Kevin P. Says:
Hello,
I want to explore the expat life in Costa Rica, but I’m not sure where I want to go. Is there a good tour or recommended way to explore various places?
IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says:
Hi Kevin,
There are a few main areas to choose from when planning your itinerary.
Here are some of the areas popular with other expats. I would start by researching these areas (and joining some Facebook groups) to see which fits your lifestyle best.
- The Central Valley (possibly the following areas: Orosi, Grecias, Atenas, and Santa Anna)
- Lake Arenal (Tronadora, Nuevo Arenal, and La Fortuna)
- Guanacaste (Tamarindo and Playas del Coco)
- The Nicoya Peninsula (Nosara and Sámara)
- The Central Pacific (Jacó and Manuel Antonio)
- The South Pacific (Dominical and Ojochal)
- The Southern Caribbean Coast (Puerto Viejo, Punta Uva, and Playa Manzanilla)
You can rent a car and drive yourself, hire a private driver, take public buses (which can take a long time and is not very convenient), or fly domestically to get around.
The most developed area with the best medical care is the Central Valley, while the most remote location on the list is the Caribbean Coast.
The Caribbean Coast and Manuel Antonio have a jungle that butts right up to the ocean… talk about life in a tropical paradise.
The South Pacific Beaches are also pretty remote, yet are sure to continue growing over the next few years. Therefore, they may be your best bet for lower real estate prices at the moment.
If you have a family (school-aged kids), Guanacaste (especially around Tamarindo and the Flamingo area), the Nicoya peninsula, and the Central Valley have the most schooling options.
Spend a few days in various places to experience the climate first-hand and connect with locals and expats.
Take the time to explore and visit rentals, real estate, and properties before making any type of commitment.
If you plan on visiting Guanacaste, consider flying into San Jose and leaving out of Liberia (or vice versa), as this may save you four to five hours of driving time, depending on your itinerary.
For these practicalities, IL has compiled all you need to know in our Costa Rica Scouting Trip Itineraries and Travel Guide.
What an exciting time to start looking at new places to call home. Good luck and enjoy.
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