Author Archives: Nick Halverson

  • 19
    May 19
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kayaking in tarcoles river

Kayaking in Tarcoles River

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Kayaking in Tarcoles River

Costa Rica has many exhilarating adventure options for the adrenaline junkie in your group. However, recently a good friend of ours sent us this video of him taking a group kayaking in Tarcoles River. He shot this video several years ago and wanted others to see it.

The Tarcoles River is an extremely popular destination for tourists to Costa Rica. It is located just north of Jaco, approximately one hour from Juan Santamaria international airport. The reason Tarcoles is popular is because of the crocodiles that live in the Tarcoles River. The video below takes it to an extreme level of crocodile observation.

This is one adventure we do NOT recommend doing - even our friend no longer kayaks in this area of the Tarcoles River. However, we felt it worth sharing so visitors to our website can see how big the crocodiles can get in the Tarcoles River.

If you group doesn't have any small children in it, we do recommend observing the crocodiles from a distance on the Tarcoles River Bridge. Observing from the bridge has its own potential hazards including speeding traffic and narrow sidewalks with no official observation deck. Look at this video for visiting Tarcoles.

Osa Property Management has plenty of other custom tours we can offer guests. Additionally, we can schedule established tours and adventures for you and your group, while visiting Costa Rica. Contact us for our recommended tours - don't worry, kayaking in Tarcoles River is not one of them.

  • 21
    Dec 18
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san buenas paved road

San Buenas Road Paving

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San Buenas Road Paving

On the morning of Saturday, December 15, 2018, I awoke to the distant sound of heavy machinery operating somewhere in the San Buenas area of Osa, Puntarenas, Costa Rica ("san buena, costa rica" in Google Maps). This isn't completely unusual right now given that the November storms caused quite a bit of damage in the area, and developments and homeowners have been slowly repairing their property now that the heavy rains are all but gone. However, around 11 am I headed towards the San Buenas Pulparia (convenience store) to pick up some more coffee and I was pleasantly surprised to see that the sound of the heavy machinery was from the Osa Municipality who had begun improving Main Street.  Given all the rumors that I've heard throughout the years, the San Buenas Road Paving project is something that I thought would never be done - at least not this "soon"

San Buenas Road Paving is going to be a wonderful enhancement for everyone living in the San Buenas region. Check out the video for more information.

I spoke with a couple of administrators from the Osa Municipality on Monday, 17 December, to ask them about the timeline of the San Buenas Road Paving.  According to these administrators, the current plan is for the municipality to begin paving the road in February 2018 (exact date unknown, although we will keep everyone updated once the project starts) and they will pave one kilometer of the road. One kilometer in San Buenas will mean that the road is paved to the public elementary school and the local Catholic Church.

I asked them about the possibility of having Las Villas de San Buenas work with the local community to pave even more of the road, and to share the costs, and they suggested I work with the newly formed community road board. I had already spoken with the President of that board the day before, so I will continue to see what can be done to pave even more.

Regardless of the outcome of the additional meters of pavement, it will be wonderful to have SOME pavement in San Buenas.

san buenas road paving dec 2018
  • 21
    Dec 18
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dominical paved road

Dominical Paved Road

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Dominical Paved Road

There have been fewer rumored infrastructure projects discussed in the Bahia Ballena/Osa region than whether or not there will be a Dominical paved road or if it will stay as gravel. As one can see, the rumors are finally becoming a reality. As of December 2018 there will be a Dominical Paved Road running from the Costanera Highway (Highway 34) down 50 meters into Dominical (past Delicias), turning left (south) at the first intersection, at the only stop sign in town, and then going all the way through Dominical until the ICE tower.

Additionally, the Dominical Paved Road will head north from the stop sign for several hundred meters also.

Dominical Paved Road Spanish

Below is Abigail Vargas explaining the Dominical paved road in Spanish.

Throughout Dominical (both north and south of the stop sign), large, new drainage systems have been built or are in the final stages of completion. All told, this is a very large infrastructural project that is being completed by the Osa Municipality to improve the customer experience of visiting Dominical.

The Dominical Paved Road is not without its opponents, however. There is a group of long-term resident ex-pats who prefer to keep the ruggedness of Dominical and consider the dusty, bumpy, road as Dominical's "charm". I used to work for a company based in Dominical's main street and I can attest that breathing in the dust all day, fighting for precious parking spots on the narrow and undefined road and watching vehicles and buses come dangerously close to hitting pedestrians, will not be missed by many.

As many people know, Dominical is home to some of the world's best surfing, has a great funky and energetic vibe and is a beautiful place to watch the sunset. Due to these amazing benefits, making the road safer for travelers, visitors and the people who work in Dominical, the Dominical paved road will be greatly appreciated.

  • 21
    Dec 18
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perez zeledon international airport interview Hanz Nick

Perez Zeledon International Airport

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On December 18, 2018, Nick Halverson, owner of Osa Property Management, sat down with Perez Zeledon's City Council President Hanz Cruz, to discuss the potential Perez Zeledon International Airport. This has been something Perez Zeledon has been working hard on for over four years, and the preliminary work is coming to completion.

The embedded video of the conversation is approximately twelve minutes long and includes other planned projects that will enhance living in the Osa region, especially Playa Hermosa, Uvita, Ojochal, San Buenas and Chontales. Perez Zeledon's City Council is also planning on working with the Osa Municipality in a joint project to pave the road connecting Uvita and San Isidro. This would cut down the travel time traveling between those two towns by over 50%. Along with the construction of the planned Perez Zeledon International Airport, the entire Osa and San Isidro region will grow.

As many people know, there have been rumors for years about an international airport in the southern zone of Costa Rica, however, that plan is "dead". It is no longer being pursued for a variety of reasons. Read my blog post from a couple of years ago about why I believe the southern zone airport is a 'no-go' and why the Perez Zeledon International Airport is currently the best possible option for the region.

Hanz Cruz also has heard unconfirmed rumors that the Orotina airport project is currently stalled or stopped all together. However, those are just rumors. If you know anything more about the Orotina airport project, please comment below or privately submit what you have heard. We appreciate keeping everyone up-to-date with accurate information.

As with any major infrastructure change there will be those in favor of it and those against it. However, for the thousands of business owners, local Costa Rican's and ex-pats, who spend hours traveling to and from the area, a new Perez Zeledon International airport will be a wonderful resource.

  • 06
    Dec 18
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southern zone international airport

Costa Rica Southern Zone International Airport Opinion

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First published February 2017 & Used with permission

My first trip to Costa Rica was in March 2005. During that initial trip, the local real estate agent told me about the “New international airport that will be built soon.” Here we are twelve years later and still not another international airport.

In my agent’s defense, there had been government publicity, an article in The Tico Times, with a map, about the airport and he was simply repeating what he had read. Again, in 2007, then-Costa Rica President Oscar Arias held a public relations event whereby he signed a decree to move forward with an international airport in Osa.

southern zone international airport arias
President Oscar Arias initiating the feasibilty studies for airport (Palmar Norte, 2008)

In the past 18 months there has been a lot of talk about a new international airport to be built in Orotina. From contacts I have, as recently as six months, after the formal announcement had been made, no wind studies or environmental studies had been conducted. I find it hard to believe that the Orotina airport is as much of a ‘slam-dunk’ as is being reported. The latest news is that we will all know more by the end of 2017. Below is an artist rendering of the Orotina airport.

orotina-international airport-design

Will the Southern Zone International Airport Be Built in Osa

Is the airport going to be built in Osa? I would guess no.

As much as I would love to have an international airport 30 minutes away from our development (believe me, prices would go up quickly!), based on what happened the past 10 years from Oscar Arias announcing it, until now = very little of anything has happened. Osa currently doesn’t have the infrastructure in place to handle a project that large. I could argue it is a bit of a chicken-and-egg problem. The large hotel chains haven’t built here yet because there isn’t a reason to without an international airport. The feasibility studies would show that the region isn’t equipped to handle an international airport since there aren’t any large hotels in the area. It’s a circular argument.

In addition, after the signing of the document [airport decree] by Arias, the people of Costa Rica voted on Costa Rica’s participation in CAFTA (Central America Free Trade Agreement) or TLC as it was known in Costa Rica. The Osa region voted against the measure, and it has been speculated that in retaliation for not supporting him, President Arias pulled the project out of Osa. By contrast, Limon on the Caribbean side, voted “Si” (yes) for the TLC, and soon after the vote, the Limon Port expansion was announced (Limon Moin Container project).

Regardless of the real reason why the airport was never started in Osa is still up for debate today. I have spoken with Osa Mayor several times, and he is continuing to try and push the project forward. However, he understands the difficulty of getting the politicians in San Jose, four hours away, to listen.(Central America Free Trade Agreement) or TLC as it was known in Costa Rica. The Osa region voted against the measure, and it has been speculated that in retaliation for not supporting him, President Arias pulled the project out of Osa. By contrast, Limon on the Caribbean side, voted “Si” (yes) for the TLC, and soon after the vote, the Limon Port expansion was announced (Limon Moin Container project).

Perez Zeledon International Airport

Another option that has quickly, and quietly, been worked on is to build a new airport in the San Isidro de el General, Perez Zeledon. Although not technically in Osa, it would be a great advantage for owners in Las Villas de San Buenas. The reason why this would be great for Las Villas de San Buenas is that currently San Isidro is only 75 minutes away. I have it confirmed by several sources, that the Osa municipality and the municipality of San Isidro are in late planning stages for improving and paving the road from the southern area of San Isidro that leads into Uvita. When this road project is completed, the trip to San Isidro will be cut down to approximately 45 minutes.

southern zone international airport

San Isidro (Aeropuerto PZ) has numerous advantages over Osa for the airport. Several include:

  • Large population base (~150,000 people) that may use the airport for outbound flights.
  • With the large population base, there are dozens of hotels already available.
  • A very entrepreneurial region of Costa Rica. There are 1,000s of business owners in the region who support commerce and trade.
  • By building the airport in San Isidro, the Osa region would still benefit due to the Pan American Highway that is already in place connected Palmar Norte to San Isidro (by way of Buenos Aires).
  • Plenty of flat land is available.
  • The project is not just an airport. The local government is planning on a multi-faceted development plan, including tax incentives for business to move there and other project tied to the airport.

Here’s a video that shows the concepts for the Perez Zeledon international airport:

Regardless of which location is chosen, it will be a benefit to us here in the Osa region. I can’t guarantee when or where exactly, although I would estimate that the timelines are at least five years away. The one thing I can guarantee, is depending on where the location is chosen, land prices will go up quickly or VERY quickly.

UPDATE December 2018

My thoughts have not changed regarding the feasibility of a southern zone international airport - I don't believe it will be built in Osa...I don't believe it will be built in the province of Puntarenas. At this point, based on conversations I've had with administrators and politicians, the best bet is still Perez Zeledon.

San Jose's Juan Santamaria International airport continues to expand - as of last week they have signage for 20 gates, although only 15 are open and operating. One can see the work that is being done right now to expand it to 20. The new domestic airport terminal has been completed next door to Juan Santamaria, solidifying at least some flights will continue to be flown out of the current airport location.

What are your thoughts on the southern zone international airport? What have you heard? At this point everything is just rumors. Send me your thoughts below or directly to me at nick@osapropertymanagement.com

I look forward to hearing from you!

Pura vida!

Nick

  • 05
    Dec 18
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Palmar Sur Airport Remodel 2

Palmar Sur Airport Update Dec 2018

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Palmar Sur Airport Update

December 5, 2018

Recently we made several visits over the course of a week to Palmar Sur in order to provide a Palmar Sur airport update. The remodeling project began in August 2018 and involves many wonderful upgrades and updates from the previous airport terminal. The goal for the construction crew, based on several interviews with the Project Manager of the project, is to have the construction phase of the airport completed by December 30, 2018. Watch the video below or watch it on YouTube here.

We are doubtful that all of the work will be done by the end of the calendar year 2018. As of December 1, 2018, the following work still needs to be completed - and this is only a list of what we know about and can make assumptions about:

  • Half the runway and the area near the terminal needs to be paved with more asphalt.
  • Roof needs to be put on (we were told this won't take very long given the design and materials being used for the roof)
  • Internal walls are still being built
  • Skim-coating of 90% of the walls
  • Installation of CAT5 lines, telephony hardware, electrical lines and plug-ins
  • Lighting fixtures
  • Finishing work - which would take at least a week on this type of building
  • Installation of the custom made benches we were told about (with power plug-ins)
  • Perimeter fence needs to be moved to the property boundary
  • Clean-up work
  • Federal inspections by engineers and outside project evaluators

With everything that needs to be completed before opening, along with the Christmas/Holiday season just a couple of weeks away, we don't expect it to be ready anytime before February 1, 2019...at best.

In the short-run, this is definitely an inconvenience, and it is a bit frustrating that they didn't start the construction in May 2018, instead of August. Had they started the work in May, that would have left sufficient time to complete the remodel in time for the high season which is now starting (December 2018).

In the long-run, this is a wonderful upgrade and we will all soon forget the temporary inconvenience this closure has caused. Let us know your thoughts about the Palmar Sur Airport Update.

Also, if you are planning a trip to the Osa/Southern Pacific region of Costa Rica in 2019, or later, be sure to submit a form below to let us know and to let us help you with your trip planning. Additionally, if you are a home or lot owner in the region, contact us for a no-obligation bid on our property management services.

October 2018 Palmar Sur Airport Update

August 2018 Palmar Sur Airport Update

  • 26
    Oct 18
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palmar sur airport remodel photo

Palmar Sur Airport Remodel Update October 2018

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Palmar Sur Airport Remodel Update

We recently visited the Palmar Sur Airport Remodel project currently taking place at this popular airport for travelers vising the Osa Peninsula and nearby towns of Sierpe, Chontales, San Buenas, Ojochal, Uvita and Dominical. The following video provides an update and some great information about the Palmar Sur Airport remodel.

Click on the photo below to watch or view it on our YouTube Channel.

As mentioned in the video, everyone here at Osa Property Management is hoping that the airport is completed with the remodel by the end of calendar year 2018.

We are recommending to our scheduled guests to have a back-up plan in place if their plans include arriving into San Jose's Juan Santamaria's airport first, and planning on flying down to Palmar Sur. We can help with securing a car rental in San Jose, or hiring a private shuttle for you and your travel companions.

Once the Palmar Sur Airport Remodel is completed, this regional airport will be one of the nicest in the country. Palmar Sur serves travelers from Sierpe, Rio Claro, Chontales, San Buenas, Ojochal, Uvita and Dominical.

  • 12
    Sep 18
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rambutan fruit

How to Eat Rambutan Fruit or Mamones Chinos

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Rambutan Fruit (Mamones chinos)

The following video shows the proper way to eat rambutan fruit. In Costa Rica, rambutan fruit is also known as mamones chinos. I use the term mamones chinos in the video. However, both names are used.

Tip: Make sure you have a napkin nearby when eating them!

I've spoken with friends of mine throughout the world, and Costa Rica is one of the few places were the term 'mamones chinos' is used. Rambutan fruit is much more popular and even used in the United States of America and Canada.

Regardless if you call it mamones chinos or rambutan fruit, what is important and recommend is that during your next trip to Costa Rica, please make sure you take time to try this amazing fruit. It is in-season from approximately July through September each year. I've seen them as late as November, but the rambutan fruit doesn't generally taste as good when it is harvested so late in the harvesting season.

As with all fruits, there are those that claim it helps with great health and can even help prevent or treat certain kinds of cancer. We do not attest to that or that rambutan fruit will cure anything. However, eating fruits is almost always beneficial to one's health and for that reason, we would recommend eating them while in Costa Rica.

The Osa region of Costa Rica is home to some of the largest mamones/rambutan farms or orchards in Costa Rica. They are almost all owned by local, individual farmers (or family farms) and the buyers come all over Central America to purchase them. In fact, in San Buenas (located between Chontales and Tres Rios), every season a semi-truck arrives from El Salvador, along with a crew of three, who purchased over 50% of the town's rambutan fruit and haul it back to El Salvador to sell there.

rambutan fruit tree
  • 12
    Sep 18
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golfing at san buenas golf resort

Golfing at San Buenas Golf Resort

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Golfing at San Buenas Golf Resort

Below is a video that we recently took of Nick Halverson and Abigail Vargas golfing at San Buenas Golf Resort with some clients of ours. Golfing at San Buenas Golf Resort is a great activity to enjoy regardless of skill level.

This particular afternoon, the group made a last-minute decision to go golfing late in the afternoon. They quickly gathered up their clubs, headed down to pick up the cart, and jumped on the links at about 4 pm. One advantage of golfing at San Buenas Golf Resort is that with their membership program, and for those renters who rent the condominium we manage, clients can enjoy unlimited free golf.  That's correct - unlimited FREE GOLF during your vacation in Costa Rica.

San Buenas Golf Resort is the only golf course in Costa Rica's Osa region. In fact, it is the only golf course between the country of Panama and Jaco. Here is more information about the golf course at San Buenas Golf Resort. Don't worry about packing your golf clubs, they have plenty of sets for rent. Guests don't need to pack any special gear as golf balls, golf tees and other supplies are readily available for purchase. Additionally, electric golf carts are available for rent.

We recommend during the summer months of Costa Rica (December - March) to golf at first daybreak or at the end of the day. Golfing in Costa Rica during mid-day can be very hot, as the sun will be directly above the earth. However, if one is used to weather in Florida during the day, then golfing at San Buenas Golf Resort will be just like golfing at home.

Contact us below if you would like more information about golfing at San Buenas Golf Resort, a Costa Rica vacation rental in Ojochal, Uvita or San Buenas, or if you would like a no-cost, no-obligation, bid to manage your property in the Osa region.

  • 04
    Sep 18
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palmar sur airport update

Palmar Sur Airport Update

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Palmar Sur Airport Update

In August 28, 2018, we visited Palmar Sur regional airport to get an update on the construction project there. The following is our Palmar Sur Airport Update.

In early August 2018, we had a client who had a scheduled flight from San Jose to Palmar Sur, via Sansa airlines. They were planning on a weeklong vacation at Casa Lapas. Approximately 24 hours prior to the clients' departure, they were notified that the Palmar Sur airport was close and no other information was available. After scrambling to get the clients rescheduled to Perez Zeledon's regional airport, we decided to investigate what was going on.

Below are a couple of videos that provide how the Palmar Sur Airport Update will improve traveling to the southern pacific zone of Costa Rica in the not-to-distant future.

Here is a list of the changes taking place at Palmar Sur airport. All of these changes are scheduled to be completed in four months - with a goal of being completed by January 2019.

  • Existing terminal is going to be increased in size from 750 square feet to over 5,000 square feet. It is still unclear whether or not the existing terminal structure will be kept or if it will be torn down.
  • Rental car kiosks and other kiosks will be built
  • The width of the runway is being widened

One of the goals of the increased width of the runway is to allow more models of aircrafts to be able to make emergency landings if necessary. Palmar Sur is relatively safe compared to other airports in the area due to the flat topography and ease of landing for planes coming in from the west/Pacific Ocean side.

palmar sur airport update sansa plane

Sansa airplane at Palmar Sur airport (when the airport was operating). The Palmar Sur airport is scheduled to reopen in early 2019.

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Dominical, Uvita, Ojochal Property Management

Osa Property Management Experts  have lived and managed homes in the region for over 16 years. Not only do we live here, but we are one of the few LEGAL property management companies in the area with legally working, full-time, and fully insured employees (this protects YOU from potential legal problems also).

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