Costa Rica Cost Of Living Update: Neutering cat, antibiotics, parasitic medication, dewormer for two cats, protective collar– $48

It’s that time of year again. Tamarindo is bustling with tourists and the beaches are packed with eager participants learning to surf. I’m always amazed at how quickly the high season sneaks up on us, transforming this area into one of the top destinations in all of Central America.

This is a double-edged sword for me. The grocery stores run out of the products I use and parking can be difficult. I have friends who want to visit and many of the condos are already rented out for the season. It appears that this year is already busier than the last.

But for all the small inconveniences that a resident deals with, I can’t help but get excited. Everywhere you look people are smiling and discussing the excursions they have booked. “Have you seen the monkeys?” I overhear one tourist say. “Did you book the estuary tour?” another says to his wife. It’s fun to see people visiting Costa Rica and doing more than just lying on the beach. They are thrilled by all the wonderful things this country has to offer. Hammocks and palm trees are great, but flying through the air on a zip-line or watching baby monkeys jump from branch to branch is exhilarating. (more…)