Frequently Asked Questions

We get a lot of questions about investing in Costa Rica, specifics about Hacienda Pacifica and about the area in general. Below are answers to many of the common questions we receive and if you still have more questions, please feel free to email or call us!

Hacienda Pacifica

When will my unit be move-in ready? Phase I is expected to be ready by March, 2010. Phase 2 will is expected to be ready by December, 2010.

How close are you to the beach?
Very close! There are several options: the popular white sand beaches of Manuel Antonio are just 8 minutes away, Quepos beaches are 2 minutes away and many other great beaches are within a 15 minute drive. Exploring and finding your own private beach is also great way to spend the day here!

How close are you to an International Airport?
Hacienda Pacifica is approx. 100 miles from San Jose Inter. Airport (SJO). The drive time is about 2.5 hours, but a new highway and bridges are under construction which will cut down the drive time considerably. Just 5 mins away is the Quepos airport, which has 20 minute flights to San Jose and other cities throughout Central America!

What kind of amenities do you offer?
We have 2 pools, one for the condos and one for the houses, with lounge area and outdoor showers. There will be recreation areas with playground equipment and covered Ranchos with grills, sinks and a small cooking area for BBQ's! A 20 unit commercial center is also on site with access to banking, dining, shopping and other retail shops and a small creek runs through the property creating a unique setting attracting birds and wildlife for your viewing pleasure.

What is the association fee per month and what does that include?
The current monthly fee will be $200 which includes: Guards at each gate with 24-hour security, pool maintenance, water, trash, waste treatment plant, landscaping and maintaining all common areas. This fee is subject to change.

Do you offer furniture packages? Each of the condos comes turn key and fully furnished. The houses are not furnished, but a furniture package will be available for purchase.

Who will manage/rent the homes? Cost? We will, and if we cannot, we will help you find the best property management company for the job. The rental fee will be a flat 25%.

What is the annual property tax like? Currently the nationwide standard is a quarter percent (0.25%) of the purchase price.

What if I want to make changes to my unit? We are open to suggestions! The exteriors must be identical and in accordance with the CC&R's. The interiors however can be modified once we have received your initial deposit.

Are there phone lines, Internet, and cable TV for each unit? Yes, each unit will have cable and phone wired to every room, you just have to have them connected when you move in. Internet is also available for each unit.

Where does the water come from? Can I drink it? From the Municipality (city) and according to our lab results the water is safe to drink. There is also a waster treatment center on the property (underground).

Is there security? There will be guards on duty 24 hours a day. The complex will also have a perimeter wall/fence around the entire property along with a gated entrance. Guards will be at each entrance as well as patrolling the property on a regular basis.

How many parking spots? Each condo unit will have 1 designated parking spot as well as 20 guest parking spots. The houses each have a covered carport and guest parking will be near the pool area. The commercial area will also have parking for their customers and employees.

Costa Rica and the surrounding area

Ok, exactly where is Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is located in Central America 8 degrees north of the Equator with Panama to the south and Nicaragua to the north. It is bordered by water on both sides, the Pacific Ocean is on the west coast and the Caribbean Ocean is on the East coast.

Tell me more about this country?
Costa Rica is now one of the leading Eco-tourism destinations in the world! Exotic beaches, lush rain forests, vast jungles, two oceans, volcanoes and a plethora of plants and animals that account for 6% of the world's bio-diversity! The local people, often called Ticos, are friendly and educated (96% literacy rate) and you will often hear the phrase "Pura Vida" which means "Pure Life" and is a mantra on how they live their lives. Costa Rica is one of the oldest democracies in Central and South America with no military and 26% of their land are protected National Parks; it is easy to see why this is such a special place!

How is the weather?
Costa Rica's year round climate is pleasantly warm, while the mountains can be cool and the beach areas hot. The average annual temperatures range from 31.7°C (89°F) on the coast to 16.7°C (62°F) inland. It can also be humid depending on whether you are in the dry season or green season, and the rain is a welcome relief from the heat and gives the land its lush colors!

When are the Dry and Green seasons?
The dry season usually begins in late November and continues through mid-March (usually ending with Easter week or Semana Santa). The rains here begin in late April and grow heavy in August, September and October. Prices are often set depending on what time of year it is, and you can find significant discounts by traveling during the green season. Conversely, the dry season is expensive and crowded but the weather is phenomenal.

What is the geography of Costa Rica?
Rugged highlands are found throughout most of the country and range from approximately 3,000 to 6,000 feet above sea level. The Cordillera de Guanacaste, Cordillera Central, and Cordillera de Talamanca are the principal mountain ranges extending the length of the country. There are several active volcanoes (Arenal, Irazu, Rincon de la Vieja ) and the country's highest mountain, Cerro Chirrip, which reaches a height of 3,819m (12,530 ft.) The country has a relatively long coastline on both the Caribbean and Pacific oceans, as well as a number of rivers and streams that flow into them. Costa Rica's land mass is 51,100 square kilometers, making it roughly the size of the state of West Virginia.

Is Manuel Antonio National Park a nice beach?
Absolutely, and hands down one of the nicest in all of Costa Rica! White sand beaches, green jungles and the clear blue waters of the Pacific Ocean come together in a visual spectacle that will blow your mind! This is easily one of the most photographed beaches in the world and with warm water and a gentle breeze, your soul will be captivated.

What kind of money should I bring?
You can pay for almost anything with U.S. dollars or credit cards but it is a good idea to have some of the local currency on hand, called Colones. You can also exchange money at any of the number of banks and ATM machines are plentiful.

Can you surf here?
Costa Rica has long been known for its consistent surf, year round waves and warm water. There are plenty of places to surf here for all skill levels and board rentals are also available. For experienced surfers, it is advisable to bring your own board, rent a 4x4 and explore the rich coastline which is full of 'secret surf spots'.

Where and when is the best fishing in Costa Rica?
Sport fishing in Costa Rica is excellent on both coasts and there are game fish to be caught during all months of the year. The dry season is when fishing is at its peak and booking a charter is easy (plan ahead though). Several world record fish have been caught off the coasts of Costa Rica and the main targets are Marlin, Sailfish, Dorado (Mahi-Mahi), Roosterfish, Tarpon, Snook and Yellow fin Tuna. The new Marina Pez Vela in Quepos is currently under construction and will be a state-of-the-art 300 slip world class luxury marina and is just 1 mile from Hacienda Pacifica!

What time is it there?
Costa Rica is 6 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time, which is equivalent to Central Standard Time (CST) in North America. Costa Rica does not change clocks ahead for daylight savings time, so from April through December local time is one hour ahead of CST.

Is the electricity standard North American voltage?
YES, you can plug any normal electric-powered device (hair dryers, shaver, laptop computer, etc.) into an electrical wall outlet in Costa Rica.

How will we get around when we are there?
You can get around the area using taxis, buses or by renting a car. All of these options are readily available in Costa Rica.

What is Quepos like?
Quepos and Manuel Antonio are two separate but interdependent central Pacific coast towns. Quepos has about 7,000 permanent residents, a large hospital, banks, stores, hotels, markets, bars, restaurants and a main bus terminal. Manuel Antonio to the south is smaller and extends along both sides of the road 4 miles up the hill and then south to the Manuel Antonio National Park.

What kind of activities are there to do?
Costa Rica is known for its thrill seekers and Eco-adventure tours. Enjoy: kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, boating, surfing, hiking, white-water rafting, horseback riding, zip-lining, bungee jumping, ATV tours, bird watching, mangrove tours, sunset sailing and more. There are also Spa and massage packages available along with shopping, dining, dancing and nighlife. Of course, the most popular activity is relaxing on the beach under a palm tree.