When Costa Rica is discussed at cocktail parties or written about in magazines (it is everywhere these days!), the lively party atmosphere of the beach towns is well described. It is true that these rustic outposts favored by the surf-set offer world-class waves and sport fishing, as well as jaw-dropping sunsets. Who wouldn’t want to spend a lost weekend under a palm tree, cerveza fria in hand? These spots are worth the 2 to 5 hour drive necessary to reach them from the International Airport at San Jose.

But consider spending an entire season (or all of your retirement!) in the same beach town…strolling down the same dirt road each day. Great vacation spot yes… but life is more than the same long weekend played out week after week. To live well in Costa Rica is to experience the entire country, one daily excursion at a time. This is best done from a home in the Central Valley.

Imagine arriving at Juan Santamaría International Airport in capital city of San Jose (it is actually in the suburb of Alajuela), and taking a short 10 minute cab ride to your condominium (freshly stocked with food and other necessities by our management company, if you so request). Be sure to appreciate the mountain view…it would be a shame to ever overlook the beautiful vista simply because it is yours to enjoy every day.

The temperature is probably 78 degrees and sunny…the weather in the Central Valley varies little. The rainy season from May to October brings afternoon showers, but most mornings are the same year ‘round…perfect! While some say the coasts are too hot in the dry season (November to April), the higher altitude in the Central Valley brings temperate weather all year.

From your Mana condominium, it is a short 5 minute walk downtown to shop at the central market, do your banking, worship at the cathedral or a dozen other churches, conduct business at the courthouse or other government buildings. The International Mall is located just a few minutes from the Central Park. By living in the Central Valley, you will enjoy access to hospitals, full-service pharmacies, a wide choice of doctors, dentists, chiropractors, and spa services.

The capital city boasts a wide variety of the arts…theater, museums, and galleries. Soccer is a national obsession, and each of the Central Valley cities of Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, and San Jose have first division soccer teams in the 12 team national league. The choice of restaurants is endless. Your new life in Costa Rica may include full or part time employment.
The Central Valley is home to most of the country’s population and to many multi-national corporations such as Intel and Hewlett Packard just to name a few. The economy is robust. Jobs for English speaking people are plentiful.

Ready to explore the rest of the country? There is no better place to start the heart of the country…the capital of San Jose and the surrounding suburbs, including Alajuela. Take a bus tour (or drive yourself) on many different one day excursions.
Just remember, sometimes a one day trip can turn into a lost weekend! Here are just a few suggestions…Travel northeast to the Arenal volcano, one of the world’s most spectacular active volcanos. Enjoy the natural hot springs of the area, or take an ATV tour of the area.

Go a little further northeast near the Nicaragua border and you can visit Canal de Tortuguero (only accessed by canal for the last dozen or so kilometers) to witness the nesting of the giant sea turtles. Limon on the central Caribbean coast has a lively carnival celebration each year, owing to its island heritage.

Further south, near Panama, you can snorkel within the protected area of Cahuita National Park and enjoy the beach town of Puerto Viejo (its rasta vibe is very different from the beach towns of the Pacific coast).Whitewater rafting trips abound on the eastern slope of the continental divide. Also along this ridge you can visit eco lodges to enjoy bird watching, butterfly farms, and wildlife sanctuaries. World-class spas offer massages and other services…all in the calming environment of the rainforest.

Monteverde, home of the unique cloud forest, is a short drive northwest of Alajuela. Be sure to try the thrilling zip-line tours through the rainforest canopy. For the ultimate thrill seekers, bungee jumping is available.

The Manuel Antonio National Park lies on the central Pacific Coast, just outside Quepos. After you see the 4 kinds of monkeys at the park, this town is an excellent spot from which to launch a deep sea fishing trip. We can guide you to the best captains and boats available.

The Osa peninsula and Corcovado National Park lies in the remote southwest portion of the country. From your condo in Alajuela, however, it is but a short 45 minute plane ride. This rainforest has been called the most ecologically diverse place in the world. Fishermen will tell you that the marlin and sailfish favor the waters just offshore.

Pura Vida!