The Central Coast is a spot where Costa Ricans have vacationed for many years. As a result, the area has more hotels, restaurants, and shops than you’ll find in Guanacaste.

This region encompasses a diversity of areas including the white sand beaches of Punta Leona, the tropical rainforest park of Carara, the best surfing beaches including Jaco and Hermosa and the unique Golf Course Resort & Marina in Herradura.

One of the biggest advantages is our location, meaning the proximity to everything; with the new highway just opened in January 2010 we’re now just 1 hour away from the capital San Jose where you’ll find top-rate hospitals and American-style shopping malls and 1hr 15 minutes from the international airport San Juan Santa Maria. Most of the major world airlines fly directly into this airport so visiting the Central Pacific has never been easier.

The shorter travel time is already reflected in rising property prices although with the help of a real estate professional, there are still lots of bargains a smart buyer can find. In general, affordable property is easier to find along the Central Pacific coasts than it is in Guanacaste.

Because of its proximity, it’s common for travelers to rent a car at the airport and drive to the beach themselves (especially if they’ve got surfboards in tow). Budget travelers can catch a local bus in the capital. There are also several first-class buses that make the trip and a regular supply of public air-conditioned taxis.

Another big advantage to our area is the availability of absolutely fee simple titled beachfront land. 95% of Costa’s Rica beachfront land is under concession law so if you’re seeking a safe investment on the beach, this is one of the rare areas that you can find it.

The most popular town in the area is Jaco, once an archetypal sleepy beach town whose small economy was driven by fishing. But it wasn’t long before Jaco Beach’s excellent waves began to draw foreign surfers in exponential numbers.

Along with the surfers came the need for nightlife. Now, Jaco is one of Costa Rica’s most happening party towns, and a top destination for wave-worshippers and land-lubbers alike.

Many of them lie out on the gorgeous beach or take advantage of the superb opportunities for surfing, sea kayaking, and fishing. Residents and visitors often stroll down

Avenida Pastor Díaz, the main street in this extremely tourist friendly location where signs on the buildings say a lot about the atmosphere of the town–Mexican Joe’s Internet Call Center, the Colonial restaurant, W.O.W. surf shop, Pancho Villa restaurant, El Barco ice cream shop and Alamo car rentals.

Internet cafes are also plentiful, as are banks, pharmacies, tour operators, and restaurants serving international cuisine. If you’re new to the surf scene, book a few lessons at a one of the many surf schools, and you’ll be riding waves in no time.

The Central Pacific coast also encompasses such towns as Hermosa Beach about six miles south of Jaco and home to the Billabong World Surfing games in July 2009. This beach was chosen due to its consistent high level of surfing waves. This event brought more than 80,000 people not only from Costa Rica but from around the world to the shores of the Central Pacific and boosted tourism immensely. If you prefer to be outside of a major town, Hermosa offers some beautiful tranquil mountain and beach residences for all budgets.

Less than four miles north of Jaco is Playa Herradura which demonstrates a good example of the changing scene on the Central Pacific. The site of a rare black-sand beach, Herradura was once a quiet seaside village that attracted mainly Costa Ricans and foreign campers. Since the development of the Marriot Los Sueños Golf Course Resort and Marina this area has become a prime destination for expats and Ticos who enjoy walking along the palm-lined shore or spending the day fishing, golfing or swimming in the dark blue waters.

The unique Marriot Los Sueños Resort and Marina is a 1,100-acre master planned destination resort community. The resort encompasses a private rainforest reserve; a five star Marriott hotel; over 500 luxury residences, including single-family homes, lots, condominiums and lavish villas; a full service 200-slip international marina; an exclusive Beach Club for residents; restaurants, full service spa, an 18-hole championship golf course, and much more.

This resort has driven real estate as well as development and essentially placed Jaco and the Central Pacific Coast on the map to major investors from around the world.

Another famous destination is Punta Leona which has been the playground for wealthy Costa Ricans for several years. Besides offering some of the most exquisite white sand beaches in Costa Rica, this is a resort style environment with restaurants, tennis and many family activities. Some of the most exclusive single standing family homes with captivating panoramic ocean views can be found in this community.

With a range of activities, eco-minded vacationers to the area enjoy horseback treks, canopy tours, and hiking through the bordering jungles. The best tourist destination is the Carara Biological Reserve nine miles north of Jaco, a vital nesting ground for scarlet macaws. Because the macaws migrate daily, it’s best to hike the reserve’s hour-long trail at sunrise or sunset, when they’re most active.

Are Macaws too tame for you? How about crocodiles? The Tárcoles River (15 minutes north of Jaco) is home to the largest concentration of these carnivorous beasties in the country, many of which can be seen from the bridge that leads to Jaco or enjoyed on the daily crocodile birding tours operated. You will never be bored in this area!

Whether you are searching for a retirement home, that getaway dream vacation home you’ve always wanted and a safe investment, our office in Jaco is the right place to begin that process. We can offer clients a full range of real estate products including luxury beachfront homes and condominiums, beach view mountain homes, farms, lots to build your dream home, commercial properties and so much more. Whether you are seeking your perfect retirement home or a safe, steady investment, our office is here to educate you about the market, decipher through the wide range of options available and determine the ideal property for your needs and preferences.

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For more information about condos, homes and land for sale in the beach town of Jaco and surrounding areas please contact our Recommended Realtors in Jaco Shawn Fletcher and his wife Hannah Fletcher
using the simple form below:

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.