What if the secret to living longer wasn’t a pill, a gym membership, or the latest superfood, but simply…moving to Costa Rica? It might sound like a travel brochure promise, but science backs it up. Costa Rica is home to one of the world’s five official Blue Zones—the Nicoya Peninsula—where people regularly live past 100. And even outside Nicoya, many expats report they feel healthier, sleep...

If you’re planning to buy land, retire, or relocate to Costa Rica, there’s one important connection you need to understand: Residency = Healthcare Access. Costa Rica’s public healthcare system, the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS)—better known as the Caja—is only available to citizens and legal residents. That means, if you want access to universal healthcare here, securing your...

One of the biggest questions new expats ask after buying land or moving to Costa Rica is: “How do I set myself up for healthcare here?” The good news: Costa Rica has a strong mix of public and private healthcare, and with a little prep in your first month, you can feel confident you’ll be covered if something unexpected happens. Here’s your step-by-step checklist for the first 30 days after you...

Thinking about a move (or land purchase) in Costa Rica and wondering how healthcare actually works? The short answer: most long‑term expats use both systems—Caja (public) for comprehensive coverage and private care for speed and choice. Here’s the full breakdown, with real costs and what to expect. The Public System (CCSS / “Caja”): What It Is & How It Works Costa Rica’s Caja...

The Southern Zone of Costa Rica—home to stunning towns like Uvita, Ojochal, and Chontales—is a year-round tropical paradise. But depending on your travel style, tolerance for rain, and interest in wildlife sightings or local festivals, some months may suit you better than others. Let’s walk through the year, month by month, so you can plan your visit with confidence and maybe even a little local...

Costa Rica has become one of the most popular destinations for North American retirees and expats, and one of the biggest draws is its high-quality, affordable healthcare system. Whether you're relocating for retirement, seeking part-time residency, or planning to invest in real estate and build a life here, understanding how healthcare works in Costa Rica is essential. This guide covers the key aspects of...

Whether you're a first-time visitor or planning to build your dream home in paradise, Puntarenas is one of the most captivating and diverse regions in Costa Rica. Stretching along the Pacific Coast from the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula down to the lush Southern Zone, Puntarenas offers a little bit of everything: beach towns, surf breaks, cloud forests, national parks, and access to both adventure and...