The Pacific area constitutes most of the territory of Puntarenas (Jacó, Esterillos, Playa Hermosa, Manuel Antonio, Bejuco, Conchal, Dominical), in addition to two cantons of the province of Alajuela: Orotina and San Mateo. The islands in the transition between Puntarenas and Guanacaste are also part of this region, as well as Isla del Coco which is a world wonder.
The economy of Pacific stands out for having two important ports at national level: Quepos and Puntarenas. There is also the livestock and agricultural part with oil palm, rice, banana and corn crops. Ecotourism is the main attraction for people to visit this area due to its wildlife refuges and protected areas.
Its geography is characterized by a coastal strip where the back part is the mountainous area, which separates the coastline from the Greater Metropolitan Area.
Its topography allows this region to have a great view of the ocean and many beachfront locations. From Tarcoles to Bahia Ballena it is a coastline with mountains in the back.
The climate presents a variety between Tropical Dry that comes from Guanacaste which is the North Pacific and Tropical Humid that comes from Tilarán. The Pacific is the convergence zone so there is a fusion of both climates. This favors bird watching. The temperature ranges between 20° and 34 °Celsius.
Within its protected areas there are wetlands, national parks, wildlife refuges, biological reserves and protective zones. In terms of natural protection, it is one of the first in the country, with the Manuel Antonio National Park which is one of the most visited in the country.
It maintains a series of islands that allows it to be home to a great variety of species of fauna and flora: San Lucas Island, Chira, Negritos, Tortuga and El Coco. This gives it a touristic importance.
It has a great academic offer with private schools such as Las Nubes School in Herradura, Ficus Tree School in Playa Hermosa, Educational System Los Delfines in Quepos and Ecotourism School of the Pacific in Quepos. At the university level, there are the main universities such as UCR, Hispanoamericana, Castro Carazo, Colegio Universitario Boston, Santa Lucia, UTC, UNED and UTN.
It is located approximately one hour away from San José.
It has medical centers such as the Monseñor Sanabria Hospital in downtown Puntarenas, the Parrita Clinic and private centers such as the headquarters of the Metropolitan Hospital in Herradura, in the Pez Vela Marina. There is also Quepos Medical Center. And several private offices and clinics.
A curious fact about this region is that it has the “National Surfing Stadium” in Playa Hermosa, which was cataloged in 2020 as a world surfing reserve by “Save the Waves Coalition (STW)”. This thanks to the great marine biodiversity and wave quality it presents. It has white sand beaches such as those near Punta Leona: Playa Blanca and Playa Mantas.
Thanks to the experience of working and living in the area, the NATIVU Pacific team made an analysis of each area of this region, to recommend the one that best suits the client, according to their interests and needs:
Residential
The Pacific region has a public residential zone and a private one with more distinguished locations such as Herradura, Faro Escondido, Los Sueños, Jacó and Playa Hermosa. In the latter is the mountain area in Valle Perdido, there is a lot of surfing and mountain and beach views. It is a more family friendly environment than Playa Hermosa or Jacó. There is a diversity of condominiums such as “Condominio Místico”.
Agro-industrial Investment
You can also invest in properties dedicated to agro-industry, destined to the cultivation of rice and oil palm. This is mainly located in Parrita, all along the Pacific coast from Esterillos to the Panamanian border.
Tourist
There are tourism investment possibilities with options such as restaurants, hotels and properties to develop. This can be in places like Manuel Antonio, Jacó, Dominical, Playa Hermosa and Herradura (Los Sueños). As a complement, it is possible to invest in experiences such as touristic tours that generate economic income.
Recreational and Leisure
The Pacific offers a large number of activities that attract people who wish to invest in areas where recreation and leisure predominate, there is a variety of fauna and vegetation that offers the possibility of bird watching and whale watching. Finding the two marinas: Pez Vela and Los Sueños is an advantage for this type of investment. Jaco and Manuel Antonio are two options that stand out in this category.
Cost of Living in Pacific
Its economy is mainly characterized by tourism but also agriculture and livestock. The cost of living can have a higher value range in comparison to the Greater Metropolitan Area, but contemplates a similar value due to its proximity and type of visitor. Among coastal areas, Pacific is less expensive than North Pacific (Guanacaste).
Below, we show you a table of monthly costs for a family of two people residing in Pacific that the NATIVU team developed according to their experience and knowledge in the area:
| Expense | U.S. $ |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $130 |
| Water | $20 (without pool) |
| Telephony and Internet | $100 |
| Rent | From $800 up to $1,500 |
|
Home purchase |
From $150.000 |
| Private elementary and high school tuition | From $600 |
| Restaurants | From $80 |
Advantages of Living in the Pacific
Sports
- Surfing
- MTB
- Hiking
- Sport fishing
- Paragliding
- Skydiving
- Soccer (Major League)
Nature
- Biological Reserves and National Parks
- Carara National Park
- Manuel Antonio National Park
- Marino Ballena National Park
- Hacienda Baru National Wildlife Refuge
- Isla del Coco
- Nauyaca Waterfall
- Diamante Waterfall
- Bird watching
Climate
- Tropical Dry and Tropical Humid combination.
- Temperatures between 20° and 34° C
- Cool climate due to wind currents
- In areas closer to the mountainous strip, feeling of high altitude climate.
Strategic location
- One hour from the Greater Metropolitan Area
- Proximity to the North Pacific, which is a coastal area.
- Close to the South Pacific, near the Pérez Zeledón region.
- Access to Route 27 to reach the western part of San José.
Lifestyle
- Heterogeneous population: foreigners and nationals
- Respect for nature
- Regarding services and establishment, it is cheaper than Guanacaste.
- Access to supermarkets, clinics and public services.
- A calmer style, architecture responsible with nature and community.
Maritime Activity
- Marina Los Sueños and Marina Pez Vela
- Great yachting activity
- Waterway to other areas such as Montezuma and Santa Teresa
- Surfing
- Stand Up Paddle
- Rafting
- Whale watching
This information on what to expect in Pacific is far from complete. This great region offers unique opportunities and variety for different interests. Do not hesitate to contact a NATIVU Pacific advisor if you are interested in buying in this area of the country.
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