Welcome to beautiful Costa Rica, Central America’s modern-day Eden. Situated just north of Panama on the narrow isthmus that separates North America from South America, and the Atlantic Ocean from the Pacific, Costa Rica real estate boasts more than 800 miles of coastline, and is home to the only place in the world from which the Atlantic and Pacific oceans can be viewed from the same vantage point.
Though Costa Rica is a small nation, it is incredibly diverse, both in terms of its landscape and its natural flora and fauna. In fact, this little country is home to an estimated 6 percent of the world’s species, making it the most biologically dense place on earth. Although the incredible climate, tropical sun and temperate ocean waters are what draw most visitors here, many of the nation’s true treasures lie inland, deep within the last of the unadulterated tropical dry forests on Earth, or on the fertile slopes of its active volcanoes, or hidden in the tall grasses of the northwestern plains.
In an effort to preserve Costa Rica’s precious and unique ecosystems, the nation’s government has designated 25 percent of the country’s land as national parks, so that all who venture here will be able to enjoy the natural beauty for years to come. Today, ecotourism is one of Costa Rica’s primary industries, and the ever-increasing interest of naturalists, researchers, and nature lovers helps to ensure that Costa Rica’s most precious assets remain protected.
Somewhere between the towering volcanoes of the Guanacaste range, which are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, to the grassy savannahs, lush tropical forests and white sand beaches on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, you’re sure to find your own perfect corner of paradise. For more information about Costa Rica real estate, Costa Rica homes and Costa Rica land for sale, contact Pacific Realty at (214) 556-2625 today.
A Tour of Costa Rica: Coastal Regions
Costa Rica is divided into seven provinces (states), each with its own unique landscape and attractions. If you’re in the market for Pacific Coast real estate, or other Costa Rica real estate, you’ll want to know which areas of this beautiful nation best suit your own taste and lifestyle.
A highly popular destination for tourists visiting Costa Rica is the province of Guanacaste, which lies along the country’s northern Pacific coast. Home to such famous locations as Flamingo Beach, Playa Tamarindo, and the luxurious Golfo de Papagayo, Guanacaste is also where you’ll find the greatest number of Costa Rica developments and Costa Rica properties for sale. The area around Flamingo Beach in particular is a hot spot for investors. The number of hotels, luxury resorts, golf courses, restaurants, and other amenities make the area convenient, and Flamingo Beach’s full service marina is an appealing feature for boat owners. Guanacaste is also home to the Parque Nacional de Santa Rosa, Costa Rica’s oldest and largest national park and nature preserve. Liberia is the capitol of the province, and is home to one of Costa Rica’s two international airports, as well as modern shopping and dining establishments, plus most of the province’s governmental facilities.
To the south of Guanacaste and about 75 miles west of the national capitol of San Jose lies Puntarenas, Costa Rica’s largest province. North Puntarenas encompasses the Nicoya Peninsula and the central Pacific Coast real estate. In this province you’ll find the Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, which encompasses forested mountains and pristine white sand beaches. The resort town of Jaco Beach is a popular party spot. The provincial capitol of Puntarenas City is one of Costa Rica’s major ports, and a hot stop for cruise ships. There are numerous surfing beaches all along the coast, and an international surf competition is held annually in nearby Playa Hermosa. North Puntarenas is an excellent place to purchase a Costa Rica home, or to find a villa rental for your vacation – especially if you’re an avid surfer.
South Puntarenas extends from the area south of the Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio and the town of Quepos to the Panama border, and includes the southern Pacific Coast region. This area is home to some of the most rare of Costa Rica’s plant and animal species, many of which can be found in the spectacular and remote Parque Nacional Corcovado, which lies on the Osa Peninsula. South Puntarenas is also home to the tiny fishing village of Pavones, which has become known as a premier surfing destination, and boasts one of the world’s longest surf breaks. Because of large waves and strong currents, South Puntarenas is far more popular with surfers than with swimmers or snorkelers, although the beautiful beaches are ideal for sunbathing and taking long walks.
The entirety of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coastline can be found in Limon Province. Bordered by swamps and lagoons to the north and mountains to the south, with thick rainforests that extend from the highlands all the way to the beaches, this province is a paradise for anyone who loves to snorkel, scuba, swim, or simply bask in the tropical sun. Despite its incredible beauty, Limon province is one of the least visited areas of Costa Rica, possibly because of its tempestuous weather during the rainy season, which lasts from May to November. This province is home to the city of Puerto Limon, Tortuquera National Park, and Costa Rica’s last remaining indigenous tribes, who make their homes here. For those seeking the privacy and tranquil beauty of an unadulterated landscape, and who don’t mind living a short distance from the conveniences of a city, Limon province is a fine place to search for a Costa Rica home.
Here at Pacific Coast Realty, we can help you find your perfect Costa Rica home. Whether you’re in the market for luxury Pacific Coast real estate or a dream Costa Rica property for sale, turn to us for all of your real estate needs. For more information about Costa Rica real estate and Costa Rica homes for sale, call Pacific Coast Realty at (214) 556-2625 today.
A Tour of Costa Rica: Meseta Central, the Highlands, and the Ring of Fire
Central Costa Rica is a lush paradise, with sweeping green fields rising to meet towering volcanoes on the horizon. If you’re interested in Costa Rica Land for sale, a Costa Rica farm, or a conveniently located Costa Rica villa rental, the central provinces have a lot to offer. Concentrated in the central regions, and to the interior of the coastal provinces, are most of the nation’s 100+ active volcanoes. Costa Rica is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, and although its fiery giants are not as temperamental as those on the far side of the Pacific, the minerals deposited by lava flows keep the region’s soil black and fertile.
San Jose Province is home to Costa Rica’s national capitol of San Jose. The province includes the area known as La Meseta Central, or the Central Valley, which is home to nearly 70 percent of Costa Rica’s resident population. The Central Valley is dotted with plantations and Costa Rica farms, and crops of all description are cultivated in the rich dark soil. The area is also home to Costa Rica’s tallest active volcano, Irazú, which is surrounded by the Parque Nacional Irazú, just a short drive from the city of San Jose. If you’re looking for a home base from which to explore all that Costa Rica real estate has to offer, the Meseta Central is perfect for you. Every area of interest is within a three- to four-hour drive of the capitol, including beaches on both coasts.
The other provinces of Costa Rica include Cartago, which encompasses the remainder of the Meseta Central; Alajuela, which is the home of the Volcano Arenal and the mountainous highlands around; and Heredia, which also boasts volcanic national parks and is blanketed in dense tropical forest. These are less traveled by tourists than the coastal regions, but can offer much in the way of Costa Rica real estate. Costa Rica homes, condos and villas in these areas are much more affordable than those properties located along the coasts, and provide a different sort of luxury than resort living. Here you’ll find the luxuries of tranquil, breathtaking vistas, and the pleasures of living in an area surrounded by unspoiled nature.
No matter where your perfect Costa Rica real estate is located, from jungles to mountains to the shores of the sea, we’ll help you find it. For more information about Costa Rica real estate and Costa Rica homes for sale, contact Pacific Coast Realty at (214) 556-2625 today. |