LOS SUENOS - This is one of the most successful developments in Costa Rica. It offers incredible properties with great return for investors, a place for the retiree who just want to feel relaxed and play a round of golf, a home for the nervous traveller that likes to feel secure and while visting a tropical paradise, and a playground for the very wealthly to park their yachts and build their multimillion dollar custom homes. Los Suenos caters to a wide range of people. Be warned though, this lifestyle does not always come at a bargain price.

Los Suenos is located between the towns of Jaco and Quebrada Ganado (or the next major town to the North; Orotina) and approx. 3 kilometers directly west of Herradura. It is situated on the central West coast of Costa Rica. A few hours to the North is the Guanacaste region and Liberia. To the South a few hours away is Golfito and the tax free shopping district. It is about 100km from the central city of San Jose. It takes between 2 and 2 1/2 hours to drive there by car. This can vary somewhat depending on road and traffic conditions, and just how crazy your driver is :-). It is a long winding set of roads that run through the mountains and some very pretty scenery that get you to the resort. Take the time to stop and see some of the local culture on your way out if you haven't been there before.

THE VIEWS

Los Suenos offers icredible views of Herradura bay from the slopes on the east side of the resort. This is where a lot of private homes were built over the past several years by some very wealthy people. You will also see some condos built of the slopes which can be purchased for a more reasonable price (actually comparatively cheap when you are looking at private home prices. On occasion a lot will come up for sale that you can build your own dream home own. These can vary wildly in price so shop around and get some opinions before you buy.

JUST VISITING

If you are coming to Costa Rica and the Los Suenos or Jaco areas as a tourist you can stay in one of the many local hotels (like the incredible Los Suenos Marriott) or maybe rent one of the many condos on site. A large number of Americans, Europeans, and Canadians come here and purchase a condo knowing that they will use it maybe 2 to 4 weeks out of the year. They then usually hire out a local management company like Stay in Costa Rica to handle the management and keep it occupied much of the rest of the year. Prices can vary for $230.00 USD per week for an off peak season, smaller, and lower quality condo to as much as $1000.00 USD per week for the larger and higher end units during the peak season. There are a few companies that rent condos here and a few private owners that rent directly but Stay in Costa Rica is by far the largest and best organized. A condo rental might be a viable alternative is you have a larger group and wish to stay in the resort itself. They also manange several private homes that are available to rent as well.

BUYING LAND ON A BUDGET

There are several nearby communities where you might wish to look for bargain properties or cheap land or homes. Check out the town of Quebrada Ganado. It may not look fancy but real estate values have grown considerably here over the past few years and Gringos are starting to look at the area seriously. I personally used to rent here just a short distance from the general store. My relatives lived close by in the area as well. Tarcoles just a bit further to the north is another area to consider. Bargains can most certainly be found here. If you don't mind living with the locals you can buy a small property here and build equity over the coming years. A ways further north and an area to be seriously considered is the town of Orotina. It is on your way to and from San Jose (and the airport (aeropuerto) Juan Santamaria) and is an excellent spot to shop around for a nice piece of land (or a quinta) that you can have a few horses on and not be right in the thick of tourist country. It's more tico - ized here and far less touristy. The temperature is about the same as the Jaco and Los Suenos areas with maybe a bit less humidity. Watch this site in the coming months for more pages on Orotina and the small area communities.