Costa Rica´s Best Guide Online Magazine

COSTA RICA´S BEST GUIDE AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2024

8 COSTA RICA REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE

Top 20 Tour Activities

Costa Rica´s

Costa Rica offers tons of activities that range from wild adventure to pleasant and gentle. The choice is up to you!

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Top 20 Tour Activities

Isla Tortuga Day Tour - Hotel pickup to a boat or catamaran that takes you to a beautiful white sand beach for a full day of fun and delicious food ending with a great sunset view on the bay on the way back.

Arenal Volcano - Walking and bird watching tours let you take advantage of the natural beauty around the volcano and help you build up an appetite for the many great restaurant choices in La Fortuna.

Manuel Antonio National Park offers a chance to see the flora and fauna plus enjoying the great beaches in the park. After that experience Manuel Antonio and Quepos which offer you plenty of hotels, plus dining & shopping options to enjoy. Gandoca-Manzanillo Reserve on the Caribbean coast offers arguably the best beaches in Costa Rica and plenty of flora and fauna to enjoy as well as great choices in Caribbean hotels, food/beverage & tours and entertainment.

Top 20 Tour Activities

Enjoy a natural hot springs experience that is both good for you and feels good. Some of the best places are located in the vicinity of the Arenal volcano in La Fortuna but there are other places in Costa Rica like the Orosi Valley in Cartago. A visit to an active volcano can be a very unique experience. Poas volcano as well as Irazu & Turrialba volcanoes are very popular with visitors wanting to see these natural wonders up close. Rio Celeste is always a crowd favorite with its unique color, located in Tenorio Volcano National Park. The river is formed by the confluence of the Buena Vista and Quebrada Agria rivers, both running through the slopes of the volcano itself.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological reserve offers a myriad of great tour attractions to pick from and a quaint fun little town to discover and enjoy.

Top 20 Tour Activities

Taking the Ferry boat from Puntarenas to the Nicoya Peninsula to explore the various beach towns of this Blue Zone can be one of the most enjoyable trips to take in all of Costa Rica

An exploration by tour boat or catamaran of the beautiful Lake Arenal area is a great day trip which can be enjoyed by any age.

Enjoy the many beaches throughout Costa Rica that offer excellent surfing conditions and take surf classes to learn or improve your surfing & bodyboarding skills.

Tour the many attractions in downtown San jose for a great day trip. These include the National Theater, the Central Market, the Gold and the Jade Museums as well as the National Museum and the many hotel and dining options available.

Top 20 Tour Activities

Rafting can be great fun year-round but for the top end classes, the heavy rain months of September thru November are best. The Pacuare and Reventazon rivers offer some of the best experiences.

Bird watching is extremely popular among tourists with some bringing very expensive photographic equipment but just a set of binoculars will let you see many of the 900 plus species of birds found in Costa Rica.

Tortuguero National Park, known for its extensive canals and as a nesting place for green sea turtles, is a great place for up close and personal spotting of wildlife and offers a variety of boat tours.

Be sure to schedule one of the several Coffee farm tours and see the way Costa Rica´s golden bean is produced and buy some to take home with you. Clearly among the best coffee in the world!

Top 20 Tour Activities

The Osa Peninsula in the South Pacific of Costa Rica is home to hundreds of types of exotic birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, monkeys, amphibians, whales, and dolphins, so it is no wonder that National Geographic declared Osa Peninsula as one the most diverse and wild places on earth! Tamarindo beach in the North Pacific is quite popular as it offers lots of choices for bars and dining plus many shops too. Its white sand beaches are great for surfing & Sunning plus lots of watersports nearby as well as other fun tours. A Sport Fishing experience is a great option with lots of boats to choose from in the Herradura beach, Quepos Marina, and many other oceanside marina locations throughout Costa Rica[s coasts. Hanging Bridges tours are a great way to get close to nature and when paired with a guide these can offer some great insights into the local flora and fauna. Places like Arenal, Monteverde and Herradura beach in the Central Pacific offer these tours.

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

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. (08/30/24) Dollar Sell: 515.75 - Buy: 521.72 Colones (CRC) per US Dollar (08/30/24) Euro Sell: 569.75 - Buy: 573.38 Colones (CRC) per EURO

Language: Spanish (official), English is growing fast among younger Ticos. Population in the 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 and the foreign driver´s license is also valid for 180 days. A vehicle can only remain for 90 days.

COSTA RICA´S BEST GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

72 74 78

01 07

FUTBOL SOCCER IN COSTA RICA

COSTA RICA´S TOP 20 TOURS

ISLA DEL COCO -TREASURE ISLAND

LA FORTUNA-LAKE ARENAL AREA ITINERARY IDEAS 08 SPORTS FISHING IN COSTA RICA

CENTRAL PACIFIC COAST DESTINATION ATENAS 84 86 BUY OR RENT IN COSTA RICA TOP 10 REASONS TO MOVE TO CR

13 14 22 28 36

CR INFO AT A GLANCE

91 92 96

TOP 10 TIPS LIST FOR TRAVELERS

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

CENTRAL PACIFIC COAST ITINERARY

THE SOUTH PACIFIC COAST

CARIBBEAN COAST

INSURANCE IN COSTA RICA

100 102 104 106

39 40 DRIVING IN COSTA RICA 46 DESTINATION MONTEVERDE 53 TAMARINDO BEACH ITINERARY HISTORY OF COFFEE IN COSTA RICA

SAN JOSÉ INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

MARINAS IN COSTA RICA

COSTA RICA PROPERTY AS AN INVESTMENT

BLUE ZONES

COSTA RICA CORPORATIONS 111 THE HAPPIEST COUNTRY

58 54

DIGITAL NOMAD

114

THE CENTRAL PACIFIC COAST

ISLA DEL COCO 122 COSTA RICA´S FARMER´S MARKETS COSTA RICA CORPORATIONS THE NORTH PACIFIC COAST 118 COST OF LIVING IN COSTA RICA

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MEDICAL TOURISM IN COSTA RICA

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

COSTA RICA´S BEST GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PHOTO CREDITS:

188 190 192

124 128 136

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 LONG ROAD BACK WELLNESS IN COSTA RICA

OBTAINING RESIDENCY

DESTINATION SAN JOSÉ CITY

COSTA RICA WILDLIFE CALENDAR

DESTINATION TOWNS OF OCCIDENTE 142 DESTINATION NICOYA PENINSULA

BUYING REAL ESTATE IN COSTA RICA - INS & OUTS 196 202 THE WEATHER IN COSTA RICA - JUN 24-MAY 25 DESTINATION CARTAGO

HOW TO MAKE YOUR VACATION HOME PAY FOR ITSELF 146

DARIA MAMONT BRADEN JARVIS VERA FRANK EIFFERT ATANAS MALAMOV

150 158

209 IS COSTA RICA A PREPPER´S PARADISE?

DESTINATION TOWN OF TILARÁN

LINGCHOR JAN WEBER

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

DESTINATION LA FORTUNA - ARENAL LAKE / VOLCANO 164 167 172 THE PURA VIDA TIMES NEWS THE NEW PENSIONADO (RETIREE) LAW ARCHITECTURE - STAGES OF HOME DESIGN

THE FLAVORS OF COSTA RICA 224 EL CAMINO DE COSTA RICA SEA TO SEA CROSS-COUNTRY TOUR

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

174 PORT OF PUNTARENAS

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PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF HERNAN CARAZO B.

SHOULD YOU MOVE TO COSTA RICA? COSTA RICA 184 YOUTUBE VIDEO LINKS

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: August 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 start. 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.

Hotel Marala, Marala, Esterillos Esterillos Beach

CENTRAL PACIFIC COAST

An excellent option for a first time Visitor to Costa Rica are the following 8-Day and 7-night tours which give you a perfect chance to discover a variety of the great places and experiences that Costa Rica has to offer in just a short time. A week to ten-day vacation in Costa Rica is a very limited time but with adequate planning you can still squeeze in a lot of enjoyment and adventure into your trip. Welcome to Costa Rica, the “Rich Coast,” a friendly land of unique natural beauty. On this suggested Tour itinerary you will be able to enjoy pristine islands, exotic birds, and wildlife, view volcanoes, visit Nature Reserves, soak in natural hot springs, enjoy aerial tram or canopy adventures, ride ATV´s though awesome views on the way to a waterfall and lots more. Day 1 - Sunday - San Jose, Costa Rica – Arrival and an under 2 hour drive on good roads ( includes about half the distance on a toll road so bring at least one five dollar bill and some ones, in pristine condition – most places will accept 20´s or lesser bills in excellent condition ) to your Central Pacific Hotel. This suggested Tour assumes that you will arrive at the San Jose ( SJO ) Juan Santamaria International Airport, preferably by 2pm, so that you can drive to your Homebase Hotel in time to watch the sunset from the pool and enjoy a great meal at your hotel.

8-Day/7-Night Tour Itinerary suggestions for First Time Visitors to Costa Rica

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Day 2 – Monday - Vista Los Sueños Adventure Park Full Day Activities with Lunch included, Playa Herradura, Central Pacific, Costa Rica. On this tour, located only 20 minutes from your hotel you will get to enjoy a full day of fun adventures which include 2 Adventure Tours in one day, as you get to experience the Rainforest from a bird’s eye view and also go deep in the paths, trails, rivers and lots of muddy roads in a transitional Costa Rica Rainforest, located only 10 min. from Jacó Beach and Los Sueños Resort. You will start with our famous Zip Line Tour in the Costa Rica Treetops, this tour includes a 15-minute tractor ride up to the top of the mountain; you will then descend on a series of 12 platforms and 10 cables, including one of the longest in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific. After the Zip Line, it’s time to get your adrenaline pumping on our 2-hour Jungle and River ATV adventure. This tour will give you a different perspective and views of the Jaco Beach area. Here we have it all: trails, mud, jungle, ocean views, rivers, and the best bilingual guides to make this an experience of a lifetime. You will then enjoy a Costa Rican “Typical Casado” this traditional dish is a combination of rice, beans, salad, fried plantain, vegetables and choose from fish, beef, pork or chicken, it also includes refill of natural drinks, dessert, and coffee, your lunch will be in a beautiful fresh open air area surrounded by nature, you can also buy additional drinks at the park. You will then finish off the day with a Horseback Riding adventure visiting pristine private waterfalls.

Day 3 – Tuesday - - Isla Tortuga Full Day Activities with Breakfast and Lunch included, Playa Herradura, Central Pacific, Costa Rica. On this tour, which starts at the marina located only 20 minutes from your hotel you will get to enjoy a full day of fun adventures which include experiencing crystal blue water, white sand, green mountains, superb cuisine and attentive personal service. Taking a super fun Catamaran, from the Los Sueños Marina in Herradura Beach, you will pass thru more than seven islands in the Gulf of Nicoya on the way to her Port of Call, the stunningly beautiful, palm studded, beach of Tortuga Island, where you can walk the white sands, swim in the turquoise water and investigate the marine life while the crew prepares a sumptuous lunch feast. Enjoy dining in the shade of the white umbrellas with tables covered in white linen. Include a choice of banana boat riding or snorkeling excursions in your tour for maximum fun! The return is in the early evening and you can experience a memorable sunset from your catamaran. After returning to the hotel you can enjoy a gourmet level dinner there or just take a quick 15-minute ride to nearby Jacó Beach for a wide choice of dining experiences ranging from Sushi or Thai to Indian and just about everything in-between, all the way to a premium Steak House. There are also a ton of night life activities to enjoy in Jacó but after the long day you might want to limit those for later in the week and get a good night´s rest in preparation for the following day´s adventures. CONTINUED Next Page

Day 5 – Thursday - - - Manuel Antonio National Park & Quepos - Full Day Activities with breakfast at hotel included, Playa Manuel Antonio, Central Pacific. On this tour activity, located only 45 minutes South from your hotel you will get to enjoy a full day of fun adventures which include an early morning (preferably guided) tour of the Manuel Antonio National Park, the most visited park in Costa Rica. Manuel Antonio National Park is considered one of the most beautiful parks in Costa Rica. On this tour, you will visit pristine beaches, with coral reefs, bordered by exuberant vegetation and the natural wonders of the tropical rainforest. The beaches in Manuel Antonio are highly coveted as some of the best that Costa Rica has to offer. On the way to Manuel Antonio National Park, you will travel along the coastline enjoying scenic views, including extensive African palm plantations. You will also travel past small towns along the Pacific Coast, until you reach the port of Quepos and then drive up the mountain to the Park in Manuel Antonio. Take your vehicle as far as you can go and then park in one of the paid lots, from there head to the nearby entrance and you will hike to the preserve, crossing a creek. Once in the park, you can simply relax and enjoy the beach, sunbathe, or hike through the park’s trails, which will allow you to observe Manuel Antonio’s abundant flora and fauna. Several species of monkeys, iguanas, birds and possibly even the three toed sloth can be seen. If you hike the trail to Cathedral Point, the views of the park and the sea are simply spectacular! Bring sunscreen and bug spray.

Day 4 – Wednesday - - Explore Jaco Beach and/or Los Sueños Resort, Marina and Golf Course - Full Day Activities with Breakfast at hotel included, Jacó Beach/Playa Herradura, Central Pacific, Costa Rica. On this tour, which is only 20 minutes from your hotel you will get to enjoy a full day of fun adventures which include exploring the many, many shops, restaurants and other attractions by walking on the Jacó Main Street. You can also take a Spa and/or Salon break such as at the exquisite ACQUA Salon-Spa. You can spend time at the expansive beach or sip a cool drink at one of the many beachfront hotel restaurants and watch the world go by. You can also see on main Street window fronts for RE/MAX and Century 21, among others, offering many local properties for sale and vacation rentals too. A short 5 minute drive to Herradura Beach will take you into Los Sueños Marina, Resort and Golf Course. A nice lunch can be had at the Marriott Hotel there from the second floor with great views and also there are fine restaurants in the Marina Village as well as Sport Fishing operators, in case you want to go out Sport Fishing instead of one of the other tours. You can of course, also opt to take in a round of golf or take advantage of the Spa at the Hotel. Seeing all the beautiful condos and homes that are located within the Los Sueños Resort you may be inclined to get your own vacation rental unit there. Just outside the resort if you keep going straight to the beach you will find a variety of quite good seafood restaurants right in front of the beach. ENJOY!

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Day 6 – Friday - - - Drive back to San José, the Capital City to another hotel and Half Day of City Tour Activities. On this tour day, you check out of your Central Pacific hotel and head back to San José, the capital city where you can choose from a variety of excellent boutique hotels or choose a larger chain hotel like the Barcelo. It will take you about 2 hours or less to reach your destination. Depending on how late you left your hotel, you will have a half day or more to explore downtown San José which contrary to popular belief offers a myriad of fun things to do, some free and some for a low cost. There are paid parking lots throughout downtown and these are your best bet. You can then walk to all the various attractions which are basically located off of Avenida Central, a mostly pedestrian only street filled with shops and places to eat. You can tour the square block under roof Mercado Central founded in the 19th century and be amazed by all the variety of stalls selling anything and everything ( check out our San José section in this magazine and our video links for walking tours of San José ) including coffee and souvenirs of all kinds. You can also grab a quick and inexpensive but tasty meal here. Then you can go explore the various museums such as the Gold & Numismatic museum, The Jade & Pre-Columbian museum and the National museum. And of course the National Theater is also a must see, so as you can see your day is pretty full or you can find a small café or restaurant and just relax and people watch. So a fun day of exploration awaits you!

Day 7 – Saturday - - - Explore the La Fortuna Hot Springs and Arenal Volcano area - Full Day Activities. Lunch and Dinner included. La Fortuna de San Carlos, Alajuela Province. Costa Rica. Did we save the best for last? Quite possibly, as this is one of the most popular tours offered. This tour shows the beauty of Arenal Volcano, and the soothing thermal waters of natural Hot Springs. Set against a backdrop of lush vegetation and breathtaking views of the nearly perfect conical shaped lines of the volcano. Enroute to the Arenal Volcano, a stop at the famous town of Sarchí, known as the birthplace of Costa Rica’s Artisans showing the many art crafts and souvenirs that Costa Rica has to offer. Also you will see the world’s largest ox cart according to the Guinness Book. The cart is 2 stories high, nearly 45 feet long (14 meters) and weighs 4400 lbs. (2 tons), and took 70 days to complete and is designed based on our typical and traditional oxcarts. The journey continues, traversing diverse plantations, including pineapple and plantain farms, and even cattle ranches until arriving at the small town of La Fortuna, to enjoy lunch at a cozy restaurant with a magnificent view of the volcano. An essential part of exploring the wondrous world of the Natural Hot Springs is soaking in the cascading thermal waterfalls. This natural hydrotherapy is the way to achieve proper relaxation. The river-pool temperatures range from 72 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. And for a perfect ending, before going back to San José, a wonderful dinner will be served with a great view of the volcano.

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Day 8 – Sunday - - - Departure Day - All good things must come to an end but we are sure that you will be back and plan for a much longer stay as we barely scratched the surface! Stay tuned by subscribing to our free monthly magazine at:

A very nice hotel to stay at in San José can be found for USD 100 or less. The cost of a rental car can vary widely depending on the time of year that you visit and the type of car you choose but can be anywhere from USD 350 on upward with insurance. A 4x4 is not needed for this suggested itinerary at all. Restaurant and meal prices can vary from under 3500 Colones (under USD 7) if you eat at a local eatery like a Soda (name of small local food stands) on up, but will generally be equal to or less than in North America. It is all up to you how much you spend as good eats are available in all price ranges if you choose wisely and look and ask around. Tour / Attractions and Transportation Prices are as follows (unless mentioned Transportation is not included in the price quoted): Vista Los Sueños Tri-Combo Tour (minimum 2 Pax) includes Lunch, bilingual guides, 2 hours Zip Line, 2 hours ATV, Horseback Riding, Waterfalls, safety equipment, fruits and water included on both tours, breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. USD 175/pax Isla Tortuga Bay Island Cruise experience a day full of beautiful skies, great ocean views and live music. On board the yacht tropical fruits and natural drinks will be served and at the island there will be time to explore the surroundings, sunbathe, swim, and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the crew. USD 146 + 8% tax/passenger and includes transportation. La Fortuna - Arenal Volcano Tour includes Transportation, Lunch, and Dinner plus access to the Tabacón Hot Springs. You will go on to relax at one of the best hot springs in the area where you will revel in the cleansing and rejuvenating effects of the thermal waters, as well as an optional massage or other special treatment, if you choose, that must be reserved ahead of time to ensure availability. Spa treatments are not included and are payable directly at the resort. USD 219 + 8% tax/passenger.

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and we will have many more tour options and great destinations in Costa Rica for you to explore.

Here are some examples of tour prices so as to give you an idea of the budget you should plan on based on which tours you want to do as well as the level of hotels chosen, the cost to rent a car, the types of places you select to eat at for meals not included in your hotel stay or in your tours. A rental car is a great convenience but not an absolute necessity if you plan your activities accordingly so it comes down to what you have more of: time and patience or money. LOL. The Suggested Hotel ( Hotel Marala in Esterillos ) for the first 4 nights is a just remodeled boutique hotel that is just perfect location wise to be your home base for these tours. It is very close to all the hustle and bustle of Jacó and Playa Hermosa but is all by itself in Esterillos Beach right off the Coast Highway and only 15 minutes away. The room quality is excellent, and the food and drink are top shelf but yet the prices are very reasonable. For example, a room night for two persons with a Queen bed for a 2 night stay starts at just USD 107 + tax/night and that includes breakfast. If you want to upgrade to a King size bed with Ocean view, its USD 135 + tax/night and if you also want a balcony with that King size with Ocean view then its USD 150 + tax. The entire 3rd Floor comprises the Presidential Suite with a balcony with jacuzzi and awesome views. Sun-Thursday its USD 250 plus tax and breakfast is included. USD 270 on weekends. Prices will be higher in High Season (December-May).

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

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GREAT ESTATES OF COSTA RICA 25TH ANNIVERSARY

LUXURY REAL ESTATE

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

Tamarindo - Playa Grande Suggested 5 Day-4 Night Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Beach Relaxation

Activity 1: Arrival and Check-in

Settle into your accommodation in Playa Tamarindo. Take some time to unpack and get familiar with your surroundings. Do take a leisurely walk around the downtown Tamarindo streets and check out the many shops and restaurants available there.

Activity 2: Tamarindo Beach

Spend your afternoon relaxing on Tamarindo Beach. This beautiful beach is known for its golden sands and stunning sunsets. You can take a leisurely walk along the shore, swim in the warm waters, or simply lounge under a palm tree with a good book. Several restaurants offer beachfront locations from which to see the sunset and enjoy the vibrant colors and laid back atmosphere of this popular beach destination.

TAMARINDO IS ONE OF THE MOST VISITED BEACHES IN COSTA RICA BY TOURISTS DUE TO ITS MANY ATTRACTIONS.

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Day 2: Surfing and Estuary Tour

Day 3: Snorkeling and Sunset Cruise

Activity 1: Surfing Lesson

Activity 1: Snorkeling at Playa Conchal

Take a short trip to Playa Conchal, known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. Spend the morning snorkeling and discovering the vibrant underwater world. This is a unique beach whose sand is made up of tiny crushed shells.

Tamarindo is famous for its surf-friendly waves, making it an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced surfers. Book a morning surf lesson with one of the local surf schools in neighboring Playa Grande.

Activity 2: Sunset Catamaran Cruise

Activity 2: Tamarindo Estuary Boat Tour

In the late afternoon, embark on a sunset catamaran cruise. Enjoy the open bar, delicious snacks, and the opportunity to snorkel or paddleboard in a secluded cove. As the day ends, relax on the deck and watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean.

In the afternoon, explore the Tamarindo Estuary on a guided boat tour. This tour takes you through the mangroves where you can spot a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles, monkeys, and exotic birds.

Day 4: Adventure and Art

Day 5: National Park and Departure

Activity 1: ATV Tour

Activity 1: Rincon de la Vieja National Park

Start your day with an exciting ATV tour through the surrounding countryside. You’ll ride through forests, across rivers, and up hills to enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline.

Dedicate your final day to exploring Rincon de la Vieja National Park. This park is home to an active volcano, hot springs, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. You can hike through the lush forest, soak in natural hot springs, and even see bubbling mud pots. It’s a fantastic way to experience Costa Rica’s natural wonders. After your adventure in the national park, return to Tamarindo to pack up and check out. Depending on your departure time, you might have a bit of time for a final stroll on the beach or a quick bite at a local eatery before heading to the airport.

Activity 2: Lydia Beech Art Boutique

In the afternoon, visit the Lydia Beech Art Boutique in Tamarindo. This charming boutique features unique, locally made art and crafts. This is a great place to pick up a special souvenir or gift and support local artists.

Activity 2: Departure

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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 but only 90 days allowed for a vehicle brought in.

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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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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!