Archive for March, 2011

A Must-See: The Booming Coffee Industry in Costa Rica

Whether taking a Costa Rica Vacation or having a business travel, there is one must-see in Costa Rica and this is its gourmet coffee industry.

The Costa Rican gourmet coffee has always been a top favorite for a lot of coffee lovers from all corners of the globe. Hence, it is quite obvious that this nation is home to some of the giant coffee industries in the world. This is another reason why you need to visit Costa Rica.

Since 1779, Costa Rica is already observing the production of top quality gourmet coffee. Meseta Central is the first region to observe such practice because the area has every feature required for the cultivation of first class coffee. The soil texture and climate is just perfect in the locality.

Previously known for the production of tobacco, sugar, and cacao, Costa Rica soon became the mecca for the best coffee. Within the next fifty years after the first production of gourmet coffee, Costa Rica emerged as a top player in the Gourmet Coffee Industry. In fact, the gourmets became the top export item of the country with this legacy still perpetuating up to this date.

Back in 1820, only Panama imported gourmet coffee from Costa Rica. But Great Britain became an avid customer and by the end of the World War II, Great Britain became the principle consumer of the Costa Rican gourmet coffee.

Aside from Meseta Central, other regions such as the Puntarenas, Cartago, Alajuela, Heredia, and San Jose also followed suit and started growing premium coffee beans. From then on, the mention of Costa Rica became synonymous to top quality gourmet coffee.

When visiting Costa Rica, the coffee industry is something worth exploring. And when you come back home, do not forget to bring some gourmet coffee with you.

Why You Need to Go to Costa Rica Part 2

Here is part 2 of the reasons why you need to go to Costa Rica.

If you like to fish, Costa Rica is the place that you need to go to. The amount of fish is plentiful. In fact, you can go offshore to get tuna, rooster fish, and marlin. You may also opt to remain on the beaches to get tarpon and snook. With so many choices, you can even choose to fish one day on the Caribbean and on the following day fish on the Pacific Ocean. You have your choices on what you would like to do. You essentially have no limit to where you can travel.

There are vacation package deals that are geared towards honeymoon to fabulous beach resorts. If you’re planning your honeymoon to Costa Rica, do your homework. Research online and find a good travel website to check out the specials. As for the honeymoon choices, couples can gaze at the beautiful scenery, hike, or simply relax in a spa treatment.

It basically depends on what you are looking for. Is this a trip that is just for adventure or do you want romance? Is it a family tour? Whatever it is you’re looking forward to your vacation, you will find vacation package deals that will suit your needs.

But before going there, you need to be aware that there are only 2 seasons in Costa Rica, the dry and rainy seasons. In the months from mid-November to April, this is the dry season. The rest of the year is the rainy season.

I have a tip for you. You do not want to go during Easter although this may be a great time as this is the time of spring break. Although it is during the dry season, you will have difficulty going around the country. The country basically goes in shut down mode during that holy week.

In terms of transportation and going around Costa Rica, you can take a bus but this can be slow. The good thing with this mode of transport is that it will be more scenic and cost less money too.

You could also rent a car. You can drive it but you need valid driver’s license plus a passport. You may also be required to get rental insurance.

A good alternative is the taxis. They are quite cheap and if you have a city official taxi, this is the cheapest and safest way of transportation.

If you have a good budget, money you could fly domestically to go to your various destinations. It should be noted however that flights are full during peak season.

Why You Need to Go to Costa Rica this Year? 2011′s Resort Travel Hot Spot

Are you looking for a good place to go on vacation right now? Costa Rica is the perfect place to go if you are on a tight budget for travel and leisure.

“How am I going to pay for a Costa Rica travel tours? Although it the cost of your vacation may be something that you need to be worried about, there are many Costa Rican deals that are inexpensive and affordable for you. The good thing is that they can be found online.

If you are living in the U.S., you might be surprised with what I have to reveal to you. Did you know that it is usually cheaper to go to Costa Rica than to go on vacation within the U.S?

The great thing is that you will notice that most package deals will have cruises that go to various ports in Costa Rica. Alternatively, you can book a flight from major United States airports to fly into Liberia or San Jose. These two are the biggest cities of Costa Rica. You can look online to find your low air fares deals.

If you find a trip that is inexpensive, trust me, you will not have any less service than that of more expensive flights out there. This is because many things in Costa Rica are relatively cheap when compared to the US.

You can go to restaurants to have low cost but fantastic meals. This really makes dining out better.

Shopping is also cheaper out there and it is time to splurge some cash to those great bargains. The overall cost of living, compared to the United States and European countries, is far cheaper and you would want to stay for long here.

There are several vacation package deals that will provide you with trips to the beautiful land resorts of the country such as the Costa Rica’s wildly beautiful National Parks.

According to recent data, 23% of the landmass of Costa Rica is rain forest and they make it a point to maintain it this way so it can be one of those perfect places for eco tourism. Costa Rica is very popular for the much diversity of plant life, animal life, and sea life.

If you want to go to these beautiful areas, you can find travel deals that are specializing in these tours and can take you to these places. Another great news is that Costa Rica is only 10 degrees from the equator, making the climate sunny and warm all year round.

To continue with this information, please visit Why Costa Rica part 2 of this article.

How to Become a Resident of Costa Rica – Part 2

Here is the part 2 of the series of how to become a resident of Costa Rica:

Business

If you desire to start a business in Costa Rica, the minimum investment is US $200,000. This is another option where you can become a resident of the country.

You will be required to remain in the country for at least six months in a year. In this category, you cannot claim a spouse or dependents under 18. But you are entitled to income from the project, can own a company, and receive dividends.

If you are a representative of a company (a Representante), the applicant must be a company director, and employ a minimum number of local workers as established by the labor law, with financial statements certified by a public accountant.

The representative must remain in Costa Rica for at least six months every year. He cannot claim a spouse or dependents under 18, but can earn an income from the company, and can own a company and receive income.

Permanent Residency

Permanent Residency in Costa Rica can be obtained through “first degree relative status” with a Costa Rican citizen. This can be done through marriage to a citizen or having a Costa Rican child. Otherwise, an application for permanent residence can be made after three years in another status.

It should be noted that all residency applications will take 6 to 12 months for approval. Once all documents are submitted, pending the time period required, a person can remain in Costa Rica.

All types of residency require the following documents:

Birth Certificate for applicant, spouse, and all dependent children

Police Certificate of Good Conduct from your last place of residency

Marriage Certificate if your spouse is applying for residency.

Remember these tips and I hope you get approved with your application. Good luck!

Become a Resident of Costa Rica

Do you want to understand the details to become a resident of Costa Rica? Then, this post is for you.

Becoming a Costa Rica resident is a simple and straightforward process. The requirements are different depending whether you are a retiree living on pension or other income sources or seeking permanent residency. Requirements are also different for those with business interests.

For those who are retired living on government or private pension or social security retirement benefits, you will be required a proof of monthly income of US$1000 or more. This should be a permanent source of income. This category is called Pensionado.

For the Rentista or those living on investment income, you will need a proof of US $2500 per month income for at least five years. This must be guaranteed by a banking institution. Another option would be to choose to deposit a minimum of US$ 150,000 in an approved Costa Rican bank.

Both Pensionado and Rentista are required to remain in the country for a minimum of at least four months every year. He can claim a spouse and dependents under 18 years of age but he cannot work as an employee, Nevertheless, he can own a company and receive dividends.

To become a resident for business or for other purposes, please check out this information:

How to Become a Costa Rica Resident Part 2