Costa Rica Updates

Exchange Rates

Exchange rates remain an ongoing concern for the HOA, Costa Ricans, and foreigners living in or visiting the country. Last year, the impact on the HOA’s budget was felt as the administration managed funds to meet our obligations. The costs for Canadians and US visitors to Costa Rica is important to understand so you don’t get sticker shocked when you return home and receive your credit card bill.

Cost of Living

Costa Rica’s Central Bank has lowered its economic growth forecast for 2026 as weaker exports, slower household demand and the expected effects of El Niño increase pressure on agriculture, electricity generation and consumer prices. The bank now expects the Costa Rican economy to grow 3.4% this year, down from the 3.5% forecast issued in April and the 3.8% projected in January. Growth is expected to reach 3.5% in 2027, also one-tenth of a percentage point below the previous estimate.

The revision does not point to a recession, but it confirms that the economy is losing momentum after expanding 4.6% in 2025. Economic growth slowed from 4% during the first quarter of this year to 3.4% in the second quarter. Household spending and construction remain the main sources of support. Household consumption is forecast to grow 2.9% in 2026, while investment in buildings, equipment and other fixed assets is expected to rise 5.3%. Construction grew 8.9% year over year during the second quarter.

Food and electricity represent the clearest risks for consumers. Lower agricultural production can push up grocery prices, while more expensive power generation can raise household bills and operating costs for hotels, restaurants, manufacturers and other businesses. The exchange rate continues to complicate the picture. The colón’s appreciation has helped limit the local cost of imported goods, but it has also placed pressure on tourism companies, exporters and other businesses that earn dollars while paying many expenses in colones.

Liberia Airport Improvements

The next time you fly out of Liberia, you now have somewhere to wait that isn’t a gate seat. Guanacaste Airport has opened PURA Lounge, a 354-square-meter (3,810-square-foot) premium waiting area on the departures level facing Gate 8, with windows looking out over the apron. The lounge is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Priority Pass and LoungeKey members are covered by their existing memberships. Everyone else can buy a day pass on the spot, no airline or cabin class required.

Inside there are cushioned seating areas, semi-private zones if you want to shut out the terminal, and showers, which is the amenity that matters most here. Liberia sits in the dry Pacific northwest, and passengers routinely arrive at the airport straight off a beach or a long drive from Nosara, Santa Teresa or the Papagayo resorts with no chance to clean up. High-speed Wi-Fi is available.

Online Product Purchase

If you have ever order from Amazon in Costa Rica you will find shipping and duty charges are added to your order, which can increase the overall product cost substantially.

Alternatively, you can order from Costa Rica Temu. Prices include shipping, duty and delivery charges. It takes up to 3 weeks to deliver the package. Temu will deliver directly to your home or the main guardhouse gate. Temu products are inexpensive, but you must do your due diligence for quality, especially for textiles and clothing. Textiles (towels, linen, curtains) are expensive in Costa Rica. There is always the option to bring these items from Canada or the US.

New Build Progress

Several new home builds are underway in Pacific Blue and Valle de Luz. Several more are with Architectural Committee for review and scheduled to commence next year. If you’re considering building, please contact the administrator to engage the Architectural Committee to begin the building process.

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Cobano and Surrounding Area Progress

NEW – LaFise Bank in Cobano

Finally, there is an alterative bank to Banco Naioncal (BNCR) in Cobano. BNCR is infamous for long waiting times and poor service. The new LaFise Bank is under construction where the mini market store was, kidding corner to BNCR. Construction should be completed by November this year. My experience with LaFise banking is far superior to BNCR and less time spent dealing with banking needs.

Tambor Marina – Update

A 2 trillion investment is intended to be made by foreign capital in the Tambor Bay between #Paquera and #Cóbano.

The first phase of construction would have 375 jobs and would last approximately 2 years. In addition, 465 direct and permanent jobs and around 4,250 indirect jobs will be generated.

On July 31, 2026, Cobano received two representatives from #MarinaTambor; Mr. #MarioGranados, Public Relations and Communication, and Mr. #JorgeJiménez, CEO of Cóbano Preserve, to learn about these details that are very important for the development of the peninsula. Our coasts need a transformation that brings progress and well-being to families.

NEW – Medical Clinic

The new medical is rapidly being built. The expected completion date of the first building is scheduled for May 2027. Once the main building is completed, additional buildings will be built to provide image services. It’s anticipated it will take another year to complete.

Tango Mar Resort News

Tango Mar has caught up to the Pickleball craze and converted their tennis court to a Pickleball court.
Cost: - $20 (2 people) for one hour.

If you prefer golf the Tango Mar Resort golf course is open to the Public.

If you looking to spend a day by the beach, consider Tango Mar Resort. They offer a day pass for $55.00 usd that includes pool use from 10am until 5pm, lunch (appetizer, main course and dessert). Drinks are at your our own expense.