Living in Costa Rica in the Hidden Gem of the Central Pacific – Esterillos Oeste

There are those hidden little gems all over this remarkable country and one of those in the Central Pacific is the small village of Esterillos Oeste. Esterillos Oeste is an old fishing village just 15 minutes south of Jaco. Now with the new highway, Esterillos is a mere one and half hours from the San Jose International airport.

What is unique about Esterillos Oeste is that is one of the few beach towns in the entire country that you can truly say is an actual community. There is a great mix of Gringos and Ticos in Esterillos and work together, help each other, and most important just enjoy the wonderful life we all have together here.

Most beach towns are a scattering of homes and maybe a small hotel or two. Many don’t even have a small market to buy essentials. Esterillos Oeste has two small markets, a family owned butcher shop, a K through 6 elementary school, and approximately 12 or 13 places to eat and have a drink.

Everything from the small Mom and Pop soda that consist maybe of two tables on a back patio where you can enjoy gallo pinto and eggs, to nicer restaurants like Los Almendros offering a Caribbean cuisine that is to die for and very reasonably priced.

There are several small hotels in Esterillos as well as several gated communities with affordably priced homes. Since the vast majority of Esterillos Oeste is residential it should keep its small fishing village charm for years to come, even with the current development underway.

Many times people will say one of the things they worry most about moving to any place new, and especially upon retiring is what will they do to occupy their time? We have discovered that by being in a unique town like Esterillos and interacting with others who live here you have an abundance of things to involve yourself in, occupy your time, and in many ways make a difference in the new place you call home.

Like most places, Esterillos Oeste has an eclectic group of individuals that make it such a special place. That includes both Ticos and Gringos. There are Tico families who have lived here for more than 40 years, long before any development came to the Central Pacific coast.

Fishermen still launch their boats right on the beach daily and you can buy the fresh catch of the day right off of the boats when they return each morning and afternoon.

Esterillos is home to the famous Serena, the mermaid statue out in the surf that watches over the town and legend has it, protects the local fishermen. Approximately 25 or 30 Scarlet Macaws make their home in Esterillos Oeste, playing in the trees by the beach throughout the day.

Local gringo residents have involved themselves helping teach art classes after school, organizing recycling programs, establishing a life guard program, teaching computer classes in the computer learning center donated some years back, and many other activities throughout the year.

Esterillos Oeste was home to the first annual Mardi Gras parade and celebration on the west coast two years ago. The entire town gets involved in decorating their cars, motorcycles, bikes, and anything else they can think of for the parade that launches the celebration.

It is an all day celebration with games and face painting for the kids, food vendors, live music, hundreds of Mardi Gras beads, and the entire population of the area coming together for a good cause. The money raised during the event goes to the school, life guards, and other community projects. Esterillos will host their second annual chili cook off soon.

The event pits make shift teams against established restaurant owners for a fun day of food, drinks, and helping the community. Local bars and restaurants host open mic’ nights, special parties throughout the year, live music, and offer a wide variety of food and drinks.

It is a special place that for many people has a magical feel and attraction to it. It’s the type of place that if you “get it” it literally gets inside of you and you can’t help but fall in love with it.

Some great real estate opportunities in Esterillos Oeste and the surrounding communities right now include a 2br 1½ bath home for $110K, a 2br 2ba home for $115K, a 2br 2ba home completely furnished for $135K and a 2br 2ba custom built home with pool for just $225K and many more.

As we always tell everyone, Costa Rica in general, or Esterillos Oeste specifically is not for everyone. But for those who do “get it” though, it is one of the most unique beach villages in the entire country.

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For more information about living on the Central Pacific Coast, please contact our Recommended Realtors using the simple form below:

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.