Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Wildlife in Costa Rica

While driving through Costa Rica, Oceano's developer Itai Bar and Oceano's sales manager Pete Scott, encountered a Two Toed Sloth attempting to cross the busy road, so they stopped the car to direct the sloth back towards the safety of the forest, when they noticed a small baby dangling from its belly



Sloths are extremely slow-moving mammals related to armadillos and anteaters, found in the rainforest canopies of Central and South America. There are two species of sloths:two-toed and three-toed. Most sloths are about the size of a small dog and they have short flat heads. Their hair is grayish brown but, at times they look grey-green in color because they move so slowly that tiny camouflaging algae grow all over their coats.

Three toed sloth and its baby
Sloths are nocturnal and sleep curled up with their head placed between the arms and the feet drawn close together. This disguises them as part of a tree so that its enemies like the jaguar do not see them. Sloths rarely climb down from the trees and can live for up to 30 years.

Baby sloth
Some sloths stay in the same tree for years. Their specialized hands and feet have long, curved claws to allow them to hang upside-down from branches without effort. Since they have a slow metabolism, they need very little food. They feed on fruit, leaves, buds, and young twigs. Sloths also sleep upside-down for up to 18 hours at a time. While they sometimes sit on top of branches, they usually eat, sleep, and even give birth hanging from limbs. Females normally bear one baby every year, but sometimes sloths' low level of movement actually keeps females from finding males for longer than one year. Babies cling to their mothers until they are able to take care of themselves.
 
Watch the video bellow to meet the funny residents of the Aviarios del Caribe Sloth Orphanage in Costa Rica.
 

Monday, June 27, 2011

Jaco has a movie theatre!


CitiCinemas 3D Digital is now officially open in Plaza Coral, complete with large viewing screens, 4 theatres with comfortable seating, air conditioning and a 3D theatre.

There are 5 screenings per day of 4 different movies, beginning around 11am and running through 11pm.

The first four movies showing are Hangover 2, Kung Fu Panda 2, Fast Five and Pirates of the Caribbean. Cars 2 is playing in the 3D theatre.

The cost is 2,000 colones ($4) for a regular movie or 3,500 colones ($7) for a 3D movie.

For more information, contact 2643-2100 or visit the cinema's Facebook fan page for daily updates of screening schedules.

Click here to visit CitiCinema's Facebook page

The Costa Rican National Symphony Orchestra gives a benfit live performance in Jaco

The Costa Rican National Symphony Orchestra gave a remarkable live performance for the Jaco public on February 24th as part of the "concierto por la paz en Jaco" (Concert for peace in Jaco) campaign promoting peace and culture in Jaco

The performance was kicked off with 3 numbers played by the local school orchestra of the district of Garabito which includes students from Jaco, Hermosa and Herradura. The youngsters received enthusiastic applause from the Jaco community who filled the town's park completely to view the special show.

The National Symphony started with a beautiful piece from Rossini and then proceeded to classical Spanish compositions and famous movie scores which sparked an excitement among the crowd every time they recognized the movie themes such as Pirates of The Caribbean and West Side Story.

For more than an hour the Symphony's musicians skilfully moved from genre to genre captivating the audience with their mastering of complicated compositions. The orchestra's conductor, full of enthusiasm and spirit, kept the level of excitement on high, sparking a 7 minute long standing ovation that resulted in a wonderful encore led by the orchestra's trumpeters.


The National Symphony Orchestra performs weekly at Costa Rica's elegant National Theatre in San Jose
Click here to view the National Theatre website

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Client Testimonial
Why I Chose Oceano
Guy Merriman
Washington, USA

How often do you come to Costa Rica?
My wife and I have been coming once a year for about 4 years now. We look forward to the time we can visit Costa Rica more often.

Why do you like coming to Costa Rica?
I love this country! The tropical aspect of it is so diverse, you can lie on the beautiful beaches of the South Pacific Nicoya Peninsula one day and then hike around active volcanoes like Arenal the next day. As a keen hiker that loves the tropics, the abundance of options this country has to offer really appeals to me, there is just so much to see. I also think the people are great and I like the food as well.

Guy & Kathy Merriman during their last visit to Costa Rica

How much time would you like to spend in Costa Rica in the future?
In the future, when I am not as busy as I am now with my business, I would love to come to Costa Rica for periods of one or two months a year and really soak in the calm atmosphere and breathtaking nature.

What made Jaco the right place for your investment?
Jaco has been growing more and more in the last few years, with some really good restaurants opening up and new real estate projects. But the biggest benefit in my eyes is the proximity to San Jose. I still remember how the old road was, it was a nightmare coming down to the Pacific and it took between 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic on a very difficult road. Now it’s a piece of cake, since the new highway opened early this year, the ride down to Jaco became really smooth and fast, in about an hour you are right at the beach.


I see local tourism growing because of the new road with many local families making the trip to Jaco on weekends, vacations and holidays now that it’s so close. It also made traveling for tourists arriving at the main airport much easier.

What do you like about Oceano?
I really like the concept, I think the pricing is really good and the quality of craftsmanship is top shelf. From an investment stand point, Oceano will attract a lot of people because of the way it’s set up as opposed to just buying a regular condominium. Oceano is close to the beach with easy access to everything in town. The fact that it’s built as a hotel with 5-star amenities and services will give it a big advantage. I think people will prefer the option of having everything on hand with all the amenities Oceano has to offer. I also think many companies will find Oceano’s conference room as a great place to have seminars or meetings and they will probably make Oceano their place of choice on the Pacific.

What made you have confidence in this development?
The People. I have known Pete Scott, Oceano’s sales manager for a long time and I trust him completely. I also heard a lot of great things about Itai Bar the developer. I believe that when you are about to make an investment, it is very important to have confidence in the people behind the investment and truly believe in the concept yourself. Because I feel confident with these two factors in Oceano, I am very confident about my decision to invest in the project.

What made you move forward and buy a unit?
I thought the pricing was good, and I liked the design. As a CPA, I looked at the ROI numbers carefully, and in my opinion it is definitely a good investment. I looked at this mostly from an investment standpoint but also from a lifestyle standpoint, Oceano gives me a great place to stay when I come down to Costa Rica that will always be there for me.

Who would you recommend Oceano to?
I would recommend Oceano to anyone looking for an investment other than stocks or bonds. I think Oceano is a great option for people who are looking into investing in a place like Mexico but are disappointed with the country’s government and safety issues. Nothing can beat Costa Rica’s tranquility and friendly Ticos.

* Tico is a common nickname for native Costa Ricans.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Naturally Jacó - A photo journey to the natural wonders around Jacó Beach

Jacó has over 3 miles of sandy beaches
 Naturally Jacó
More than just a surfer's paradise

Comprising 1,016 kilometers of rainforest, beaches and ocean, Costa Rica's Pacific coastline offers everything from bird watching, surfing and wild animal encounters to fine dining, adventure tours and dazzling sunsets.
Scarlet Macawas are a common sight in Jacó

  
With the new Costanera highway, you can divert yourself in just one hour from the cool temperatures, modern shopping malls and urban scene of the capital city to the warm sandy beaches of Jacó, Herradura
and Hermosa.

There is a loyal tourist following, resident North American expats and international developers who see Jacó as the ultimate central Pacific destination and one of the country's most rapidly developing cities. The city's proximity to the international airport, San Jose and many of the country's most popular national parks and attractions, crown Jacó as the central stop on the Pacific for tourists and locals alike.

Excellent restaurants, 24-hour casinos, exciting outdoor activities and chic lounge bars transform the Jacó landscape from laid-back surf town to prime tourist destination, which makes it easy to overlook the breathtaking natural surroundings just outside the town center.
Aerial view of Jacó's northern shoreline

Getting back to nature is as easy as taking a walk on the beach, hiking the lush mountain trails overlooking Jacó's half-moon bay or dipping your feet at one of the area's hidden waterfalls.
Relax and unwind at the beautiful beaches of Jacó and Hermosa
Experience simple solitude with an unhurried walk along the shoreline to Jacó's pristine north end, where rocky headlands and lazy palm trees create the perfect backdrop for mellow relaxation. At the opposite southern end of Jacó, bask in the sun as pairs of Scarlet Macaws fly high above you and keen surfers challenge the ocean in front of you.  

The scenic road between Jacó and Hermosa is a beautiful 5 minute drive
A short 5 minute drive south of Jacó takes you to the gorgeous beach of Playa Hermosa, the perfect setting to walk the unspoiled shoreline for miles, while you enjoy unbelievable sunsets over the Pacific as the surfer crowd puts on an entertaining afternoon show. 

Newborn Leatherback Sea Turtles make
their way to the vast Pacific ocean in Hermosa
 As night falls, dozens of Leatherback Sea Turtles flock Hermosa's southern shoreline, laying their eggs in the shelter of the darkness, then making the strenuous journey back to the ocean, uncertain of their offspring's faith. You can help the volunteers who scour the beach each night, salvaging the fragile eggs from the ground, then reburying them at Hermosa's National Wild Life Refuge, where the hatchlings are safely protected until their first plunge into the vast ocean. 

White sand beaches and adorable Squirrel Monkeys at Manuel Antonio National Park
For a different wildlife experience, travel one hour south to Manuel Antonio National Park, regarded as one of the country's most spectacular destinations and a popular day trip from Jacó. This coconut filled paradise is typified by rainforest clad mountains sweeping all the way down to the ocean, its rocky headlines a favorite hunting spot for graceful pelicans. Stroll along the park's winding trails where you're bound to see playful capuchin monkeys, allusive iguanas, noisy howler monkeys, laid back sloths, and with a bit of luck, you might get to experience a face to face encounter with the increasingly rare Central American Squirrel Monkey.
 Just a 5 minute drive north of Jacó will lead you to Herradura bay where you can catch a boat ride to the hidden shores of Playa Escondida or spend a quiet afternoon bathing in the calm waters of Playa Blanca, which as its name suggests, adorns powder like white sand and turquoise wave less waters.
A close encounter with groups of Pizotes is a common treat at the Pacific Coast
While you're in Herradura, don't miss out on some of the best sport fishing on the Pacific with boats sailing from the Los Sueños marina, where playful dolphins following your boat's path is a common sight. Depending on the season, you might even catch a glimpse of the majestic Humpback whales migrating to Costa Rica's warm tropical waters to mate.
 Another 15 minute drive north of Jacó, you will find the Carara National Park, a popular refuge for the magnificent Scarlet Macaws and many other colorful bird species. Close by flows the infamous Tarcoles River whose river bank is a favorite resting spot for fearsome crocodiles.

Discover the beautiful sunny beaches of the Central Pacific
Finish the day with an evening cocktail and delicious dinner at one of Jacó's high-end restaurants, offering a tempting range of international cuisines from African to Asian, French and even Peruvian.
 There is no doubt that Jacó is headed in a promising direction and the new road will continue to help Jacó develop as Costa Rica #1 beach destination for travel, leisure and investment.
Don't miss the chance to learn more about the unique investment opportunity that Oceano has to offer you. At Oceano you can own a fully-furnished high-end condo within a 5-star hotel in Jacó that you can use when you please and have rented when you're away.

Our two bedroom lock-off units will pay for themselves at just 33% occupancy, including mortgage payments, HOA fees, insurance, property tax, phone, electric and water payments. Anything above that is your profit!

To learn more about Oceano and receive our full ROI projection sheet call (506) 2643 4311 or email us at OceanoJaco@gmail.com and visit our model unit on your next trip to Jacó.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Discover 365 days of summer


Live life as a constant vacation

Discover Jaco Beach

Breathtaking sunsets, prime access to tropical flora & fauna, high-end restaurants and adventure tours like canopy zip-lining, ATVs and sport fishing, not to mention some of the best nightlife in the country, have quickly transformed Jacó into Costa Rica's most popular beach vacation hotspot. This booming beach town attracts retirees, families, international tourists, surfers and real estate investors from around the world.


Client Testimonial
Why I chose Oceano
Alejandro José Quirce Jiménez
Entrepreneur and business owner
San José, Costa Rica


How would you describe yourself?
I am an entrepreneur who works hard during the week but likes to spend any time I have left with my family and do as much outdoor sports as I can. I believe in building long term values such as family and honest business.

Do you enjoy water sports?
I love water sports, it is my favorite pass time: surfing, sport fishing, scuba diving and boating.

Alejandro Quirce (Left) and Oceano developer
Itai Barz (Right)

Why do you think Jaco is a good place to invest?
I see Jaco as a stable growing region demographically and commercially. Even before the new highway opened, which made a big impact, I think Jaco is growing in a good stable pace. For me Jaco is the city of the coast that will guarantee that my investment at Oceano will reach high occupancy levels and generate a good passive income for me. I believe in this project as it offers a lot of services and amenities and is very accessible to San Jose.


What are the things you liked about Oceano?
I really liked the architecture, business plan, investment plan and marketing strategies, I also think the location is great for rentals, but most of all I was impressed with the people that represent the project. I think the developer and his team are very trust worthy and dedicated, I have complete confidence that they are going to deliver a good product.


What made you have confidence in this development?
The way they have structured the steps to make sure the development moves forward, Itai, the developer, has put a lot of time and effort into the project and I respect that. I am the same way as an entrepreneur myself, I invest a lot of time and energy into everything I do, and I could see that Itai is the same way. I think he took the right steps in the right direction and he is very focused, well organized and has extensive business experience.


What made you move forward with your purchase?
The confidence that I have in the project and the people behind it. I believe Oceano is a good selling product. I also like the fact that I will be able to enjoy it with my family, coming down to Jaco on Friday evening to catch the sunset, spend the weekend and come back Sunday night well rested without being exhausted from driving long distances, just pleasantly tired from all the beach activities.


Who would you recommend Oceano to?
I would recommend Oceano to all the people that are in the same life stage as I am, hard working individuals with a young family who find a benefit in having a recreational apartment on the coast that pays for itself and allows them to enjoy Jaco's sandy beaches and amenities in their limited spare time.