Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the weather conditions in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The Green Season lasts from May to November. The Gold Season begins in December and continues through April. During the Green Season expect a daily rain shower late in the afternoon or evening which keeps the landscape green. During the Gold Season, virtually no rain falls and the landscape turns a golden brown. In Guanacaste where Pacifico is located, the dry, Gold Season tends to last several weeks longer than in other areas of Costa Rica.
Temperatures vary primarily with elevation, not with season. On the coasts the weather is warm all year while in the mountains nights can be cool at any time of the year.
Check our website for average temperatures for each month and for current weather conditions & forecast for Liberia, the capital of Guanacaste Providence, which is located just 20 minutes from Pacifico.
2. Is it necessary to speak fluent Spanish or have an interpreter when traveling to Costa Rica?
No. Spanish is the official language; however English is widely spoken throughout the country. Members of our Sales Team are bilingual.
3. Is the water safe to drink?
Yes. Unlike many other Latin countries, Costa Rica has similar practices and standards found in the U.S. for ensuring that clean, potable water is available to its citizens.
4. What is the time zone?
Costa Rica is on Central Standard Time (-6 GMT) and Daylight Savings Time is not observed.
5. How would you describe the area of Costa Rica where Pacifico is located?
The Guanacaste providence in northwest Costa Rica is a land of volcanic peaks, jungle valleys, scenic waterfalls and natural hot springs. Home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, with national parks and wildlife refuges, the area offers fascinating nature exploration as well as historic sites and quaint villages. Its beaches are some of the best in Costa Rica and the warm, crystal-clear waters of the Pacific are both inviting and picturesque. The climate is comfortable year-round, with low humidity, sunny days and balmy star-studded nights.
6. What are the attractions to Playas del Coco for tourists and residents?
Coco Beach is the most accessible and frequented beach in Guanacaste. In addition to the commercial conveniences at the Pacifico Retail Village and Auto Mercado Center, Coco offers a port captain, post office, bank, small hotels and bed & breakfast establishments, and a selection of restaurants and souvenir shops. The Pacifico Retail Village is now open and the Auto Mercado Center will open Summer 2008.
7. Where are the schools near Pacifico?
The Country Day School in Guanacaste (Pre-K through Grade 12)
Location: Playa Brasilito
Phone: (506) 2654-5042
Website: www.cdsgtc.com
Contact: Patrick Brown
Remarks: About an hour drive south to Brasilito, considered the best school in the area. Tuition is $7,500 per year.
International Christian School
Location: Liberia
Phone: (506) 2665-0007
Website: www.icscr.net
Contact: Wendy Taylor
Remarks: About 40 minutes to Liberia. School is branch of larger school in San José.
Escuela Teocali
Location: Liberia
Phone: (506) 2666-2903
Remarks: About 40 minutes to Liberia. School has been operating for 25 years.
8. What recreational activities are available in the area?
Witch’s Rock canopy tour – “Harness up and swing through the trees” on a series of zip lines suspended between the tall trees of the tropical forest. Enjoy an incredible view of the Gulf of Papagayo.
Horseback riding at El Aromal – Hacienda ARomal neighbors the Santa Rosa National Park. You will observe a wide variety of wildlife and experience breathtaking views as you ride through Aromal. A guided tour begins at the sabaneros cattle herding station where you will wear the typical hats and kerchiefs and the tour ends at the Hacienda where you will be offered a cool drink and a typical Costa Rican snack.
Fishing – Guanacaste offers on of Costa Rica’s premium fishing destinations – Catalina Islands. The deep water to the south and west, off Flamingo and Tamarindo beaches is home to blue, striped and black marlin, a multitude of sailfish and dorado (mahi mahi). Big-game fishing is available, 16-65 kilometers (10 to 40 miles) offshore. Boats measure 9.5 to 16-metres (31 to 51 feet) and accommodate four fishermen each. Every boat is equipped with high-tech communication devices, GPS, fish depth-finder, life jackets and Penn International fishing gear. Half-day or Full-day excursions can be easily arranged.
Scuba diving – There are many dive sites on the Guanacaste coastline, showcasing an underwater life that is richly diverse in color, species and natural volcanic rock formations. Marine life unique to this region abounds – divers will see massive schools of fish, rays, jacks, whales sharks, giant mantas, sea turtles, white tip sharks, dolphins and more. Available diving trips include local dives, night dives and dives to the Catalina Islands.
Surfing – For surfing enthusiasts, local surf shops can transport you by boat to Witch’s rock, Petrero Grande, Ollie’s Point and several other world-famous spots routinely featured in surfing magazines. For the less experienced or new surfer, Tamarindo is a very popular surfing destination, with two beaches: one for beginners and the other for the slightly more advanced. Located approximately 1 hour drive southwest of Pacifico, lesions are available through local surf shops in Tamarindo.
Rainforests – The Rincon Rainforest is Premontane Rainforest (Bosque Pluvial Premontano) at 900 meters down to Very Humid Rainforest (Bosque Muy Humedo Tropical) at 200 meters elevation. In generic terms, it is classical piedmont rainforest on volcanic foothill soils, receiving 4-5 meters of rain annually. It is home to at least 500 species of vertebrates, 3000 species of plants and many tens of thousands of species of insects, mites, fungi, bacteria, nematodes, spiders and protozoans.
9. Are there national parks in Guanacaste?
Parque Nacional Ricon de la Vieja and the Rincon Volcano is located in Guanacaste about 58 kilometers or 36 miles from Pacifico. Estimated travel time is a 2 hour drive. This 35,000 acre (14,161-hectare) national park is named after its active volcano, Rincon de la Vieja. There is an abundance of Costa Rica’s national flower, the guaria morada, a purple orchid and the wildlife in the park is extremely varied with almost 300 species of birds recorded here. The Rincon Volcano is about one million years old and is the third most active volcano in Costa Rica. It has nine active craters. Gentle activity has occurred many times since the late 1960’s. The most recent eruption of steam and ash was in 1997.
Palo Verde Wildlife National Park is located in Guanacaste about 60 kilometers or 37 miles from Pacifico. Estimated travel time is a 2 hour drive. This 42,000 acre (17,000-hectare) national park features saltwater and freshwater lagoons and marshes, mangrove swamps and deciduous woodland, as well as an impressive array of wildlife.
10. Where are the best places to shop?
Pacifico Retail Village & Auto Mercado Center - Auto Mercado, an upscale Costa Rican grocery store chain of approximately 17,000 sq. ft. is located in the Pacifico Retail Village. Auto Mercado offers a bakery, deli, fresh produce departments as well as an impressive selection of wine & liquor. Other retailers may include a DHL/post office, drycleaner, pharmacy, video store, optical shop, boutiques, eating establishments, and similar service-related businesses.
Robb & Stucky Interiors Design Studio - is located in the Retail Village selling upscale furniture, accessories, house wares, and electronics. Professional interior design services are available by this award-winning U.S. based company; www.robb-stucky.com.
El Coco retail shops - Local merchants offer cigars, clothing, jewelry, t-shirts, hand crafted wood items, and local pottery.
11. Where is the closest International airport to Pacifico?
The Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in Liberia is approximately 20 minutes from Pacifico on a paved, well-traveled road.
12. Are there direct flights from the U.S. to Liberia, Costa Rica?
Currently non-stop flights are available from Miami, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Charlotte, and New York City into the Liberia airport on American, Continental, Delta, and US Airways.
13. Are transportation services available to the Pacifico Sales Gallery?
Transportation services to the Pacifico Sales Gallery can be arranged by contacting the Pacifico Club Concierge at (011) 506-2670-2217.
14. Are there restrictions for non-Costa Rican nationals regarding ownership of property within
the country?
Foreign buyers have the same rights as Costa Rican nationals when purchasing & owning real estate with the exception of beachfront property which is held in concession by the government. All Pacifico condominiums, townhomes, and home sites are outside this concession zone.
15. How will property be conveyed to buyers of Pacifico?
All of the residential properties and homesites at Pacifico will be conveyed in fee-simple ownership. Regardless of your nationality, you may want to consider transferring title to your Pacifico property after closing through either a Costa Rican corporation (“Sociedad Anónima” or “S.A.”) or limited liability company (“Limitada”), as this has many current tax advantages when it comes to reselling the property at a later date. Our Sales Executives can refer you to our law firm in Costa Rica who can explain this process to you and can easily handle this as part of your property closing process.
16. Is title insurance available for the Pacifico property and is a title search performed prior to
closing?
Yes. The policy of title guaranty assures fee simple title to your property free and clear of third party rights of possession. Title insurance is not required and it is up to you as to whether or not you want to pay for and obtain title insurance. Our Sales Executives can recommend a few title companies that underwrite Pacifico properties.
If you hire an attorney, he/she will research the title’s legal standing as part of his/her service at your request.
17. What deposits are required to purchase a property in Pacifico?
An initial earnest money deposit of U.S. $5,000 is required on the date the buyers select the property and the Purchase & Sale Agreement is executed. According to the terms of the agreement, the balance of the initial deposit equal to 10% of the purchase price is due in U.S. $ within 5 days of the date of the contract. Additional deposits are due: 10% at notice of commencement of construction; and the final 5% deposit at completion of the building roof. In some cases the building may already be under construction and the additional deposit amounts are due within 5 days of the contract. This deposit schedule applies to the purchase of condominiums or townhomes. The purchase of a homesite requires a U.S. $10,000 initial earnest money deposit and an additional 10% deposit due within 15 days after the date of the contract. Deposit requirements are subject to change without notice.
18. Is there a contract rescission period?
Unlike in many states in the U.S., there is no contract rescission period in Costa Rica. Once a Purchase & Sale Agreement is executed and deposits are received by Pacifico, the terms agreed to by the Buyer and Seller is legally binding.
19. Is financing available?
There are several local banks that offer financing to qualified Pacifico property purchasers. Our Sales Executives will provide you with more information about the options and programs available. Interest rates in Costa Rica are two to four points higher than in North America and for this reason many foreign buyers elect to refinance their homes in the U.S. or Canada if they require financing to purchase a Pacifico property. U.S., Canadian, and British buyers of a condominium or townhome may qualify for preferred loan programs offered by Deutsche Bank/Mortgage IT. Ask a Sales Executive for further details.
20. Can Purchase & Sale Agreements be assigned and/or the property be resold to another Buyer prior to closing?
Purchase & Sale Agreements can not be assigned and property can not be re-listed or sold to another buyer prior to closing without the Developer’s written approval.
21. What are the closing costs, transfer taxes, property taxes, and other fees associated with purchasing in Pacifico?
Buyers of Pacifico property will be responsible for land transfer taxes and registry stamps totaling approximately 2.3% of the purchase price.
Buyers will expect to pay approximately $1000 to the law firm if they elect to take title to their property in either a Costa Rican S.A. or Limitada.
Property taxes in Costa Rica are significantly lower than in North America. They are currently set at 0.25% of the registered property value and are payable on a quarterly or annual basis, at the election of the property owner.
There are currently no capital gains taxes in Costa Rica on the sale of property or the sale of the shares or quotas of the S.A. or Limitada that owns the property as long as the seller is not in the business of buying and selling real estate in which case he may be subject to Costa Rican income tax law.
22. How long does it take to transfer legal ownership once funds are received by Pacifico?
Legal transfer begins with the signature of the transfer documents and their presentation to the Registry. The complete process can take up to 4 to 5 weeks, but once the document is stamped as received by the Registry, you have the rights of ownership of the property and no liens or transfers can occur.
23. Are US $ required for deposits and at closing for the purchase of property in Pacifico?
Yes. Funds in US $ are required and can be remitted by cashier’s check drawn on a US bank or more commonly are wire transferred directly according to the instructions in the Purchase & Sale Agreement.
24. How long does it take to transfer funds?
Typically, 2-4 business days.
25. Do buyers of property in Costa Rica need the assistance and advice of a lawyer?
We recommend that buyers consult a lawyer to assist with the real estate purchase transaction in Costa Rica. Our Sales Executives can provide you with the contact information for the law firm of Arias & Munoz who handle all of the closing and legal matters for Pacifico.
26. Are there any interval ownership opportunities available at Pacifico?
No. All properties at Pacifico are dedicated to whole ownership.
27. Is there a rental program available to owners of residences in Pacifico?
The Pacifico Master Deed and By-laws and the Master Deed and By-Laws for each residential sub-association give owners the right to rent their property. While some owners handle rental administration themselves, the vast majority will contract with Pacifico Association Management Services PAMS. For more information email us at
pams@jpcfl.com.
28. Are there any restrictions on the resale of property in Pacifico? If so, what is the standard commission?
There are no restrictions on the resale or listing of property in Pacifico. Sellers may choose to sell their property themselves or list their property with an outside real estate brokerage firm. The Pacifico Sales Gallery does not handle resales at this time.
29. Does ownership of property in Pacifico automatically qualify owners for Costa Rican residency?
No. If you are interested in obtaining official residency, we advise you to contact a law firm. It is not necessary for you to obtain residency if your maximum stay in the country does not exceed the period specified on your tourist visa. After spending a minimum of 72 hours outside of the country, you will be allowed to re-enter Costa Rica and receive another tourist visa.
30. Are there property management and rental services for your home or homesite available through Pacifico?
Yes. Property management and rental services are available. Contact us by email at pams@jpcfl.com for more information.
31. Is there a homeowners association for each enclave of Pacifico or for the entire Pacifico community?
Yes. There is a Master Condo Association and various Sub-Condo Associations.
32. What are the fees associated with the associations?
Budgets for the Master Condo Association, each Sub-Condo Association, Beach Club, Health Club & Spa, and Members Club are available from our Sales Executives.
33. Is Pacifico a gated community?
Pacifico is a guarded, gated community. The Pacifico Master Condo Association and the 2 Commercial Condo Associations determines the level of security within the community under the advice of the Developer. The security guards, patrol, entry-controlled access, and other related security costs are included in the Master Condo Association fees.
34. Are owners of property in Pacifico automatically members of the Pacifico Beach Club, Pacifico Health Club & Spa, and Pacifico Members Club?
Yes. All owners of a residence or home site in Pacifico will receive a Premier Membership to all of the Clubs at Pacifico. Currently, a Premier Membership includes membership to the Pacifico Beach Club; the Pacifico Health Club & Spa; and the Pacifico Members Club. The Clubs at Pacifico reserves the right to restrict, or prohibit membership according to the rules and regulations and terms of the membership agreement.
This Premier membership is non-transferable. Upon resale of any residence or homesite within Pacifico, new owners will be required to complete a membership application and must pay the membership application fee that is applicable at the time of application.
Please refer to The Clubs at Pacifico Membership Agreements for further information.
35. Are there fees associated with a Premier Membership?
Yes. Membership fees are included in the Pacifico Master Condo Association dues.
36. Is the Pacifico Beach Club Restaurant & Bar open to the general public?
The Pacifico Beach Club including the Restaurant & Bar is a private, members-only club. Members may invite guests for dining as specified in the membership rules and regulations.
The Developer reserves the right to offer daily dining privilege passes and sell limited memberships to the Beach Club restaurant & bar to outside parties for promotional purposes.
37. Are the other amenities: pool & spa, cabanas, sunbathing lawn, fresco dining, available to the general public?
The Pacifico Beach Club amenities are available to members only and their guests.
The Developer reserves the right to offer day passes and sell memberships to the Beach Club amenities to outside parties for promotional purposes.
38. What are the projected demographics of Pacifico owners?
The latest demographic studies Pacifico indicate that 48% of buyers are Costa Rican, 43% U.S. citizens, 5% Canadian, and 4% are from Europe or South America; 48% purchased property at Pacifico as an investment; 31% as a second home; and 16% as a primary residence.
39. How do Pacifico owners receive and send mail?
Condominium owners at Pacifico will have a mailbox located in the Pacifico Retail Village postal center. Single family homeowners will have mail delivery to their mailbox at their driveway.
40. Are telephone, internet, and cable TV services available in Pacifico?
Yes, all services are available at Pacifico . Our Closing Coordinator is available to answer your questions about set up and transfer of these utility service accounts.
41. How do we purchase furniture, accessories, electronics, and house wares for our new residence?
Visit Robb & Stucky Design Studio located in the Pacifico Retail Village. Their professional staff of designers will assist you in customizing your home with packages of the finest furniture, accessories, house wares, and electronics available. Visit www.robb-stucky.com for more information about our US-based marketing partner.
Currently 5 Design schemes are available: Island, Bali, Carmel, Tortola, and Watercolors
One Bedroom U.S. $ 50,000
Two Bedroom U.S. $ 65,000
Three Bedroom U.S. $ 75,000
Townhome U.S. $ 95,000
Ocean Vista Residence U.S. $ 80,000
Prices subject to change without notice.
42. Can we bring our pets to Costa Rica?
To bring a pet into the country you must contact the Costa Rican consulate in the US to obtain the proper paperwork and procedures prior to arrival. There is no quarantine for pets arriving in Costa Rica.
In general, pets must have all vaccinations and documentation from a vet. Shots must be current within two weeks except for rabies which must be less than one year. Certain species and breeds of dogs and cats are not allowed in the country. It is an easy process to bring a pet to Costa Rica provided the owners follow the procedures correctly.
Currently all airlines flying from the U.S. prohibit pets from in-cabin flights to Central America. Pets can travel in cargo.
43. What electronic system is available?
At Pacifico, the standard current is 110 volts. No adaptors are needed.
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