Why Buy Real Estate in Costa Rica?

Lately, many people have been asking me, “Why should I buy Real Estate in Costa Rica when I can get something cheaper somewhere else in Latin America?”

There are many answers for this seemingly difficult question, so I compiled my top 5 answers below:

1. Something for Everyone: Now I like to put this one first because it is so important when trying to find a place to live, vacation or retire. There really is something for everyone in Costa Rica. There are amazing beaches, tropical rainforests, exotic plants and animals, volcanoes and lakes; and then there are activities and events to emphasize each of these incredible aspects of this diverse country.

2. Stable Real Estate Market in Costa Rica: As we have all clearly seen, the Real Estate Market in the United States crashed dramatically and heavily affected many people. Fortunately, this has not been the case in the Costa Rica Real Estate Market; in spite of the economic recession occurring throughout the world, the market has remained relatively stable, and this is in part due to the lower holder costs of properties in Costa Rica, as well as Foreign Investment.

3. Costa Rica has some of the Lowest Property Taxes: The property taxes in Costa Rica are 0.25% (a quarter of 1 percent), which compared with Real Estate in The United States and many other countries, is extremely low, especially when compared to other Coastal Real Estate throughout the world.

4. Costa Rica is an International Real Estate Market: Costa Rica is the choice for many experienced International Buyers. During these instable times around the world, people want to invest in Foreign Real Estate Markets in order to expand their earnings. However, everyone wants and needs to be cautious at this point, and that is what makes Costa Rica in such high demand. Internationally, investors are aware that Real Estate in Costa Rica is a safe investment, has been for years, and is only getting better.

5. Great Infrastructure / Stable Government: Yes, Costa Rica is in Central America. Yes, Costa Rica is considered a 2^nd world country. However, what really separates Costa Rica from the rest of the Central American countries is the modern infrastructure and stable government. There is excellent medical care (bringing visitors from around the world), great educational system in Costa Rica (with a 95% literacy rate), stable economic conditions and a secure, democratic government (without a military since 1948).

www.PropertiesJaco.com

Choosing a Real Estate Agent in Costa Rica

There are many important things to consider when picking a Real Estate agent in a foreign Real Estate Market, such as Costa Rica. Below are five things that I regard as most important when embarking upon this daunting process.

1. Credible Company: When Buying and Selling Real Estate in the difficult market of today, it is much safer and smarter to be represented by a company with a credible reputation. It is important to check out the company website, agents, marketing and history in the area before choosing which company will represent you best.

2. An Agent who Owns Real Estate and Lives in that Market: If your agent is selling Real Estate in one area and living in another it makes you think, “Well what’s wrong with the area where you are selling Real Estate?” You need to know that your agent has confidence in the area, that they believe it is a good investment (and have made the investment themselves) and that they believe it is a good place to live, vacation and/or fully enjoy.

3. A Full Time Agent with Experience in Real Estate: In the Real Estate world you constantly run into people who call themselves “Part Time Real Estate Agents”. The main problem you encounter when working with a Part Time Agent is they don’t know the market as well, they are only dedicating some of their time to Real Estate, and therefore it is almost impossible for them to stay updated on the ever-changing housing market in Costa Rica.

4. Communication: Looking for an agent with whom you communicate well is vital. You want an agent who you understand and who understands you; an agent who responds to your phone calls and emails within a reasonable amount of time is essential.

5. Referrals: Check to make sure that your agent has plenty of referrals from past clients. If they are not readily available, online or in print, ask for them to be provided for you or ask for the contact info of referrals to check on them yourself.

Make sure to do your Homework before picking the best Real Estate Agent for you in Costa Rica!

www.PropertiesJaco.com

Gated Communities in Costa Rica

Gated Communities can be a very important thing to consider when purchasing a vacation or second home. When you don't plan on being at your house year round, you want to know that your things will be safe and your house will be undisturbed. These are some of the benefits that come along with living in a Gated Community. Luckily, they have become very popular in Costa Rica and we have a few really great Lot Developments on the Central Pacific Coast.

Costa Esterillos, Costa Montana and Costa Reserva

Whether or not you are aware, a ready to build lot with out a history of legal issues and infrastructure in and complete is harder to find then advertised in The Central Pacific of Costa Rica. These Costa Developer's lots are all re-sales, all infrastructure is complete, they are located in a fantastic accessible area and ready to build! Costa Developers also overcomes the obstacle and daunting process of building by providing all of the resources for you.

Piper Renner

PiperRenner@hotmail.com

www.Propertiesjaco.com

Jacobeachinfo.com

506.8347.2334

U.S. 714.369.8133

Vista Mar 4th Floor Ocean View Condo

YouTube Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TK5vPKnptsg

Located in the center of Jaco Beach, this luxury condominium development offers some of the most Incredible Sunset and Ocean Views. The complex consists of 28 luxury units, with only 4 per floor, providing absolute privacy to its owners. This fully furnished 3 Bedroom, 3 Bath Condo features spacious walk in closets, two Ocean View Balconies, high-end appliances, granite counter tops, 3 plasma TVs and panoramic views of Jaco Beach.

Jaco Beach Realty

All my clients and fellow realtors are always asking what the great deals and distressed properties are right now, because when great deals do come up, they move off the market quickly. Below are a list of my most motivated sellers, great locations and best values in general.

HoneyMoon Suite Private Beach Access: $110,000

This condo is absolutely one of a kind. It is detached from the main condo building providing it privacy with Italian style balconies surrounding it. The bathroom is all custom with a walk in “cave” style shower. This fully furnished one bedroom, one bath unit features Austrian made sliding windows, marble floors, and hand plastered walls. L877

Custom Designed Beachfront Condo: $175,000

This one of a kind oceanfront condo was remodeled by one of the top designers in the area. It is a one bedroom, one bath with patio with lots of light. It comes fully furnished, is prices unbelievably low. This seller is motivated and this condo is exceptional in price, location, and offers lots of light, breezes and charm. L841

Macaws New Construction Private Beach Access: $235,000

These units have the highest quality finishes and construction. The condos are 1150 sq feet with 2 bedrooms and 3 baths. The construction quality is unbeatable. The project is gated 24 hours with secured parking and is located in the town of Jaco on the most scenic and tranquil part of the beach. L521

Spanish Style Luxury Condo: $330,000

This condo complex is low density and designed to feel like a small European village. This two bedroom, two bath condo is located on the first floor in a building with only one condo above. The deck, living room and dining area over looks the pool area and ocean. The interiors are spectacular with warm finishes and fine furniture. Turn Key luxury! L1002

Acqua Residences Estate Sale: $395,000

Fully furnished 2,000 square foot two bedroom, two bath luxurious unit on the 7th floor offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Jaco, and the wondrous mountain landscape, which can be enjoyed from any of the several private terraces off of the bedrooms and living areas. This is an Estate Sale and the owner is motivated! L1003

Please contact me for additional information. Many of these listings offer buyer’s agent bonuses!

Piper Renner

PiperRenner@hotmail.com

www.Propertiesjaco.com

Sportfishing in Costa Rica

Yesterday we went out on a sport fishing trip all day long! We left from the Los Suenos Marina and went about 30 miles out into the Pacific Ocean for some serious fishing!

We caught 10 yellowfin tunas and 1 big mullet snapper and left very satisfied and excited for dinner! Sport Fishing is very popular in Costa Rica and many people come to the Los Suenos Resort for just that purpose. After such a successful day yesterday, I can easily see the attraction.

Fee Simple Ownership in Costa Rica

The most widespread and complete form of owning Real Estate in Costa Rica is called “Fee Simple” Ownership.

For this type of ownership the conditions and regulations are equal for residents and foreigners alike.

The concept is basically the same as in the United States, Canada and Europe; specifically, fee simple ownership provides the owner with the right to use, enjoy, sell, lease, improve upon and materially own the property in question. The only areas of discussion being details that are outlined in the Costa Rican Laws, for example, various zoning policies.

For example, in Mexico, real estate is not Fee Simple, Panama has problems with Title, in various other countries you can’t own real estate if you aren’t a resident or national; however here in Costa Rica anyone can own, enjoy and benefit from the beautiful property we have to offer.

The Rich and Famous Buying Real Estate in Costa Rica

Actors, singers, models and more are busy buying Real Estate in various luxurious parts of Costa Rica.

Brian Austin Green from “Beverly Hills: 90210” just bought a mansion in the Gulf of Papagayo, where he and his fiancé Megan Fox have been spotted tanning on the spectacular Costa Rican beaches.

Mel Gibson bought a $25.8 million dollar beachfront property in Guanacaste (northwestern Costa Rica).

Gisele Bündchen has a home on the shores of Santa Teresa where she and husband Tom Brady held their intimate Costa Rica wedding.

Furthermore, Sting has a home in the south of Costa Rica, Harrison Ford has a mansion in Guanacaste, Singer Jamaroquia bought a home in Tambor Beach, and then there is the Four Seasons Resort.

Salma Hayek, David Hasselhoff, Donatella Versace, Shaquille O’Neal, Janet Jackson and Carolina Herrera all have real estate in this luxury resort on the Peninsula of Papagayo, Costa Rica.

The Tropical Weather of Costa Rica

Around one quarter of the land in the tropical country of Costa Rica is protected land for parks and reserves and because of this there is incredible flora and fauna all around. It has the most biodiversity in the world, with over 10,000 plant species and 36,000 animals, reptiles and insects.

In addition to all of the amazing species present in beautiful Costa Rica, there are also 12 distinct ecosystems. This country really has a little something for everyone, from dry beaches to tropical wetlands to mangrove swamps!

Furthermore, this tropical country does not even have a winter! The sun shines here throughout the year with an average temperature of 70 to 80 degrees. What more could you ask for!

Low Property Taxes in Costa Rica

The common rate of Property Tax in Costa Rica is 0.25% of the declared value of the property, which is typically determined by the local government. So that is just one quarter of one percent of the registered property value.

This rate is extremely low when compared with many other countries, especially Canada and the United States. The property taxes make investing in Real Estate in Costa Rica a great and very affordable option for foreigners.

Titled Versus Concession Real Estate Costa Rica

In Costa Rican Real Estate there is something called “Zona Maritimo Terrestre” which loosely translates to the Maritime Shoreline Zone. This is also referred to as “Concession Land” which can be a very tricky aspect of Real Estate here in Costa Rica. Roughly 95% of the beachfront property in Costa Rica is labeled Concession Land, in order to try to protect the pristine Pacific and Caribbean Coast beaches.

The main problem with this is that the government does not allow private ownership of this beachfront property.

The first 200 meters from the shoreline are owned by the government of Costa Rica, the first 50 meters are public beaches on which no construction may take place and the remaining 150 meters may be developed through special "concessions" that are approved by the local government.

Beyond this there are many specific rules as to getting a concession from the government and these rules are very important for foreign investors. For example, foreign investors must have lived in Costa Rica for at least 5 years prior to the purchase of Concession Real Estate and at least 50% of the development capital must be Costa Rican.

However we are lucky enough here in Jaco Beach, Costa Rica, to have beautiful TITLED beachfront property. One of the only beaches in Costa Rica that is completely titled and therefore foreign investors don’t have to worry about these restrictions when buying Real Estate in Jaco Beach.

For more information on Titled vs. Concession Real Estate in Costa Rica please feel free to contact me: PiperCostaRica@gmail.com

Ortega on The Border Dispute with Costa Rica

Ortega said that he will continue with his work of dredging in order to open up the navigation in the San Juan River.

The president of Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega, called to the OEA to help with the border conflict with Costa Rica, meanwhile the Costa Rican president Laura Chinchilla declared before the Central American bishops that her country has absolutely no hope for the San Juan River.

Ortega announced that his government will present a book titled, “Las verdades que oculta Costa Rica” or “The Truths that Costa Rica Hides” in which he will expose his version of the territorial dispute.

He also claims that although Costa Rica says they don’t have armed forces, the Central American country really does have an armed military that occupied the Nicaraguan Territory and began this territorial dispute in the first place. So Ortega’s plan for now is to expose his idea of the “truths” of Costa Rica in his book, which is yet to have a precise date of publication.

I guess we will just have to wait on the edge of our seats for this best seller!

The Changing of Seasons in Costa Rica

The weather this week and possibly next will be dry and wet and dry and wet, as the change from the rainy season to dry completes in the Central Valley, Central Pacific and North Pacific.

The national weather service of Costa Rica says that the dry/wet days will continue until the process of change is complete, which is expected by the end of the month.

The weather during this period will include hot sunny days, cold cloudy mornings, heavy afternoon rains, cold nights and everything in between and all in the same day on some days.

The experts in Costa Rica say that when strong winds are present there is less chance of rain. However, the winds are expected to stabilize over the coming week, which signifies the change to the dry or summer season.

The Central and South Pacific has yet to enter the transition period and can expect more isolated rain. The dry season is expected to reach the area by mid December. So very soon we will be back to our beautiful pacific coast beaches full of sun all day long!

This Holiday Season’s Upcoming Events in Costa Rica

• 2010 Christmas Festival: Arts and culture activities, eco-friendly product fair, gifts, Nov. 20-21 and 27-28, CENAC, Av. 3/5, Ca. 11/15,
• Lighting of Coca-Cola Christmas Tree: With cultural shows, Nov. 28, 6 p.m., opposite National Gymnasium, southeast La Sabana Park, San José.
• Christmas Choir Festival: Dec. 1-3, 6 p.m., Plaza de la Cultura, San José.
• Lighting of the Children’s Museum: Featuring 3,000 lights, concerts by the Colegio Metodista Choir and the University of Costa Rica Symphony Band, with fireworks, live nativity scene, Dec. 1, 6 p.m., Children’s Museum, north end of Ca. 4, 2258-4929.
• Hanukkah Menorah Lightings: Dec. 1-8, 6:30 p.m.; family program and lighting, Dec. 5, 5:30 p.m., La Sabana Park, behind León Cortes statue, 2296-6565.
• Lighting of Children’s Hospital Tree: Including cultural events, Dec. 2, 6 p.m., National Children’s Hospital, Paseo Colón, 2523-3600.
• Christmas Festival: Float parade, bands, dance, Dec. 3, 6 p.m., Miramar, Puntarenas.
• Teletón: Proceeds support the National Children’s Hospital, featuring national and international singers, bands, actors, dancers and other entertainers, Dec. 3, 9 p.m., through midnight Dec. 4, Palacio de los Deportes, Heredia, www.ayudemos.com. Donations can be made to Banco de Costa Rica account 12345-5, or by text message in amounts of ¢1,000 (dial 2030), ¢2,000 (2032), ¢5,000 (2035) or ¢9,000 (2039).
• Annual Nativity Scene Contest: Enroll by Dec. 6; award ceremony with choir recital, Dec. 18, 5 p.m., José Figueres Ferrer Cultural Center, San Ramón, Alajuela, 2447-2381, ccehjff@ice.co.cr.
• Arte Hoy International Art Fair: With approximately 150 national and international artists, Dec. 8-12, Avenida Escazú shopping mall, Escazú.
• Embrujarte Art Fair: With approximately 200 artists, Dec. 8-13, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., soccer field, San Rafael de Escazú, 2280-9121, 8383-3518.
• Christmas Fair: Workshops, gift fair, Dec. 9, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Crowne Plaza Hotel Corobicí, 2291-8831, navidad @aportasolutions.com.
• Festival of Lights: Companies and organizations compete to construct the most elaborate illuminated floats in a parade with band music, Dec. 11, 6 p.m., from National Gymnasium, La Sabana Park, along Paseo Colón and Av. 2, San José.
• Christmas Concert by National Youth Symphony Orchestra: Dec. 17-18, 7:30 p.m., Melico Salazar Theater.
• Zapote Traditional Fair: Rides, food, games, concerts, bullfights, Dec. 25-Jan. 3, Zapote.
• Tope Horse Parade: Dec. 26, 1 p.m., Paseo Colón, San José.

Costa Rica Nicaragua Dispute

Costa Rica has filed a formal complaint before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Netherlands, claiming that Nicaragua has violated its sovereignty and destroyed parts of a protected wetland.

This is part of a one-month old border dispute between the two Central American countries.

Costa Rican Foreign Minister René Castro said Thursday that it appears Nicaraguan officials are attempting to build a canal between the Río San Juan, which divides the two countries, and a nearby lagoon.

This is the second time in less than two years that the ICJ has been called to settle a dispute over the Río San Juan. In July 2009, the ICJ ruled that Costa Rica was granted navigational rights to the Nicaragua-owned river.

The Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) met again this week in Washington D.C. to address the border row. Earlier this month, 22 of the 27 OAS representatives voted to request that Nicaragua remove troops from the area, but Nicaragua has not responded.

Nicaragua's ambassador to the OAS, did not attend this week's meeting. Last week, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega called the OAS a "failure," and said Nicaraguan troops would remain in the disputed area indefinitely.

OAS Secretary General José urged the two countries to find a peaceful resolution through dialogue.

Bejuco Beach Home Reduced Price!!

I now have this amazing home in Bejuco Beach that just reduced the price to $199,000!

It is a fully furnished 3 bedroom, 3 bath home set in the gated community of Costa Del Sol.

This luxury community features a large pool area, barbeque/club house, volleyball court, tennis court and only 200 meter access to the stunning Bejuco Beach. This home is brand new and ready to be rented, loved and lived in.

Check out my YouTube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZhxVaAhR1Y

TV Show in Costa Rica with Lea Thompson!

Last week I had the wonderful opportunity to take part in a Costa Rica Real Estate television show with DateLine NBS’s Lea Thompson. It was quite the experience to say the least. We toured some stunning homes in the Los Suenos Resort complex and I got a taste of the spot light!

The first challenge was getting the microphone underneath my dress in an inconspicuous manner and then trying to make it work with my pearls! Who knew that pearls draped around my neck could be so difficult?

Then after touring the stunning $4.3 million dollar home in Los Suenos overlooking Herradura Beach we went to 2 stunning condos in the luxury communities of Del Mar and Montebello. Working with Lea Thompson and her production team on this unique Real Estate TV show was such a great experience and I can’t wait to see the final product!

National Disaster for Costa Rica-Relief on the Way

Costa Rican president Laura Chinchilla announced that at least 2,540 homes had been affected by floods and landslides caused by indirect rains from Hurricane Tomás last week.

Chinchilla said that she expects the cost to be “extremely high,” and that road repairs will have the highest price tag. “The country is equipped to deal with crises of certain levels,” Chinchilla said. “But this one of the first of this magnitude, which has caused damages in such a large portion of the national territory.”

So far, the government has pooled $86.4 million in funds for the disaster and Chinchilla said on Tuesday that she expects other public agencies to contribute disaster relief money by the end of the week.

**To donate to the Red Cross, make a deposit to the Banco Nacional to account number 100100-7 in colones, or account number 68666-7 in dollars, or to Banco de Costa Rica account number 176003-3 in colones, or 204-6 in dollars.**

Scenic Country Home -Hermosa Beach- ONLY $165,000

This stylish country home is located a short five minute drive from Hermosa Beach and five minutes from Esterillos beach. It is built in a scenic country area in the traditional Costa Rica style with wrap-around balconies surrounding it.

The large property is already completely fenced in so it is perfect for someone with dogs. This home is priced EXTREMELY well. For the area of construction it would be hard to build for the asking price. There is a transferable mortgage of $60,000 with monthly payments of $450.

Please contact me for more information on this scenic country new construction home.

www.PropertiesJaco.com

Absolute Luxury in Manuel Antonio

When you first see the Punto de Vista villa in Manuel Antonio, on the central Pacific coast, it is immediately apparent that you won’ be staying in another tourist destination. You will be a guest in a work of art.

As you near the open-air lounge and dining area on the 4th floor of the villa’s west wing you see a panorama of the sequined water of Manuel Antonio’s crescent bay, whitecaps dotting the surf and inexplicable rock formations rising from the ocean.

There is no column supporting the ceiling, there are no walls enclosing you, and only the glass guardrail keeps you from walking right off the edge. Though you are underneath a 5th floor and completely shielded from all weather, you feel a bit disoriented.

This magnificent villa in Manuel Antonio goes beyond being a hotel; it is a non-traditional combination of design and physics. And a definite must see.

Punto de Vista was designed for events, large gatherings and, in particular, for weddings. The villa sleeps up to 27 people.

Top US Official Visit to Costa Rica

A top U.S. official will visit Costa Rica and Nicaragua this week to discuss a variety of issues that require bilateral cooperation. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Arturo A. Valenzuela will begin his tour on Wednesday, making his first stop in Costa Rica.
On the next day, he will proceed to Nicaragua and will stay in the country's capital Managua until Friday.
In each country, he will meet with government officials and political, business, and civil society leaders to discuss bilateral and regional issues, the U.S. State Department said.
The agenda includes bilateral cooperation to promote democratic governance, citizen safety, inclusive economic opportunity, energy security and climate change.
Washington had expressed concerns about Nicaragua, where the Supreme Court last year opened the way for Leftist President Daniel Ortega to seek a new term in a 2011 election.

New Rules for Tourism Drivers

The Consejo de Transporte Público (The Council of Public Transport) will take a week to come up with changes in regulations that cover what are being called “special transports” or servicio de porteo. Many are drivers who work in tourism.
A decree appeared in the La Gaceta official newspaper Oct. 15 tightening the controls of the central government over such workers. The drivers engaged in slow-moving protests Monday and eventually met with transport ministry officials.
The Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes said that the rule that each driver must have a contract with those who are being carried would not be waived.
In addition, the Council and the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism must approve the vehicles involved. However now the drivers are arguing that under the rules set down Oct. 15 only big corporations would be able to do the work.

Costa Rica Exports Up 9%

The Foreign Trade Promotion Office announced Wednesday that Costa Rica’s exports have increased 9 percent this year when compared to the first nine months of 2009. From Jan. through Sept. the country has raked in over $7 billion in sales, compared to $6.5 billion at this point last year.

They reported that 75 percent of all exports are industrial products, 23 percent agricultural products and 2.4 percent fish and livestock. Industrial exports accounted for $205 million more in 2010 than last year, boosted primarily by a 96 percent increase in the export of electric cables and a 36 percent increase in both tires and electrical switches and breakers. Microprocessors and other electric components continue to bring in the largest amounts of revenue, accounting for over $1.4 billion in sales so far this year.

Regarding food and agricultural products, the export of bananas, pineapples and coffee - historically among Costa Rica’s leading exports – all improved, led by a 23 percent increase in the shipping of bananas. In addition to these principal exports, sugar sales abroad have increased a whopping 217 percent, jumping from $23 million in 2009 to $74 million this year.

The majority of Costa Rican exports (41 percent) in 2010 were shipped to the United States, while 12.4 percent have gone to the European Union. Since 2008, exports to the EU have increased 5.9 percent. So things are looking up for Costa Rica and we are all excited about what the optimistic future will bring for us!

Stadium in San Jose Nearing Completion

The $80 million stadium in San José’s La Sabana Park, a gift from the government of China, is nearing completion. The behemoth’s seats have been installed, the scoreboards mounted and the playing field lain with grass.

During President Laura Chinchilla’s first official tour of the stadium on Thursday, the Chinese ambassador told her the stadium would be ready for final inspection in November.

“We are in the final phase of construction of the national stadium,” he said. “After a few months of trials, we expect the inauguration to take place at the end of March.”

He anticipates a “great party” in celebration of a stadium that he said is a symbol of the friendship between the two countries. The 35,000-seat stadium was pledged to Costa Rica after the Central American country established relations with China, severing ties with longtime friend Taiwan, in 2007.

Chinchilla said she will look to guarantee that Costa Ricans “have true pride in the stadium” and that it will pave the way for a greater participation in sports.

“We want a stadium that is alive; that is always filled with people,” she said.

When asked about a name, she said it is still open for conversation, but that “there are many athletes who have made important imprints in our history.”

Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica: #1 Ranking

The Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica received the #1 position in all of Central and South America from one of the most coveted readers’ choice awards surveys in the travel industry: the Condé Nast Traveler 2010 Readers' Choice Awards. More than 25,000 readers voted in the 23rd annual survey.

“It is testament to our staff and their dedication to continuously exceed our guests’ expectations,” said Luis Argote, general manager of the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica. Since opening in 2004, the Resort was ranked #1 in Central and South America in 2005 and 2006.

Four Seasons Golf Club at Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica has been recognized for environmental excellence by Audubon International. The 18-hole Arnold Palmer Golf course is one of four courses in Costa Rica and 778 courses in the world to receive the honor.