There are a lot of North Americans down here these days doing “exploratory trips.” And it’s apparent to me that some are doing it right, while others are doing it, in many ways, wrong…
So, here are 10 Tips for a successful Costa Rica exploratory trip that will help you avoid some very common mistakes I see many people making…
Trip Duration: 10 – 14 days
Unless you know the exact area where you want to end up, I don’t believe a week is enough time and certainly not less. You have to consider that drive times in Costa Rica between locations are about twice that of back home. That means that 60 miles (97 kilometers) will likely take you 2 hours, or more! Also, you want to spend a few days in each location you will visit. This will really give you time to explore AND immerse…more on that below…
Locations to Visit: 3 – 4
Again, unless you know the exact area where you want to end up (most don’t have a clue), you will want to visit 3 – 4 locations on your trip.
A typical exploratory trip for one of my clients will be something like the following: fly into Liberia and spend 3 days in Tamarindo; drive to Manuel Antonio for another 3 days; then further south to Dominical and Perez Zeledon for another 3 – 4 days; then back to San Jose for the last night or two before catching a flight home. That’s 4 locations (if you include San Jose) over 11 – 12 days, a very typical trip.
If you add in a visit to the Caribbean coast, or other mountainous locations, like Arenal, or the many bedroom communities outside of the capital, you can see how this can eat up some time. Driving to these locations, which I believe is the best way to go, can eat up hours, even days. In fact, your itinerary will have to build in several days of pure driving from Point A to B, which can be exploratory in and of itself…again, more on that below…
Self-Drive
The best way to really see and experience Costa Rica is to drive through it. There are many alternative options that would eliminate the need to self-drive. On vacation-centered trips, as opposed to exploratory ones, I generally recommend NOT self-driving. If you’re on vacation, why take on the responsibility and stress? However, if you’re “exploring” the country, then you need to do it in Jack Kerouac style, i.e., “on the road!”
Don’t worry about all the hype concerning Costa Rica’s bad roads. Number one, the roads have drastically been improved over the years and, number two, if you’re planning on living here, you’d better learn how to drive here (yes, there’s a bit of an “art” to it).
Include Mountains and Beaches
Unless you know you’re a “beach person” (and are clear about how hot it can be down there), I’d recommend mixing the trip up with mountain and beach locations. Costa Rica has both in copious quantities and they are each quite lovely. One thing that differs greatly between the two is climate. Costa Rica’s coasts, while gorgeous, can be oppressively hot and humid (as well as buggy). You can beat that heat simply by going up, in altitude.
In some areas, like Perez Zeledon where I live, you can live at a cool altitude and still be very close to the beach, perhaps even with some ocean view! I also find life a little more laid back (or less busy) and certainly less expensive than many of the touristic beach locations. Check them both out! You won’t be sorry.
Fly In to the Right Airport
Plan out your itinerary carefully, perhaps with some help, and then fly into the right airport! There are two international airports, one in the northern Pacific town of Liberia and the other in the center of the country in the capital city of San Jose. Sometimes, depending on the itinerary, you might want to fly into one and back home from the other. Choosing the right airport will save you valuable exploratory hours.
Don’t Be So Property Focused
I find that most folks don’t buy anything on their first trip to Costa Rica for exploratory purposes. However, many spend too much time looking at properties. Don’t get me wrong, I do believe it’s a good idea to look at a few things in each area visited, to get an idea of the market. But you are here trying to figure out where you want to live. Once you have that nailed down, you can move on to actually finding the right property in your chosen area.
Looking at properties in Costa Rica can eat up a lot of time that could be better spent getting to know the areas of interest on your itinerary. Also, use local experts, i.e., real estate agents, in setting up showings. Trying to go out and find properties on your own will be difficult and very time consuming. Strike up a relationship with a particular agent in each area you will visit and set up a day to see properties. Get that out of the way and focus on exploring and immersing…more on that below…
Don’t Worry About the Legal Stuff
Is it important to meet with lawyers, bankers, accountants, etc., during your exploratory trip? Not really. You can do that, but a lot of what you need to know, initially, can be found online doing research. And, truth be told, you don’t need to get involved in all that until after you’ve determined where you want to be and what you want to buy. On your initial exploratory trip, you’re quite a ways off from all that.
Utilize Advisors
I said above that using real estate agents in each area is an efficient way to go about things. I think it also can be beneficial to have a consultant-type helping you plan out the entire trip. Of course, I do offer that service, as do others. It’s not that expensive and it really will help you to focus in on what’s most important…figuring out where you want to spend the rest of your lives in Costa Rica!
Actually Be Exploratory
I suggest spending more time exploring, meaning getting out and and seeing and experiencing each area, than doing pretty much anything else. Having a car at your disposal will certainly help, which is another reason I recommend a self-driving trip. Don’t be afraid to get lost, or stuck, or have to manage asking for directions from someone who doesn’t speak a word of English. The process of managing all that will go a long way towards helping you know what it’s like to actually live in Costa Rica!
Practice Immersion
In addition to being exploratory, act “as if” you’re already a local. Find out what the locals do and where they go and do the same. Visit the local feria, or farmer’s market. Go to a grocery store or two. Hang out in bars (if you drink) and ask a lot of questions. If you’re a church going person, try out a local church. Walk around town and visit shops. Walk around neighborhoods and chat with the people there. Acting like a local for a few days in each area visited might help you decide whether you’d actually like to become one!
Some of what I wrote above probably goes against the grain of what you thought an exploratory trip should look like. You’re probably not going to get everything done in one trip. Be ready to make two, or three, or maybe even more, before you’re actually ready to pull the trigger.
I really believe if you follow these 10 tips for a successful Costa Rica exploratory trip, you’ll go back home better equipped with the information you need to make an informed decision about living as an expat in Costa Rica.
Nice ! Thanks!
Very good advice!