Costa Rica continues to position itself as one of the most extraordinary destinations in the world. Its recent recognition as Best Nature Destination at the Forbes Travel Awards 2026 reinforces a development model where sustainability, conservation, and visitor experience exist in balance. More than just an award, this recognition reflects decades of commitment to protecting natural resources while...

If you're considering moving to Costa Rica, the Southern Zone—and especially Ojochal—is quickly becoming one of the most attractive destinations for expats, retirees, and investors. But this isn’t just about buying property. Living in Ojochal Costa Rica represents a shift toward a more intentional, balanced, and high-quality lifestyle. Ojochal Real Estate: Space, Privacy, and Long-Term Value One...

One of the most common questions among U.S. retirees and international expats considering a move to Costa Rica is whether learning Spanish is truly necessary. The short answer is no—you can get by without it. The more complete answer, however, is that learning even basic Spanish can significantly enhance your experience. Costa Rica has a large English-speaking community, particularly in popular expat...

A tour is the best way to get to know Ojochal and the surrounding area, meet  people and see as many properties as possible. The Real Pacific Tour will offer you more that just a viewing of available properties – of course we will do that, but there are other important things also.  We will introduce you to our community.  We will show you completed projects and give you the opportunity to speak...

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...

Building a home in Costa Rica is an exciting opportunity—but before you ever break ground or browse property listings, there’s one essential question to ask yourself:Why are you building this home?Your purpose—whether it’s retirement, vacation, or investment—should shape everything from location and layout to materials and long-term costs.In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences...

Whether you're a seasoned real estate investor or someone seeking a meaningful lifestyle surrounded by nature, Costa Rica continues to stand out as a top destination for land ownership. Its combination of legal security, political stability, ecological diversity, and welcoming culture makes it one of the most attractive places in the world to buy property. This expanded guide from The Real Pacific is...