! I know this as I was there to see it and celebrate since at that time I worked as Director of IT for a local Card Club Casino. Costa Rica ´ s best ever finish at the WORLD

CUP was in 2014 in Brazil, when the National Team finished in the 8th position and actually finished undefeated in regulation time as it only lost to Holland in the penalty shoot-out after a tie during the 120 minutes of playing (90 min. regulation time plus 30 minutes of overtime). The team had been seeded in a group that was known as the Group of Death due to having 3 former World Cup Champions (Italy, England and Uruguay) and poor little Costa Rica was thought to be the first to be eliminated. Instead the Costa Rican team shocked everyone and finished first and undefeated! From this 2014 World Cup emerged several world class players with the most famous being Keylor Navas, the goalkeeper, who would go on to win 3 UEFA Champions League Titles in a row, playing for powerhouse REAL MADRID.

Current Final League Standings (MAY 2024) and the Top 4 Teams after 22 games (1 Away game and 1 Home game against the other 11 teams) will play for the Title. The 1st Place finisher will play against the 4th and 2nd and 3rd will play each other. The two winners then go on to play each other for the title. In the Playoffs Alajuelense and Saprissa beat Heredia and San Carlos which set up the Final games of Home and Away between Saprissa vs Alajuelense. The SAPRISSA team took the Title after the away and home games. The Costa Rica National Team played against Honduras on March 23rd, 2024, in Frisco, Texas, USA and won. The WIN gave it a spot in the COPA AMERICA with Brazil, Colombia and Paraguay in its group from which the Top 2 teams will advance to the Final rounds.

ISLA DEL COCO Costa Rica´s Fabled Treasure Island isladelcoco.go.cr

Stories of pirates, shipwrecks and legendary hidden treasures have stirred the imagination of many for two centuries since the year of Our Lord 1820 when a small, old English merchant vessel quietly slipped away carrying 24 heavy wooden boxes filled with gold coins and rich ornaments from the Cathedral of Lima. As a fight for independence from Spain was taking place, led by General San Martin and the English Admiral Cochrane who attacked from land and sea using Chile as the friendly base of operations, the Spanish Viceroy Abascal, believed it would be wise to move the treasure to a safer location, and hired the merchant ship. However the Captain decided to keep the treasure for himself and the crew and sailed to Cocos Island to hide it there. The plan was to resupply in Panama and lay low for a few months then return for the treasure to be divided in equal parts but on the way to Panama they were intercepted by the Peruvian, a Spanish captained ship which left the Port of Callao to pursue them and they were all placed on the top deck and asked where the treasure of Lima was. When they refused to say , 8 of the 11 were executed. The three

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remaining sailors confessed the treasure had been hidden in Cocos Island, but although the Captain of the Peruvian wanted to sail there right away, he had to sail to Panama because some of his sailors were fever stricken due to contaminated water. The ship was anchored for 3 weeks during which time one of the three sailors died. The other two managed to escape at night by jumping into the sea through an open hatch and swimming about 1 kilometer to another ship. Captain James Morris, rescued them. He was an American whaler from New Bedford, leaving at dawn, headed for Kona, Sandwich Islands, later named Hawaii. In Kona, where they arrived at the end of November, 1820, one of them decided to get off, while his friend continued with James Morris to their home base in Massachussets. They would never cross paths again. For the next 20 years, Thompson, the second survivor, worked on merchant ships between the US and the Caribbean. In 1846, John Keating, who had met one of the original survivors and heard all the treasure details, took advantage of a long stop by his ship in Panama and rented a small boat to take him to Cocos Island under the pretext of visiting a family member buried there. Upon arriving at Chatam Bay, Keating goes alone in a row boat toward the other Bay called Wafer, in honor of a 17th century pirate surgeon. The legend of the hidden treasure 26 years earlier is not yet known. Keating reaches the treasure cave after 1 hour of walking, moving the rock covering the entrance with great difficulty and fills a bag with coins and puts it inside his coat, quietly returning to the ship and later to his home in Saint John’s where he uses the coins to live a wealthy life but never returns to the island. Isla del Coco is claimed in September, 1869 as Costa Rican territory, thanks to the then President Jesús Jiménez and the search for the treasure by a young Englishman named Wlliam Tucker who was living in San Jose, Costa Rica. Then in 1888 a young German mariner named August Gissler meets in Kona, Hawaii, an old alcoholic Scotsman named Mackcomber, known as “Old Mack”, famous for telling fantastic stories of treasure and pirates. Gissler becomes the boyfriend of a beautiful native girl who is Mack´s daughter. Becoming gravelly ill, the old man tells Gissler how the Treasure of Lima was stolen and hidden in 1820 and how he was one of the only 2 survivors. Gissler decides upon Mack´s death to travel to Costa Rica and to Cocos Island, spending the rest of his life as the most conspicuous treasure hunter of all, even acting as Governor of Cocos Island from 1897 until 1906. After that many more treasure hunters tried to find the hidden gold. en 1931, 3 castaways from San Diego, California, who lived on the island for 6 months, discover the treasure cave, and insinuate the finding in an article published in 1932 in the American Magazine, titled “Six months on a desert island”. In November 1949, one of the castaways sent a letter to the

The treasure is the island!

Isla del Coco (Cocos Island) National Park

government of Costa Rica proposing a joint search for the cave but was ignored. Cocos Island national park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997 for its unmatched natural beauty and rich biodiversity. The island is located 532 kilometers from Puntarenas, Costa Rica between parallels 530' and 534' and meridians 8710' and 876'. The blue-turquoise water is extraordinarily clear and makes a great habitat for an abundance of marine life, making this island one of the most extraordinary places in the world for diving. It also has truly beautiful evergreen forests and numerous impressive waterfalls and was the inspiration for Isla Nublar (Jurassic Park). For visitors, there is an information center, a park ranger’s station, trails,signage, restroom services, potable water and several lookout points but access is restricted to approved tourist charters. An excellent tour to the island is the Okeanos Agressor II which departs from Puntarenas offering 10 to 12 night tours which include diving 3 to 4 times a day and living in a well equipped, luxurious 122 foot yacht designed to maximize your unforgettable experience.