North Pacific Costa Rica

The beaches of Costa Rica on the north Pacific coast are among the most beautiful in the world. Costa Rica is a world-famous destination for the retired. The capital and the largest city, San Jose stands 1,200 meters above sea-level and is the nerve center of the country. It is also home to half the country's population. Other major Costa Rican cities are Alajuela, Puerto Limon, Dominical, Cartago, Heredia, Puntarenas, Liberia and Quesada.

The northern region of the country is noted for the Guanacaste region, in which the country's most celebrated beaches, Playa Hermosa and Playa Conchal are located. The other prominent cities of the northern region include Fortuna, Los Chiles, Quesada and San Ramon. Fortuna is located at the base of the Arenal Volcano. It is an observation area for tourists and geologists to view/study the great volcano that erupts about 40 times daily.

However, it is the natural beauty of Fortuna that makes it a prime real estate investment spot. The Fortuna waterfall has many tourists and locals heading to its base for an early morning or evening swim. Hot springs like Ecothermales and Baldi are the havens for those who prefer a dip in much warmer waters.

Los Chiles is located close to the border of Nicaragua. It is on the banks of the Rio Frio river. It is famous as the address of the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge. It is also the last city checkpoint for those proceeding to Solentiname Islands. The region bounds in jungles and is an active wildlife sanctuary. Iguanas are the most commonly sighted species.

Quesada is also known as San Carlos and is one of the main commercial and business center. The unique thing about this city is that although its many hot springs are have been converted into resorts, they are exclusively frequented by the locals themselves, rather than tourists.

San Ramon, however, is the municipality among the mountains that is a tourists' delight. Lodges located deep within jungles, canopy tours and a medley of flora and fauna make it a nature-lovers' sojourn. Rare birds such as quetzals, motmots and trogons squeak and warble at the visitors. It has been compared with Tuscany. Tourism in San Ramon has received a shot in the arm with the introduction of cloud forest trails.

Outdoor living is the activity that draws people from different countries to build a home in the north pacific region of Costa Rica. Beaches, jungles, volcanoes and rain forests of the country are interspersed with bustling urban centers and this is the most charming part Costa Rica. Liberia, La Cruz and Playa El Coco are the most famous north pacific destinations that are hotspots in which bungalows and condominiums are being developed.