Coco Beach Expert
S. GalkineTropical FelgateTropical Felgate
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Coco Beach

 Playas del Coco

El Coco 

 

Playa del Coco lies 35 kilometres (22 miles) west of Liberia, Guanacaste’s main city, and is the easiest beach on the Nicoya Peninsula to access by road from San José. and just 24 km or 20 minutes drive from the Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia .

 


This pleasant fishing town is a popular destination for Ticos, and offers a variety of nightlife and restaurants. Sailboats and fishing boats can be seen scattered throughout the bay, offering a great opportunity to watch local fisherman at work.
Playas del Coco is one of the best known beaches in the country. Plays del Coco is the best known for it's sports fishing , surfing, scuba diving and snorkelling.

 

Playas del Coco is the largest village in Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. Originally known as the main Costa Rica hub for surfers with places like Ollie’s Point and Witches Rock within easy reach,  this busy beach is a prime scuba diving spot, with many tour and diving companies set up here. Social life is very active and dining and nightlife are superb.

Playas del Coco has a fairly well developed infrastructure, good roads and lots of shops, restaurants, bars, discos, casinos, hotels, resorts and markets
. If you happen to visit the area during Christmas or Easter week expect to find a lot of people here partying ‘beach style’, when the main road is practically impassable from 10 pm until 3 am.

The  sand of Playas del Coco beach itself is a greyish-brown and the tide here often remains quite low. Surrounded by steep hills, this horseshoe shaped bay area is the ideal place to have fun. However, if you are looking for a quiet spot to relax, try staying away from the centre of town, which could be quite busy with tourists and local people.

Pelonas Islands, Catalina Islands and Bat Islands, which are excellent sites to spot turtles, sharks and octopuses in the natural environment are within easy reach from Playas del Coco. The main attraction of this beach is a combination of tourist facilities and great weather. Many tourists also use Playas del Coco as a base camp because of its affordable accommodation, when travelling around the country.

  • Need a place to stay in Plays del Coco? Please visit our rental website at www.costaricarentals.gb.com

    Playa Ocotal
    According to Lonely Planet, Playa Ocotal has “the cleanest and quietest beach in the area, offering good swimming and snorkelling.” Known for its breathtaking view of the Gulf of Papagayo, with lush Santa Rosa National Park across the way, Playa Ocotal is a dreamy getaway for those seeking peace and relaxation. Elegant vacation homes scatter the mountainside through Ocotal on the way to Bahía Pez Vela – then disappear from sight the moment you enter our secluded community.

    Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula
    Once part of Nicaragua, the Guanacaste province chose to secede from Nicaragua to join Costa Rica in 1824. Famous for its unforgettable beaches, perfect climate and friendly residents, Guanacaste is Costa Rica’s most popular visitor destination.

    Nicknamed the “Gold Coast”, Guanacaste enjoys a drier climate than the rest of the country; the region experiences little precipitation even during the rainy season – just one of the reasons why so many feel it is “the place to be” in Costa Rica.

    With an international airport in Liberia, Guanacaste’s main city, and direct flights now available from Atlanta to Liberia on Delta Airlines, visitors destined for Guanacaste can bypass San José altogether – and head straight for the beach.

    The Nicoya Peninsula’s spectacular beaches and long Pacific coastline are the region’s star attractions. The country’s best dive sites are here, as well as ample opportunity for record-breaking sportfishing, surfing, snorkelling, swimming or just plain sun-worshipping. The area also offers excellent windsurfing and sailing.
    A region rich in folklore, music, colour and delicious casados (typical dishes), Guanacaste offers up the bounty of the sea to its tables, including lobster, ceviche and whole pescaditos (fish).

    The area’s national parks harbour some of the oldest formations in the country, such as the caverns of Barra Honda National Park, with their many stalactites and stalagmites, as well as important expanses of dry tropical forest. In addition, many of the region’s protected areas possess worldwide importance for protection of wildlife, including the several species of sea turtle that nest on the peninsula’s beaches.

    National Parks in the Area

     

    Guanacaste is home to several national parks protecting a spectacular host of flora, fauna and marine life.

    Barra Honda
    Approximately 90 kilometres (55 miles) from the property. Stroll through a network of caverns created sixty million years ago by limestone reefs thrust upward by tectonic forces.

    Guanacaste
    Approximately 75 kilometers (45 miles) from the property, across from Santa Rosa National Park. Rainforest, tropical wet forest, cloud forest and tropical dry forest shelter hundreds of bird and animal species and thousands of insect and plant species.

    Marino Las Baulas
    Approximately 75 kilometers (45 miles) from the property. On the northern side of the village of Tamarindo, this national park protects Playa Grande, one of the world’s most important nesting sites for the leatherback turtle (baula in Spanish). Leatherbacks are the largest reptiles in the world, with some measuring an astounding five meters (over 16 feet) head to tail.

    Palo Verde
    Approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the property. A migratory and resident waterfowl refuge, the lakes and floodplains here are inhabited by more than 50,000 waterfowl and forest birds. Swimmers, take note: crocodiles up to five meters (over 16 feet) long have been seen in the Tempisque River, which runs through the park.

    Rincón de la Vieja
    Approximately 60 kilometers (35 miles) from the property. This park’s claim to fame is the active volcano it’s named after; it also boasts the country’s largest populations of guarias moradas (purple orchids), Costa Rica’s national flower.


    Santa Rosa
    Approximately 75 kilometers (45 miles) from the property, across from Guanacaste National Park. This park harbours important habitat for protection and restoration of Costa Rica’s Pacific dry forests, as well as several sea turtle nesting sites.

    For more information on these and other National Parks in Costa Rica, check out the following websites:

    www.costarica.com
    www.costaricabureau.com/nationalparks.htm

No 1 - "Papillion" Restaurant and Bar

 

"Papillion" Restaurant & Bar, is regarded as one of Papagayo's finest restaurants .

The restaurant is located within the Monarch Resort, a short walk to the beach and within a beautiful setting by the resort pool and in between Nakuti Hotel and the future Westin Hotel.

There are a number of new condominium projects under development in Playa Panama and custom homes in two existing private communities. Though the restaurant has been recently sold to Nakuti Resort, but the chef and staff will remain working in the restaurant under the new owner. The chef-Miguel-has professional credentials, cordon bleu training. Anything on his menu is done to perfection. Experience one of the best meals you have ever had. Seating capacity 56 plus during special planned events, seating around the pool and above.

 

No 2 - "Roca Bruja" - Witch's Rock Restaurant

 

"Roca Bruja Restaurant", is regarded as one of Costa Rica's most picturesque spots.

Sitting on the top of a cliff and surrounded by a 270 degree view of the Pacific Ocean, Ocotal's main restaurant, "Roca Bruja", is regarded as one of Costa Rica's most picturesque spots.

 

Within walking distance and right on the beach, you will find the famous "Father Rooster Bar & Grill"; an old farm house turned into a bar where tourists and residents from Ocotal Beach meet for a very relaxed beach atmosphere and some night life. Excellent food, great music and dancing.

The "K-lamar Snack Bar" is located near the dive shop and the beachfront swimming pool, where cocktails, and fast food are served.

Only three miles away is Playas del Coco, a small fishing and tourist village, were you can find a variety of restaurants. Ask our front desk agents for suggestions and directions.

 No 3 - "Father Rooster" Beachfront Restaurant

 

Father Rooster ~ Beachfront Dining in Ocotal
The Father Rooster Bar and Grill is open daily for lunch, dinner, and cocktails. It features the freshest ingredients the rich coast has to offer including wild caught seafood and a variety of Costa Rican, Latin American, and international favourites.

Beautiful beachfront location and excellent service. 
The Father Rooster is just a short drive from Coco and is the perfect spot to have a romantic dinner, a family meal, or a casual drink with friends.

 No 4 - "Picante" Restaurant

 

Picante Restaurant and Bar: Poolside restaurant and bar is the perfect place for a casual meal or refreshing beverage with a fabulous view of the Pacific.

Picante offers a tasty selection of both local and international cuisine, always served with a smile. And don’t miss one of their cool tropical concoctions – spectacular at sunset.

How to get there: As you enter the town of Coco, the road divides. One block after the division ends, you will see “Rich Coast Dive Shop” on your left. Take the first left after the dive shop. Follow the signs to “Bahía Pez Vela”. The gate to the property will be on the left-hand side of the road. Tell the guard that you are a guest at Bahía Pez Vela and he will let you pass. Keep following the signs to Bahía Pez Vela until you enter the property going down a hill.

 

 No 5 - Café de Playa The International cuisine of Café de Playa offers hot appetizers, tantalizing salads, premier pasta, fresh seafood daily and delicious desserts.

 

Compliment your meal with a  glass of wine from our extensive selection of quality and choice. As a delicious alternative to our standard menu, taste the fresh fish of the Pacific Ocean sushi style!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hotel Borinquen Mountain Resort & Spa

 

 

Secluded in the picturesque outskirts of the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, Hotel Borinquen Mountain Resort & Spa is the perfect place for fun, adventure and relaxation.

 

 

 Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and lush forests, the hotel offers a wide variety of outdoor and adventure activities to enjoy and is very close to the city of Liberia and the Daniel Oduber International Airport.

 

 

 The popular North Pacific Region of Costa Rica is broad and diverse. It offers unspoiled beaches, indigenous cultures, green forests, sports and much more. Make your vacation in Guanacaste complete and include a stay in the beautiful and serene mountains of Hotel Borinquen, the perfect complement to any visit to the area.

After a thrilling drive through a well-maintained gravel road surrounded by amazing views and natural wonders, a charming hamlet scattered at the foothill of the mountain will come into view... you are at Borinquen!
The thermal springs with hot pools, the mineral mud and the natural steam-room will add to the relaxing atmosphere of this retreat in the highlands. You can take advantage of the curative properties that have long been attributed to mineral rich waters and mud-pots. Enjoy the unique experience of relaxing in a hot spring-fed pool after one of the exciting Adventure Expeditions and do not miss a relaxing massage or mud mask in the luxurious Amhra-Sídhe Spa.
The Borinquen Restaurants serve national and international cuisine prepared with the best quality standards. Excellent cuts of meat, fresh fruits and vegetables and sumptuous desserts are prepared with your absolute delight in mind. There are also a snack and juice bar and a swim-up bar where you can enjoy tropical drinks.

 

COCO Health SPA, Beach Massage & Spa-to-You !!!

Nine Professional, Trained, and Certified HEALTH CARE Specialists offer different Techniques that include: Swedish, Shiatsu, Reductive, Body Tone, Chiropractic Treatments, Fat Reduction, Reflexology, Sport, Stretching, Deep Tissue, Body & Skeletal Alignment (similar to “Chiropractic”), Massage for Babies and New Moms,  Lymphatic Drainage, etc.

Also: Spa Facials, Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing, Scrubs, Hair Cuts,  etc.  All in the comfort and privacy of YOUR HOME, VILLA, or HOTEL, or in front of the PACIFIC OCEAN, in the shade of the trees, enjoying the breeze, the sounds of the surf…

On-the-Beaches …or in the New Coco SPA!

 

Tabacón Mountain Resort & Spa

  • Located near the base of Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica’s Northern plains region, Tabacón Resort provides guests with a relaxing, nature filled experience. Natural hot springs and thermo mineral water pools grace exuberant tropical surroundings in the shadow of the majestic and active Arenal Volcano.

    Two restaurants, offering captivating views of the volcano and hot springs, serve international and traditional Costa Rican cuisine. A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily.

    Guests may relax in Tabacón's mineral hot springs, waterfalls, 12 mineral pools and an indoor Jacuzzi or indulge themselves in Tabacón Resort’s Iskandria Spa, which provides body and mud treatments, facials, and aromatherapy in a lavish, peaceful setting. Activities at or near the resort include Horseback Riding, Hiking to La Fortuna Waterfall, Mountain Biking, ATV Tours, Fishing and White-water rafting.

     

 

 

Pura Vida Retreat and Spa

 

Pura Vida Retreat and Spa is considered by some as the Wellness & Yoga destination of choice outside the United States. We offer you a perfect balance of mind, body and spirit in an oasis of beauty, tranquillity and home like intimacy. Pamper your body and soul whilst exploring the delights of Costa Rica, a country which is renowned for its beauty.

All services and halls are within short walking distance of tents and rooms. Additional bathrooms and showers are located throughout the resort for guests' comfort. There is a beautiful gift shop on site that sells a few basic sundries. Plus, the nearby town has stores that offer almost anything you might need. Reception is open from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. for guest services and staff is available 24 hours a day for emergencies.

Directions to Pura Vida retreat and Spa

If making your own way to Pura Vida (by taxi, rental car, etc.) use the directions below:
As you exit the airport, you will have to make a right. Just after exiting the airport you will go under the Pan-American Highway and take the ramp to the right following the sign to Alajuela. This ramp will loop around and merge onto the main highway. Make your way immediately to the right lane and take the first off ramp to your right, again following the sign to Alajuela. Take this road about 2 kilometers past the Mall Internacional on your left. Go to the second traffic light and make a right. Continue straight through several traffic lights. You will pass a McDonald´s on your right. Two blocks after the McDonald´s, follow the flow or traffic which will be making a left turn (there is a Martinizing dry cleaning store on the corner.) After this turn, continue straight about 6 blocks. At a traffic light, you will see a building on the right with Coca-Cola signs painted on it. Take a right at this corner. Just after the turn, you will see a large red structure on your left, which is a soccer stadium.

 

 

Four Seasons Resort

Four Seasons Resort at Peninsula Papagayo. Spilling down a coastal hillside to an isthmus of golden sand, Four Seasons creates an ambience of simple luxury in this pristine natural setting. With two unspoiled beaches, an indigenous spa, championship golf and the magic of the tropical dry forest.

With views of the Pacific Ocean, the spa at Four Seasons Costa Rica provides an oasis of calm tranquillity and a world of peaceful balance. Offering a complete range of treatments, the spa reflects the wonders of the rich Costa Rican natural environment, awakening your senses and soothing your soul. Therapies unique to Costa Rica are offered, using mineral-rich rainforest muds taken from the nearby Osa Peninsula.

The spa is accessed via a separate entrance in the main lobby of the Resort. It features eight massage rooms, seven wet treatment rooms with showers, four facial treatment rooms and three pedicure stations. Spa services are available to guests 18 years of age and older.

 

Hotel Punta Islita's Casa Spa

Hotel Punta Islita is a secluded paradise of spectacular ocean views, charming luxury, and exciting activities underscored by a genuine commitment to responsible tourism. Explore authentic Costa Rican culture, the natural beauty of the Guanacaste province, and the wellness benefits of the Nicoya Peninsula.

Hotel Punta Islita’s Casa Spa is a unique haven for holistic well-being. Beauty rituals, traditional healing arts, the wellness attributes of the Nicoya Peninsula, and the herbalist wisdom of native Chorotega tribes are artfully combined to provide gentle release from daily stress.

Casa Spa’s menu features over thirty original offerings including massage therapy, aqua therapy, body scrubs, aromatherapy, facials, and healing stone therapy.

Punta Islita’s own organic garden supplies the key natural ingredients found in Casa Spa’s products.

World Class Hospital Coming to Guanacaste Costa Rica

cima.jpg
The CIMA Hospital Complex in San Jose is Renowned for its Quality of Care.

The CIMA Hospital brand is constructing a new hospital that will be located next to the Do-It-Center outside of Liberia, Guanacaste. The hospital will be a combination between a health and commercial complex and will include a residential community for medical tourists that need time to recover from their procedures or those that need long term care. The project will also have a building dedicated to medical consultations as well as a shopping center for the convenience of the patients.

 

Due to its location near the Liberia International Airport and the beaches of Guanacaste, it is expected that the hospital will attract a large amount of foreign patients as well as local residents of the region who will no longer have to travel to San Jose for treatment.

CIMA has gained a strong reputation among the expatriate community living in Costa Rica who trust the level of heath care provided at its San Jose branch. The quality of service was further highlighted when the International Joint Commission, a U.S. NGO, compared the services provided at CIMA with those offered in the United States.

The new project will offer all the services that are currently available in San Jose, with a special focus on adults 55 and over. The first stage of the development, called Pacific Plaza, will include the construction of a 2,000 square meter medical center, a helipad, medical offices, a restaurant and an extended stay hotel for patients, their families and the doctors who will work there. The construction of this first stage will be handled by developers Proexsa beginning in 2010 and will entail an investment of $30 million.

The second phase will be developed on a 20,000 square meter plot of land and is to include an enlargement of the medical center and the construction of social service areas. The third phase will include the residential development and the fourth phase is designated for the development of retirement and assisted living communities.

The decision to build this complex comes at a time when the concept of medical tourism is really starting to catch on in the United States where health care costs are unmanageable, especially for the uninsured. Just last year, 200,000 U.S. residents traveled to Latin America to undergo medical procedures that would be much more expensive in their own country. It is expected that this number will increase to more than 600,000 medical tourists in Latin America in 2011.

The region of Guanacaste is the perfect seat for such a hospital complex not only for its location next to the International Airport, but also because of the large number of Americans already retiring there. Expats and residents of Guanacaste needing serious medical care currently have to travel up to six hours to San Jose to medical centers such as CIMA and Clinica Biblica to receive quality medical care. The new hospital is set to change that, offering modern, state-of-the-art medical facilities just minutes from the beaches of Guanacaste.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the weather conditions in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The Green Season lasts from May to November. The Gold Season begins in December and continues through April. During the Green Season expect a daily rain shower late in the afternoon or evening which keeps the landscape green. During the Gold Season, virtually no rain falls and the landscape turns a golden brown. In Guanacaste where Tropical Felgate is located, the dry Gold Season tends to last several weeks longer than in other areas of Costa Rica.

Temperatures vary primarily with elevation, not with season; on the
coasts, the weather is warm all year, while in the mountains, nights can
be cool at any time of the year.

2. Is it necessary to speak fluent Spanish or have an interpreter when travelling to Costa Rica?

No. Spanish is the official language, while English is widely spoken throughout the country. Members of our Sales Team are bilingual.

3. Is the water safe to drink?

Yes. Unlike many other Latin countries, Costa Rica has similar practices and standards found in the U.S. for ensuring that clean, potable water is available to all its citizens.

4. What is the time zone?

Costa Rica is on Central Standard Time (-6 GMT) and Daylight Savings Time is not observed.

5. How would you describe the area of Costa Rica where our projects are located?

The Guanacaste province in northwest Costa Rica is a land of volcanic peaks, jungle valleys, scenic waterfalls and natural hot springs. Home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, with national parks and wildlife refuges, the area offers fascinating nature exploration as well as historic sites and quaint villages. Its beaches are some of the best in Costa Rica and the warm, crystal-clear waters of the Pacific are both inviting and picturesque. The climate is comfortable year-round, with low humidity, sunny days and balmy star-studded nights.

6. What are the attractions to Playas del Coco for tourists and residents?

Coco Beach is the most accessible and frequented beach in Guanacaste. In addition to the commercial conveniences at the Commercial Center, Coco offers a port captain, post office, bank, small hotels and bed & breakfast establishments and a selection of restaurants and souvenir shops.

7. Where are the schools neain El Coco?

The Country Day School in Guanacaste (Pre-K through Grade 12)
Location: Playa Brasilito
Phone: (506) 654-5042
Website: www.cdsgtc.com
Contact: Patrick Brown
Remarks: About an hour drive south to Brasilito, considered the best
school in the area. Tuition is $7,500 per year.

International Christian School
Location: Liberia
Phone: (506) 665-0007
Website: www.icscr.net
Contact: Wendy Taylor
Remarks: About 40 minutes to Liberia. School is branch of larger school
in San JosÈ.

Escuela Teocali
Location: Liberia
Phone: (506) 666-2903
Remarks: About 40 minutes to Liberia. School has been operating for
25 years.

8. What recreational activities are available in the area?

Witch’s Rock canopy tour – “Harness up and swing through the trees” on a series of zip lines suspended between the tall trees of the tropical forest. Enjoy an incredible view of the Gulf of Papagayo.
Horseback riding at El Aromal – Hacienda Aromal neighbors the Santa Rosa National Park. You will observe a wide variety of wildlife and experience breathtaking views as you ride through Aromal. A guided tour begins at the sabaneros cattle herding station where you will wear the typical hats and kerchiefs and the tour ends at the Hacienda where you will be offered a cool drink and a typical Costa Rican snack.
Fishing – Guanacaste offers on of Costa Rica’s premium fishing destinations – Catalina Islands. The deep water to the south and west, off Flamingo and Tamarindo beaches is home to blue, striped and black marlin, a multitude of sailfish and dorado (mahi mahi). Big-game fishing is available, 16-65 kilometers (10 to 40 miles) offshore. Boats measure 9.5 to 16-metres (31 to 51 feet) and accommodate four fishermen each. Every boat is equipped with high-tech communication devices, GPS, fish depth-finder, life jackets and Penn International fishing gear. Half-day or Full-day excursions can be easily arranged.
Scuba diving – There are many dive sites on the Guanacaste coastline, showcasing an underwater life that is richly diverse in color, species and natural volcanic rock formations. Marine life unique to this region abounds – divers will see massive schools of fish, rays, jacks, whales sharks, giant mantas, sea turtles, white tip sharks, dolphins and more. Available diving trips include local dives, night dives and dives to the Catalina Islands.
Surfing – For surfing enthusiasts, local surf shops can transport you by boat to Witch’s rock, Petrero Grande, Ollie’s Point and several other world-famous spots routinely featured in surfing magazines. For the less experienced or new surfer, Tamarindo is a very popular surfing destination, with two beaches: one for beginners and the other for the slightly more advanced. Located approximately 1 hour drive southwest of Tropical Felgate, lesions are available through local surf shops in Tamarindo.
Rainforests – The Rincon Rainforest is Premontane Rainforest (Bosque Pluvial Premontano) at 900 meters down to Very Humid Rainforest (Bosque Muy Humedo Tropical) at 200 meters elevation. In generic terms, it is classical piedmont rainforest on volcanic foothill soils, receiving 4-5 meters of rain annually. It is home to at least 500 species of vertebrates, 3000 species of plants and many tens of thousands of species of insects, mites, fungi, bacteria, nematodes, spiders and protozoans.

9. Are there national parks in Guanacaste?

Parque Nacional Ricon de la Vieja and the Rincon Volcano is located in Guanacaste about 58 kilometers or 36 miles from El Coco. Estimated travel time is a 2-hour drive. This 35,000-acre (14,161-hectare) national park is named after its active volcano, Rincon de la Vieja. There is an abundance of Costa Rica’s national flower, the guaria morada, a purple orchid. The wildlife in the park is extremely varied with almost 300 species of birds recorded here. The Ricon Volcano is about 1 million years old and is the third most active volcano in Costa Rica. It has nine active craters. Gentle activity has occurred many times since the late 1960’s. The most recent eruption of steam and ash was in 1997.
Palo Verde Wildlife National Park is located in Guanacaste about 60 kilometers or 37 miles from Tropical Felgate. Estimated travel time is a 2-hour drive. This 42,000 acre (17,000-hectare) national park features saltwater and freshwater lagoons and marshes, mangrove swamps and deciduous woodland, as well as an impressive array or wildlife.

10. Where are the best places to shop?

El Coco retail shops – Local merchants offer cigars, clothing, jewelry,
t-shirts, hand crafted wood items and local pottery.

11. Where is the closest International airport to El Coco?

The Daniel Oduber airport in Liberia is approximately 20 minutes from Tropical Felgate on a paved, well-traveled road. Currently non-stop flights are available from Miami, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Charlotte, Minneapolis, Newark, Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver.

12. Are there direct flights from the US & Canada to Liberia, Costa Rica?

Delta Airlines flies direct from Atlanta to Liberia six times per week. Delta Airlines is in the process of adding a non-stop flight from Los Angeles to Liberia. American Airlines provides service from Miami three times per week. Continental Airlines provides service from Houston to Liberia twice daily, seven days per week. Continental Airlines also offers one weekly non-stop flight from Newark to Liberia.

13. Are transportation services available to the Tropical Felgate office?

Transportation services can be arranged by contacting a Sales Executive.

14. Are there restrictions for non-Costa Rican nationals regarding ownership of property within the country?

Foreign buyers have the same rights as Costa Rican nationals when purchasing & owning real estate with the exception of beachfront property which is granted in concession by the government. All Tropical Felgate condominiums, villas, town homes and home sites are outside the concession area.

15. How will property be conveyed to buyers of Tropical Felgate properties?

Most of the residential properties at Tropical Felgate projects will be conveyed in fee- simple ownership. Regardless of your nationality, you may want to consider transferring title to your property after closing through either a Costa Rican corporation (“Sociedad Anonima” or “S.A.”) or limited liability company (“Limitada”), as this may have tax advantages when it comes to reselling the property at a later date. Our Sales Executives can refer you to a Costa Rican attorney who can explain this process to you and can easily handle this as part of your property closing process.

16. Is title insurance available for the property and is a title search performed prior to closing?

Yes. The policy of title guaranty assures fee simple title to your property free and clear of third party rights of possession. Title insurance is not required and it is up to you as to whether or not you want to pay for and obtain title insurance. Our Sales Executives can recommend a few title companies that underwrite Tropical Felgate portfolio properties.

If you hire an attorney, he/she will research the title’s legal standing as part of his/her service at your request.

17. What deposits are required to purchase a property from Tropical Felgate?

An initial earnest money deposit of US $5,000 is required on the date the buyers select the property and the Purchase & Sale Agreement is executed. According to the terms of the agreement, the balance of the initial deposit equal to 20% of the purchase price is due in US dollars within 5 days of the date of the contract. Additional deposits are due: 20% at notice of commencement of construction, 20% at notice of completion of walls, 20% at notice of completion of the roof and the final 10% deposit at completion of the interior. In some cases, the building may already be under construction and the additional deposit amounts are due within 5 days of the contract. This deposit schedule applies to the purchase of condominiums, town homes, or villas. The purchase of a home-site requires a US $10,000 initial earnest money deposit and an additional 20% deposit due within 15 days after the date of the contract. Deposit requirements are subject to change without notice.

18. Is there a contract rescission period?

Unlike in many states in the US, there is no contract rescission period in Costa Rica. Once Purchase & Sales Agreements are executed and deposits are received by Tropical Felgate, the terms agreed to by the Buyer and Seller is legally binding.

19. Is financing available?

There are several local banks that offer financing to qualified property purchasers. Our Sales Executives can provide you with more information about the options and programs available. Interest rates in Costa Rica are two to four points higher than in North America and for this reason many foreign buyers elect to refinance their homes in the US or Canada if they require financing to purchase a property.

20. Can Purchase & Sale Agreements be assigned and/or the property be resold to another buyer prior to closing?

Purchase & Sale Agreements cannot be assigned and property cannot be re-listed or sold to another buyer prior to closing without the Tropical Felgate written approval.

21. What are the closing costs, transfer taxes, property taxes and other fees associated with purchasing from Tropical felgate?

Buyers of Tropical Felgate property will be responsible for land transfer taxes and registry stamps totaling approximately 2.3% of the purchase price and Notary fees of 1%.  
Buyers will expect to pay approximately $1000 to the law firm if they elect to take title to their property in either a Costa Rican S.A. or Limitada.
Property taxes in Costa Rica are significantly lower than in North America. They are currently set at .25% of the registered property value and are payable on a quarterly or annual basis, at the election of the property owner.
There are currently no capital gains taxes in Costa Rica on the sale of property of the sale of the shares or quotas of the S.A. or Limitada that owns the property as long as the seller is not in the business of buying and selling real estate in which case he may be subject to Costa Rican income tax law.

22. How long does it take to transfer legal ownership once funds are received by Tropical felgate?

Legal transfer begins with the signature of the transfer documents and their presentation to the Registry. The complete process can take up to 4 to 5 weeks, but once the document is stamped as received by the Registry, you have the rights to ownership of the property and no liens or transfers can occur.

23. Are US $ required for deposits and at closing for the purchase of property from Tropical Felgate?

Yes. Funds in US $ are required and can be remitted by cashier’s check drawn on a US bank or more commonly are wire transferred directly according to the instructions in the Purchase & Sale Agreement.

24. How long does it take to transfer funds?

Typically, 2-4 business days.

25. Do buyers of property in Costa Rica need the assistance and advice of a lawyer?

We recommend that buyers hire a lawyer to assist with the real estate purchase transaction in Costa Rica. Our Sales Executives can provide you with a list of preferred law firms that are familiar with Tropical Felgate.

26. Are there any interval ownership opportunities available at Tropical Felgate?

No. All properties at Tropical Felgate are dedicated to whole ownership.

27. Is there a rental program available to owners of residences in Tropical Felgate projects?

The Tropical Felgate Master Deed and By-Laws and the Master Deed and By- Laws for each residential sub-association give owners the right to rent their property. While some owners handle rental administration themselves, the vast majority will contract with a professional rental agency. Our Sales Executives can assist you with further information.

28. Are there any restrictions on the resale of property in Tropical Felgate projects? If so, what is the standard commission?

In order to maintain the highest resale values and to provide our owners with the best brokerage services, we recommend that all owners in Tropical Felgate projects list their property for resale with the Tropical Felgate Sales Team.
Tropical Felgate charges a 5% commission for resales. It is important to note that the Tropical Felgate Sales Team receives the highest quality and most qualified prospective buyer leads for properties located within their community.
Sellers may choose to sell their property themselves or list their property with an outside real estate brokerage firm, in which event no commission is payable to Tropical Felgate.

29. Does ownership of property in Tropical Felgate projects automatically qualify owners for Costa Rican residency?

No. If you are interested in obtaining official residency, we advise you to contact a law firm. It is not necessary for you to obtain residency if your maximum stay in the country does not exceed the period specified on your tourist visa. After spending a minimum of 72 hours outside of the country, you will be allowed to re-enter Costa Rica and receive another tourist visa.

30. Are there property management services for your home or home-site available through Tropical Felgate?

Yes. Property management services are available. Our Sales Executives can provide you with more information.

31. Is there a homeowners association for each enclave of Tropical Felgate or for the entire Tropical Felgate community?

Yes. There is a Master Condo Association and various Sub-Condo Associations.

32. What are the fees associated with the associations?

Budgets for the Master Condo Association, each Sub-Condo Association are available from our Sales Executives.

33. Are Tropical Felgate projects gated communities?

All Tropical Felgate projects are guarded, gated communities. The Tropical Felgate Master Condo Association determines the level of security within the community under the advice of the Developer. The security guards, patrol, entry-controlled access and other related security costs are included in the Master Condo Association fees.

34. What are the projected demographics of Tropical Felgate owners?

The latest demographic studies of residential, resort communities along the Pacific shore of Costa Rica indicate that 70% of buyers are U.S. Citizens, 25% are Canadian, 1% is European, and 4% are Costa Rica citizens.

35. Can we bring our pets to Costa Rica?

To bring a pet into the country you must contact the Costa Rican consulate in the US to obtain the proper paperwork and procedures prior to arrival. There is no quarantine time for pets.

In general, pets must have all vaccinations and documentation from a vet. Shots must be current within two weeks except for rabies which must be less than one year. Certain species and breeds of dogs and cats are not allowed in the country. It is an easy process to bring a pet to Costa Rica provided the owners follow the procedures correctly.