INTERNATIONAL LIVING Endorsement of Costa Rica Continues

Think It's Too Late to "Get in Early" in Costa Rica?

Think Again.

History is About to Repeat Itself.

25 years ago, Costa Rica's northern Pacific coast boomed as the country became the world's # 1 eco-tourism destination. The folks who got in early watched their property values skyrocket.

It's about to happen again. Another perfect stretch of sun-drenched coast is just now opening up.
This is your chance to get there first...

Today more Americans per capita live in Costa Rica than any other country out side the U.S.

Among second-home buyers, vacationers, and retirees with an eye overseas, Costa Rica is a household name.
It wasn't always like that of course.

In the mid-1980s, when we first told readers to head to Costa Rica's northern Pacific coast, it was hard to get to. And, as a result, property prices were low.

But then, as more and more people learned about the region, prices steadily began to rise. When an international airport opened there in 2002, property values skyrocketed. And this area earned its label: The Gold Coast.

Frankly, we stopped recommending it to readers because of that. It just cost too much to buy.

But today Costa Rica is back on our "Go There Now" list. And here's why:

We're about to see that "Gold Coast scenario" play out again. And if you're looking for a place to retire outside the States, you don't want to miss this opportunity to stake your claim on the cheap.

Because the truth is: Costa Rica today is arguably the easiest place in Latin America to live.

You see, nearly three decades of American and European visitors and residents has "westernized" this place for lack of a better term. In other words: It works... and at a standard you won't find anywhere else in this region. While it may not be quite "First World"... it is certainly no longer "Third World" either.

That's a big benefit. And it comes with the gorgeous rain forests, beaches, and highland valleys Costa Rica is famous for. Plus this country is stable and democratic (with no standing army and a 95% literacy rate). It's affordable. You could certainly get by on $1,500 a month -- for $2,500 you'll be living the high life. The medical care is excellent and costs a fraction of what we pay up north.

And now, for the first time in 25 years, it's about to offer you rock-bottom coastal real estate, too.

History is about to repeat itself. A boom like the one that played out up north is going to unfold in a new, beach-strewn area just now opening up to visitors and retirees.

This is your chance -- probably the last chance you'll have in this lifetime -- to claim a foothold in Costa Rica for pennies on the dollar.

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PATHFINEDER Recommends Moran Real Estate and Lake Arenal

THE SWITZERLAND OF CENTRAL AMERICA

Arenal in north-central Costa Rica was a complete surprise to me. I’d seen the lush raw jungle in the Southern Zone and the cleared rolling landscape of Guanacaste, but neither prepared me for what was to come.

Arenal could be mistaken for Switzerland or the Italian lakes. The focal point, Lake Arenal, sits surrounded by sloping green hills and pasture land. Arenal Volcano’s pointed cone rises majestically on one side, dominating the landscape.

The volcano is live and without sounding too New Age, has an aura all its own. I stood on a hillside dipping gently down to the lake, with a direct volcano view, and was mesmerized. At night, you can see the lava flowing; the best viewings are by boat from the lake.

There is a Swiss mini-village, complete with church and chalets, perched on the hillside overlooking the lake. There is a German bakery in the town of Nuevo Arenal, and an Austrian restaurant, all adding to that middle-European feel.

It’s a tranquil, peaceful place…howler monkeys in the trees was the noisiest encounter that we had. Hiking, horseback-riding, bird-watching, swimming, fishing (mainly for rainbow bass), and boat trips are all possibilities. The lake is host to world-class windsurfing from November to April and the weather is moderate all year round.

The hot springs in La Fortuna are a major attraction. The thermal water has reputed healing powers, and the volcanic mud is great for deep cleansing. There are a number of hotels that offer a variety of treatments…or you can simply soak contentedly outdoors in the heated water and relax.

At the end of a day’s scouting, I sat down to a delicious meal at the Gingerbread Hotel. The food was the best I’ve had in Costa Rica. Finding gourmet cooking to this level in Arenal was a nice surprise.

Property prices here are as mesmerizing as the volcano. A six-bed, four-bath home on an acre was listed for $160,000. A fixer-upper was on offer for $45,000 and 38 acres of forest, pasture, rivers, and springs with volcano views was $139,000. How about 6.3 acres with an incredible view of the volcano for $125,000?

Arenal has much to offer if you’re looking for peaceful lakeside living—with a price tag much lower than you might expect.

Margaret Summerfield

PATHFINDER has a mission to scout the World for the most unique and value oriented real estate opportunities.

Our name is new, but we’re definitely not the new kids on the block. Until 2007, we were International Living. The same ones who told you about Nicaragua, Panama, Costa Rica, the Bay Islands of Honduras, Argentina… long before the rest of the world had caught on to their incredible real estate opportunities.

Pathfinder/International Living has spent time at Lake Arenal with Moran Real Estate and we are proud to be associated with this old and well respected and established company.

Moran Real Estate Over 50 Years of Tropical Real Estate Excellence

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Pathefinder - The Switzerland of Lake Arenal

Gingerbread Boutique Hotel and Fine Restaurant

 God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way