Nestled on the picturesque northern shores of Costa Rica lies a collection of idyllic coastal
communities that captivate with their unparalleled beauty and abundant opportunities.
Welcome to Tamarindo, Playa Flamingo, Playa Potrero, Playas del Coco, and Playa
Hermosa, a treasure trove of enchanting destinations that captivate the senses and
embody the essence of the Pura Vida lifestyle. Blessed with pristine beaches, lush jungles, and
a vibrant local culture, these communities offer a compelling investment opportunity
for those seeking a slice of paradise and a promising future.
From sunny days on sandy beaches to exciting water sports, diverse wildlife encounters, and a
thriving tourism industry, northern Costa Rica promises an unparalleled experience and a
promising return on investment that goes far beyond financial gains.
Introducing our communities of North Pacific
Tamarindo, Flamingo Beach, Potreto Beach, Coco Beach and Hermosa Beach.
All very diverse areas, ideal to satisfy your needs and expectations.
Tamarindo
Tamarindo got its big break when its once-secret waves, idyllic beaches, and unspoiled
lifestyle were featured in the 1994 surf film Endless Summer II. Since its release, the film has
been known to attract a loyal following of nomadic surfers and nature lovers seeking out the
idyllic spots explored by the filmmakers. Indeed, just a few years after its release,
Tamarindo began to develop into a lively beach resort.
With just over three kilometers of golden sand, the beach stretches from one end to the
other, at the mouth of the Tamarindo estuary, where a point of volcanic rock separates
Tamarindo from its neighbor Playa Langosta. The palm-fringed beach is picture-postcard
worthy, with its crystal-clear turquoise waters. It attracts sunbathers, yogis, beach volleyball
players, soccer players, and surfers of all levels; there’s plenty to do for those seeking an
active lifestyle.
Flamingo Beach
A true gem among the towns of northern Costa Rica, Playa Flamingo Located on Guanacaste’s
Gold Coast, Flamingo Beach offers the perfect fusion of opulent calm and bold energy.
Playa Flamingo has become a haven for discerning investors seeking a slice of paradise thanks
to its beautiful white-sand beaches, crystal-clear oceans, and breathtaking sunsets that
paint the horizon in brilliant hues.
This coastal community offers a wide variety of opportunities for those looking to invest
in Costa Rica’s booming tourism industry thanks to
With its first-class services, luxurious resorts, and thriving real estate market, Playa Flamingo
promises an investment that not only promises impressive financial returns, but also a lifestyle that celebrates
the art of relaxation and adventure alike. Whether practicing water sports like deep-sea fishing, scuba
diving, or snorkeling, or simply relaxing in the warm tropical climate, Playa Flamingo promises
an investment that not only promises impressive financial returns, but also a lifestyle that celebrates the
art of relaxation and adventure alike.
Little Brazil
Welcome to Brasilito Costa Rica,
a hidden gem on the stunning coast of
Rica’s Pacific coast represents a fantastic opportunity to invest in real estate in this idyllic setting.
Brasilito, located north of Tamarindo and Playa Conchal, attracts visitors seeking a quiet getaway
without sacrificing modern amenities thanks to its pristine and peaceful atmosphere. For
beach and ocean lovers, the area’s pristine beaches, such as Playa Brasilito and Playa
Flamingo, are a haven, while the natural surroundings offer countless opportunities for outdoor
exploration and adventure.
Savvy investors eager to take advantage of Costa Rica’s booming real estate
market are the ideal choice for Brasilito’s target market. The area offers
significant opportunities for property appreciation and rental income thanks to the
constant influx of tourists and expats drawn to its natural beauty and relaxed
lifestyle. Brasilito offers diverse investment options for all tastes and budgets,
whether you’re interested in beachfront condos, luxurious villas with stunning
ocean views, or picturesque bungalows surrounded by tropical gardens. Be
seduced by this serene coastal paradise, where your investment dreams come
true amidst the beauty of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.
Tamarindo and Flamingo Beach
Tamarindo: A vibrant beach town in the Blue Zone of
Costa Rica
Beyond the palm trees that separate the beach from the village, the charming
main street is lined with beachfront restaurants, bars, hotels, yoga studios,
souvenir shops, surf shops, real estate offices, and a couple of day spas,
including a new, trendy fish pedicure shop.
Aside from the world-famous waves and paradise-like atmosphere,
Tamarindo proved to be no one-hit wonder when it gained international
attention once again in 2004 for being located within one of the world’s five “Blue
Zones,” areas where people regularly reach 100 years of age and in good
health.
With one of the warmest and driest climates in the country, Tamarindo and its
surrounding areas enjoy direct sunlight almost every day of the year.
Temperatures remain constant throughout the year, typically fluctuating between 27°C and 35°C. Even during the rainy season, which lasts from about May to October, it is rare to find
a day without sunshine.
That said, it’s easy to understand how this town has become one of Costa Rica’s most popular
beach resorts; popular with Ticos (native Costa Ricans), but also with a large expat
community and tourists from around the world. As its popularity has grown, so has its
infrastructure and services.
Tamarindo: A comfortable beach town with a perfect combination
of modern amenities and tropical charm
Located just over an hour from Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, LIR is
accessible by paved road throughout the entire route.
Tamarindo is one of the most convenient beach towns in the world, allowing you to get
away from it all. If you need to get to San José, the country’s capital, you can drive along a paved
road and get there in about five hours.
There is also a regular, reliable daily bus service to and from San José and other larger
cities.
You’ll find three banks in town, including Banco de Costa Rica and Banco Nacional (the two
largest chains in the country). There’s a local hardware store for basic supplies and a couple of
shops offering services like printing, faxing, scanning, and photocopying.
A place where both relaxed retirees or ambitious digital nomads can thrive. A place with just
enough modern-day amenities to suit your everyday needs, but not so developed to hinder its
slightly bohemian, off the beaten path charm.
This place exists, in Tamarindo, and could be the perfect spot for someone ready to reinvent life
as they know it with a daily dose of sun, sand, and a tropical ocean breeze.
Playa Flamingo: A Seaside Haven of Beauty, Luxury, and
Beachfront Living
Playa Flamingo is one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful seaside communities, known for its
white-sand beaches, luxury beachfront homes, and the state-of-the-art Flamingo Marina that
just opened. Located in the middle of Costa Rica’s Gold Coast, Flamingo is a place of striking
beauty, with two green, hilly peninsulas jutting into the Pacific Ocean. Known as the
North-ridge and South-ridge, they are covered with multimillion-dollar homes and vacation
rentals, virtually all with stunning ocean views. Flamingo has two beaches within a 5-
minute walk of each other, Playa Potrero and Playa Flamingo. They are separated by
the North Ridge, at the base of which is the compact, walkable downtown.
Playa Flamingo: Where Luxury Marina Living Meets
Convenient Inland Charm
Right next to that is the new marina, which has 92 slips (out of 184 planned), a fueling dock, a desalination plant and a wastewater treatment plant. The central building at the marina has
restaurants, shops, offices and a medical clinic on the ground floor, with 40 luxury condos for lease
on the upper three floors. There’s also another side to Flamingo, on the main inland road that
connects to Potrero and Brasilito. Here there are two banks, several restaurants, a great grocery
store, hardware stores, legal offices and a medical clinic — plus some surprisingly affordable
housing — all within three to five walkable blocks of the beach. Flamingo has served
as home to such stars as Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Linda (“Wonder Woman”) Carter.
The homes of the North Ridge are built along cliffs with spectacular views, each with its unique
architecture, swimming pool, lush landscaping and in places maids’ quarters. Some properties even
have their own secluded beaches, with access through wooden stairs and small trails.
Brasilito, Potreto Beach & Coco Beach
Brasilito: Embracing the Authentic Costa Rican Experience by
the Beach
Brasilito stands out from neighboring beach communities because of its traditional Costa
Rican feel. To the north and south, it’s easy to find a half dozen other beach communities where
foreigners drastically out-number the locals and where you’ll hear English being spoken all
around you; but not in Brasilito.
The community is mostly inhabited by Costa Ricans, many of them working to support the
tourism industry in other places, then coming home to their families and lives here. People of every
age gather at the town’s soccer field and enjoy meals at the modest “sodas” (that’s a very
casual Costa Rican restaurant). There are no big name stores or even national chain supermarkets
in Brasilito; it has a noticeably local feel to it.
But don’t think this is just a sleepy beach town. The town comes alive as groups of visitors trickle
through the area, coming to enjoy its mellow and quiet light gray-sand beach. A variety of
restaurants line the beach, and sodas are positioned around the soccer field, which
sits just steps away from the waves.
One of the best restaurants in town is the Papayo Restaurant in the Conchal Hotel. While not
located on the beach, this amazing restaurant has its own beautiful atmosphere featuring
the lush vegetation, pool, and charm of the small hotel. Owned and operated by an expat couple,
this charming restaurant offers delectable seafood and cocktails that will leave you savoring the
experience.
Brasilito: Where Authentic Costa Rican Charm Meets
Upscale Beach Lifestyle
Brasilito’s position less than two miles from the ultra-luxurious Westin Resort in Playa Conchal
means that it attracts a more upscale crowd from time to time.
Several exquisite restaurants and the simple charm of the town attract nearby property owners
and those staying in vacation rentals within the resort. The relationship between residents in
both communities is mutually beneficial. For example, Brasilito residents may seek membership in Playa Conchal’s multiple clubs.
An exclusive members-only tennis club and Roberts Trent Jones II-designed
golf course ensure those who vacation and retire in Costa Rica will be able to keep
their skills sharp.
A quick drive along the beach delivers Brasilito residents to a completely
different beach experience. The beach at Playa Conchal is made up of tons of
crushed up seashells, a natural wonder and a delight to see and experience for
yourself. Vendors sell souvenirs and snacks, while massage therapists set up
their tables just feet from the ocean.
Playa Potrero: A Laid-Back Paradise with Exquisite Dining and Beachside
Relaxation
The overall vibe of this beach town is laid back and family friendly. Retirees are
attracted to this area for its many amenities, including its proximity to excellent health
care, beautiful beaches, terrific restaurants, golf, boating, and exploring all the
wonders of Costa Rica. Playa Potrero has great lodging and restaurants.
The most respected boutique hotel on this bay is the Bahía Del Sol, situated
roughly in the middle of the bay. Bahía Del Sol is a favorite among tourists and locals
alike, as many expats in the area come for lunch, for a drink, or to enjoy the pool
during the day.
Directly south of the Bahia Del Sol is the Costa Rica Sailing Center, which offers
beach goers great food, a full bar, pool, and access to sail boats, catamarans,
paddle boards, and kayaks. The Sailing Center offers fresh grilled seafood and live
music to its patrons. They also offer a yearly membership that gives their members
discounts on boat and equipment rentals, and also food and drink discounts. You
can also book your scuba diving from this location.
Playa Potrero: A Culinary Paradise and Authentic Coast
Rican Village
Situated on the very North end of the bay is Las Brisas, which is a famous
restaurant/bar in the area. Las Brisas bar has been in business for 50 years and is
well known for their Wednesday night lady’s night, where ladies drink free of charge.
During the day, this restaurant has fresh seafood served daily and is a great place
to grab lunch or watch the sunset while eating dinner. The Beach House is also
located on Playa Potrero. It has a great many featuring fresh fish and burgers.
Definitely a Jimmy Buffett vibe going on at the beach House. Great Margaritas!
Although not directly on the beach, Las Perlas, El Castillo, Casa Celeste,
Smoking Pig, Numu, and the Shack are some other great restaurants located in the
Surfside Estates neighborhood of Playa Potrero. Excellent food, cold drinks, and a
sense of camaraderie keep both the locals and the tourists coming back for
more.
The true village center of Playa Potrero is located just inland on the North end of the
bay. Like any typical Costa Rican town, Potrero has a soccer field in the
center of it, and the soccer field is surrounded by homes, stores, restaurants (sodas), and a
school.
Playas del Coco: Your Gateway to Paradise in Guanacaste,
Costa Rica
There are numerous fun-filled day-trips from Playa Potrero, including a visit to Rincón de la Vieja,
a geothermal hotspot and national park that offers fascinating geology and superb
hiking. The park has wonderful examples of dry forests and humid forests, and is home to the lake-
filled crater of Rincón de la Vieja volcano. Other fun day trips include white-water rafting and
tubing, ATV tours, canopy tours, kayak fishing, natural mud-treatment and hot-spring spas, and
horseback riding tours.
Playas del Coco is the closest beach town to Liberia Airport (LIR), which services the
Guanacaste area. From here, you can also easily access the top private resorts, such as
Four Seasons, Secrets, Planet Hollywood, Andez, and the Riu. Close by are the towns of
Tamarindo (where you go to surf), Playas Flamingo, Hermosa, and many other great beach
towns.
Playas del Coco has a main street where many shops and restaurants are located. You
will see the expats hanging out at a few of these locations. Craft beer and great food are to be
had.
Talking to some of the first expats, who arrived here 20 or so years ago, you’ll discover life was
very different. On Friday, one bank came to town in a van by the old police station. There was
one supermarket in town. Main street was the only paved road. Now, there are over nine
supermarkets in Coco and six or more banks. Plus, with all the fruit stands on the side of the road,
you will never want to shop close to food shopping. We even have a Price Smart within 20 minutes.
Coco has grown over the years and is a very popular home to expats—the bulk is from Canada
and the US Not all live here year-round, but many do.
Discover the Marine Wonders of Playa Potrero:
Unforgettable Scuba Diving Adventures at the Catalina
Islands
Playa Potrero has excellent scuba diving operators, with daily trips to the Catalinas
Islands. The Catalina Islands exist 10 kilometers (about a 45-minute boat ride) offshore from
Playa Potrero Bay, and are a great place to see giant manta rays and whale sharks. Devil rays,
spotted-eagle rays, white-tipped reef sharks, and dozens of varieties of tropical fish can also be
seen around the Catalina Islands.
There are 2-3 Catamaran operators that offer daily trips that include cocktails, food and
snorkeling. The afternoon tours are popular because they offer the beautiful sunsets on the
return to the bay. This is a “must do” if you are visiting Playa Potrero or Playa Flamingo.
Coco Beaches
Exploring Playas del Coco: Car-Free Living, Diverse
Communities, and Real Estate Opportunities
You can get by without a car. Most places are walkable from anywhere in Coco.
There are plenty of taxis available to take you to the grocery store if you are doing some
heavy shopping. A lot of people just opt to have a golf cart for in-town excursions. If you do
get a car, be careful coming through town. Dogs, pedestrians, monkeys, motorcycles,
scooters, buses, bicycles, ATV’s, and golf carts are all competing for a place on the road.
There are so many communities within Coco to choose where you can live.
Many condos are found in the Las Palmas area, but you can find some nice houses there
too. Pacifico is a gated community with very upscale houses and condos. This area comes with
a private beach club, but be prepared to pay for it.
Playa Ocotal and Hermosa, just around the corner, all have expat housing/
communities. Real estate is booming in Coco. Do not expect anything to stay on the market very
long.
You do not need to buy to live here. You can rent long-term. If you rent, having electricity and
water included is really a bonus, but usually not the case. It takes a bit to become a resident, but
is very doable on a Pensionado ($1,000 per month to qualify) or Rentista visa, allowing
foreigners to stay for up to two years with the ability to extend. The Rentista visa allows the self-
employed, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads to work in Costa Rica.
Healthcare and Climate in Playas del Coco: Accessible
Medical Options and Year-Round Tropical Living
Medical in Coco: If you are not a resident, you will not qualify for the CCSS or CAJA (for a small
monthly fee you can receive free medical care), but there are good options such as BlueCross
BlueShield Costa Rica. A policy for two over-60s, with no pre-existing conditions, is around
$6,000 per year. You will need to go to a private hospital in Liberia to receive treatments such
as physicals, mammograms, colonoscopies, etc. Liberia is about a 45-minute drive. There is
a great medical clinic for emergencies in downtown Coco, you can even get an EKG there! Prices
are minimal. There are also several dentists in Coco, you will pay about a third of the cost as
in the US or Canada. You do not need to apply for residency but you will have to renew your visa
every 90 days. That means leaving the country via air, bus, or car. Nicaragua is the closest land
border.
There are even tour companies that sponsor a border run for expats.
You will never need a jacket here! High season (tourist season) is from November until
May. It does not rain here and is quite hot, sometimes reaching 100 F. Humidity is lower in these
months due to the lack of rainfall. From June until November it is cooler but the rains start and
you get higher humidity.
September and October are the wettest months, and you can experience monsoon rains
in these months.
Embrace the Rhythms of Playas del Coco: Exploring
Activities, Nightlife, and Community Spirit
Get out when the sun comes up (5 am) when it’s cooler. Between the hours of 11 am and 5 pm,
you might find yourself inside working on a project, meeting others for lunch, or taking a nap. It
gets dark in Coco around 6 pm all year round, and you will see many expats reappear after the
sun goes down. Sitting on the beach for sunset dinner, drinking, and listening and dancing to
live music are the main attractions. In 2019 Coco was host to Costa Rica Blues Festival and the
famous Ironman triathlon.
A great Farmers market happens every Thursday night and Sunday morning at the Garden Bar
(a popular expat hangout). This is a great place to buy local art, get fresh vegetables and fruits,
and see your friends. You will find the community a little older than the surf towns such as
Tamarindo and Jaco due to the waters being too calm here to surf.
Active Living and Community Engagement in Playas del Coco
There are so many ways to get exercise in Coco. You will see many expats walking the
beach or fishing in the morning, between the hours of 6am and 9am. Hiking the hills
surrounding Coco, going to one of the four gyms in town, or taking part in pickleball, Zumba,
water aerobics, kayaking, bicycling, and yoga at Costa Rica Wellness Retreat are all great
ways to get your body moving.
Yoga can also be experienced on the beach or even on a SUP!
Many classes and community groups are here also. Learn Spanish, learn how to make Kombucha,
learn Reiki, meditate, and more.
There are so many animals for adoption here too. You can find healthy dogs and cats (usually
nurtured and vaccinated) and, if you can’t adopt, there are organizations such as Four the
Love of Paws and Homeless and Helpless that will gladly accept your donation.
Hermosa Beach
Beautiful: A Welcoming Community of Diversity,
Conservation and Convenience
Although this quaint and peaceful community itself is small, with the population fluctuating seasonally
from the high 100’s to the low 1000’s, it is well developed and boasts all the basic amenities you
would need to live comfortably with high-quality boutique hotels, bars with live music, and
international open-air restaurants dotting the oceanfront. The population consists of an
equal mix of expats, mainly North Americans and Europeans, “ticos” (Costa Rican natives), and vacationers.
The residents here are generally tightly knit and are willing to donate money for various fundraising
efforts to make the community a better place. In fact, Hermosa has a recycling program
and residents routinely volunteer for beach clean ups. There is also a Salve Monos (Save the
Monkeys) program in place, working in conjunction with the University of Costa Rica to
preserve, document, save, and enhance the dwindling Howler Monkey population in Hermosa.
Hermosa town is situated in a valley with much of the real estate development in the surrounding
hills. It is one of the few Costa Rican towns with a miniature golf course, and also has a pharmacy,
a spa, a hair salon, an ATM, plus a grocery store in the center of town to satisfy shopping needs
from fresh produce to imported wines. As Hermosa is fairly concentrated and on the bus
line, you do not have to own a car here.
Beautiful: Gateway to Convenience and Natural Wonders in
Costa Rica
However, if you have a car, you can enjoy the restaurants, bars, and larger
supermarkets in Playas del Coco and the provincial capital, Liberia. Many expats living on
the coast prefer to live in this area due to its proximity to Liberia’s services, such as the San
Rafael Arcángel private hospital and the shopping center, which includes shops, banks, lawyers,
an immigration and residency fingerprinting office, a COSEVI driver’s license office, as well
as car dealerships and large stores such as Pricemart, Walmart, Universal, and Pequeño Mundo.
Many of Costa Rica’s national parks and tourist attractions are within an hour’s drive of
Hermosa, including Rincón de la Vieja National Park, Palo Verde National Park, and Santa
Rosa National Park. These parks offer excellent opportunities to observe wildlife and experience
some of Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems, including an active volcano. The Papagayo
Peninsula also boasts several five-star luxury resorts near Hermosa, such as Four Seasons,
Andaz, Secrets, El Mangroove, and Planet Hollywood.
