‘Tis the Temporada: Christmas and New Year’s Traditions in Costa Rica

Christmas at the beach

There’s nothing quite like Christmas in Costa Rica: tamales and sparkling lights, ocean breezes and mascaradas, fireworks on the beach and portales… And if any of those made you wonder “what’s that?”, then this one’s for you! Because here in the tropics, these end-of-year holidays coincide with the best weather of the year – the…

Costa Rica Closing Costs: What to Expect and How Much You’ll Pay

calculate Costa Rica closing costs

Buying a home – especially a home abroad – is simultaneously one of the most important and most exciting decisions you’ll make in life. So, as with any life-altering decision, you’re doing your research. You’re knocking out your initial due diligence. And you’re at the point where you’re running the numbers, which brought you here:…

Let’s Talk Beer: 10 Craft Breweries in Guanacaste (Tamarindo, Playas del Coco, & Liberia Areas)

list of breweries in Costa Rica Guanacaste

For many years, the craft beer boom has been growing slowly and steadily in the United States and Canada. If you have a heart for hops and a craving for craft, then we’ll bet you already have a favorite list of microbreweries from “back home.” Now, we’re putting 10 craft breweries in Costa Rica on…

Home Inspection 101: What to Look for (and Look Out for) Before Purchasing a Home in Costa Rica

home inspections when purchasing a home in Costa Rica

It’s a funny thing: We’re often asked about home inspections in Costa Rica but, when buyers are purchasing a home in Costa Rica, only about half typically opt for an inspection. There are a few reasons for this (one, a kind-of technicality!), which we’ll get into in this post. But, perhaps most importantly, we’ll begin…

Families at the Beach: 6 Schools near Playas del Coco, Costa Rica

Costa Rica surf lessons with Blue Water Adventures

If you’re considering moving to Northern Guanacaste with kids, then you’re probably also thinking about private schools in Playas del Coco: What are the options? Will the kids adjust well? What kind of extracurriculars are available? And, just how much will it all cost? You’ve come to the right place (and the right people). We…

Buying & Owning a Car in Costa Rica: What to Expect (Including the Costs)

buying a car in Costa Rica considerations

If you’re thinking about buying a car in Costa Rica, then you’re probably also wondering about the costs, required paperwork, maintenance, and other requirements of owning a car. Believe it or not, this is one of the more straightforward and easily accomplished tasks in your new life. That said, most people fall into either the dread-it…