The President Was in Town. She Said… | Pathfinder International

Friday, October 22, 2010

The high mountain peaks in the Southern Zone offer incredible views

Dear Reader,

In January this year, Costa Rica’s Costanera (coastal) Highway officially opened, making the country’s Southern Zone accessible for the first time. It’s now just a three-hour drive from San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital, to the South Pacific coast, compared to the six or seven hours the trip took previously. It’s dramatically beautiful here… much nicer than Costa Rica’s better-known north Pacific coast… but real estate prices stayed low, thanks to the lack of accessibility. You’ll find these low property prices even in the region’s gold standard project, Pacific Lots, where lots start from $40,000.

The Southern Zone will be even more accessible, thanks to a planned international airport. President Laura Chinchilla was in the area last weekend, lending her support to the new airport, which is close to Pacific Lots. Most importantly, government officials confirmed the source of funding for the airport: a combination of central government funds and some private investment. The President toured the region and attended several meetings, emphasizing the importance of support for the tourism industry and the airport wherever she went.

Locals and foreigners involved in the tourism and real estate businesses know the importance of improved accessibility in the Southern Zone. They know what happened when Liberia airport, servicing Costa Rica’s north Pacific coast, started getting regular direct flights from the US: property prices went through the roof.

When I look at Costa Rica’s Southern Zone today, I think profit opportunity. From your e-mails, I know that the opening up of Costa Rica’s Southern Zone is more than a profit opportunity. It’s a life changer for some of you.

The scenery here in Costa Rica’s Southern Zone is amazing. Lush, green rainforest slopes down to deserted beaches. Two thirds of the land here is protected in parks and reserves. Ballena National Marine Park is a hotspot for humpback whales. Corcovado is awesome, and home to numerous endangered plant and animal species. Beaches run for miles, and you mostly have them to yourself. This is important to Ken and Lucinda:

“We are looking forward to building a dream home in a country that has figured out how to balance its environment of beautiful and exotic animals and flora and the humans that live among them!”

Jackie and Dave changed their plans over the course of a chill weekend at Pacific Lots:

“We had a good time at the guest house; plenty of good food, wine and company. Our intention was to buy just one lot however the more we saw the more we liked. We ended up buying two lots. One was akin to a trek into the jungle and up a mountain and you couldn’t see the whole thing but Dave just had to have it. “My” lot was a no brainer. It is a 9 ocean view and a 10 mountain view. Breathtaking no matter which direction you choose to look. I am very excited about getting into the building process. We are extremely pleased that we now have a vested interest in such a special place. The whole process was fun and exciting.”

In Costa Rica’s Southern Zone you can still get your comforts and conveniences. The local town of Ojochal feels surprisingly cosmopolitan. You have a choice of world cuisine—French, German, Italian, Indonesian…even organic. You can enjoy a pizza from a wood-fired oven…French bakery goods…and you can get an espresso at the coffee shop.

I expect that post-airport, real estate values here will rise. And that those who buy now will do well. For some of you, that’s not the main reason that you’re buying here: it’s a lifestyle choice. But here, maybe you can have it all: comfortable living in an eco-wonderland…in an area with profit potential.

Ronan McMahon

P.S. Check out the Southern Zone for yourself on a four day chill weekend…for just $250. You’ll discover the dramatic landscape, the national parks and endless beaches…and meet the friendly locals, and expats who have already made the move here. These trips fill up fast, so don’t delay: Click here to lock down your spot today.