The Compass Report

Economy Indicators in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a small country, but it has big economy potentials that place it on the number eleven position of the largest economies of Latin America. Tourism, Agriculture and the technological services have placed Costa Rica in the top positions. Over the past ten years, poverty has been reduced. During the 90’s, poverty levels were between 21% and 22%, while nowadays the index has dropped down to 16.7%, and the economic growth has gone from 0% to approximately 7%, registered in the past few years.

Costa Rica Economic Indicators

Something that has influenced with the growth of the economy in the country is the commercial relation with several countries that have become important markets for Costa Rica. The commercial free trade agreements with all these countries also generate favorable conditions for commercialization. Costa Rica has free trade agreements with Canada (since 2002), China (since 2002), Dominican Republic (since 2002), with countries that are associated with the Common Market since 1963 (Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua). Some other countries with which Costa Rica has agreements are Mexico since 1995, Panama since 1973 and the USA, started in 2009. Currently, free trade agreements are also being negotiated with the European Union and China.

From 1997, the economic growth has increased. Exports through the Free Zone, and Tourism are both the best incomes for the country.

Exports started with the elaboration of microprocessors by INTEL that represent a 20% of the exports, and products such as pineapple, bananas, coffee, cocoa, sugar and meats. Generally speaking, the country from which Costa Rica imports the most is the USA with approximately 44%, the European Union with 17%, the Caribbean countries through the CARICOM agreement with 14%, Mexico 3% and the rest of the countries 21%. In the last few months, China has become the second largest commercial partner for Costa Rica.

In regards to the exports, they are mainly microprocessors, canned food, textiles, materials for construction, plastic products, electric components, medical equipment, among others. Another important product is the electric energy – approximately 115 millions kwh annually.

In regards to the imports, the main products are crude oil, raw materials and consumer goods. The most important countries for imports are the USA, Japan and Mexico. Nowadays, China has also been added to the list.

Also, the settling of small foreign companies is part of the economic growth due to the production that is generated.

Almost half the national income is due to the 2 million of tourists that visit Costa Rica per year (approximately $1,900 USD per year) The majority of the tourists come from North America; another part of this income belongs to the technological services and the agricultural sector.

Two new tourism projects will be built in Puntarenas

Local firms Arquidea Developers Group and Costa Rica construct two tourism projects in Puntarenas.

Developers built Arquidea Puerto Azul, a resort of $ 16 million at the entrance to Puntarenas, where you will find the hotel Colonial.

Costa Rica Group recently launched the project Wyndham Jaco Beach, a condo-hotel in Jaco Beach, Garabito, Puntarenas.

The company declined to disclose the amount of the investment.

Both works will generate over 1,400 direct jobs.

The first phase of Puerto Azul was already completed and the construction of a condominium tower of seven stores.

For the second stage will list another tower, which is expected to be deliver in July 2009.

Casafont Ana, marketing director for Puerto Azul, said Puntarenas is a good option to take the force development companies. “Puntarenas was excellent tourist site 30 years ago, we want to take it up,” said Casafont.

Characteristics. Puerto Azul is built on a plot of 20,000 square meters.
Casafont, estimated that once completed will generate over 1,000 direct jobs.

The project will also have a private berth with room to house a total of 90 boats and a hotel with 102 rooms. Puerto Azul is negotiating with two international hotel companies the possibility of franchising their brand.

Wyndham Jaco Beach will employ up to 250 people in its buildings and other 180 when in operation, said Fuad Farach, chairman of the group.

The group has participated and implemented projects such as Via Lindora, Valle de Tamarindo, Solaris and Meridian Building (the building known as HSBC).

1.5 Million Expected To Travel To Costa Rica Beaches and Resorts During Semana Santa

Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is always a busy travel period in Costa Rica since it is the week leading up to Easter Sunday and that coincides with Spring Break for many.  Our friends at Insidecostarica.com published an article earlier this week about travel options for those expected to travel to Costa Rica during this period:

Some 1.5 million people are expected to take to the roads beginning this week to visit the beaches and mountain resorts for Semana Santa. The subdirector of Tránsito, Huanelgue Gutiérrez, says his police unit is ready for the massive movement that although officially begins on Saturday, April 4, the massive exodus begins of Wednesday the 8th.

San Jose typically becomes a ghost town during Semana Santa. However, this year Gutiérrez is predicting that many will stay closer to home and the movement of traffic during Semana Santa in San Jose and the Central Valley will be different that in the past years, mainly due to the economic situation.

Bus operators are all set for the massive moving of people. Destinations like Puntarenas, Guanacaste and Limon are the favourite for many.

Transportes Alfaro, who provides regular service between San Jose and Guanacaste will have some 40 buses daily operating from 5:30am to 8pm, leaving every 15 minutes, depending on the demand. Jorge Alfaro said that Wednesday will be heaviest day, as the majority of travellers will be making their way out of San Jose, followed by Thursday.

Like many bus operators, Alfaro will not provide service on Good Friday.

Alfaro added that many of their destinations have already been reserved. People who haven’t purchased their bus tickets for Semana Santa may be disappointed. Bus fares from San Jose to Nicoya now runs ¢3.130, the same to Santa Cruz, the fare to Tamarindo, a popular spot for many, costs ¢3.265.

Travel to Jaco, perhaps the most favourite destination because of its proximity to San Jose, will be made easier as the bus operator of the route will add more buses and additional times. Buses will be leaving San Jose at 6am, 7am, 9am, 11am, 3pm, 5pm and 7pm, twice the number of departures. The cost is ¢1.830.

Travel to Puntarenas is every hour beginning at 4:30am and with service until 10pm. Roy Vargas, manager of the Puntarenas bus route operator, said that they will have 50 units available during the Semana Santa, when normal for the route is 32.

by Bret G. Dudl

Actor Seagal eyes up Costa Rica

 Seagal held talks with Costa Rican president Oscar Arias

Action movie star Steven Seagal has told Costa Rica's president that the country should be developed as a centre for making films.

The actor offered to use his Hollywood connections to kick-start a movie industry in the Central American state.

"Costa Rica has everything, both rain forest and dry climate. What it lacks is an infrastructure to make movies," Seagal said in the capital San Jose.

He gave no details about providing personal finances for his idea.

Little output

At a news conference, the screen star gave no further information about a schedule for the project.
The actor held talks with the country's leader - a former Nobel Peace Prize winner - and said they had been "positive".

Central America has little cinematic output, aside from a few small budget independent producers.
Costa Rica is rarely used by Hollywood as a filming location, despite its lack of crime and varied landscapes.

Actor and director Mel Gibson has a holiday home on the country's Pacific coast, but opted to film in Mexico for his Mayan epic Apocalypto.

Segal holds a string of acting and producing credits to films stretching back to the late 1980s, including Flight of Fury and Urban Justice.

-BBC News

Costa Rica Named First BioGem Country by NRDC

(InfoWebPress) – For the first time, the Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC) has designated a country as a BioGem, Costa Rica, as a recognition of its efforts to become the world’s first carbon-neutral nation.

"These BioGems are some of the last wild and unspoiled places left in the Western Hemisphere,” said Robert Kennedy, Jr., senior attorney at NRDC. “By naming these places as BioGems, NRDC is empowering hundreds of thousands of concerned individuals to take effective action to save these natural treasures for generations to come."

Since 2001, NRDC has campaigned to save more than 30 special natural places that offer sanctuary for endangered wildlife, curb global warming and provide livelihoods for local communities. NRDC redesigned its “Save BioGems” Web site with new features in order to more effectively mobilize online activists to protect these areas.

In Costa Rica, NRDC is working with the Energy and Environment Ministry to identify measures to help the country meet its commitment of becoming the world's first carbon-neutral nation by 2021.

Additionally, NRDC also just signed an agreement with the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) on energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. In partnership with one of Latin America’s leading ecological facilities — the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE), located in Costa Rica — NRDC has launched a rainforest rejuvenation project to plant 30,000 trees to restore a natural rainforest. These actions will help Costa Rica reaffirm its position as a global environmental leader and reduce pressure on its biodiversity and other natural areas.

In addition to Costa Rica, other BioGems added to the list include the Carrizo Plain National Monument in central California and the Peace-Athabasca Delta in Alberta, Canada, which are in danger because of oil and gas exploration.

“We have a new opportunity under the Obama administration to protect and save a number of our BioGems,” said Jacob Scherr, co-director of NRDC’s BioGems Initiative. “Places like the Tongass National Forest, Utah’s Redrock Wilderness, and wildlife like the polar bear remain in danger after eight years of reckless policies.”

-Inside Costa Rica

Costa Rica: Miravalles Volcano

Costa Rica is known for its stunning beauty that literally oozes from its incredibly diverse ecosystem. Visitors have said in a nearly uniform manner that 'things look different' in Costa Rica, and that's likely because they saw so many different things during their time in this unique setting. One of the attractions that will provide any visitor with a close look at several of these diverse ecosystems in one place is the Miravalles Volcano and its surrounding areas.

Miravalles Volcano

Miravalles Volcano is located in the Guanacaste mountain range within the Guanacaste Province. This province is known for its hot and dry climate and its beaches. It also sits within the Miravalles Forest Reserve, which consists of over 28,000 acres of land which became protected by the government in 1976. In terms of size, the Miravalles Volcano stands 1,969 feet above sea level and has a total height of 6,654 feet.

Visitors who get to see Miravalles Volcano for themselves also have the opportunity to experience incredibly diverse plant and wildlife. Specifically, the area around the volcano provides a natural setting for a beautiful cloud forest and primary rainforest. These areas are breeding grounds for such plants as coconut palm trees, epiphytes and ferns to flourish. Additionally, animal species such as coyotes, wild felines, pacas, white tail deer, peccaries and white faced capuchin monkeys call the area around Miravalles Volcano home.

In addition to the wildlife and unique climate settings that stem from the volcano, visitors can also gain an understanding of how an actual volcano operates in nature. The main crater of Miravalles Volcano is dormant, but there are stunning young lava flows that pour over the west and southwest slopes. As a result of this volcanic activity, other attractions surround the volcano. These include hot mud pits, waterfalls, thermal springs, fumaroles, bubbling water pools and crystallized sulfur.

The overall climate of Miravalles Volcano and the areas that surround it present not only a diverse set of different norms, but also a generally pleasant meteorological experience for those who come to see it. While the area receives approximately 140 inches of rain per year, which is consistent with tropical settings, the average temperatures vary between the base and the top of the volcano. At its base, the average temperature during the day ranges from 75 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, while the top of the volcano features average temperatures from 42 to 48 degrees.

Anyone who wants to experience this area for themselves can do so by hiking on one or both of the two main paths, but many choose to see all that Miravalles Volcano has to offer by horseback. If you choose to stay here, there are local resorts available that will provide you with a true 'local' experience. Come and see this area for yourself and find out why those who have visited the Miravalles Volcano will never forget it.

Tamarindo, on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast, struggles to balance mass tourism with its fragile environment.

I was on my back in the sand staring at the sky, listening to the waves collapse lazily onto the Pacific shore of Costa Rica. I'd been waiting for turtles for three hours.

The half moon edged the passing clouds with silver filigree.

 Our guide kept looking at his watch. For him, this was work. He'd spent more than 100 nights in a row waiting for leatherback turtles at the Baulas National Park ranger station. It was mid-February and this was the second-to-last turtle tour of the season. "I think we're going to call it, guys," he said at about 11 p.m. to the group of 30 sleepy tourists. "No turtles tonight."

 So, we began the hourlong walk back to the condos, hotels and vacation homes that make up the jumble of civilization known as Tamarindo. After about 10 minutes, the guide's radio squawked with a message from the rangers: A turtle had come ashore 3 miles up the coast.

"We go back, guys," the guide said. So we turned heel and with renewed vigor headed north in the soft sand.

The leatherback turtle, which can weigh 2,000 pounds and be up to 9 feet long, had come from as far as 6,000 miles away to lay her eggs -- swimming perhaps all the way from the Galapagos. The leatherback is part of a turtle family that survived the extinction of the dinosaurs. They've been around for 100 million years, and there are only a few thousand left in the world.

To forgo a little sleep, to walk a few hours in the sand -- small sacrifices to make to meet such a traveler.

I did not go to Tamarindo because of the leatherbacks; when I'd made my plans, I had no idea they laid eggs on the beach just north of town. I went to Tamarindo for the simple reason that it's the nearest resort town to the international airport at Liberia, where, until last year, Northwest Airlines had sent a planeload of tourists on a direct flight every Saturday during the winter vacation season.

By Chris Welsch, Star Tribune

Costa Rica: Rio Celeste and the Celeste Waterfall

When people look at photos from Costa Rica, they are often taken aback by the stunning scenery that fills every picture. This is the case for many reasons, and one of them is because the scenery is so unlike anything else they have ever seen anywhere. If any of these photos contained a river that's a different shade of blue than most are accustomed to seeing, chances are they were looking at the wonder that is the Rio Celeste and the Celeste Waterfall.

Celeste Waterfall

The Rio Celeste and the Celeste Waterfall sits in the enormous Tenorio Volcano National Park, and it's one of the park's main attractions as it winds around Tenorio Volcano's foothills. The name 'Rio Celeste' means 'light blue river' in English. It gets its unique color from a combination of what would be clear, pure river water and a large dose of sulfur and calcium carbonate that emanate from the volcano.

Perhaps the most well-known aspect of the river is the waterfall, which is famous for its stunning beauty and breathtaking rhythmic sound it makes as the water drops into the lagoon below. The lagoon is open for wading, and the water is warm and soothing to anyone who ventures into it from the path nearby.

Anyone who enters the park can hike within it, and it'll take only two hours to appreciate many of the unique natural aspects that the river presents. As you make your way through the park, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a vast array of plant life, wild tapirs and pumas and hot springs that dot the landscape.

There are several clearing points along the river that present the visitor with views of the volcanoes that populate the park, and the smells of sulfur, plants and tropical flowers will fill your senses in every respect. You can even subtly 'taste' the park and the Rio Celeste and the Celeste Waterfall as you breathe the air.

The Rio Celeste and the Celeste Waterfall is a few hours away from San Jose, the capitol city of Costa Rica. To get there, you'll travel down rural highways and get a true sense of what's in store for you during your nature adventure. If you choose to stay nearby, there are several small lodges available that will present you with options that provide you with a true 'Costa Rica' experience. You may be staying in a rural geographic location, but you won't have to sacrifice amenities as you lose yourself in a place that literally seems like a different world.

New Tourist Investments In Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast

One local firm, Arquidea Developers, is constructing a $16 million tourist complex at the entrance to Puntarenas near the Hotel Colonial installations. The first stage of the project, called Puerto Azul, has already been completed and entails a seven story condo tower. The second stage, a second tower, is slated for completion in July 2009. The project is being constructed on a 20,000 square meter property and will include a 102 room hotel and a private port with a capacity for 90 ships. They are currently negotiating the possibility of franchising the hotel with two international hotel chains. Once completed, the project will directly generate more than 1,000 jobs in the region.

“Puntarenas was an excellent tourist destination 30 years ago, we want to recapture that,” Marketing director of the project, Ana Casafont, said. The port town has seen its glory days as a tourist destination, and is now most known for its cruise ship dock and for being the jump off point to get to the more idyllic beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula by ferry. However, with recent community clean up efforts, a beach face lift (which earned an Ecological Blue Flag) and a healthy dose of ‘passers through’, the new development may be the final ingredient to spark a renaissance in the ocean front community. Add to that the new San Jose - Caldera highway that is slated for completion at the end of this year, allowing Josefinos to jet to the beach in under an hour, and one might stop questioning Arquidea’s foresight.

Another Costa Rican developer, Grupo Rica Costa, recently began work on a new condominium-hotel, the Wyndham Jaco Beach. The hotel will be located in Jaco beach, on the Central Pacific coast of Puntarenas and expects to offer 250 jobs in the construction phases and 180 jobs upon opening. The investment group is also known for the Via Lindora, Valle de Tamarindo, Solaris, and HSBC building projects.

Another recent project, the Marina Papagayo just inaugurated its first phase last month within the Desarollo Papagayo project, which houses the Four Seasons and Hilton Papagayo. The new international marina currently has space for 180 vessels, though eventually they hope to have high tech facilities for 380 ships. The land portion of the project, Marina Village, will have more than 500 residences with exclusive access to resort facilities like the Arnold Palmer Golf Course and the Prieta Beach Club & Spa.

Costa Rica: Tenorio Volcano National Park

Many who visit Costa Rica arrive with the hopes and expectations of taking in a unique culture, a relaxed atmosphere and of spending time in what many consider the most beautiful and diverse ecological system in the world. A prominent destination within Costa Rica that provides this sought-out experience is the Tenorio Volcano National Park. The park was established in March of 1976, and the volcano was added to the park's property in 1995. The area presents every visitor with sights, sounds and even smells that simply cannot be found anywhere else in one place on the planet.

La Laguna Azul - Tenorio National Park

One of the most influential factors that creates the extreme ecological diversity that exists around Tenorio Volcano is the Rio Celeste, which when translated to English means 'light blue river.' The river is this color because of the sulfur that emanates from the nearby volcano, and its appearance is one of the most unique in existence.

Around the river and the volcano, one can find a diversity of plant life that's hard to match anywhere. Some of the common vegetation types include flora and fauna species in multiple life zones. Animal life features populations of pumas and tapirs. Additionally, the park contains several smaller rivers, waterfalls and thermal hot springs, all of which provide a visitor with hours of visual fascination in a distinct set of climates. Visitors to the area can expect a typical tropical experience in general, regardless of which portion of the park they happen to be visiting at any moment. The park may be very tropical in nature, but is also diverse within its own boundaries. The upper area of the park is generally influenced by the domination of primary cloud forests, while the lower portions feature a traditional rain forest-driven climate.

The average temperature in the area is 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius), and the park gets approximately 200 inches of rain every year. Elevation in the park ranges from sea level up to 6,286 feet at the Montezuma Volcano summit, which is also part of the national park.

The Tenorio Volcano National Park sits in the northern portion of Costa Rica, and resides about 100 miles north of San Jose, Costa Rica's capitol city. Given Costa Rica's rural infrastructure, it will take approximately 4 hours to reach the park from San Jose. The area around the park seems to fit quite well with the landscape when it comes to accommodations.

Several small and locally owned lodges are available for visitors to use, but as of now there are no enormous resorts. Those who visit Tenorio Volcano and who want to stay in the area should be prepared for a true 'tropical experience,' although the lodging in the area does not lack for comfortable amenities.