This side of the country is characterized by dryer winters, higher surf from the open ocean and a much larger population of foreigners. Although most come from North America, a large number of Europeans are moving into the area. Many operate successful hotels and other tourist-oriented ventures which the business-friendly Costa Rican government makes possible.
This coast can be divided into three basic geographical sections: the Guanacaste-Nicoya Peninsula area in the north, the beaches from Jaco to Uvita in the middle, and the Golfo Dulce Osa Peninsula area to the south. Each area has its boosters and aficionados who will assure you that there is no place in all of Central America as nice as their favorite location. I've seen them all, and I can say that all are correct in believing as they do. Making a choice between them would be difficult indeed.
A nice feature of all these tropical beach areas is that they are accessible from the Meseta Central ( Central Vally ), within a few hours' drive by bus or automobile, and a few minutes away by airplane. Some locations require longer driving times than others, but as pavement replaces gravel roads, travel time is decreasing.

Certain areas are highly developed, focusing on tourism, with discos, restaurants and boutiques as well as expensive hotels and homes. Other places are oriented toward permanent and semi permanent residents, including many retirees. Still other locations are almost totally deserted with no facilities other than what you carry with you. Bring camping equipment if you care to; camping is permitted on all of Costa Rica's beaches except for parks and residential areas. The law considers the first 50 meters of beach land public property. Costa Ricans take full advantage of camping, and during the traditional summer vacation period (January and February) you'll see a multitude of tents lining the beaches as families enjoy economical vacations.
Eastward from the ocean's surf, rolling hills of forest and farmlands spread inland and up the mountain slopes, becoming steeper and more picturesque with each kilometer. Much of this land is wilderness, traversed by occasional dirt roads that become quagmires in the rainy season. Despite the isolation and transportation difficulties, foreigners find these rustic sections to be exceptionally desirable places to live. As the government gradually paves the roads along the coast and into the interior, more and more settlers will surely swell the ranks of North Americans and Europeans who live here and operate businesses. With easy access, property values ought to increase dramatically.

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