Squatter Problems with your Costa Rica Property!

Travel Costa Rica and take my advice:  Don't buy a piece of land or a house and leave it unattended. What's the problem: Squatters (in Spanish= precaista).

First, if you buy a property which has a Tico house on it with a family living in it, check the following-Ask the seller for the documents proving that these people are employed by him under a written contract for living on the property and taking care of it. Have your Costa Rican attorney go over this contract. If you keep these people on as your employees have your lawyer draw an employment contract and you keep receipts of when and how you pay them. (also make sure the previous employer paid all the compensations due  to these people you are employing....before you sign the purchase agreement on the property :  Do this before you  make the  new contract with these people you are planning to allow to remain living on the property.

Generally, the problem with squatters is agricultural land, but not always. Prevention is the important factor. Remember is do not leave your property unattended. If you have to leave the country for awhile, hire someone to live on the property (under a written contract)

Squatters have rights in Costa Rica!  Check in with  your attorney on the exact legal rights of squatters!!

Common Sense Approach to Buying Real Estate in Costa Rica

Travel Costa Rica and thinking about buying property?  Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in Costa Rica..usually in the name of a corporation which your Costa Rican attorney will form before you begin the purchasing process. Now: All land records are kept  at one place-a central title registry called Registro National, located in San Jose the capital city. You should have you attorney check the property at this National Registry before you get serious about making an offer, to make sure the person selling is the true owner of the property, and the property is free of liens.
All liens and attachments (to be legal) against a property must be registered at Public Registry.

Real Estate agents in Costa Rica are not required by law to be licensed and there is no such thing as "multiple listings" like we have in the US. Many people take up the title of Real Estate Agent without proper training so be careful; and check them out very well before giving them your trust. Also: Speculation is rampant in the prices of real estate..so take all the time you need to wisely judge the reasonable price to pay. You could start by asking others foreigners who have bought property in the your area.

Choose an attorney to represent you who is DIFFERENT from the one representing the seller.
Inquire around the North American community for an attorney who is fluent in the English language. Ask ahead of time about his fees. You do not want surprises, since these fees are generally higher than what we are accustomed to in the US or Canada for the same services.

Offer to purchase property with a written contract (never a verbal contract) which your chosen attorney will prepare for you.

Don't pay the first price asked. Don't act overly enthusiastic,... take your time. Costa Ricans expect you to negotiate.

Electrical and Potable water: Make sure the property has existing electrical lines that you can tap into. Getting the electrical company to run new electric poles, transformers, lines, etc to your newly purchased property can be a very very long process or you may never get them. Same is true with potable water. Check ALL this out first!

Corporations: The common practice is to purchase your property under the name of a corporation. Which you should form before you begin your quest to find your property. There are many very important advantages to doing this in Costa Rica, too many to list here. Plan to discuss these advantages with your attorney.

Squatters in Costa Rica It is best NOT to buy property in remote areas and leave it unattended (without someone living on it to watch and protect it) Squatters could occupy your property . This is a serious problem, which could make your life miserable. Squatters have rights in Costa Rica..

Monteverde Costa Rica's Remote Rainforest Reserve, Wildlife Refuge

Let's visit  unique  place in Costa Rica, settled by the  Quakers in the 1950's. A bone-shaking road leads up to Monteverde from the Inter-American Highway 1. Only about 35 miles but takes around two hours to drive. It is unpaved and rocky and winds around the mountain up 3,500 feet above sea level. The views are lovely along the way but the drive is tiring and hard on the vehicle. Once at the top you have the feeling of going back in time. Life is rural and peaceful, a simple life.   Quakers from Alabama in the 1950's settled here looking for peace -free from war and unrest.

The heart of things is the little village of Santa Elena...there is no village called  Monteverde. The bedrock of the local community is tourism, however dairy cattle farming and cheese processing is second. Monteverde cheese is famous all over Costa Rica.

The big tourist draw is the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve here in Costa Rica....founded in 1972. A visitor can hike thru the reserve (there is a nominal entrance fee) hopeing to see the famous Quetzal bird which makes this highland rainforest it's home. Here the giant primary rainforest trees seem to reach the sky, allowing very little sunlight to reach the canopy floor.

Places to visit: Serpentario Monteverde- 20 species of snakes inside glass cases.
Orquideas de Monteverde miniature orchids Monteverde Nature Center and Butterfly Garden- La Lecheria- cheese factory where fourteen different kinds of cheese is made. Monteverde cloud Forest Reserve- primary cloud forest with wonderful hikes to waterfalls. With luck you can see the reclusive Quetzal bird-brilliant turquois in color-the most beautiful bird of the rainforest.

Several different tour companies offer canopy tours, sky walk tours, and horseback riding.

Conservation is community based and is taught starting in the primary schools. Courses in local ecology are taught to local farmers at the Monteverde Institute.

There is no shortage of small hotels and inns. ( Refer to the Lonely Planet guide to Cost Rica) The local small restaurants specialize in fresh foods grown locally. My favorite restaurant is El Sapo Dorado. With its linen white table cloths, first classs food and service and a nice wine list.

If you are planning a visit to Monteverde, Costa Rica...the dry season is best...December thru April.
This area gets a lot of rain esp in the months of rainy season May-November..heavier in September and October. So bring a rain jacket and warm clothes, and good hiking shoes or tennis shoes.

Many people want to travel by car from Monteverde thru Tiliran on to Arenal Volcano. I did it and even in the dry season, it is very difficult . Road are not paved, rocky and hard on the vehicle. You need a 4x4. Much easier: You can contract thru your hotel --transportation by 4x4 to Lake Arenal , then cross the lake by boat, and then a taxi to your Arenal Volcano area hotel.

For the adventure tourists Monteverde offers many outdoor activities, Canopy tours, skywalk over the rainforests, horseback riding, butterfly farm, cheese factory tours, birdwatching and hiking into the reserves.

Here one feels like Heidi with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps.

How long should you plan to stay? 3 nights minimum I have stayed up to 5 nights and found things to do each day....and took time just to wind down and relax.

Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna and Sunset Tours

The small town of La Fortuna, Costa Rica is the main gateway to the Arenal Volcano. Despite it's tourist boom, La Fortuna still serves as a regional agricultural center, with strong ties to the local beef cattle economy. Pineapple and papaya are the most popular crops, most of which are exported to US.

The town is bustling with tourists, here to see the mightly Arenal Volcano's eruptions and experience the many adventure outdoor activities.

Best place to catch one of these tours is Sunset Tours conveniently located on the town square.
You can pick from horseback riding, river rafting, hiking around the base of the volcano, rainforest expeditions, canopy tours, sky tram, visit a self sustaining organic farm, visit an indigenous indian village, bird watching, river floats to view allegators, monkeys, and water fowl. And much much more. Plus it is a photographers paradise.

How many days should a tourist stay in this area of La Fortuna? I recommend a minimum of 3 nights. I stayed seven nights and did not run out of things to see and do.

La Fortuna offers small hotels that are for the budget minded. And local restaurants offering typical Costa Rican dishes, lots of small shops to pick up local souvenirs and T shirts.

Thinking about Retiring in Costa Rica

If you are considering retirement in Costa Rica, the first question you ask yourself is: Where do I Live-What area would I feel good about to purchase Real Estate or to rent a house or apartment?

The central valley is the most popular for many reasons: 1. Geographically it is a valley, surrounded by mountains, and because the elevation is around 3,000 feet above sea level-the weather is cool and spring like all year round. 2. its rich in culture, and 3. economic activities dominate the scene.

San Jose, the capital city is located here. It is the center of the Federal government and it is home to dozens of upscale hotels and restaurants, museums, and tree lined parks. Also, the city is buzzing with business activity.

The National Theatre, a copy of the beautiful Paris Opera house is the center piece of cultural life. Most every week-end Costa Ricans flock here to experience opera, theater, ballet, and pop concerts.

Most foreigners choose not to live in the central part of San Jose, due to the noise and pollution from hundreds of vehicles. Also crime is a consideration.

The suburbs of Escazu and Santa Ana as well as Heredia are very popular spots for retirees to settle. There are beautiful homes, condos, and apartments to choose from and lots of English speaking expatriots to make friends with, and so many social clubs and activities one cannot possibably become involved in all of them. Shopping is like living in the USA..Pricemart, Office max, ...etc. Grocery stores like Auto Mercado carry prodoucts from US.

If you want to get "away from the crowd" you can settle in Grecia or Atenas, smaller towns or "villages" where life is much simpler. Many North American have settled here and love the quiet. The Ticos (local Costa Ricans) are easy going, hepful, and welcome new English speaking
neighbors.

The beaches of Costa Rica are beautiful with tropical settings and blue waters. But you have to be the type of person who really wants the "beach life style" The beaches are not very accessible by car from San Jose and the central valley, because the roads are not in good repair. North American products are not found in the grocery stores in the rural beach areas, and large shopping malls, movie theatres, and fast food restaurants are not found either. Quiet unlike beach resorts in the US.
However if you are a golfer..you can find gorgeous golf courses on many of the upscale properties along the Northern and Central Pacific coasts.

The south part of Costa Rica is still a bit unexplored. Property costs less to purchase here, but again you are "off the beaten path". But some people like that and are up for the adventure of setting in this "new frontier"

Retiring in Costa Rica, Considerations When Purchasing Real Estate

Are you thinking of retiring in Costa Rica?

Considerations: What area of the country should I look into for purchasing real estate? Most people relocate to the central valley (which is the area of San Jose, the capital city and its suburbs of Santa Ana and Escazu...Also, Alajuela where international airport is located and the smaller mountainside towns of Heredia, Grecia, Atenas.

There are many reasons to choose these areas. First, you can be close to the major shopping..the Auto mercados which are the American grocery stores, Mas Por Menus Costa Rican style large grocery stores, and the large malls (just like the ones we have in the USA) The largest and nicest one is located in Escazu. Here are the best international restaurants as well as the Mc Donalds and other American fast food chains. Plus there is ample entertainment such as movie theatres, night clubs and other social clubs where all speak English. Then there is the travel clubs, golf and tennis clubs, and much more.

Second: the climate is nice..mild and cool. How cool depends on how high the altitude is where you live. Average year round temperature is around 72-75 degrees F. You dont need heating or air conditioning and this saves you a lot of money.
You probably want to be where you can meet and make new friends (and there are a large number of English speaking people living in these areas. They love to socialize and have formed numerous clubs just for that purpose. Tico Times (English language newspaper list all of these in it's weekly publication)

Third: There are plenty of homes or condos to rent in these areas. Also if you plan to buy or build you will find many options. Just find a reputable real estate agent and spend as much time as you need looking around. Don't rush!

Locating on the beach: This is more expensive and the weather is much warmer. You need air conditioning. Plus you are not near the large grocery stores so products are limited and are more expensive due to transporation costs. No movie theatres, etc. If you play a lot of golf, you can find a course on most of the beaches on the Northern and Central Pacific beaches. One thing to keep in mind, the drive from the beaches into the cental valley area is not easy..many of hte roads are in poor repair and it can takes hours, and on week-ends and holidays the roads are very congested.

Costa Rica Real Estate Choose an Attorney Carefully

Buying Real estate in Costa Rica: Choosing an attorney

Very important! First he or she should speak English and speak it well. And get references..not one but several.

Ask up front for the fees.. what do they consist of and how much? Get this in writing before going ahead with the deal.

Does he or she have ample experience in real estate law?

Don't pay any attorney fees until the deal is closed!

Buying Realestate in Costa Rica : How Do I Know if the Price is Right?

How do I know what is the right price to pay for a house in Costa Rica?

Things work very different in Costa Rica. And determining the correct price to pay for a house or land is not easy. You cannot find in a tax office or the public real estate register the price paid for a given house. And believe me there is massive speculation going on in Costa Rica in property prices! I built a house and hired a master carpenter to oversee the construction..the over all experience was stressful and the house cost me 30% more that I had anticipated. I wish I could have bought a house already built. But every time I made an offer on a house, the Tico owners kept raising the price so I just gave up.

So you must approach this endeavor of buying a house in Costa Rica with much caution and a lot of time.
I think the best overall thing to do is first decide on what area of the country you want to live. Then search out the most reputable realestate broker in the area. Get several references on him.
Talk to other American or foreigners who live in the area and get their input as to prices, etc.
Many people call themselves real estate salespeople but have not experience nor are they experts. Costa Rica law does not require a real estate license to sell realestate.
And there is no such thing as multiple listings.
So really you are wondering around in a deep ocean trying to stay afloat.

Everything in Costa Rica is "negotiable." even the rent you would pay for a house or apartment. so that means you can negotiate the commission paid to your broker, if he sells you land or a house.   (standard in Costa Rica is 5%) but if he asks more just negotiate...or he might even take less than 5%.

Ask the attorney you choose (he should speak English) what his fees are going to be (up front) so there are no unpleasant surprises.   Attorney's fees for closing a real estate deal are high so check all this out first!

There are no zoning laws (in general) in Costa Rica so you could find a half million dollar house next to a shack. (Although the very expensive home would probably be surround by a tall wall so you cannot see inside the property from the road.

Yes, one can become enchanted with the beautiful natural beauty and climate of this country and forget that things just do not run like back home. So rent for awhile and take all the time you need to check out that area you think might be your shangri la.

Buying Real Estate in Costa Rica

If you are thinking about buying a home or a lot to build in Costa Rica? I have done it and I can give you very valuable advice.
If you are not very familiar with Costa Rica and its diverse climates and locations to live : first rent a place for 6 months or even better for one year. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with what the different areas offer: 1. climate 2. close proximity to all kinds of shopping 3. location..it is mountains or is it beach. Do other foreigners live there , and if not do you want to learn Spanish ( if you don't already speak) The language will enable you to integrate into the community and make new friends.

Property prices are higher if you are a North American (the Ticos simply raise the price for foreigners) because they think we have more money.
Options to Consider: 1. Hire a Tico to look for the property and get him to negotiate a Tico price.
2. Use a reputable real estate company ...but first, get several references before using the agent.
3. Ask other North Americans about prices they paid, this will give you some general idea of prices in a given area.
4. But, as I said rent first and then take your time and do a lot of investigation.     5. Never pay the first price quoted, which is usually very high. Negotiate until you feel you are paying a reasonable price.

I recommend buying a house already built since building in Costa Rica is not cheap, ( similar price as in the USA) esp if you use a building contractor...This experience could cause your enchantment with the country to quickly sour.

Beach properties are very expensive...like Fla. or California and often the roads leading to them are in very poor repair and many times there is little shopping options near by.

Keep in mind that the climate on the beach is hot and in the mountains it is much fresher and cooler (depending on the elevation).

You will not want to leave your house alone when you go on a vacation: so I highly recommend that you buy in a gated community where there is a 24 hour guard.  Or hire someone to live on your property at all times to keep watch.
Theft is common and thieves are constantly looking for unoccupied houses with easy entry.

Do not confide in maids or gardners..since they could easily tell others when you are not going to be home or where valuables are stored.

Poas Volcano National Park One of Top 10 vacation spots in Costa Rica

Poas Volcano National Park Costa Rica center piece is the beautiful and mysterious Poas Volcano, the largest active geyser in the world. It's an easy day trip from the central valley of San Jose and Alajuela. It's best to arrive early when the gate opens, around 8 a.m. if you want best shot to see the crater, because it stays overcast with clouds most of the time.
Bring your camera and wear a rain jacket, and very comfortable walking shoes. It's 8,000 feet above sea level so the weather is very cool and rainy. You have to walk around 10 minutes from the parking lot to see the actual crater. It is a turquois-blue gurgling pool of hot, hot water with ocasional small eruptions of steam.
It is a must see, if you are staying in the central valley and want an exciting day trip. Also you can stop by the Doka Four Generations Coffee Tour where you learn first hand the history of coffee in Costa Rica, how it is grown, and how it is processed. An excellent tour.. well worth the stop..costs around $12 per person.
The drive up to the volcano is very picturesque with coffee fields, fern farms, small villages, and dairy farms. You can get a good idea of how rural Costa Ricans live. Altogether it all makes for a very enjoyable day's outing.
Best time to visit: Dec.-mid April is dry season and best chance to see the crater..however tourist also come May-end of August, which is rainy season. Note: September and October are very rainy months and not the best time to visit.

Many tour operators in the central valley offer day trips to the volcano and the region. I highly recommend this tour. Cost around $85 per person. Usually includes a typical Costa Rican lunch.

Manuel Antonio National Park Blue Water White Sand

Lets travel to Costa Rica to Manuel Antonio National Park Costa Rica one of the most visited and popular national parks.  What is so special  about Manuel Antonio?  It  is a great escape into nature, experience a lowland rainforest with all the animals, birds, trees. The Pacific Ocean borders the western most edge of the park.  And the BEST is the sandy white beaches , one of the few really white beaches in Costa Rica. The ocean is GREAT to swim,  gentle waves and blue waters.  The hiking trails are also well identified on this map. Upon entering the park, you will be approached by young men asking to be your guide locating the birds, animals, etc. Thats not really necessary and they charge a lot ($40.00). My husband and I went alone and we saw several different colors and sizes of Iguanas and white face monkeys playfully stealing bananas from the tourists backpacks. And we saw a slow moving sloth high in the rainforest canopy.

How long should you plan to stay in the park? Usually one day. Entrance fee $7.00 per person. Go early in the morning when the birds and animals are acitve. Park opens 7:30 a.m. and closes 4:30 p.m. It is closed on Mondays but otherwise it is open all year including holidays. Take a lunch and drink in your backpack because there is no where to get food or a drink inside the park. There are bathrooms, but I found them poorly maintained.

The uniqueness of Manuel Antonio national park is the way the almond trees drape over the sandy white beaches. It's easy to find a shade and just lay out your beach towel and simply relax. And of course the white sand, and the blue water. ( The Pacific Ocean tends to have a grey tint to the water, but here it is blue) It gives you a feeling a being in the South Pacific...more than any other place in Costa Rica.

Just before entering the park-- along the road are hundreds of vendors peddling their wares, from local hand made jewelry to beach clothing.

What is the downside or is there a downside? Very crowded...over developed..... The main road approaching the park is just plain commercialism, and unattractive.
Getting there from San Jose and the central valley 5 hours by road, part is narrow winding mountainous terrain . .not easy..especially if you are in a rental car.
The main road from Jaco on down to Quepos-Manuel Antonio is very bad in some segments. Driving can be hazardous. Another way to get there:
the fastest is to fly in a twin engine plane from San Jose international airport by Sansa or by Tropical Air. Flight is only about 20 minutes. Or by public bus (and public transportation is excellent in Costa Rica)- around 6 hours from San Jose.

Hotels: too many to count. Mostly small hotels... And all price ranges...My husband and I choose the La Mariposa Hotel .....we paid $160 per night in low season of August, including a gourmet full breakfast. The room had a gorgeous ocean view. The French gourmet restaurant is a special treat. We had our best meal in Costa Rica here...baked snook in white wine sauce...pricey but worth it! A great wine list..French, American, and Chilean..at reasonable prices. ( No hotel in Manuel Antonio is situated right on the beach..instead one sees them sprinkled along the side of the rainforest covered mountainsides. ..and to get to the beach you have to drive approx 1 mile or take your  hotel shuttle bus ..if they offer one.

What time of year should you visit?  Mid November thru Mid April are driest months and of course when most tourists are there. Rainy season mid- April thru Mid November offers sunny mornings and rainly afternoons. Rates are lower during rainy season. Temperatures are warm year round. Hotels have air conditioning: however it is always wise to ask to be sure.

Living, Working, or Retiring in Costa Rica Escazu and Santa Ana

Thinking of moving to Costa Rica to live and work or even retire?   I will talk about the neighborhoods of Escazu and Santa Ana.   But first let me tell you, I can certainly answer your questions and give you great guidance and advice. . I first began visiting Costa Rica in 1968 and have lived there full time starting in 1997, in a nice upscale "gated with 24 hour guards"..residential community. Built 2 condos ..lived in one and rented the other one. Part of my time there, I lived alone, so I can advice you ladies who are asking "Should I take the leap and move alone to Costa Rica"?

First I would say to all interested: Come on down and rent a place for several months. Get your feet wet. In the central valley most Americans and Canadians live around Escazu and Santa Ana. There is a lot of social life so its easy to integrate and make friends. English speaking clubs such as: New Comers club, Womens Club of Costa Rica, Wine Club, Birding Club, Golf, Tennis, Bridge Clubs, Little Theatre Club, and many many more.

For the younger and "older" singles, there are many gathering spots: it doesn't take but a little asking around where these places are and you can quickly make new friends.

I joined several of these Newcomers clubs ( I am the age group considered just entering my golden years) and soon I made many new and wonderful friends . People were definitely eager to meet new people and widen their range of friends- broaden their interest and
learn new things. I enrolled in Spanish classes 2 times a week..which I will never regret. And still today continue my study of the Spanish language.

Escazu and Santa Ana, a lush mountain-side location ( suburbs of San Jose, the capital city.) have a beautiful climate of eternal Spring, tropical flowers everywhere, no heating or air conditioning needed. There are so many excellent restaurants from around the world. Shopping for all ones needs is near by. Grocery stores carry American products, the beautiful mall has all current fashions and movie theaters showing latest American hits. It's almost like living in the US with all the comforts of home. The roads are in good condition, although the traffic can become congested.

Medical care in the private sector is first class. Most of the doctors have trained in US and speak English. The private Hospital Cima has it all..great doctors in every specialty at very reasonable fees. They actually sit down , listen to you, and talk for the time necessary to understand your needs. Equipment inside the hospital is new, state of the arts.
Private Health insurance can be purchased at reasonable rates... and with comprehensive and quality coverage.
Another option : You can enrole in the government health care (socialized medicine) . This is not free. Monthly premiums are different for different levels of income. But the general senario is long waits to see a doctor and longer waits to get treatments for routine and non emergency illnesses. Getting perscriptions filled within the system can be standing in line for as long as 4 hours.

In summary, I highly recommend the neighborhoods of Escazu and Santa Ana.

Advise from one who has been there: 1. Rent a place that is gated and guarded. Unfortunately, theft is common. You want to leave your home and not worry about it while you are out having a nice time.

2. Be careful of the maids and gardeners you hire, don't tell them any of your secrets or confide in them. (example-location of the family safe.

3. Don't leave money or jewelry lying around in visible places.

4. Rent in this area is a little steep. $700 per month and up-- But spend some time with a reputable real-estate company and you will find the right fit for you. Reference: American European Real Estate Group www.american-european.net

5. DON'T buy until you have been there at least one year and have found the area that is just right for you.

Question: Can I live cheaper here then in US or Canada? Yes you can..because you dont have heating or air conditioning bills, quality health care and medications are much less expensive,
you can travel by taxi or very good public buses so you don't Have to own a car. Groceries are about same cost as USA however if you shop at Friday afternoon and Saturday local farmers market , you can buy freshly locally grown fruits and vegetables at 1/2 the cost of the grocery stores. You will buy less clothes because the climate is mild, so you don't need 2 seasons of clothing.
Apartment or condo rent is about same as in a city in USA or Canada.

Phones are cheaper, electricity is cheaper, water and real estate taxes are cheaper.
You should need only part time domestic help..perhaps 4 hours twice a week so you probably don't want to hire a full time maid. I could spend this entire page giving you reasons, from personal experience, why it is better part time.

Valuable Resources:
1. Association of Residents of Costa Rica (ARCR) www.casacanada.net/arcr
2.Book: Living Abroad in Costa Rica by Erin Van Rheenen (Moon) Entire section dedicated to resource web sites to help answer almost all questions a foreigner would ask about living in
Costa Rica. Available at Amazon.com
3. Book: The New Golden Door to Retirement and Living in Costa Rica by Christopher Howard
Very detailed and comprehensive Available at Amazon.com
4. Tico Times, the English language weekly newspaper search google: just type in tico times

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Aviaro del Caribe Sloth Refuge Limon Costa Rica

Travel Costa Rica to  the sloth refuge named Aviaros del Caribe sloth refuge . Go 30 miles south of Limon, Costa Rica.  It is easy to see the route on a Costa Rican map. It's the only main road going south as you leave Limon . You will see the sign on the left side of the road. Aviaros del Caribe...before you get to the little town of Chauita.

The refuge is the dedication of Judy Arroyo.  Originally from Alaska, her daughter and three grandsons, and also Judy's Costa Rican husband.

The star of the refuge is Buttercup , age 6 years, who was rescued after being hit by a car as she tried to cross a busy highway. Judy nursed her back to health, and Buttercup became a part of the family.

That was the beginning and soon other injured or sick sloths were delivered to Judy's doorsteps, where they are nurished back to health and released into the wild.

Visitiors can see the baby sloths being feed by volunteers, usually young university students here for three months. Also, a short very interesting film is shown about the life cycle of the sloth

Judy has 4 guest rooms. You can stay the night in air conditioned room with 2 double beds and excellent Costa Rican breakfast with fresh tropical fruits, eggs, tortillas, or toast, and of course Costa Rican coffee--all for $100.00 (double occupancy) Oh yes, this includes the tour of the sloth refuge. You can stop by just for the tour. There is a modest fee, around $14 per person.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about this reclusive creature.

By the way, Limon and the surrounding area is home to hundreds of sloths. These small fuzzy pale brown animals are hard to see in the canopy of the rainforest, they move slowly and come down to the ground only when they need to releive themselves.

Recommended ****

To find it on the web .. Aviaros del Caribe on google search or sloth refuge costa rica

climate- hot
accomodations- comfortable
price- reasonable Our double room with air conditioning  was $100-includes full Costa Rican breakfast and tour of the Sloth refuge.   Just the refuge tour  is approx $14 per person.
experience-unique

notes--bring mosquitoe repellent and dress cool   and bring your camera!

Here at costaricalearn we would love to hear your experience at the sloth refuge.  click on comments or reply at end of this article.

Costa Rica Spotlight: Canopy Tour With Sunset Tours in Costa Rica

Costa Rica Spotlight:  Sunset Tours-Adventure Travel Company located on the square in La Fortuna, Costa Rica- near the mighty Arenal Volcano and lowland rain forests is the adventure tour company you should use if you are looking for exciting, adventurous outdoor day trips in the Arenal Volcano Area. From white water river rafting, horseback riding, rain forest swinging bridges, river floats, sky tram, butterfly farm, zip line tours, organic self sustaining farm tours, and more!
I was fortunate to have spend several days there experiencing a variety of these fun filled tours.

First, the canopy tour operated by Arenal Mundo Adventura, the ultimate rain forest "Tarzan and Jane " zip line. High over the tops of tropical rainforest, from platform to platform- twelve in all!
We were strapped into our swing which would sustain us as we sped over the tree tops. At first I was really scared, but by the third or forth platform I was getting in the groove. Rain began to fall, but hey! Aren't we in a Costa Rica Rainforest? Luckily I had a rain jacket- also available thru SunSet Tours Costa Rica

One middle aged lady behind me, upon reaching the top of the first platform refused to take the plunge and choose to turn back. I could almost say I didn't blame her. We were at least 80 feet above the forest floor, and looking down was... well....frightening.

We could hear howler monkeys in the near by trees. They seemed to be peering at us, and probably thinking...crazy humans, what are they doing with those funny looking straps around them and helmets on their heads?

A group of Costa Rican teachers from the near by town of Puntarenas had ridden the public bus two and one-half hours just to do this one zip line tour. Several of them were on the platform with me and I heard one say "My husband said that I would never do it, that I would chicken out..well this photo will be proof."

I'm gliding, like a bird, high above the canopy floor, in a pristine rainforest, with toucans and howler monkeys near by. Wild orchids and bromeliads cling to the arms of the trees...and everywhere one looks it green..green...green. Exhilarating , breath taking!

Go for it with Sunset Tours! www.sunsettourcr.com

Cost of Canopy Tour $70.00 per person with reservations required
Duration of tour--- morning pick up...tour takes all morning... afternoon pick up, tour takes around 4 hours from time you depart your hotel until your return to the hotel

Not recommended for small children

Spotlight Costa Rica: Canoe Trip Lake Arenal Costa Rica Rainforest

Just as the sun rose above the horizon, we set out on our early morning photo session on Lake Arenal, located near the little town of La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano. We are going in a wooden canoe. The sun cast a haunting shadow on the mighty Volcano- extending along the entire south face of the lake. Only the sounds of the cranes flying overhead interrupted this peace and serenity.

We paddle along the edges of the lake- the old red wooden canoe swaying back and forth in the morning breeze. Sounds of howler monkeys greet us from the tall rainforest canopy.

Our guide is a amiable middle age Costa Rican, speaking in broken English. "Yes, visitors come here to the mighty volcano to experience it's special powers..it's fields of positive energy. Uplifts one's mood and raises the senses."

Warm drops of summer rain begin to sprinkle the lake's surface, and we try to focus on our goal: Photograph as well as film this unique adventure. A journey of sorts into the "Third Dimension".

And photograph, we did.....birds sprinkled along the shoreline... cranes, wood storks, herons, and egrets while a flock of large green parrots swarmed overhead.

Coming close to the treeline we spotted a family of black howler monkeys, babies on their back, playfully swinging from branch to branch. A photographer's dream.

The mountains to the west raised our interest. The current took us in that direction and we saw just over the hill, a giant Ceiba Tree...so tall and regal that Guatemala choose it to be their national tree and seems it was to the Mayans- "the sacred tree of life", so tall that it connected earth to the heavens. Click, click- now captured by the camera lens, an image..stunning and mystical.

The shore line is dotted with small hotels, and happy tourists wave to us as we slowly paddle by.
Horses and cows graze in the verdant green pastures, a reminder of days gone by.

This was truly a great adventure; and I yearn to return once more... to experience that unique journey in Costa Rica.

Cost of canoe- we paid $40 for 2 hours. There are larger boats with covers which hold around 30 people. This is less expensive . To get the tour go north out of La Fortuna , approx 6 miles you will see Lake Arenal on your left, keep going a short distance until you see the boats docked. You can stop by and make arrangements for the following day or if the boat is vacant you can take the tour right then and there.
Best time of day to take tour: Early morning or late afternoon (Sunset tour)

Costa Rica Spotlight: Mawamba Lodge Caribbean Tortuguero Canals- Limon Costa Rica

This is a continuation of my series about travel Costa Rica,  and the adventure we encounter here. Couldn't wait to write about this wonderful place called Mawamba Lodge located on the Caribbean Sea, bordered by a lowland tropical rainforest and beautiful  beige sandy beaches. (it's located  just north of the town of Limon).   My husband Ken and I spent three days at this unique jungle retreat. The center piece is of course are the Tortuguero  canals which run parallel to the Sea, then jut out and carve into the jungle where you see white face and howler monkeys, crocodiles, Jesus Christ lizards, green parrots, toucans, eagles, and many more species of birds. The jungle canopy of huge age old trees grow right down to and hang over the waters edge. A sight never to be forgotten is the bright soft filtered sunlight beaming through the trees, creating a mirror image onto the clear waters of the canals.

Our local guide was excellent, taking us to the little hamlet of Tortuguero where we visited a small one room school house where we were greeted with smiles and hellos (in English) by the children. They were neatly dressed in uniform.. blue trousers and skirts, crisp white blouses, and black shoes. The teacher, a young attractive Costa Rica Rican woman welcomed us and explained in English her method of teaching. No textbooks exist here. The children copy from the blackboard into their notebooks, which then become the textbook.

The people who reside here make their living in fishing and tourism. They live in modest houses built up over the water on a series of wooden stilks, because of the heavy year round rainfall. Transportation around here is only by small boats, and one can sit by the waters edge for hours just watching these colorful parade of boats going up and down the canals

Mawamba Tour company owns and operates the lodge, and I highly recommend it for it's first class service, gourmet Costa Rican food, and genuine hospitality in this remote jungle paradise.Costs: Different all inclusive packages are offered but it is best to check the web site for the current prices. My husband and I paid $350 per person for all inclusive package 2 nights and 3 days.
This included 2 canal tours , all meals which were delicious, comfortable rooms with 2 double beds, ceiling fans and hot water
And of course round trip transportation from San Jose via very comfortable motor coach.

The night tour to see the nesting green turtles was $30 per person Extra. This included a guide with a flashlight (only light allowed) no photos. We saw several turtles digging into the sand and laying their eggs. They were hugh turtles!

Great Restaurant Poas Volcano area. Fredo Fresas is a Treat!

Fredo Fresas restaurant in Costa Rica is  located on the "Touristic Route Alajuela to Poas Volcano",  about four miles down from the entrance to the Poas Volcano National Park.  It's the real thing in Costa Rica cuisine with all   home grown ingredients  from  Emillio's organic garden.  And  7,000 feet above sea level makes you remember to bring along your jacket because it's cool here.  This is a great choice for lunch after your morning excursion into the park. A rustic wooden structure built by the owner Emillio of cypress wood locally grown in these high altitudes around the Poas Volcano  is the perfect rural setting in this picturesque pastoral community of "Tico" families who live off the land and run small tourism related businesses.  Emillio and his wife along with their children, nieces, and nephews do it all. The ladies do all the cooking on a wood burning stove,  from homemade tortillas rolled out by hand to home made bread fresh from the oven. Typical Costa Rica food is their trademark. Lots of "picadilla" made with potatoes, corn, sweet red pepper, and cilantro (a green leafy herb grown in their own garden) and "casada" which is the plate of the day consisting of rice, black beans, picadilla de potatoes, small green salad of fresh lettuce and tomato with lime dressing, topped off with homemade tortillas, and the meat of your choice hot off the wood burning grill. My husband had a grilled chicken sandwich made with freshly baked bread-delicious! And we each had a scrumptious milkshake made from fresh locally grown strawberries. And the price was great...all for $14.00.

But that's not all..we had a surprise at the end! A personally guided tour by Emillio to his home across the street from the restaurant where he introduced us to his pet baby deer named Bambi, and to Camillo his beautiful golden retriever. Bambi and Camillo are such good friends that Bambi cleans Camillo's face by lovingly licking it.  Later we strolled thru  Emillio's private rainforest trail passing a small stream while listening to the sounds of the wild green parrots which make their home is this high cloud forest. He told us that here in the month of August one can see the infamous reclusive Quetzal bird with it's brilliant feathers of  emerald green.

Then on to the  greenhouse, home to an organic vegetable garden of onions, lettuce, green peppers, black beans , and cilantro. What a  great day! "Pura Vida"

Please join us for our next posting...interesting stories of special people, places  and simple lifestyle  here in Costa Rica.

Ann welcomes and appreciates comments and questions.   Here at costaricalearn we want to hear if you stopped by Freda Fresas and how you enjoyed it?  At end of post click on comments or reply

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Costa Rica Spotlight: Tabacon Hot Springs and Spa Costa Rica's Best Hot Springs Experience

Travel Costa Rica to Tabacon Hot Springs and Spa, a tropical oasis embedded in a primary rain forest at the foot of the mighty Arenal Volcano, is without a doubt one of the top ten tours around Arenal Volcano. An unforgetable experience. Don't miss it! Cascading hot spring gurgling from the volcano's base, create 12 natural thermal pools and lagoons, waterfalls, and exotic gardens with songs of tropical birds. You can relax for several hours, taking in these tropical gardens with hundreds of flowering plants while you let the natural hot waters roll over your body. Watch from here as the Arenal constantly rumbles and spits burning rocks, creating a crimson hot lava flow in the distance. What an experience! Make a day of it and treat yourself to the Tabacon grand spa. I have been there many times and I can tell you the massages and other treatments are more than great- so pamper yourself ! To further compliment your day, dine right here at the hot springs. Lunch or dinner- just a few steps away. You can choose from a fresh selection of Costa Rican and international dishes. Yes! A perfect day in the Costa Rican Rain forest!

Then there is the beautiful Tabacon Lodge just walking distance from the hot thermal waters. Again nestled in a tropical garden with howler monkeys at you balcony's edge, you can hear the mighty Arenal Volcano roar like a lion while spitting fire from its summit. Grounds include a swimming pool fed by thermal hot springs, another 4 star restaurant, and a fabulous gift shop. Reservations for the hotel in advance- are a must in the high season which is Mid November thru Mid April and again for the month of July till mid August. However, the hot springs entrance does not require reservations, but reservations for the spa and ,massage treatments are a must. The Lodge offers hooneymoon packages. Also you can buy the hot springs, the lodging, and massage treatments all in one package- which makes it a better buy. You can find more in depth information thru google..just type in Tabacon Hot Springs and Spa. Or Tabacon Lodge Costa Rica. Have a great time! "Pura Vida"
Spa: different treatments offered. I took the deep muscle massage for 45 minutes for a cost of $75.00. Great massage and afterwards I got under the hot springs waterfall. Great!

Cost of Tabacon Lodge. Please look on web site for current prices. My husband and I paid including taxes, full buffet gourmet breakfast, and entrance to the Tabacon Hot springs for $250 for 1 night. This was a standard room but very comfortable , with a view of the Arenal Volcano.

Contact Ann "the Costa Rica Travel Expert"  to help you plan and  design your Costa Rica Vacation   You may email her at anncreed23@gmail.com

Costa Rica Vacation Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal, La Fortuna

This is the first in a series of articles about Costa Rica's TEN BEST VACATION SPOTS. I have personally visited each of these more than once- so I can speak from personal experience. Today I write about the Arenal Volcano National Park, Lake Arenal, the little town of La Fortuna. These are a "must" for every nature lover and outdoor adventurer. So lets begin: Prior to 1968, the area around the base of the volcano was a small sleepy rural agricultural community. Then in the early morning of July 29, 1968 Arenal erupted violently (after 400 years of dormancy) and buried the small village of Pueblo Nuevo-located at the base of Arenal's northern face. (By the way-La Fortuna is located farther away from the actual volcano-approx 6 km and toward the volcano's southern face, so you are safer there-so they say?) Anyway- with Arenal's almost continuous small eruptions spewing fire and smoke, and large boulders- adventure loving tourist from around the world flock here to see these spectacular fireworks, and experience the great outdoors in an ecosystem which is unique in its flora and fauna.

WHERE IS THE ARENAL VOLCANO LOCATED? It is well located with easy access on good roads: The San Carlos valley, home to La Fortuna and the mightly Arenal, is located in the northern central part of Costa Rica, an easy 3 1/2 hours drive - good roads-from San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica , and Alajuela- home to the main international airport. (Juan Santa Maria). Also its an easy 2 hour drive from the other international airport in Liberia located in the northwest section of Costa Rica. And the beautiful and popular north-western Pacific beaches are only 2 hours drive- good roads.

WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE at Arenal Volcano? Its wonderful and magical... raining a lot-all year round-creating a tropical garden, cascading waterfalls, and luxurious hot springs...all lush and green with flowers of all descriptions and colorful birds and fields of papayas, pineappples, coconuts, and bananas. But then comes the days with sunny mornings and mild warm afternoon showers. And some days (a few-mostly March to mid April) no rain at all. Just remember-there is no pure rainy or pure dry season- as you find in other areas of Costa Rica, such as the central valley in and around San Jose, the capital. The temperatures around the volcano tends to be on the warm side and the air is very humid, but luckily, the rainfall helps to cool things down. Most important-all the hotels in the area have the much needed air conditioning. So remember-dress cool and take along that umbrella and rain jacket.

WHAT TIME OF THE YEAR SHOULD I VISIT : I would simplify this answer by saying : Any month of the year except, if I had a choice, I would not come in September and October, which tend to be the most rainy. Remember, there is no defined rainy season nor dry season here. Now: when is it most crowed? Mid-December thru mid April. Then again July to mid August.

TELL ME ABOUT LA FORTUNA, INTERSTING PLACES TO SEE, RESTUARANTS, ETC. La Fortuna is located 6 km from the base of Arenal Volcano and one the main road that leads out of town-going north-passing by many small hotels-and leading you to the entrance of Arenal Volcano National Park, and if you keep going, you come upon the beautiful Arenal Lake. Yes, La Fortuna is small-very small. A couple of streets in and a couple streets out, so of course you can never get lost. No museums, no public library, just a tree lined small central park always bustling with tourist talking to the locals. The quaint picturesque catholic church dominates the north face of the park. And there seems to be a local "Tico" restaurant on every corner -filled with enthusiastic tourists. Then there's the busy bus stop- which feeds routes all over Costa Rica ( and does quite a good job) and Banco de Costa Rica where you can change money or use the ATM machine. Lets not forget the health clinic, the post office and last but not least-the very laid back police station. And I do mean laid back-there's not much mischief going on here. Souvenir shops, small hotels, and tour operators make up the rest of the place. My favorite tour operator is Sunset tours, conveniently located right in front of the park, with friendly English speaking tour guides happy to go into great detail about each and every tour they offer. And do they offer a lot of tours! I will talk about these tours in my next blog posting.

How long would I spend in La Fortuna? Maybe an hour walking around the park, talking with the locals, quick stop at the local grocery store, buy a T-shirt, book a tour, eat some typical Costa Rican food- gallo pinto (rice and beans) with a papaya milkshake...Yuk-can't I do better than that! And ......then head north to the Mighty Arenal!

HOW LONG SHOULD I SAY IN THE AREAL AREA? I always stay at least 2 nights but I prefer to stay 3 nights. I have stayed as long as 7 nights. I love the laid back-relaxing feeling you get here...what more could one ask for: warm rains, luxurious hot springs, good Costa Rican food, gorgeous flowers everywhere, birds of many songs and colors, and of course the mighty Arenal with its nightly performances of firey eruptions. You can just kick up your feet and relax or you can choose daily activities offered by the tour companies -horseback riding, bird watching, nature walks, Zip line thru the jungle (Tarzan and Jane). Then there is monkey watching- where you watch them and they watch you. In my next blog posting I will go into more detail on what is offered in each of these tours, along with the cost.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I EXPECT TO SPEND? Of course that depends on the category of hotel , how many tours you want to take and what price range restaurant you want to eat in. And believe me they are many hotels to choose from as well as restaurant. So its not hard to make your budget and hopefully stick with it. In my next blog posting I will give examples of different categories of hotel and tours and some idea of these at todays prices.

Always remember: In high season everything cost more: In Green season everything costs less: In general- green Season is May, June, mid September to end of September, October, to mid November- everything else is high season. However, check your hotel's web site where they post their rates for each season, because I find they they can change these dates at their whim.

My next blog posting will include descriptions of the tours and activities around the Volcano and Lake Arenal. Also hotel and restaurant options.... Until then "Pura Vida"