need advice on where to buy vacation rental

[mbevans]

Fell in love with CR last month on first visit. Heading down during spring break to look for condo for vacation rental. Looking at Jaco/Playa Hermosa/Punta Leona/Esterillos area and also Flamingo/Papagayo Gulf areas. Of course, investment and rental return are important, but nice beaches, great weather, proximity to the beach and travel time from the airport are also important.

I realize the Jaco area does not have as beautiful beaches as the Guanacaste coast but it seems to be a great location with lots to do. (We have two teenagers) as well as being a great investment area with availability of titled condos on or very near the beach. I’m a little concerned about the weather and humidity in this area compared to Guanacaste if we wanted to travel during Green season.

Other pros about Guanacaste are: closer to airport (Liberia), prettier beaches, less rain. I am concerned about the roads in Guanacaste, especially when it rains. Have heard stories about how bad they get. Also, the terrain is not as pretty as further south.

It’s a huge decision and I appreciate any comments or suggestions before our trip next month. We’ll have fun looking at both areas but our time is limited and would like to make the most of it.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[mbrydenthal]

We bought in Samara (Guanacaste)….the road from Liberia Airport all the way to Samara was one of the best roads we saw in Guanacaste…..

Samara has a real local feel….We looked into some of the areas you mentioned and really liked Playa Hermosa and Playa Panama, but the town of Samara is a functioning village so you can do other things besides sit in an airconditioned condo in a gated community and look out the window…..after all, whats the point of visiting another country if you dont experience the culture??

ABC Real Estate has some villas/condos for sale called Samarillo, betweem Samara and Carillo beaches….

Samara also has many tours that leave from the town on a daily basis…

Our search was limited to the north pacific beaches all the way to Montezuma

Matt
Flagstaff, AZ

[AcadAchiev]

Matt,

I just returned from travels through the North Central and North Pacific areas and agree that Playa Hermosa is a nice area but I can’t even find Samara on the map. How far North is it from Hermosa. Further, I also found the road from Liberia to Sardinal one of the best of our travels. Can you give me any leads on lots to purchase and build on in Samara? We looked into purchasing in Hermosa and the prices are jumping by the hour. Thank you for your assistance in advance.

Lowell

[mbrydenthal]

Lowell,

Samara is south of Hermosa, about midway between Tamarindo and Mal Pais, highway 150 ends in Samara….I would talk to the Century 21 or ABC Real Estate as to what is currently available in the area..

Matt Brydenthal
Flagstaff, AZ

[mbevans]

Matt:

Samara seems like a great area. How long is the drive from Liberia airport? My only concern is that it is not more centrally located to explore the rest of the country. Also, coming from Sacramento, our travel to CR takes about 10-11 hours so it would be nice to not have a super long drive once we get there. I don’t mind being in a more populated area as long as the beauty is there. (I’m used to going to Maui for tropical vacations so the touristy stuff doesn’t bother me)

Thanks,

Marilee
Elk Grove, CA

[mbrydenthal]

Marilee,

The drive from Liberia is about 1.5 hours….we stay the night in Liberia at the Best Western and like to head out in the morning!!!

Nice little drive to soak in the surroundings!!!

[Author]

Posts