Area
Long recognized for its social and political stability, favorable climate, direct flight access and genuine warmth of the local people, Costa Rica has become one of the premier tourist destinations in the world. International investment continues to reach record highs in a strong technology sector among others, and while much of the country still thrives on agricultural exports, tourism remains the country’s primary source of income. Costa Rica offers visitors and locals a high standard of living which is complimented by accelerated infrastructure construction and access to modern resorts, their amenities and conveniences.
There are two main seasons in Costa Rica – the “green” and the “gold” – and both are filled with an abundance of sunshine and the absence of hurricanes. Tropical forests extend from the mountainous Central Valley to the shore. Costa Rica is a rare and diverse kingdom where nature still reigns supreme. The country represents only .01% of the earth’s landmass, yet is home to over 5% of all wildlife. From exploring the numerous national parks, lush rainforests, and tranquil beach communities, to enjoying the multitude of activities including world–class sport fishing, white–water rafting, nature and wildlife tours, even seeing an actively erupting volcano…. Costa Rica has something for everyone.
For those seeking their inner peace, Costa Rica is home to dozens of highly regarded yoga retreats and wellness centers. Die–hard surfers discovered our shores years ago and will tell you that our waves rival any on the planet. And if watching a spectacular sunset is high on your list of values, imagine having an ocean view retreat of your own, where your nightly show might be all of the entertainment you ever need.
Foreigners enjoy the same real estate ownership rights as Costa Rican citizens through the country’s National Registry which is fully guaranteed by the constitution. As an exclusive affiliate of Christie’s Great Estates, Plantación Properties is honored to assist you in acquiring your piece of this paradise.
Escazú – San José
Costa Rica’s capital San José, is located in the heart of the Central Valley. It’s an extensive, fertile basin guarded by majestic volcanoes and green hills, honoring the natural richness that exists throughout the national territory.
Founded in the first half of the eighteenth century, San José is now a city where visitors of the entire world converge; a metropolis of interesting places, faces, and colors reflecting the history of a diverse population.
Just as diverse is the city’s architecture. In the north sector of the city you can find the most refined examples of urban development of the early period of last century. There are many houses and buildings with European inspiration, but built with a profound Costa Rican sense of style.
The city lies at an elevation of 1,161 meters above sea level and enjoys a moderate climate throughout the year. The temperature ranges between 15°C and 26°C (59–79°F). The rainy season is from April to late November, but cloudiness and rainfall can occur during the dry season. Also, the climate can be somewhat windy, which may decrease the temperature even more. Relative humidity tends to range between 60% and 90%.
San Rafael: San Rafael is located in the lower part of Escazú. The old main street has turned into what locals call "the Golden Mile," full of high–end stores and restaurants – anything from typical Costa Rican cafes to high–end gourmet eateries. Many new boutique–centered strip malls are being constructed…road frontage here is at a premium.
Guanacaste
Guanacaste – named after the national tree of Costa Rica, is the largest of the country’s seven provinces. It boasts a rich cultural heritage, numerous protected areas of natural beauty, and stunning biodiversity. Once part of Nicaragua, Guanacaste did not become a province of Costa Rica until July 25, 1825. This occurred shortly after the nations in the region gained their independence from Spain in 1821. The residents of the communities in Nicoya, Santa Cruz and Cañas preferred to join the stable, peaceful democratic government of Costa Rica. The annexation date, July 25, 1825, is celebrated as a government holiday, even though it was not until 1858 that the change in boundary lines was officially recognized and agreed upon by the two countries.
Guanacaste is located in the northwestern part of the country, along the coast of the Pacific Ocean. To the north it borders Nicaragua; to the east is the Alajuela Province; and to the southeast is the Puntarenas Province. Guanacaste’s capital is Liberia and the province covers an area of 10,141 km2, with a population of 220,000 of Costa Rica’s 4 million residents.
Guanacaste has a tropical climate with average annual temperatures ranging from 31.7°C (89°F) on the coastal plains to 16.7°C (62°F) in the inland highlands.
(December–April) Hot, sunny, near cloudless days with warm, starry nights accompanied by strong seasonal offshore breezes known as the “Papagayo Winds” which blow from January until April.
A period of lush vegetation characterized by fresh mornings and sometimes heavy, but brief afternoon showers. September and October are the wettest months. A mini dry–season known as the “Veranillo de San Juan” (similar to an “Indian Summer”) typically occurs around mid–July.
Most of the population descends from a mix of Chorotega Native Americans, Spaniards and sub–Saharan Africans, namely Bantu slaves. Guanacastecan residents speak a dialect distinct from the rest of Costa Rica. As in Nicaragua and Costa Rica, Guanacastecans use the “usted” conjugation upon initial meetings, instead of “tu”, but once they have established a friendship, use the more informal “vos” conjugation. The Guanacaste culture has been successfully integrated into the mainstream culture; among the main elements are their unique music, literature (folklore), musical instruments, bullfighting and important religious events.