Adventure, Fun, & Profit in Costa Rica | Pathfinder International

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Dear Reader,

It's a country that attracts more than two million tourists a year. It's home to an estimated 30-50,000 North Americans who live here full or part time. It's easy to assume that you won't find any property bargains in this mainstream destination. But you can...if you know where to look.

That's because most of those tourists and expats head to the same two locations...the Central Valley (around the capital, San Jose) and the northwest Pacific coast. Outside those well-beaten tracks, you'll find highly affordable property...in stunning coastal locations...or in a hidden Lake Country that feels like a little piece of Switzerland...without the price tag.

The country I'm writing about is Costa Rica. Think it's expensive? Think again. Take spacious lake-view lots with a private marina next door... in a pristine setting...for only $19,000. If that sounds good, read on...

But first, some news from Costa Rica. The country's president, Laura Chinchilla, signed an FTA (free trade agreement) with China this month. This is the last step in a process that will allow 70% of all goods produced in Costa Rica to enter Chinese markets without tariffs. The trade between Costa Rica and China surged from $90 million in 2000 to nearly $1.3 billion in 2010. A new food safety protocol, also signed this month, will allow Costa Rica to export meat to China, alongside existing export crops like bananas.

Medical supply company BeamOne announced plans for a $10 million investment in Costa Rica. It plans to expand its existing facilities outside San Jose, and double production capacity. GW One, a company supplying plastic products to the medical industry, also announced plans to open a plant outside San Jose next year, which will create 200 new jobs. Currently, 11,000 people work in the medical devices sector in Costa Rica.

But despite a growing economy and increased foreign investment, Costa Rica is still better known for its appeal to tourists. More than two million visited this little country in 2010, with most looking for adventure and fun. This article highlights the must-see adventurous side of Costa Rica, including a visit to Arenal. Arenal is Costa Rica's lake country, and home to those $19,000 lots. It's worth a visit just to admire the fiery volcanic displays of Volcan Arenal...and to relax in some of the hot springs in the area.

National Geographic's Intelligent Traveler also raved about the beauty of Arenal. The writer recommends zip lining through the forest canopy, rappelling down waterfalls, and soaking your aches away in the thermal springs. The volcano (of course) proved a scene stealer at every turn, especially the lava shows that light up the night sky.

Those striking volcanic displays earned Arenal's volcano a place as one of Costa Rica's Seven Wonders, in a poll conducted by national newspaper La Nacion.

Thanks to the wonders of webcam, you can even see a live video link to the volcano here.

Now, if you're seduced by the idea of a glass-smooth 33 square mile lake...the volcano, hot springs, crashing waterfalls, lofty mountains, and 790 acres of parks, cloud forests and conservation areas...a small friendly expat community...and some seriously gourmet food...in a location that feels like Swiss or Austrian lake country...that's where you'll find those $19,000 lots.

You can snap up one of these lots at the Costa Rica conference in August.

You can also find out about other hot locations for real estate investment...from a lush coastal setting that's stayed under the radar of expats and property buyers...to bargain lots on Costa Rica's Caribbean side. Click here to take advantage of a $200 discount off the regular price for the event. But don't delay...the discount only lasts until July 25th, 2011.

Margaret Summerfield