Juan Santamaría International Airport named third-best in Latin America

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Toronto to Costa Rica for Valentine’s Day? $299 Roundtrip after Taxes

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Reposted By: Jesse Montgomery, from The Costa Rica News

Update: Looks like Feb 20-27 is also available.  Reading week isn’t it?

Not a bad Valentine’s gift! Here’s how to find it…

1. http://www.flightnetwork.com/

2. Search for a flight from Toronto to Liberia, Costa Rica

Departing: Feb 11
Returning: Feb 18

OR

Departing: Feb 13
Returning: Feb 20

(For the Feb 13-20 one, pick the second result, the one that’s $299)

3. Confirmed price screenshot:

Yes, that does say $0.00 taxes, and no it’s not a mistake fare. Thomas Cook did the same thing last year, with those crazy prices to Jamaica.

Hit Like if you like this deal! Click Share to show your friends on Facebook.

Chris Myden is Canada’s #1 travel deal enthusiast with over 250,000 followers on Facebook & Twitter.

You can check out his latest travel deal finds for Toronto at YYZdeals.com

Costa Rica: 2.2 Million Foreign Visitors In 2011

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Reposted By: Jesse Montgomery, from Inside Costa Rica

The Cámara Nacional de Turismo (CANATUR) and the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) are happy campers with the news on Monday revealing some 2.2 million foreign tourist visits for 2011. The official number of foreign visitors for 2011 was 2.195.960.

The number represents and increase of 93.131 more visitors than in 2010.

CANATUR (the national tourism chamber), as well as the ICT (national institute of tourism), expressed on Monday their satisfaction on the results.

However, both institutions point out the need to continue their efforts to attract more visitors and must compete for tourism attractions in Central America, Brazil, Russia, China and India.

The head of the ICT, Allan Flores, said that their promotion in foreign markets and presence at international tourism fairs have paid off, but will continue their efforts to attract more South American and European visitors.

The CANATUR and the ICT are expecting more visitors this year with the opening of the new Daniel Oduber (Liberia) airport terminal, which will allow more airlines and tour operators to include Costa Rica in their offers to travellers.

The new terminal in Guanacaste is one of the main entry doors to Costa Rica’s north Pacific coast beaches and the La Fortuna and Arenal areas and increasing airline capacity and the handling of more visitors at one time.

Costa Rica – Best Country “Brand” in Latin America

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Reposted By: Jesse Montgomery, from Boomers Abroad

Future Brand, a British company, publishes the The Country Brand Index on an annual basis, and uses its own methodology to determine the value of many countries as a brand. The values are based on a wide number of factors including natural features, culture, business environment, quality of life of its residents, and others. The current index was revealed on November 12, 2011.

This past year, Costa Rica improved in the world rankings, to 24^th best overall. This placed it highest of all Latin American countries on the global list. Best known for its "No Artificial Ingredients" campaign, Costa Rica has had a national priority to promote the country's image as a protector of its natural wealth.

Costa Rica’s tourism brand is ranked above that of countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. The report states, "A strong country brand is more than the sum of its attributes; it must make people's lives better from the progressive policies, to freedom of expression and openness. It must call people around the world to visit that country, to do business, and make a living there.”

To provide the basis for the study’s conclusions over 3500 interviews were conducted between July and September, 2011, involving tourists from more than 14 regions of the world. The study has published the country brand evaluations since 2004.

Globally, Costa Rica is ranked 24th, out of 113 surveyed countries. In Latin America, it is followed by Brazil (31^st), Argentina (32^nd), Chile (34^th), Peru (44^th), Mexico (47^th) and Uruguay (50^th).

The full analysis and a downloadable pdf is available at Future Brand.

Manuel Antonio National Park

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Reposted By: Jesse Montgomery, from Info Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio is the right place to go if you want to see a beautiful national park in the beach and if you also want to be close to popular nightlife activities, such as fine dining or partying. The advantage of Manuel Antonio is that there’s an ample variety of cabins and hotels to choose from, that might be close to “town” or set in the lush and peaceful hillside. This park is only seven kilometers Southeast from Quepos, and it’s one of the most visited protected areas. The park entrance is in Playa Espadilla, and the fee is $15 or $10 if you pay in advance. Unfortunately for camping lovers, this activity isn’t allowed in the park, since the park is small and the impact on nature would be too great.

Before discussing accommodations, restaurants and nightlife in general, it’s only fair to discuss the flora and fauna of Manuel Antonio, since the human presence is of secondary to the national park. The park is constituted by beautiful beaches and by the surrounding vegetation of the forest that grows right next to the coastline. The four beaches are: Espadilla Sur, Manuel Antonio, Escondido and Playita. Visitors can walk on the beach or in the cooler trails in the forest, where they can spot animals including monkeys (capuchin and howler for the most part) sloths, raccoons and quatamundis or “pizotes.” One can only see caimans, river otters, pacas, and even ocelots. The best time for spotting most animals is early in the morning. The park also offers tidal pools and a marine life which is seen clearly mostly during the dry season, since during the rainy season sediment in the water will ruin a snorkeler’s expedition.

Hotels and cabins abound around the park’s boundaries. There are several inexpensive accommodations, such as Cabinas Pedro Miguel (tel.777-00-35), which has eight cabins, half of which are fully furnished with kitchenettes and will accommodate up to eight people. The Cabinas Piscis (tel.777-00-46) also offer more basic cabinas with ceiling fans and cold water. The prices for these and other cabins range from $22 to $30 per night. There are also moderate hotels, offering air conditioning, hot water and usually a swimming pool, like the Hotel Plinio (tel.777-00-55), Sula Bya Ba Villas (tel. 777-05-97) and Tulemar Bungalows (tel. 777-05-80). Most of these moderately-priced hotels cost $50-60 per night and they can offer balconies, gardens and spectacular views of the coast and forest. Manuel Antonio offers numerous options for budget travelers, but it also has its share of luxurious and awe-inspiring hotels. The décor in Makanda by the Sea(tel.777-04-42), combines aesthetics from Milan and Tokyo, while the Hotel El Parador (tel.290-76-82) offers an ancient Spanish environment, with never-ending ceilings, a knight in shining armor, antique tools and weapons, persian rugs and many more luxurious objects that mesmerize visitors. El Parador also offers a bar, a wine tasting club room, a health spa, and even a hair salon. Whether you’re a backpack traveler or a Gucci suitcase tourist, you’ll find your type of accommodation near Manuel Antonio, but you must be sure to make reservations early.

Apart from these lodging options, there are also plenty of places to eat near or in Manuel Antonio, and fortunately, they also range from small “sodas” offering Costa Rican basic dishes, to five-star dining restaurants. There are specialty food restaurants, some offering excellent meats and seafood, others Italian or French dishes, and still others more down-to-earth food like sandwiches , hamburgers and salads. Besides eating, the more active visitors might want to try out their dancing moves in Mar y Sombra or in Disco Amor, or to simply hang out at a beachfront bar.

There are many ways to get to Manuel Antonio. The most common is by car or by bus. If you go by public bus, then you’ll have to catch a bus from San Jose to Quepos, and then from Quepos to Manuel Antonio. Schedules vary, so it’s best to inquire with the bus company (tel.777-03-18). There are other private buses that travel directly from San Jose to Manuel Antonio, and they are: Saragundi Specialty Tours (tel.255-00-11) or American VIP Coach Service (tel.222-81-34). The option by air is also available, since the local airline SANSA offers regular flights there.

Manuel Antonio has one of the most beautiful beaches of the country, which has, as a backdrop, emerald-green forests and lush hillsides. Besides being blessed by nature, Manuel Antonio is also a lucky when it comes to accommodations and facilities. Visitors of all budgets and tastes can indulge in both natural and social activities, and go home with tales of great adventures in the tropical trails or on the local dance floors. Some accommodations are hidden in the hillside and away from the rowdiness of civilization, thus being perfect shelters for the more quiet tourists. Manuel Antonio offers something for everyone, or that is, for everyone who wants to get out of the major cities of Costa Rica.

Poll #1 Results – Top Reasons To Buy Property In The Zone

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By: Ben Vaughn, Costa Rica Real Estate

I was excited to find the Poll functionality on LinkedIn a couple of weeks ago. The question I came up with “What is the top reason to buy land in Costa Rica’s central / southern Pacific zone?” seemed like a good jumping off point for this regular feature on the blog. Although the sample size was small, the responses were revealing.

Low Property Tax
Costa Rica’s property tax rate is .25% on registered value. That means if you buy a $400,000 house in Uvita, you will pay $1,000 in property tax, plus another $1,000 (or .25%) for the new Luxury Tax passed in 2010. Your total annual property tax bill will be $2,000 which is a third of what you will pay in Houston, Texas.

Investment Value
If we can agree that people want safe, beautiful, and affordable environments to live in, then the central/southern Pacific zone of Costa Rica has to make that list. Clearly, “affordable” is a relative term. Some clients have $50,000 for a house, some have $1.5 million; however, this market has dipped according to the simple dynamics of Supply and Demand. An ocean view property (only 8 minutes from Uvita) listed for $30,000 was unheard of five years ago, yet now we have it (Sunny Josecito). In fact, we have access to just about every type of investment in every property category.

Growth Potential
I can’t tell you how many times per week people ask me when the International Airport will be completed in Palmar. Given the fact that construction has not started, it is a difficult question to answer. Eventually, it will be constructed (for better or for worse), and the area and property values will grow as a result. I state this with a fair degree of conviction because I’ve seen what paving the Costanera (Coastal Highway) and re-paving the road between San Isidro and Dominical has done for the area. I believe if it weren’t for those two improvements, the downturn would have hit our area much harder.

Weather and Beaches
Today (Sept. 29th, 2011) marks the middle of the rainy season, yet we had sun with its accompanying ocean breeze all day long. The evenings are typically cool, especially if your house is strategically located facing the Pacific Ocean and its beaches. Speaking of beaches, The Zone has something for every sun lover. You want to surf or watch surfing, go to Dominical. You want a good dog-walking beach, go to Playa Hermosa. You want to do some cave exploring, go to Playa Ventanas. I’ve spent more time on the ocean the past 4 years than in my entire life in California, because the water is warm, dare I say perfect, year round.

Relaxing Lifestyle
According to our voters, this is the top reason to buy land in Costa Rica. You don’t realize how stressful life is in the progressive Western world, until you move here. Both Ben and I came from Santa Cruz and Aspen, gorgeous towns in California and Colorado, respectively. We lived the typical cycle of working hard and playing hard, and then right back to working hard again. We were surrounded by friends, family and neighbors who were stressed by this same cycle and material pressures. It all added up to a simple yet consistent desire for change. Without question, Costa Rica presents an opportunity to slooooow down and simplify. Sometimes I surf in the morning, sometimes I walk a big farm. There’s no rushing to Starbucks on the way to pick up the dry cleaning. Here, we sit down and enjoy our coffee. We wear shorts and flip flops. If anything, life in The Zone is indeed relaxing.

So, yes there are many reasons to buy land in Costa Rica. Whether as an investment, as a relocation destination, or simply as a place to visit and unplug for a couple of weeks in the winter… The Zone will not disappoint.

Peaceful Costa Rica Provides a Touch of Adventure

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By: Ohara Wilburn, Article PlusX

In contrast to many of the others who live nearby in North America, Costa Rica is a calm, democratic, fairly productive country. It’s no standing affiliate marketer along with a large middle class, which in turn make the idea unusual among Latina American countries.

In addition, it provides beautiful beaches, attractive huge batch surroundings along with untainted national areas that contains more kinds of wild animals when compared with are found in the U . s . as well as Canada combined. In addition, prices tend to be reasonable for many items, along with low for food and public transport.

Of course, not really things are excellent in Costa Rica. The country falls short of the pre-Columbian wrecks as well as Spanish colonial architecture found in several Latina U . s . countries. It was settled relatively delayed, and very minor of famous significance continues to be. Furthermore, there exists no tradition of fine handwork such as is available in South america as well as Mexico. Amenities for tourism are reasonably undeveloped, particularly outside the capital of San Jose. In location areas as well as national parks, facilities are inclined to always be possibly rock- bottom part as well as luxury, along with tiny in in between.

Nonetheless, if you are craving a little adventure, Costa Rica can always be an enjoyable alternative for a soothing winter vacation. The climate in San Jose and also the encompassing key valley is specially good in winter – during the day that actually reaches straight into the 20s, plummeting to the teens at night time, as well as rainfall can be rare. Temperature on each the Atlantic as well as Off-shore coasts is steamy and wetter.

The country will be small enough that it must be feasible to stay in San Jose as well as consider day trips to check out numerous picturesque places. One particularly popular vacation is as simple as narrow- evaluate train by means of the rainforest to Interface Limon on the Atlantic coast. In case you book an trip, it is $58 U.S., including lunch time and supper and return by tour bus. Nevertheless, should you go on your own personal the price drops to concerning $6 for the return visit to teach. The getaway usually takes with regards to five and a half hours, if you get on your individual, plan on staying more than in Limon.

Other adventures include appointments to the Poas Volcano, an active volcano which you can approach way up close. There’s a small, desirable memorial around the volcano, and also entrance to the recreation area exactly where both are situated is just concerning 15 pence per person. The Orosi Valley is an additional well-known excursion from San Jose. The scenery is beautiful, using tall forest hills along with a broad river. Chararra, a playground found in the valley, features a going swimming pool and also an excellent restaurant. The specialty of the house will be fish, and a large menu of seafood filet, rice and also coffee beans, taters along with salad works concerning $3.62.

In San Jose themselves you will find a handful of good hotel choices. The Nan Hotel Costa Rica is a Spanish northeastern fashion hotel with an attractive terrace restaurant proper on the main square. Prices commence at $36 single, $48 double, plus 13 per cent for tax as well as service.

Less expensive along with in a silent spot can be the Hotel Don Carlos, a really desirable small hotel. The prices are generally $22 single, $27 dual, plus tax and also service demand of 13 per nickle. Even so, the rates incorporate continental breakfast time. Additional possible hotel selections incorporate the Hotel Amstel, Hotel Leader along with Hotel Talamanca. Are all centrally located and look clean, using prices in the range of $20 single to $30 double.

Restaurants in San Jose are usually inexpensive. For example, at a steakhouse known as La Cascada, an entire steak dinner starts off at $3. Products will also be fair, particularly if remain to local beer at with regards to $1 a container or less, and local rum.

Neighborhood vehicles serve the majority of of the country at really low prices. Nevertheless, to get to a lot of of the beach as well as animals areas you will will need a car, and also rental charges are high. For example, Hertz charges $22 a day plus 22 dollars a kilometre for the smallest non-automatic car. An alternative can be to take tours, however these way too can be very expensive. A two-day one-night jungle and wildlife trip to the Rio Co Settle, for illustration, expenses $195.

Eastern Airlines offers land offers to Costa Rica at fairly moderate prices. Even so, air connections from Canada to Costa Rica aren’t good: count on an entire day to get generally there and another to get back. One more obstruction to travel is actually an airport starting tax of $17 per person, that has to be one of the highest in the world.

Retirees can obtain title insurance when purchasing a home in Costa Rica

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Reposted By: Jesse Montgomery, from Live In Costa Rica

Title insurance is a relatively new concept for Costa Rica. Until only recently, it was rather difficult to get title insurance in Costa Rica. It is not required to have title insurance when purchasing a property since the properties are usually purchase by foreigners in cash Now, there are some very good options for obtaining title insurance when buying real estate in Costa Rica. Title insurance is not required when purchasing property in Costa Rica, unless the buyer is obtaining a mortgage for the purchase. However, many North Americans feel a greater sense of security in having title insurance arranged during the purchasing process.

Title Insurance is insurance against defects in title to real property. It is meant to protect an owner’s financial interest in property against loss due to title defects, liens or other matters of public record. Before you purchase your property, the property may have gone through several ownership changes or there are documents lacking proof of the seller’s ownership. Someone along the way may have forged a signature in transferring title or there may be unpaid real estate taxes or other liens against the property. Title insurance covers the insured party for any claims and legal fees that arise out of such problems. Title insurance will defend against a lawsuit attacking the title, or reimburse the insured for the actual monetary loss incurred, up to the dollar amount of insurance provided by the policy. Title insurance guarantees that no one else can claim your property thus it also provides the peace of mind that you will not incur unexpected debts from your new property.

In short title insurance in Costa Rica protects against:

• Invalid documents executed under expired or non-existent power.

• False assumption of identity of the legitimate property owner.

• Falsification of documents, legal power, and other papers related to the transfer of property title.

• Liens or other financial burdens charged to the previous property owner.

• Hidden heirs of previous property owners.

• Documents executed by minors of age.

• Invalid documents delivered after death of previous owner.

However, before you commit to title insurance you should consider Costa Rica has an excellent public registry. A competent attorney can perform the initial title search and explain how to perform this verification and what to look for.

Furthermore your escrow agent can be a lawyer or law firm. All escrow agents must be registered with the Superintendence of Financial Entities (SUGEF), the government body in charge of supervision of financial entities and administration of third party funds. It is mandatory for administrators of third-party funds to be properly registered with this institution. If you escrow agent is registered with SUGEF your funds will be protected and the risk of anything happening greatly reduced.

Stewart Title Latin America is one of the title insurance companies currently operating in Costa Rica.

Stewart Title – Costa Rica
www.stewarttitlelatinamerica.com – Costa Rica
customerservice@stewartcr.com
Phone: (506) 2258-5600

Costa Rica, A Winter Getaway

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Reposted By: Jesse Montgomery, from InfoBarrel

The months of December and January are the coldest months for countries in the northern hemisphere like the US, Canada, and almost all of Europe. By cold, we mean freezing cold. If you are a hard working person and you would want to relax during the Christmas break; the relaxation will not come easily with such bone-chilling temperatures. No matter what you do, whichever corner of your house you opt to inhabit, you cannot escape this chill. The only way to escape this predicament is for you to go to a winter getaway place, which shall only enliven your life in this precarious season.

One such extremely beautiful, serene, hospitable and fun loving country is Costa Rica. A country located strategically close to the equator in Latin America, boats of having just 2 seasons: summer and winter or rainy season. For the purpose of serving as a winter getaway, Costa Rican winter is not actually winter per say, and actually relates to the summer seasons of the countries up north. There is no chill factor and the temperatures are extremely comfortable for the visitors, ranging in the lower degrees of centigrade to be around 15 – 20 degrees above zero. Winter season is simply restricted as an alias given to the rainy season in Costa Rica, for the purpose of creating an appeal to it by providing gusto to the people who continue enjoying it, instead of calling it the rainy season, to convey wetness, sluggishness and no enjoyment at all.

In Latin America, Costa Rica is one of the comparatively advanced countries, which is another attraction for visitors. Owing to the fact that they can avail a rather comparative standard of amenities, luxuries and infrastructure that they are accustomed to, in their homeland.

As a tourist, you will discover that Costa Rica actually hosts hundreds of unique species thriving in its lush rainforests, rivers, and seas. Due to the fact that Costa Rica is perhaps the only country in the world, which actually and seriously protects the environment by nominating a huge amount of their budget for this purpose. By spreading education amongst the natives about the advantages of doing so, it makes them realize, that the critical link connecting the humans to Mother Nature, must be protected and cared for, for ever growing dwellings to flourish. Therefore, for the visitors going to Costa Rica, it would certainly inflict a complete reunion and embracement for them of the warm, soothing side of Mother Earth.

Costa Ricans are, after all, a bunch of happy and satisfied people. They carry within themselves a sense of patriotic pride; and a sense of equality amongst both the classes of the society – the rich and the poor. In other words, the country is a nation which has successfully achieved societal equilibrium. Costa Ricans therefore, are very hospitable people with a radiating aura of goodness and compassion that is just as warm as the sun itself.

So pack your things with this reassurance, buy a ticket for the first flight out in the winter to Costa Rica, and you will not regret your decision of choosing to spend your Christmas and winter holidays in a country where the place and the people are the embodiment of a genuine paradise.

Costa Rica Real Estate

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Reposted By: Jesse Montgomery, from Explore Costa Rica

Most visitors to Costa Rica fall in love with this beautiful country and its friendly people. Costa Rica offers tropical beaches, lush mountains, moderate climate, national parks with rain forests swarming with abundant flora and fauna. Nature lovers are drawn to its beauty and abundant wildlife. Enjoy walking throughout the many national parks, bird watching amongst Costa Rica wildlife or engaging in all the abundant outdoor activities. Costa Rica invites foreigners to its peaceful and the slower pace.

Whatever draws you to Costa Rica, more are investing in Costa Rica Real Estate and Vacation Rental Properties. Many choose to re-locate or retire to Costa Rica while others want an investments property that allows then to vacation at their leisure while making income. If you are seeking to purchase real estate in Costa Rica, this information will be helpful. By following proper procedures, using an honest and reliable lawyer, you will have no difficulty in attaining your dream home.

Foreigners have the same right to own real property in Costa Rica, as do its citizens. Many countries have restrictions on foreign ownership of real estate but that's not the case in Costa Rica. You simply need to be aware of a few facts and take a few precautions to ensure you’re dealing with legitimate parties.

Costa Rican real estate is an unregulated market where anyone can claim to be a 'Realtor,' and there is no education or licensing requirement. The Costa Rican legal system is based on Napoleonic Laws and not Common Law as they are in the USA, UK and most of Canada. Additionally, legal contracts are in Spanish, which means you need to be sure that your first step involves securing the help of a qualified bilingual professional.

Good & honest legal advice is a must. The best way is to work through an exclusive buyer’s agent, who will monitor the Real Estate transaction and has access to competent and reliable lawyers, surveyors, engineers, etc. Until recently, buyers had to rely strictly on their attorney do the title search.

As is the United States, the buyer can only be assured of a good title after the property has been traced to the actual seller and is shown to be free of any liens or encumbrances. For years, foreigners investing in Costa Rica property had to take a much larger risk. Thanks to the development of a new market, title insurance has become available. Rates for title insurance are 1-1 1/2% of purchase price, which is comparable to rates in the United States.

Purchasing Costa Rica Real Estate is a major financial transaction. Spending a few extra dollars can eliminate any risk. Before you secure the services of an attorney, you'll want to be sure they come highly recommended by someone who has actually have a great experience with their services.

Following these simple steps – securing title insurance and the help of a personally recommended attorney – will provide you with the peace of mind you deserve as you look to move into your Costa Rica dream home and living in one of the most beautiful places on earth.