The Real Costa Rica

This is a great web site with lots of information for those already living in Costa Rica or those thinking of moving to Costa Rica.

The REAL Costa Rica

Thinking of Moving to Costa Rica?

Before deciding to move to Costa Rica you should come and really visit Costa Rica first.  I mean really visit and live as close to as you would live if you were living here.  That is not necessarily doing only the tourist activities but your everyday routine.  Do your research and plan on visiting and staying in the areas that you might be interested in calling home for at least 1 month to decide if you really like that location.  As a tourist we like areas that we visit for a few days but when living there it isn't so good.  You want to keep in mind how far you have to travel to go shopping, go out to eat, or just going to the movies.

If you have any questions about any particular area please leave a comment or send me an email.  I am familiar with a number of areas of Costa Rica and in particular the Central Valley.

English Speaking Churches in Costa Rica

San José area

Escazu Christian Fellowship
http://www.ecfcr.net/index/Welcome.html

International Baptist Church
http://ibccostarica.org/

Tamarindo / Playa Conchal area

Beach Community Church
http://www.beachcommunitychurch.com/

If anyone has additional Churches they would like to add please leave a comment with the name of the Church, location, and web sight if they have one.

The Christmas Season In Costa Rica


 

In Costa Rica a Christmas tradition instead of cookies is tamales.  At this time of year everyone is making tamales and everyone puts something a little different in their tamales.  The things we like to put in our tamales is:  rice, pork, a slice of tomatoe, olives, capers, onion, a slice of potatoe, a prune, and sometimes a slice of sweet pepper.

Tamales are great in the afternoon while enjoying a cup of hot coffee.





Tamale ready to eat



23 Tamales



 







Living in Costa Rica

Downtown San José, Costa Rica

The people (expats) living in Costa Rica all have a story.  You may never know their story but they surely have a story to tell if you ask.  Some come for a change in lifestyle.  Some travel from country to country never really settling.  Some are perpetual tourists who return to their home country periodicly and come back to Costa Rica but are never really residents.  Some visit Costa Rica and meet their husband or wife and decide to stay and become residents.  We all have a story to tell.

Costa Rica is a melting pot of cultures with people here from all over the world.  You can see this by the variety of restaurants here.  All it takes is a visit to immigration and see the number of people submitting their paperwork on a daily basis for residency to realize what a multi-cultural country Costa Rica is.

Creating an income

This looks like a good opportunity for the writers out there.  CreateSpace allows writers to self-publish their books.  They publish the book on-demand they have several ways for you sell your book including on Amazon.  You decide the price you want to sell your book at and you get a portion of that.  This really looks like a good opportunity for the aspiring writer.

Visit their web sight for more information:  https://www.createspace.com/

10 Reasons to Buy Property in Costa Rica

10 Reasons to Buy Property in Costa Rica

Rain, Rain, and more Rain

It has been raining almost non-stop now since Sunday.  No this is not the norm here in Costa Rica but we are in the peak of the rainy season.  Normally you should get a few hours of rain per day this time of year.  This rain has been a bit much, it has been raining well into the night and starts raining again in the morning.  I guess we have been lucky here in the Central Valley of Costa Rica because those on the Central Pacific have had flooding rains.

Soon the rains will stop and we will have the sunshine again.  We are all looking forward to the dry season to get here and December will be here soon enough.  When you go into the stores they already have the Christmas things out.  Yes, the dry season will be here soon and then we will be looking forward to the rainy season again to clean the streets, the sidewalks, the air, etc.

Good night Costa Rica!!!!

Pizzeria Papito's in Moravia Centro



Pizzeria Papitos



If you want a really good pizza at a reasonable price in Moravia you need to go to Pizzeria Papito's.  This a small friendly pizzeria in Moravia Centro and English is spoken.  They also offer express service for free.

They are located 50 meters west of the Municipality of Moravia across from the church.

Telephone:  2241-1068

Hours:  Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

             Friday and Saturday 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

Great Chinese Restaurant in Moravia

Chef Oriental

If you like Chinese Cuisine and are in Moravia, Costa Rica you need to visit Chef Oriental.  They offer authentic Chinese Cuisine using the freshest ingredients.  They also have a homemade hot sauce that is robust and flavorful.

http://cheforiental.blogspot.com/

They are located in Moravia 100 meters east of Banco Costa Rica.

They also offer express service call 2235-7340 or 2297-2770

Hours:

• Monday - Thurday 11:00 am - 3:00 pm and 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm
• Friday - Sunday 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

Expat Daily News: Computer Problems Getting You Down?

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Great Seafood Restaurant in Moravia

La Princesa Marina is a very good seafood restaurant in Moravia.  They also have locations in Sabana, Curridabat, and Alajuela.  For an appetizer you should try their Ceviche de Corvina which is delicious and runs about  ₡2,400 (just under $5.00).  All of their fish and seafood is all delicious and their prices are very reasonable.  It will only set you back about  ₡8,000 (about $16.00) for a party of 2 for dinner.

http://www.princesamarina.com/

Cartago, Costa Rica

The Basilica de Los Angeles

We went to Cartago, Costa Rica today, it is just about a 40 minute drive from San José it to us 45 minutes as we left from Coronado.  It is a pleasant drive on the highway and the pavement is mostly good.  You do need to watch for potholes though and watch your speed.  You need to watch your speed because the have speeding camera's set up and you will get a ticket for speeding and will not know it unless you look in the newspaper or at the end of the year when you pay your marchamo.

Cartago is the old capital of Costa Rica and is a pleasant place to spend an afternoon exploring the city.  The Basilica de Los Angeles is the national church and is located in downtown Cartago.  There is plenty of activity going on in and around the church.  In the park in front of the church there are plenty of vendors selling cold treats and for those wishing to take a chance with the lottery there are plenty of vendors selling lottery tickets.  For those who like being the city but don't like big cities like San José, Cartago is a place to check out it is a small city.  Cartago has a colonial feel to it yet is modern in other ways.

The Ruins of Cartago

There are a number of restaurants nearby also.  We had lunch at Restaurante Ton Hoi http://www.restaurantetonhoi.com/ which has a very good Arroz Cantones called  Arroz Frito Ton Hoi at this restaurant it is basically the house fried rice.  It is only about 3 blocks east of the Basilica de Los Angeles.

Basilica de Los Angeles

Park in front of the Basilica de Los Angeles

Lottery vendors in the park

Stained glass inside the Basilica de Los Angeles

Inside the Basilica de Los Angeles

Inside the Basilica de Los Angeles

La Negrita the Virgin of Los Angeles

Happy Independence Day Costa Rica!!!!!

 We went an saw the parade in Moravia Centro.  It was very nice and relaxing Moravia has a real sense of community.  Much more relaxing than San José which is very busy and congested.

Many people were at the parade in Moravia wearing red, white, and blue.  The parents had their children dressed in traditional dress.  There were vendors selling cool treats and just a nice morning in Moravia for the family.

If you like the Central Valley of Costa Rica you need to get out of the hustle a bustle of the city and visit Moravia.  It is a nice place to spend the morning or afternoon and just relax.  There are several restaurants and sodas in town to grab something to eat.

Independence Day in Costa Rica

The celebrations for Independence Day in Costa Rica begin Wednesday the 14th day of September at 6:00 pm.  People will gather and sing the national anthem and carry the traditional farole (candle lanterns).  In Cartago the first capital of Costa Rica, President Laura Chinchilla will receive a torch that has made its way from Guatamala by a number of runners as a symbol of the spreading of the good news of Central America's independence.

Thursday morning the 15th of September there will be parades throughout the country with marching bands and children in school uniforms and traditional dress.

Most all business's will be closed for the holiday and some roads will be closed to accommodate the parades.

Happy Independence Day Costa Rica!!!!!  Pura Vida!!!!!!

Coronado, Costa Rica

Just recently in the newspaper La Nacion there was an article about Coronado.  The article was saying how fresh and clean the air was in Coronado.  They mentioned that it was actually fresher than the air quality in Escazu.

I would agree that the air is fresh and clean in Coronado, it is also clean in Escazu.  This is due to less traffic than the city of San Jose and it is at a higher altitude and the air pollution tends to settle down in San Jose.  Also the higher altitudes make the air cooler so it feels fresh.  In both Coronado and Escazu you have fantastic views at night looking down into San José and seeing all the lights.

For real estate check Economicos.

Oustside Costa Rica's Central Valley

Zarcero, Costa Rica

When you leave Costa Rica's Central Valley and head west there are many small towns that are quaint and typical traditional towns.  These towns include Zarcero, Grecia, Atenas, and many more.  The best way to is to get out and explore these typical traditional towns either by car or bus.  These towns are further from the services that most expat's are accustomed to such as shopping, medical services, restaurants, etc.  Living in a typical traditional small town can truely give you a sense of belonging to a community  .If considering living in a smaller town away from the larger cities it is recommended to visit such towns and spend a little time there to determine if it is suitable for you.

Barva de Heredia

Downtown Barva de Heredia

Traveling up from Heredia you reach the town of Barva.  Barva is a typical Costa Rican town with many home with thick walls made of adobe with roofs made of red barrel tile.  This is a quaint town with not much English spoken but definately a relaxing place to live.  There is a church in the middle of town with a park across the street.  There are a number of small sodas (small restaurants) and pulperias in town.

For shopping one would go back down to Heredia which is only 10 minute back down the road.  There are several large shopping malls and supermarkets available in Heredia.  Barva is also only about 30 minutes to Escazu and San Jose.

Heredia

The capital of Heredia province is the small yet quaint Heredia city, which is just 10 km from Northern San Jose at the foothills of the extinct Barva Volcano. One of Costa Rica’s most historical cities, Heredia was founded in 1705 and is nicknamed “City of Flowers,” due to the many beautiful gardens and wonderful flora found around here. Located in central Costa Rica amidst vast coffee plantations and lush greenery, Heredia is the ideal place to to live or visit.

A relaxed and laidback place, the main attraction of Heredia is its superb colonial architecture that can be seen all over town. In the heart of the city, surrounding the main square, which is a popular gathering place, is Heredia’s historic La Inmaculada Concepcion, a majestic church built in 1796, with bells imported all the way from Cuzco, Peru. The stained glass paintings in the church are some of the oldest in the country. This church stands in Heredia’s Parque Central or Central Park, and has a variety of shops and restaurants neighboring it.

Also found in Parque Central is a music temple, as well as El Fortin, a wonderful colonial tower of an old Spanish fort. Besides some old buildings, the park is home to the La Casa de la Cultura as well, which holds historical and art exhibitions on a regular basis.

Another reason for Heredia city’s popularity is the fact that the country’s national university, Universidad Nacional is situated here, which has one of the foremost veterinarian schools in Central America, as well as an outstanding marine biology department. This is why one will find plenty of students teeming all over the city.

When exploring Heredia, do go to the top of Monte de la Cruz, where you will be treated to some spectacular views of the city, its surrounding areas and huge coffee plantations. From Heredia, one also gets the opportunity to view both the Poas Volcano and Barva volcano in the distance.

The perfect location to be considered for living, Heredia is a great place to live because the weather here is mild and temperate all year round, and with its close proximity to Downtown San Jose.

Santo Domingo de Heredia

Santo Domingo de Heredia

The town of Santo Domingo de Heredia is a quiet town ideal for those who want some privacy and seclusion, while at the same time require easy access to a metropolitan city like San Jose. Lying on the outskirts of Heredia province within minutes north San Jose the capital of Costa Rica, Santo Domingo de Heredia is a charming colonial town, with friendly locals and beautiful surrounding landscapes.

Located midway between the city of Heredia and San Jose, this small town is quaint and picturesque, with lovely old colonial homes and buildings that have been restored to their former glory. A truly charming area, Santo Domingo de Heredia is a delightful place set amidst a number of coffee plantations in the lush and verdant Central Valley of Costa Rica.

The main focal point of this town is its Spanish architecture and historic designs. However, the best part of living in Santo Domingo de Heredia is that it is only a 15-minute car drive to downtown San Jose. Many well to do Costa Rican families who do business in San Jose reside in Santo Domingo, this town is set in a small intimate manner with a lovely church nearby.

Beyond Escazu: Santa Ana and Ciudad Colon

Santa Ana

Santa Ana is just a short 5 minute drive from Escazu.  The neighborhoods of Santa Ana range from Santa Ana Centro which is a traditional Costa Rican town and has a colonial feel to it, with some houses still contructed of adobe.  The neighborhood of Lindora is probably the most expensive and exclusive neighborhood of Santa Ana.  Lindora has many exclusive gated communities with exquisite homes.  There are many high-end restaurants also available in Lindora.  The supermarket in Lindora also caters to the community by offering many products that are imported.

Ciudad Colon

Ciudad Colon is about 5 minutes from Santa Ana and 10 minutes from Escazu.  It is very convenient to the shoppping at Multiplaza in Escazu.  Multiplaza is a large and modern shopping mall with 2 levels and a multi-screen theater.  Multiplaza rivals any large and modern shopping mall worldwide.  Ciudad Colon started as a small country town but has been steadily growing.  It is now a town with many residential communities.  Ciudad Colon is ideal for those who don't want to be to close to the city but want the convenience of having a big city nearby.

For current housing prices please visit Economicos:  http://www.economicos.com/web/home.php

The San Jose suburb of Escazu

Church and Park Escazu Centro, Costa Rica

Escazu

Escazu is a great place to live and be away from the hustle and bustle of San Jose. This is one of the more upscale areas of San Jose. Ideal for those who want to close to San Jose but not to close, Escazu is about 10 minutes to San Jose and less than an hour to the Pacific beach area of Jaco. Escazu is a quiet, beautiful and secure suburb with all the comforts of home.

A colonial town, Escazu is a great suburb and is just 7 km west of downtown San Jose. Spread out over a hillside over looking San Jose and Heredia, Escazu is made up of 3 adjoining neighborhoods; San Antonio de Escazu, Escazu Centro and San Rafael de Escazu. With the largest population of expatriates settling down here (mostly North Americans), this part of the city is a quite exclusive.

Easily accessible from all highways that lead to Costa Rica’s most popular attractions, Escazu is just a 10 minute drive downtown San Jose. Here one can find a number of movie theaters and most movies are in English with Spanish subtitles. There are also many fine restaurants and dining areas in this part of town, with an excellent nightlife. Escazu is a modern thriving city unto itself with many banks, pharmacies, shops, grocery stores and even an 18-hole championship golf course can be found here, along with one of the biggest and most modern shopping malls in Central America, Multi Plaza. The US ambassador to Costa Rica even resides in Escazu.

A great alternative location to living downtown mainly because many of the people here speak English, Escazu still retains some of its local flavor. Visit Escazu Centro to get a feel for the laidback Tico lifestyle here with its small narrow streets, quaint ambiance and colorful sodas or local restaurants. The area around San Rafael de Escazu is mostly residential with a much higher living standard.

More about Coronado, Costa Rica

Coronado

Church downtown
Coronado, Costa Rica

On the east side of San José we find a little town that resembles the foggy cities described in fairy tales.  Coronado is well known for “Las Nubes” (the clouds), a beautiful forest of mountains and farms that make an amazing location for hiking and mountain biking. Like in any small town in Costa Rica, the church is the most impressive building of the area, an old construction that reminds the towers of European castles it is of neo-gothic architecture, you can easily spot beautiful well marked pictures of saints in the windows. The weather is cooler with more rain than San José, for this reason its vegetation is full and one of the most amazing greens seen in the San José area. It is quite an adventure to go tour around the tree lined roads, dairy farms are all over the place and you might even get a taste of the tasty Coronado cheese, very famous in Costa Rica. Once you arrive at the steep hills of the Coronado Mountains, you will get an incredible view of all San José downtown, which takes the entire trip to a whole other level.





Los Juncos just outside

 Coronado, Costa Rica



Up in the clouds in the small settlement of Vásquez de Coronado, like in a spiritual ascension, one of the most attractive churches in Costa Rica was built. Its construction started in 1862 on the ancient temple of the community. Looking for the best place, the initial temple, inspired by the Renaissance era, was built in the central point of the valley, where the city is settled. The neighbors collaborated with help and donations for the construction. On January 1, 1882 it was given Parish status, and it’s baptized under the name of San Isidro Labrador.



It has great ecological attraction, beautiful views for the enjoyment of peace and tranquility. An area with a great wealth of flora and fauna with over 100 species of plants (among them, ferns, and mosses). The most common mammal is the sloth. It is easy to observe the majority of birds. There are 107 species of birds registered in the country.

San José Neighborhoods of Guadalupe, Moravia, and Coronado

Leaving San José heading northeast you will go through Guadalupe, Moravia, and Coronado.

Guadalupe

This city is right next to San José and is a busy city.  This city has many different neighborhoods and a variety of restaurants and shopping available.  The more desirable neighborhoods to live in in Guadalupe are El Carmen, El Alto, and Sabanilla (just outside of Guadalupe).

Moravia



The Church and Park
Downtown Moravia, Costa Rica

 Moravia is really a typical Costa Rican town with a sense of community.  Living in Moravia you feel that you are part of the community.  In the center of town there is a church and a park which is typical of many towns of Costa Rica.  There is a variety of shopping and restaurants available in Moravia and nearby.  This is a good town for those who want to be close to San José but don't want to feel they are in the city.  San José is 10 minutes away by car and 20 minutes by bus.

Coronado



Church and Park
Downtown Coronado, Costa Rica



If you continue following the road up from Moravia for about 10 minutes you will arrive in Coronado.  In Coronado you are at a higher altitude so it is a little cooler.  Coronado is a little more suburban and in the center of town is a magnificent neo-gothical church and in front of the church is the park.  There are a few supermarkets and restaurants in Coronado.  This tends to be a quiet and peaceful town.

The cost to buy a home in these areas can cost a little less than Los Yoses and San Pedro.  You may find housing prices starting between 40,000,000 to 50,000,000 colones.  Rentals may also be a little less expensive.  The best advice is to go to http://www.nacion.com/ and visit the classifieds for current prices.

San José Neighborhoods of Los Yoses and San Pedro

Los Yoses and San Pedro

These residential neighborhoods are located east of downtown San José.  These are middle class neighborhods with both modern homes as well as more traditional middle class homes tucked behind gardens. 

Los Yoses has a quiet energy during the day and becomes very quiet at night.  San Pedro on the other hand is livier during the day and more so at night.  San Pedro is home to the University of Costa Rica with many students.  There are plenty of bars, clubs, and cheap restaurants.

As of this date homes in the San Pedro and Los Yoses areas cost anywhere from 62,000,000 to 128,000,000 colones.  The cost to rent is 486,000 to 665,000 colones per month for a house and 250,000 to 563,000 for an apartment.

Living in Costa Rica

There are many areas of Costa Rica to choose from.  The mountains, beaches, city, country, etc.  My intent is to help those interested in living in Costa Rica by providing valuable information.

The different areas of Costa Rica all have their distinct benefits.  The mountains are generally cooler and more rural, for example the average temperature in Monteverde is 16 - 20 degrees centigrade.  The temperature at the beaches may run 33 - 22 degrees centigrade.  When living in Costa Rica the temperature depends on your altitude, so if you live in the lowlands it is hotter than if you live in the mountains.  The Central Valley of Costa Rica is also good it can be both city and rural but the city is never far.  The temperature in the Central Valley of Costa Rica also varies with the altitude.  There are many desirable locations to live in the Central Valley.