Osa Peninsula Real Estate News
Osa Pacific Properties / South Costa Rica / Osa Peninsula Region
Costa Rican MLS Service. Costa Rica does not have a unified country wide MLS (Multiple Listing Service), nor are there plans for one at this time. There are currently no less than 5 fractured groups that make the claim of being Costa Rica's true MLS service. For this reason, Osa Pacific Properties chooses to have no affiliation or make any representation of being an MLS service member. It is however common to work with other professional Osa Peninsula real estate companies to locate a specific property for a client or to negociate a purchase on the clients behalf. If you see a property you like on another website, please call or contact OPP to work on your behalf as a buyers agent.
Sold Properties. Many real estate companies list properties as being "SOLD" even when they are not the procuring cause of sale or otherwise involved in any way with the sale. This is a misleading attempt to appear to be a leader in area sales. Osa Pacific Properties does not participate in this practice. All OPP sold properties are deleted after closing.
It's official. The Costanera Sur is Finished. The $51.6 million project connects a newly paved stretch of Pacific Coast Highway between the central Pacific town of Quepos and the south Pacific town of Dominical. The new highway is 26 miles long and has opened up travel to and from the Osa Peninsula Region. Travel time from Dominical in the Osa to San Jose the Capital has been reduced by over 2 hours. Real estate values and tourism in the Osa Region have seen a boost as a result. The Costanera (Pacific Coast) Highway between Dominical and Palmar Sur is considered one of the most scenic drives in Costa Rica.
Osa Regional Hospital
The newest Regional Hospital in the Osa Peninsula Region of South Costa Rica was completed in the town of Cortez, alongside the Costanera (Pacific Coast) Highway. This 86,000 square foot hospital facility provides a wide range of health services and health care professionals, including physicians in cardiology, oncology, and neurology. The hospital is a benefit to all of those that live in or visit the southern zone in Costa Rica.
Southern Zone Hydroelectric Power Plant
Construction is under way on a new billion dollar hydroelectric power plant in the Osa Region, to be named El Diquis. The plant is a project of the Costa Rica Electrical Institute. Some 14,000 acres of land will be flooded, and when the plant is in operation, it is expected to generate 630 megawatts of environmentally clean energy. The completed infrastructure and planned Archaeological Museum will be an additional boost to tourism in the Osa Peninsula Region.
Osa Peninsula Biodiversity Center
"There may be no better place in all of Central America to study tropical ecology than the Osa Biodiversity Center. The Osa Peninsula contains a nearly intact fauna, including jaguars, tapirs, white-lipped peccaries, curassows, macaws, and other sensitive species. The diversity of wildlife is astonishing. Moreover, the Center provides first-rate facilities and a fine trail network for investigating forests of all ages, coastal ecosystems, and a variety of agricultural lands. I recommend it enthusiastically."
–Dr. David Wilcove, Professor of Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Public Affairs, Princeton University
The Osa Biodiversity Center (OBC) is Friends of the Osa's base for tropical research and learning located on the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica. The 4,200 acre Center is made up of the Piro Research Center, Greg Gund Conservation Center, and Cerro Arbolito Biological Outpost. Surrounded by tropical rainforest, the facilities are ideal for researchers, student groups and volunteers to study and learn about tropical ecology, volunteer in the Sea Turtle Conservation Program, and experience the diverse wildlife of the Osa Peninsula. Friends of the Osa (FOO) is a nonprofit conservation organization committed to the preservation of the Osa Peninsula's globally significant biodiversity, by ensuring the maintenance, restoration and long-term viability of the ecosystems on and around the Osa Peninsula. FOO was founded in 2003 and has offices in Washington, DC and Puerto Jiménez. The OBC team consists of dedicated Costa Rican and international biologists conducting scientific research, environmental educators and land conservation managers.
Costa Rica's Magical Migration of Whales and Dolphins
During two separate Costa Rica "Whaling Seasons" in the year, you can interact and get a first hand look at some of the various magnificent Whales and Dolphins that migrate to the warm blue Pacific waters around Costa Rica to calve their young. It is believed that an estimated 80% of the whales in the world are conceived or are born in the waters of the Osa Peninsula. Whale sightings are common in the waters from the beach town of Dominical in the northern most part of the Osa Region to Puerto Jimenez deep in the southern zone. This region is called Costa Ballena (the Whales Coast). The peak Ballena (Whale) observation months are January thru April, followed closely by July thru October. Warm and environmentally rich Osa Peninsula waters draw the mighty Humpback Whale, Bryde Whales, Pilot Whales, False Killer Whales, and even the famed Orca Killer Whale. Dolphin schools are full of a variety of diverse Dolphin species that can be seen at play in the open water of the Pacific Ocean and Golfo Dulce (Sweet Gulf). The whaling season is a terrific time to come and explore the Osa Peninsula Region in South Costa Rica.
Payments, credits, and loans on Osa Peninsula Real Estate while Protecting the Costa Rican Environment - Fondo Nacional de Financiamiento Forestal
The Payment for Environmental Services Program (ESPP) constitutes a financial recognition by the state, with money or credits through FONAFIFO, granted to forest and plantation owners for the environmental services rendered by them, which directly affect the protection and improvement of the environment. According to Costa Rica's Forestry Law No. 7575, the following environmental services are defined: mitigation of gases produced by the greenhouse effect, protection of water for urban, rural or hydroelectric purposes; protection of biodiversity for conservation, sustainable, scientific and pharmaceutical uses; research and genetic improvement; protection of ecosystems and life forms, including natural scenic beauty for tourism and scientific purposes.
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The efforts of Costa Rica has made to attract high tech industry has placed it as the fourth largest exported worldwide, promoting the country as the ideal investment location for consolidated industries within the service industry and life sciences. The payoff also allows the development of new investment niches in biotechnology, entertainment and services. |
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InsideCostaRica News 19th January 2012 |
Happy Planet Index 2.0: Why Good Things Don't Have To Cost The Earth
The Happy Planet Index reveals the ecological efficiency with which human well-being is delivered. The index combines environmental impact with human well-being to measure the environmental efficiency with which, country by country, people live long and happy lives. This is the second compilation of data for 143 countries around the world, representing 99% of the world's population. Costa Rica Tops The Happy Planet Index 2.0. Costa Ricans report the highest life satisfaction in the world and have the second-highest average life expectancy of the New World (second only to Canada).
Costa Rica's Finest Golf Courses
In the 1970's, George Fazio was commissioned to design the first 18 hole championship golf course in Costa Rica at what has become known as the Cariari Country Club. This course has a reputation of being one of the best in all of Central America. Built on an old coffee plantation, this 6,590 yard layout challenges the creative abilities of any professional or amateur golfer. Costa Rican golfers and tourists alike can enjoy courses designed by George Fazio, Arnold Palmer, Robert Trent Jones II, Ron Garl, Ted Robinson, Mike Young, and Tracy May. The beautiful Garra de Leon golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones II, is another magnificent example of a top quality Costa Rican golf design. This 7,030 yards of coastal golf course plays at 6,593, 6,045 and 5,396 yards. The spectacular resort surrounding Garra de Leon is considered to be the most luxurious golf and beach resorts in the entire Central American continent. Within driving distance is the 18 hole championship links play of Hacienda Pinilla Golf and Country Club. Designed by Mike Young, this 7,274 yard coastal layout is an exciting course with open fairways and challenging winds. Nearby, the Royal Pacific Golf & Country Club was completed in 1997. This Ron Garl course was architecturally designed for play through a variety of natural Costa Rican terrain within its 6,802 yards. Complimenting these legendary courses is the unforgettable golfing at Valle del Sol, a beautiful 18 hole golf course in the Central Valley, not far from the city of San Jose. Surrounded by lush gardens, golf architect Tracy May designed this course that brings small lakes and mountain streams into play on almost every hole. Valle del Sol is also an excellent place to view Costa Rica’s Irazu, Barva and Poas volcanoes to the north, and San Jose’s majestic mountain expanses to the west. Traveling south toward the Pacific coast is Los Sueños Golf Course opened in 1999. This 6,707 yard course was designed by Ted Robinson with two things in mind, natural beauty and challenging golf. Bordered by ocean, rainforest, and a dense canopy of exotic plants and hardwood trees, this golf course provides one of golf's most picturesque and natural settings in all of Central America and the world. Four Seasons Golf Club at Peninsula Papagayo. Designed by Arnold Palmer, this 18-hole, par-72 championship course was designed with the resort golfer in mind. The stunning course is ranked among the "Best 100 Courses Outside the United States" by Golf Digest. It spans over 220 pristine acres and sits on the tip of Peninsula Papagayo, nestled in the mountainside along the Pacific Ocean. The course plays 6,788 yards from the championship tees for the low-handicap golfer, and offers four additional sets of tees that allow golfers of all levels to indulge in their passion for the game.
Proposed New World Class Golfito Marina Complex in the Osa Peninsula Region
The town of Golfito, part of the Osa Peninsula Region in South Costa Rica, is the site of a planned new World Class Marina Complex, complete with first class shopping, fine restaurants and cuisine, luxury hotels, and private yacht slips with concierge service. The calm blue waters of Golfito Bay lead directly out to the Golfo Dulce, the beautiful Sweet Gulf. See more details @ http://www.GolfitoMarina.com
| Southern zone airport gets key public interest designation | |
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By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
The project to build an international airport in the southern zone got a boost over the weekend when President Laura Chinchilla declared the concept to be in the public interest. That technical designation put a high priority on the 35 million project, which will start in 2012 to put in the bare bones of an international airport. Until then there are more studies and surveys. Significant planning and environmental work already has been done. For example, officials can say with certainty that the land proposed for the airport does not contain any of the famous pre-Columbian stone spheres of other important sites. An archaeological survey already has been completed. According to plans reviewed Saturday, the airport will have a runway from 2,000 to 2,600 meters, some 6,560 to 8,530 feet. The site already has been selected. It is fincas 9 and 10 in the Valle de Diquis in Sierpe de Osa. Officials also plan on getting two adjacent fincas for eventual expansion. |
Finca 9 is the property of the Instituto Nacional de Fomento Cooperativo, a public agency. It contains 233 hectares (about 576 acres). Finca 10 contains 261 hectares (645 acres). This is enough land for the runway, ramps, taxiways, a passenger terminal, parking and space for a fixed base operator to handle private aviation. Also needed will be a fire station, a control tower, navigation and landing systems and space for customs and immigration. The money for this project will come from the Dirección General de Aviación Civil, the national budget and an allocation the Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes received from the International Civil Aviation Organization, officials said. Ms. Chinchilla said that the airport is important to generate employment and combat poverty. Real estate operators and tourism agencies are solidly in favor of the project. Ms. Chinchilla made a tour of the southern zone over the weekend and attended a meeting of the Golfito municipal council. There central government officials agreed to help the city with its tourism promotion. |
The proposed airport would be in between the Sierpe and Palmar Districts. The airport will open up International travel to South Costa Rica and the pristine Osa Peninsula Region. This proposal will have a significant impact on the value of Osa Peninsula real estate in the southern zone of Costa Rica.
Osa Mascot: Chestnut-Mandibled Toucan (Ramphastos Swainsonii)
The largest and possibly the most raucous of the five toucan species found in Costa Rica the Chestnut-mandibled Toucan is a common inhabitant of the Osa Peninsula. Its characteristic calls and large yellow and chestnut colored bill are unique to this bird and is only one of two toucan species found on the peninsula. You can usually find them in forested and semi-open areas and trees in clearings feeding mainly on fruit and an occasional insect, lizard, snake or bird nestling. Toucans will commonly feed their mate. It is typical to find them gathering in emergent trees at dusk and dawn repeating their call incessantly hopping from limb to limb making sure everybody knows they are there. They bathe in hollowed out cavities high up in the trees where water has accumulated and nest in tree cavities or old woodpecker holes from January to June.
Association of Residents of Costa Rica http://www.arcr.net/
Friends of the Osa http://www.osaconservation.org/
Community Action Alliance http://actionalliancecr.com
United States Embassy Costa Rica http://sanjose.usembassy.gov/
Canadien Embassy Costa Rica http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/costa_rica/
UK Embassy Costa Rica http://www.ukincostarica.fco.gov.uk/
German Embassy Costa Rica http://www.san-jose.diplo.de/
French Embassy Costa Rica http://ambafrance-cr.org/
Spanish Embassy Costa Rica http://es.embassyinformation.com/list.php
Italian Embassy Costa Rica http://www.ambsanjose.esteri.it/
Osa Peninsula Real Estate News
Osa Pacific Properties / South Costa Rica / Osa Peninsula Region