Frequently asked questions

Useful answers for planning a visit, understanding the destination, and exploring ownership at Bahía Papagayo.

Choose a topic below, or speak with our team when you are ready to discuss a specific residence.

Location

Where is Bahía Papagayo located?

Bahía Papagayo sits on the southern shore of Bahía Culebra in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, facing north toward Península Papagayo. It is approximately 20 minutes from Guanacaste International Airport (LIR).

Where is the Gulf of Papagayo?

The Gulf of Papagayo is on Costa Rica’s north Pacific coast. Its beaches, dry forest, marine life, resorts, and outdoor activities make it one of the country’s most sought-after coastal areas.

What is the climate like along the northern coast?

Guanacaste’s coastal temperature averages about 82°F. The dry season generally runs from December through April; the rainy season is typically May through November, with showers often arriving in the afternoon.

What languages are spoken in Costa Rica?

Spanish is the primary language, and English is widely spoken throughout the country’s tourism areas.

What currency is used in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica uses the colón. U.S. dollars and major credit cards are also widely accepted.

What transportation services are available?

Bahía Papagayo is about a 20-minute drive from LIR. Transportation from San José International Airport can be arranged; the drive is approximately four to four and a half hours, depending on traffic. Domestic flights between SJO and LIR are also available.

How do I rent a car in Costa Rica?

Several U.S. car rental companies operate from LIR, and a valid U.S. driver’s license is required. There is also an Avis office at El Mangroove Hotel. On property, bicycles, golf-cart shuttles, boardwalks, and paths make getting around easy.

What medical or emergency services are available?

Doctors are on call rather than on site. Nearby Playas del Coco and Liberia offer private clinics, pharmacies, ambulance services, and hospitals. Costa Rica’s national emergency number is 911.

Is Península Papagayo a good place to retire?

Costa Rica is widely considered an attractive retirement destination for its natural setting, stable democracy, healthcare system, and lifestyle. A local adviser can help you evaluate residency, healthcare, tax, and ownership considerations for your circumstances.

How safe is Costa Rica and the Papagayo area?

Papagayo is a well-established tourism destination with resorts, beaches, and outdoor activities. As with travel anywhere, follow current local guidance and take normal precautions when visiting or considering a move.

What wildlife can be found in Papagayo?

The Gulf of Papagayo supports dolphins, seasonal humpback whales, sea turtles, reef fish, rays, sharks, coastal birds, and diverse mangrove ecosystems.

What schools are nearby?

The live FAQ identifies nearby options including La Paz Community School, Costa Rica International Academy (CRIA), Dolphins Academy School, Sea Wonders, and Lakeside International School. Families should contact schools directly for current admissions and program details.

What medical facilities are available nearby?

The live FAQ identifies Clinical Hospital San Rafaél Arcángel and Beachside Clinic among nearby care options. Confirm current services and availability directly with each provider.

Community

What is the acreage of the project?

Bahía Papagayo encompasses 321 acres, with 70% planned to remain in its untouched state.

How many neighborhoods are within the project?

The plan includes five distinct neighborhoods set among dry rainforest, mangroves, and ocean views.

How many residences are planned?

Upon completion, Bahía Papagayo is planned to include more than 600 residential units across villas, condominiums, townhomes, and lots.

What types of residences are available?

The offering includes fully furnished one- and two-bedroom condominiums, as well as two- to four-bedroom single-family villas with landscaped gardens and private pools.

What are the starting prices for the properties?

The live FAQ lists condominiums from approximately $400K USD and villas from approximately $950K USD. For homesite-lot availability and current pricing, please contact the sales team.

What is included in the price?

The live FAQ states that condominium and villa prices include IVA tax, furniture, and accessories. Confirm the current inclusions for the residence you are considering with the sales team.

What amenities and features are included?

The planned destination includes beach access, a dock and water taxi service, trails, yoga decks, sports courts, art spaces, a helipad, medical services, and Manglar Village amenities such as dining, boutique shops, an amphitheater, a farmer’s market, a museum, and co-working space.

Is the project pet friendly?

Owners may bring up to two dogs while in residence, subject to breed restrictions. The resort is pet friendly, though guests may not bring pets when the owner is not in residence.

Real Estate

What appliances are included in the condos and villas?

A complete household-appliance list is available from the Bahía Papagayo sales team.

Are materials locally sourced or imported?

The project sources premium hardwood for custom furniture in Costa Rica and durable fabrics from trusted U.S. suppliers. Furniture, fixtures, and equipment are selected from multiple countries to meet the project’s quality and design standards.

Are the villas and condos fully furnished?

Yes. The villas and condominiums are designed as fully furnished residences with the comfort, style, and quality of a four-star hotel.

Can I visit the project and my unit during construction?

Yes. Site and unit visits may be permitted during construction; please refer to the Purchase and Sale Agreement for the applicable details.

What is a pre-delivery inspection?

A pre-delivery inspection is a walkthrough led by the builder before possession. It is an opportunity to inspect the completed residence and document any incomplete, damaged, missing, inaccessible, or non-operating items.

How does the pre-delivery inspection work?

The builder guides the owner through the home’s systems, including ventilation, plumbing, and heating, and records relevant items on the builder’s PDI form before occupancy.

Utilities

How will utilities work for my property?

Bahía Papagayo Property Management Services manages and invoices interior services separately on the homeowner’s behalf, including water, electricity, telephone, cable TV, and internet. Exterior services are included in the owner’s monthly HOA agreement.

Rental program

Can I rent my condo or villa?

The seller shares the authorized Rental Program with the buyer 90 calendar days before closing. Buyers may also use rental platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO, or Booking.com, subject to the applicable program and agreements.

Financial

Is financing available for my private residence?

Financing for non-resident Costa Rican purchasers may be available through local financial institutions for qualified buyers. Please contact the sales team for current options.

What is the deposit schedule?

The current schedules are set out in the Purchase and Sale Agreement. For condos, deposits are generally due at contract, 90 days after execution or land clearing, construction commencement, roof completion, and closing. Villa schedules follow similar construction milestones. Ask the sales team for the current PSA and applicable schedule.

Can anyone acquire the right to a concession in the Gulf of Papagayo Project?

National and foreign nationals may become concessionaires within the Gulf of Papagayo Project. Where the right is acquired through a company or similar entity, it must be incorporated and domiciled in Costa Rica; its shareholders may be national or foreign nationals.

What is a PSA?

A Purchase and Sale Agreement is the legally binding document that sets out the terms and conditions of the transaction between buyer and seller.

What is the TLA number, and why is it important?

The Transaction Listing Access number is a unique identifier assigned to a transaction. It is included in the Purchase and Sale Agreement to help the parties identify and keep records of the sale.

What documents do I need to provide?

The live checklist includes a clear copy of the passport picture page, a signed Purchase and Sale Agreement, a signed Rental and Escrow Agreement, and a completed Know Your Customer form.

Can a non-resident buy property outright in Costa Rica?

Non-residents may buy private land in Costa Rica. Bahía Papagayo property is concession land, for which Costa Rica’s Tourism Institute grants use rights for a specific period that are renewed under the applicable legal framework. Consult your legal adviser for guidance on your purchase.

Do property owners need to insure their property?

Owner property insurance is required. Please consult the current purchase documentation and an insurance professional for coverage requirements and options.

Does the HOA cover common-area insurance?

Yes. The HOA includes coverage for common areas.

Visiting

How do I book a discovery tour and what does it cost?

Discovery packages are subject to availability and vary by season. The live offering includes land, water, and owner packages with a two-night stay, breakfast, a private project tour, and selected dining or excursion experiences. Contact the sales team for current pricing, inclusions, and availability.