Ojochal Real Estate
May 12, 2023 in Discover Costa Ballena, Discover Costa Rica
We have a great diversity of ecosystems that benefit our Costa Ballena region, one of which is the Terraba-Sierpe Wetlands. Our world’s wetlands are the most threatened ecosystems worldwide, even in environmentally-concerned Costa Rica. Excessive use of agrochemicals, the expansion of pineapple, rice and banana crops, forest fires, hotel construction, and climate change are this ecosystem’s main threats. Therefore, we wanted to put a highlight on this fantastic environment in our abundant South Pacific region of Costa Rica and everything that it offers to our everyday lives. The Wetlands of Térraba-Sierpe are a protected wild area of Costa Rica’s national system of conservation areas. It is an area of high strategic ecological importance. It is the largest estuarine wetland in all of Costa Rica, containing mangrove ecosystems and other types of associated wetlands. It serves as one of the most critical blue carbon sinks in our South Pacific coastal zone. And it also acts as a natural barrier to meteorological events like storms and hurricanes. The Térraba-Sierpe delta region is home to red, black and tea mangrove species. These mangroves play host to wide biodiversity, providing habitats for several species that hold high ecological value, including nine threatened or endangered species of fauna like the puma and jaguar. There is a plethora of birdlife, especially water birds such as herons, egrets, and cormorants. And the river’s murky waters are inhabited by fish, crustaceans, and reptiles like crocodiles, caimans, and boas. Exploring this watery landscape by boat offers an intimate perspective of this very special and fragile ecosystem, where wildlife sightings are plentiful. The Térraba-Sierpe Wetlands are part of the Delta del Diquis cultural landscape. This region has been declared a world heritage site recognizing the uniqueness of the pre-Columbian archaeology found here. It is considered one of the most important pre-Columbian occupation centers in Latin America with a distinctive culture. It contains the mega-site of Palmar Sur-Sierpe that is characterized by the presence of large mounds with stone walls, housing foundations, cobbled roads, cemeteries with rich offerings, and dense ceramic and lithic deposits distributed across almost 900 hectares. The Diquis people inhabited the area up to around 500 years ago. They were one of the most advanced civilizations in pre-Colombian Costa Rica. They chose the alluvial plain between the Terraba and Sierpe rivers for their settlement because of its fertile, nutrient-rich soil. Many pre-Colombian indigenous groups occupied this region over time, attracted to the sedimentation that is deposited by the extensive mangrove waterways. And the mountainous rows that surround the plain provide villagers with complementary resources like hardwood and freshwater. The Terraba river has always been the natural communication route for the region. Along this large river and its tributaries is a chain of major settlements that begin in the highlands of Rivas near San Isidro and end at the delta in Cortes, about 20 minutes drive south of Ojochal. All over this area are sites of archaeological interest that date back as early as one millennium ago. Stone-carved spheres of more than two meters in diameter, ceramics, and other items of archaeological wealth are found scattered in and among these settlements. Today, more than forty socially vulnerable communities in Sierpe, Cortés, and Coronado depend on the Térraba-Sierpe wetlands. In 2017, the estimated monetary value of the wetland ecosystem exceeding $380 million in direct benefit of these communities and the entire country. This area has abundant biological variety and an incalculable cultural heritage that takes advantage of this special forest ecosystem. Booking a tour of this spectacular region of Costa Rica directly helps the local communities and gives the Costa Rican government more reason to protect this precious ecological zone for many more years to come. We are incredibly lucky to be so closely located to this abundant food production and ecological zone, reaping the benefits of the Térraba-Sierpe Wetlands' fertile soils all throughout the food chain. If you’re interested in learning more about this region of Costa Rica, or to find out how you can relocate to this nation of spectacular biodiversity, contact our Costa Ballena real estate office. We are not environmental experts but we have a deep love for this land and a passion to share our great experiences of living in Costa Rica with those who are interested. If that’s you and you are looking for an expert agent in the area, contact our highly-successful real estate team here sales@osatropicalproperties.com and sign up to our weekly newsletter below for regular updates about this region. Ecological Significance
Historical Significance
Social Significance
May 12, 2023 in Discover Costa Rica, Life in Costa Rica, Real Estate in Costa Rica
To help you get to know our South Pacific Costa Rica real estate market a little better, here is a short history of Ojochal real estate development. Only forty years ago, Ojochal and the surrounding Costa Ballena area were predominantly pasture lands inhabited by not much more than a handful of families. In fact, what was named ‘Ojochal’ encompassed only a slight portion of what we now know the village to be. When a small group of French Canadians from Quebec arrived in this region, local families residing here were subsisting on agriculture and most of the area was pasture land. This group of around ten investors purchased about 1000 hectares to begin, from the coast up to where the church and the Rio Tortuga bridge are now situated. They named their first investment area ‘Playa Tortuga’ and began their venture of developing properties for sale. As they purchased more and more land from local farmers, they expanded the growing community’s infrastructure, including roads and water. Prior to the arrival of these international investors, plumbing was non-existent and the only “roads” reaching Ojochal required travel from San Isidro de El General to Buenos Aires, down to Palmar, through Cortes, and crossing a number of rivers from there on dirt trails with no bridges. As development expanded, roads were paved, first from Dominical to Palmar, then extending to Quepos, so, too, did the population grow, which went from five families prior to 1990 to around 100 families in 1991 and two hundred in 1992. These adventurous entrepreneurs began with the knowledge that nothing would be easy, everything would have to be developed from the ground up and, most importantly, that they were not doing this for money — this was to be done mainly in the pursuit of pleasure. Under the leadership of the initial foreign investors and subsequent developers, 92 km of road make Ojochal what it is today: an ecologically diverse, international and integrated community. Visitors to Ojochal who fall in love with the laid back lifestyle of this particular community often end up in our Osa Tropical Properties office. They've seen our distinctive signs across various properties that we represent in the region and they may call, email or even drop in. It happens as fast as simply thinking about having a look but as soon as they contact us, we know that it's basically a matter of time before we find them the property that will make their heart skip a beat. This particular part of Costa Rica is remarkably beautiful for its dynamic landscapes that has mountains reaching out of the coastline. Some of the most beloved beaches look and feel like you are on a Pacific desert island where soft sands meet coconut palms and monkeys, sloths and macaws dance and play. People come from near and far to swim in the healing waters of the Pacific Coast, both off shore and on land. People choose to stay here, in Ojochal, because they feel safe. It's so easy to make friends and to get good advice. Brand new visitors feel welcomed right away by locals of all backgrounds and walks of life. This is a place of inclusion, not division. It is a place of activity, too, where meetings and get-togethers of all kinds are attended by a diversity of people. All of these factors and more are thoroughly enjoyed by many. And possibly us the most because we have the pleasure of welcoming new neighbors to one of the happiest periods of their lives. We know that there's nothing like it and we're here to help you make this process fun and easy, like it should be. Pura vida. Does this history of Ojochal have you wondering if your future might be in the tropics? Sign up to our newsletter below for weekly market updates with everything you want to know about South Pacific Costa Rica real estate. How we grew in Ojochal
Where we are today
May 12, 2023
This month’s Osa Tropical Properties real estate market report for South Pacific Costa Rica highlights the strengths and weaknesses in Costa Rica’s plan for promoting its top industry. South Pacific Costa Rica’s real estate markets have grown significantly in recent years. 2019 has been our strongest year on record at Osa Tropical Properties. Retirees and non-pensioned investors looking for a simpler, more beautiful life, are finding value in our local property market in increasing numbers. Although we saw the typical decline in new inquiries between July and August, September has seen more inquiries than in previous years and we anticipate a busy high season in 2020. With the strong push for growth in tourism from Costa Rica's government comes a growing number of inquiries about what is on offer in our local real estate market. And based on Costa Rica’s recent international accolades, ad campaigns, and popular environmental policy, we can confidently forecast continued growth in tourism. In a world becoming more sensitized to the importance of protecting wilderness environments, it is easy to see Costa Rica’s appeal. It’s why many of us international residents have chosen to be here. We may or may not be headed for a global recession, but one thing’s for certain: Costa Rica is taking every measure to protect and promote its resources. Growth in tourism and promoting this country as a safe place for investment are top priorities for the current government. Costa Rica’s president, Carlos Alvarado, attended a ceremony this week in New York City to receive the award for policy leadership from the United Nations’ 2019 Champions of the Earth. The UN declared that Costa Rica “sets an example for the region and for the world” with its plan to decarbonize its economy by 2050. “Receiving the Champions of the Earth award on behalf of Costa Rica, its entire population, the past generations who protected the environment, and future generations fills me with pride and emotion for what Costa Rica has achieved and for what we can continue to do because we can achieve even more,” said President Alvarado. “I feel very proud to be Costa Rican.” Costa Rica’s plan for decarbonization includes a new transportation system in the country’s capital that is focused on walking, biking, and an electric train. The country’s plan also includes better management of waste, cattle, agriculture, construction, and cargo. This is also the fifth year in a row that Costa Rica has run on more than 98% clean, renewable energy, according to data from the National Center for Energy Control (CENCE). This honored designation is accompanied by Costa Rica receiving the top destination on Conde Nast Traveler’s list of the 40 most beautiful countries. The travel guide’s choice was based on the experiences that Costa Rica offers, like security, life expectancy, and natural resources. Travelers value the all-around attractiveness of Costa Rica, where nature reigns supreme in all its powerful beauty. 26% of this country’s entire territory is protected, hosting nearly 5% of the world’s total biodiversity. A high literacy rate, good health care, and a dynamic economy make this a friendly country that is ready and willing to welcome a growing number of tourists. Just in the first half of this year, Costa Rica saw 1,549,812 international arrivals by air, an increase of 8% over last year. The Costa Rican government is also growing infrastructure to match the expansion of the economy. A new commercial route between Costa Rica and China has been inaugurated this month, offering an unprecedented opportunity for exporters of fresh produce, and for Costa Rica to receive goods directly from China. Costa Rica has also signed a five-year contract with Loksys International to improve the country’s freight and haulage tracking system. Ian McDermot, Managing Director of Loksys Intl said, “The growth of the Latin American economy is well documented and the secure collection, transportation, and delivery of cargo around the continent is the lifeblood of this expansion.” Expats who choose to spend their retirement in Costa Rica are able to live on their Social Security check and still save money. Two people can live well on $2000 USD per month while still living a beautiful if relatively simple life. Within this budget for two, you may spend $300-$500 in groceries and $50-$100 on power, unless you love to run the A/C continuously. Car expenses like gas and maintenance can add another $200-$400 to the monthly total in our hilly South Pacific region. And contributing to the mandatory universal health care system costs about $90 per couple per month (depending on if you have an income or pension). And a $2000 USD per month pension is sufficient for a retired couple to receive residency. With an initial outlay of $200,000 USD for a property in Costa Rica, a non-pensioned couple has a clear path to residency. For the homeowners in Costa Rica, $2000 in monthly expenses per couple can easily encompass weekly outings to the many gourmet restaurants and lively, entertaining bars, as well as regular eco-adventure tours. Retiring in the United States, on the other hand, requires a lot more planning and saving ahead of time. According to NerdWallet’s retirement calculator, a 35 year old who is earning $80,000 USD in pre-tax income would need over $1200 in savings per month to retire at 67, including their pension. And investors are finding value in Costa Rica's property market, which is heating up significantly in the vacation rentals market. When it comes to a more beautiful and more affordable quality of life, it’s easy to see why Costa Rica is loved by so many. The growing number of expats and visitors to our Costa Ballena region are bringing more diversity to the local economy and the Costa Rican government is actively welcoming more visitors in the hopes of being able to better navigate a constantly changing global economic climate. If you receive our weekly newsletter, you probably noticed that quite a few properties have sold this past month in our region of Costa Rica. If you don't currently get our newsletter and would like to receive weekly market updates about real estate in the Costa Ballena, sign up below. World-Class Eco-Tourism Destination
More Honors for Costa Rica
Growing Infrastructure
Affordable Living in Costa Rica
May 12, 2023 in Discover Costa Rica, Discover Costa Ballena, Tips for Buyers, Tips for Sellers, Real Estate in Costa Rica
Tourism in Costa Rica continued to be a big growth industry in 2019. International air travel increased by 4.5% in the first six months of this year. More than 1.3 million people flew into Costa Rica, equating to almost 60,000 additional arrivals. “The figures reflect stable, strong growth,” said Maria Amalia Revelo, the Minister of Tourism. “The increase in arrivals from Europe is particularly gratifying, since it shows that Costa Rica is growing as an important destination in that market,” she added. Arrivals from Germany in particular increased by 13.7%. In total, more than 760,000 came from the United States; 150,000 came from Canada; 255,000 came from Europe; and 365,000 from neighboring countries. The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) creates a destination promotion plan for each country of origin, based on their arrival statistic. Tourism in Costa Rica is one of the fastest-growing economic sectors in the country and 2018 was no exception. Costa Rica welcomed 2.8 million tourists last year. Americans and Europeans represent 65% of those visitors, spending more than $1000 per person. Starting in December, those flying between Spain and Costa Rica can experience an upgrade to the Airbus A350-900 — one of the most modern airplanes in the industry. Costa Rica was named “Mexico and Central America’s Leading Destination at the 2019 World Travel Awards Latin America. This is a prestigious award celebrating excellence in the global travel and tourism industry. Costa Rica was honored for “its lush cloud forests and rich biodiversity” according to the award’s organizers. Costa Rica is one of the most important and recognized eco-tourism destinations in the world. Many communities participate in the Ecological Blue Flag Program, modeled on a similar program developed in Europe in 1985. So far this year, a total of 59 beaches in Costa Rica earned the highest distinction. Additionally, Costa Rica was included in the 10 Best Ethical Destinations in the Developing World in 2018. This list accounts for environmental protection, social welfare and human rights. As a part of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples last week, Costa Rica announced that its laws will recognize the nationality of the Ngäbe indigenous population living on the eastern border of Costa Rica and Panama. This law affects 3000 members and gives them the right to self-determination. The government will also create a database of the Broran people in the southern area of Térraba. Their goal is to preserve their customs, traditions and cultural wealth. This type of progress not only serves to protect indigenous peoples' right to self-determination, but also helps to share their cultural knowledge with the tourism community. In the Southern Zone, the Boruca community near Sierpe is a good example of self-determination and economy built on sharing indigenous culture. More tools are being implemented to keep tourists safe. Police are being trained using Costa Rica's tourism funds and new equipment is being purchased, like upgraded patrol vehicles. Several new lifeguard programs have been stationed at Costa Rica's popular beaches. Playa Ventanas, Playa Ballena and Playa Dominical in the Southern Zone regularly have lifeguards on duty. Signs have also been put in place at high-risk beaches, warning of riptides and other dangers. Paired with updated technology to monitor surf conditions, Costa Rica hopes to keep swimmers and surfers safe. ICT is launching a mobile phone application for tourists in six weeks’ time. Visit Costa Rica will offer “advice and information on beaches, cities, hotels, road transport, emergency contacts and directory with foreign embassies,” according to the their website. Where are tourists coming from?
What’s on offer in Costa Rica?
What’s being done to protect tourist safety?