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Costa Rica is known for its beauty and eco-friendly environment. The area is home to a rich variety of plants and animals. Costa Rica has long been a destination for the second home investors. Costa Rica has been successfully marketing tourism for over 15 years, while many other Latin America countries have just recently started doing so. Costa Rica has been “found” many times. First came the fisherman looking for the fighting bill fish, and then came the surfers seeking new waves. Finally, second home buyers looking for their tropical paradise found Costa Rica and its many wonders.
As in most many of the Latin America countries, Costa Rica borders both oceans. The same mountain chain that creates the delightful weather in Costa Rica’s highland further separates the country into eastern and western tropical zones. This affects not only the weather patterns and variety of plant, animal and marine life, but also marked cultural dissimilarities exist as well. The Pacific side is Latin/European and the Caribbean side is Jamaican/African.
The Pacific side has the larger population of foreigners. Once referred to as “Little Switzerland,” Costa Rica has been highly populated by Europeans, primarily from Germany, Switzerland and Italy. In recent years, Costa Rica has become extremely popular with North Americans. Focusing on tourism, certain areas are highly populated with restaurants, boutiques and expensive hotels. Other areas are oriented toward permanent and semi-permanent residents, especially retirees.
On the Caribbean side, the southern coast attracts surfers, snorkelers as well as the ecology-minded tourist. Plant life on this side tends to stay green and lush year-round.
About 25% of the country’s land area is in protected national parks. One national park that is internationally renowned among ecologists for its biodiversity and where visitors can expect to see an abundance of wildlife is the Corcovado National Park. Tortuguero National Park home to spider monkeys, howler and white throated Capuchin monkeys, as well as eight different species of parrots and a variety of reptiles. This park is mostly recognized for the annual homecoming and nesting of the endangered green turtle. Giant leatherback hawksbill and loggerhead turtles also nest here. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is home to about 2,000 plant species, including numerous orchids. Over 400 types of birds can be found in the Monteverde Reserve, as well as over 100 species of mammals.
As in many foreign countries, there is the “buyer beware adage.” Once you find that piece of property that you have just fallen in love with, find an English speaking attorney and experienced notary. If you are buying in a developing resort, they may have an attorney or can recommend one for you. These agents have to find out if the sellers have the legal right to sell you the property. Title insurance or guaranty is a new concept in Costa Rican and Latin America in general, but has already proven to add value to initial purchases and resale.
Foreigners are able to purchase, own and receive full rights to property in Costa Rica, and the country’s constitution fully protects that ownership. It is always best to start your search with a licensed real estate agent with the Costa Rica Global Association of Realtors. A member of USA National Association of Realtors or the Canadian Association of Realtors can assist you in finding and agent in Costa Rica.
Christopher Columbus landed at "Cariari," known today as Puerto Limon in 1502. He named Costa Rica under the assumption that the land was filled with precious metals. He never found any gold or silver, but the name was perfect for the wealth of natural beauty and flawless climate. The first settlers in Costa Rica were the Chorotega, Huetares and Brunca or Boruca Indians. Even today, about 20,000 Indians live in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica has been ruled since 1949 by democratically elected presidents. The Executive Power is exercised by the President, a person who must be over thirty years old and of Costa Rican birth. The constitution prohibits any army, to maintain peace, and order the Civil Guard serves as a police force.
Beaches
The Caribbean region of Costa Rica stands out for its variety of aquatic ecosystems and its beautiful white and black sand beaches. The beaches provide an ideal setting for activities such as sport fishing, snorkeling, and sun bathing. The Pacific coast concentrates big tourist centers and its beaches are very popular for surfing.
Museums
Costa Rica museums have inherited a rich and diverse cultural heritage whose purpose is to display and educate present and future generations about our past and present. The most notable collections include gold, jade, pre-Columbian ceramics and stone pieces, colonial religious art, contemporary art, and natural history.
Costa Rica possesses an important group of museums dedicated to collecting, preserving, and displaying the cultural heritage, and imparting our values. These museums are located throughout the country and commemorate the contributions of the indigenous, Afro-Costa Rican, Asian, European and Central American populations.
Adventure
Costa Rica is a land of volcanoes, rain forests, waterfalls, and rivers. Adventure travelers can choose from a variety of activities such as rafting, snorkeling, kayaking, sport fishing, surfing, and much more. The most challenging activity will be choosing what to do!
Ecotourism
Considered one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world, Costa Rica is divided in 20 natural parks, 8 biological reserves, and a series of protected areas that captivate ecotourism lovers. The variety of activities includes horseback riding, hiking mountainous paths in the cloud forests, and guided bird-watching tours.
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