On this article, I’m going to stipulate every little thing it is advisable know to grow to be a house-sitter in Costa Rica. There are quite a few web sites obtainable to budding house-sitters, and it’s essential to know find out how to make the most of these. Home-sitting affords a singular method to touring, enhances your experiences, and might prevent a fortune in lodging prices.
I’ve been house-sitting around the globe for five years now; it has grow to be a serious a part of my touring life. Constructing a robust profile and selecting up many ideas and methods alongside the way in which has allowed me to embark on a lifelong dream of touring full-time.
My husband, Rob, and I put our plans into motion in January 2022. Central America was one of many first locations on our journey want record. We loved 3 superb months of house-sitting in Costa Rica and noticed every little thing from Arenal’s lush rainforests to the beautiful seashores of Puerto Viejo.
Dream seaside sits and luxurious rainforest retreats are all inside attain, however realizing find out how to safe them is significant. I’ve discovered lots about house-sitting since turning into a nomadic world traveler and can lay all of it out for you right here.
The way to Grow to be a Home Sitter in Costa Rica
There are some nice web sites that can assist you grow to be a home and pet sitter in Costa Rica. Discovering the appropriate one for you is a vital first step to take. I’ve outlined a few of my favourite house-sitting websites beneath;
1. Trusted Housesitters
My go-to home and pet-sitting web site is Trusted Housesitters. Proper now there are 6,670 sits worldwide at present accepting functions and dozens of energetic profiles in Costa Rica. Their platform is easy to make use of and simple to navigate, and I really like the truth that they’ve an app.
One other nice function is the flexibility to avoid wasting searches. For instance, should you had been on the lookout for a 10-day home sit in Costa Rica in February, however nothing got here up after your preliminary search, otherwise you didn’t like those you noticed, you would save your filters and be alerted as quickly as a match turns into energetic.
Trusted Housesitters has 3 membership choices that include completely different advantages relying on the value you pay. The highest membership is $260 and contains cancelation insurance coverage, enhanced customer support, and a pair of airport lounge passes a yr. The essential possibility with limitless worldwide sits is $129/yr and is a good way to get began with house-sitting.
Proper now, it can save you 20% by utilizing the low cost code GOATS20. In the event you had been on the lookout for an indication to get began, that is probably it!
2. Thoughts My Home
Thoughts My Home is a superb introduction to house-sitting. It’s easy to make use of and is among the most cost-effective websites round at $29/yr. The low charge means customers can really feel protected dipping their toes into house-sitting waters. Householders in search of sitters can be part of without spending a dime, so there are at all times loads of listings to choose from.
Potential house-sitters are free to go searching the web site earlier than becoming a member of as much as see what’s obtainable on the time. Loads of data is supplied and you may even see how many individuals have at present utilized. The statistics web page is a superb function that exhibits what number of energetic customers they’ve and the place.
Thoughts My Home has been round since 2005, and it stands out to me due to its community-oriented vibe. What units it aside is the direct connection you could have with the house owners, who actively interact within the day-to-day operations. For these hesitant about diving into house-sitting in Costa Rica, Thoughts My Home may very well be the best place to begin.
3. Workaway
Though predominantly a web site for locating volunteer placements, a terrific software to have in your house-sitting arsenal is Workaway.information. I’ve been utilizing this web site persistently during the last 3 years to search out volunteer alternatives around the globe. However one of many primary search choices on the location is house-sitting and there are at present over 500 listings globally.
They’ve an app, which is at all times a bonus, and I’ve discovered hosts to be fast and conscious of inquiries. Membership prices round $50/yr or $30pp/yr when a pair indicators up with a joint membership. I’ve made nice, life-long pals, in addition to some helpful international contacts through Workaway.
4. Home Carers
One other web site price contemplating is Housecarers.com. Though it could’t compete with the numbers that Trusted Housesitters places up, there are a whole bunch of listings at present in search of appropriate candidates.
Within the curiosity of holding your choices open, it’s clever to have a minimum of a couple of energetic house-sitting memberships open. Home Carers lets you construct a profile and search with out paying something upfront. In the event you discover a house-sit you just like the look of you’ll have to grow to be a full-paying member to use. Full membership is simply $50/yr so it’s one other inexpensive house-sitting useful resource.
In the event you’re pondering of turning into a house-sitter in Costa Rica, Housecarers.com is a superb web site to discover what a housesitting web site affords and the way it all works.
5. Nomador
Though Nomador has a heavy lean in the direction of European house-sits, they do frequently have listings within the Americas too. There are at present round a dozen energetic Costa Rican profiles on the location. Very similar to Trusted Housesitters, customers are additionally capable of save searches and be alerted once they come in the marketplace. It’s a really purposeful and easy-to-use web site.
Nomador’s 3-month fundamental package deal is nice for individuals simply getting began on their home sitting journey. Extra advantages akin to insurance coverage, premium customer support, and early entry to new listings include larger membership costs. The highest-end package deal is round $190/yr.
Regardless of not having an app, I like Nomador for its easy web site and clear and informative listings. The essential package deal is a good way to attempt house-sitting and not using a huge monetary outlay to start with.
Private Expertise Home-sitting in Costa Rica
Costa Rica was excessive on my journey want record once I left the UK in early 2022. I’d heard a lot concerning the white sandy seashores and the wild and luxurious rainforest, that I couldn’t wait to reach. I had 3 pre-organized home and pet sits booked at some point of my keep.
After 2 days of acclimatizing in San José, the primary house-sit was an hour north in La Fortuna. A lovely and enjoyable spot recognized for the large Arenal Volcano that dominates the skyline. My time right here got here with 2 canine to take care of and the home backed onto the rainforest – it was unbelievable. Regardless of a couple of large bugs, it was a terrific introduction to Costa Rican tradition.
The second home sit was the jackpot itemizing I had craved since becoming a member of Trusted Housesitters – 4 weeks on the seaside in Santa Theresa. A well-liked vacationer vacation spot and beautiful location. I had further tasks together with a pool and 4 visitor residences that wanted to be monitored, however no activity was significantly taxing. It was steps from the ocean and an unforgettable expertise.
San Isidro, round half-hour north of San José was the ultimate house-sitting location in Costa Rica. The working espresso ranch was maybe one of the crucial beautiful properties I’ve ever set my eyes on. Fortunately the gardener handled the espresso rising, I simply saved a watch on the home and a little bit canine referred to as Rodelle.
Greatest Areas to Home Sit in Costa Rica
I had such an exquisite time home and pet-sitting in Costa Rica. It’s a spot to expertise so many alternative issues. With that in thoughts, listed below are my prime 5 locations to house-sit in Costa Rica;
1. Santa Theresa
Home-sitting jobs in Costa Rica don’t get any higher than in Santa Theresa. The favored seaside city is a well-loved vacationer scorching spot with beautiful white sandy seashores, nice browsing, and a full of life tradition of bars, cafes, and eating places. I spent a complete month house-sitting right here and completely liked it.
There’s a big expat neighborhood and a thriving vacationer scene which suggests lots of the cafes and eating places have extra of an Americanized really feel to them. It does, nonetheless, imply that food and drinks costs are considerably larger than in different Costa Rican cities.
In distinction, the one-track mud street that traces the primary boulevard of Santa Theresa maintains the originality of the city. The entire place feels a little bit like stepping again to an easier time. Don’t be shocked to see individuals strolling barefoot, taking beers all the way down to the seaside at sundown, or driving scooters with a canine (or canine) on their backs.
Location: Santa Theresa is positioned on the western coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. It’s round 115 miles (184 km) west of San José. Getting there requires a brief boat journey throughout the Gulf of Nicoya from Puntarenas or a major drive round it.
2. San José
Though I didn’t house-sit within the capital metropolis San José itself, I did spend quite a lot of time in and round it – together with two Workaway language exchanges and a house-sit round half-hour exterior of the town. Because of this, I acquired to know the place very properly.
I’d been warned about San José earlier than touring to Costa Rica, however most of those warnings had been unjustified. Like all metropolis, it has a couple of areas that needs to be averted when alone or at evening. For essentially the most half, it’s a really cool and nice place to go to. The place to go and the place to keep away from are very apparent, and staying centrally in a populated space by no means gave me any trigger for concern.
San José is house to a few nice museums, fantastic streets full of bars and eating places, glorious buying, and some creature comforts should you’re lacking a Starbucks or Taco Bell! By staying right here, you’ll additionally be capable of go to fantastic cities close by like San Isidro, San Rafael, and San Ramon.
Location: San José is the capital and largest metropolis in Costa Rica. It’s serviced by Juan Santamaria Worldwide Airport and is round 2 hours from the coast.
3. Jacó
Jacó was essentially the most Americanized space of Costa Rica that I stayed in. It’s the situation of a number of giant resort-style beachfront accommodations and is widespread with expats. It’s referred to as a little bit of a celebration city, with plenty of vacationers frequenting the various bars and eating places alongside the primary strip via city. I had nice enjoyable house-sitting in Jacó.
The seaside itself is beautiful. The black sands stretch uninterrupted for two.5 miles (4 km) and it’s a preferred spot for sunbathers and surfers. The nice year-round climate makes it an excellent vacation vacation spot for many individuals annually.
Though individuals could come to Jacó to loosen up and occasion there’s nonetheless loads of pure magnificence to take pleasure in. For instance, the gorgeous Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park is simply an hour south of Jacó. There are quite a few cool excursions obtainable too. ATV and horseback driving excursions, snorkeling cruises to Tortuga Island, mountain climbing, and ziplining are all inside simple attain.
Location: Jacó is positioned on the west coast of mainland Costa Rica. It’s round 62 miles (100 km) southwest of San José.
4. Puerto Viejo
I nearly acquired to house-sit in Puerto Viejo however my month-long sit was canceled on the final minute. It was a disgrace, however I settled for an exquisite few days by the seaside with some pals visiting from England. Nestled alongside the jap Caribbean shoreline of Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo is a tropical haven and affords a singular journey expertise.
Identified for its mix of indigenous and Afro-Caribbean cultures, Puerto Viejo is a distinct expertise from the remainder of the nation. The city is such a cool place to go to and is a melting pot of traditions. From the full of life beats of reggae to the various aromas of native delicacies. It’s a dream vacation spot for house-sitting in Costa Rica long run.
The Gandoca-Manzanillo Nationwide Wildlife Refuge is a surprising place to go to close by, and snorkeling within the crystal-clear waters is an unforgettable expertise. The entire city has a laid-back environment and its heat, pleasant individuals make guests really feel proper at house.
Location: Puerto Viejo is positioned on the southeastern shoreline of Costa Rica. It’s round 137 miles (221 km) southeast of San José. Sixaola, the closest border crossing into Panama is simply round 28 miles (45 km) from Puerto Viejo.
5. La Fortuna
In the event you’re planning to go to Costa Rica to expertise nature, in addition to some enthralling experiences, I extremely suggest you head to La Fortuna. Positioned centrally within the Alajuela area, this excellent city had every little thing I hoped to realize from visiting Costa Rica; wildlife and beautiful landscapes, zip traces, and pure thermal spas.
The enduring volcano that dominates the skyline is solely breathtaking, and La Fortuna Waterfall is a should for any Costa Rica itinerary. The Bogarin path is a preservation space for sloths and quite a few different wildlife akin to toucans, lizards, and butterflies. It’s a terrific place to discover and to tick off seeing some native Costa Rican wildlife.
The city itself has a relaxed vibe with a gentle circulate of backpackers, and vacationers, in search of nature and journey blended in with a bustling inhabitants of lifelong residents and locals. The small-town vibe makes it really feel homely and welcoming, while ample sights and facilities make it an thrilling place to remain.
Location: La Fortuna is positioned round 80 miles (130 km) to the northwest of San José. The closest border with Nicaragua at Las Tabilillas is 100 miles (160 km) to the north.
Is Costa Rica Protected?
Costa Rica is taken into account one of many most secure nations in Central America. The nation’s dedication to eco-tourism and a secure political setting has contributed to its general constructive popularity. Guests can take pleasure in exploring the nationwide parks, pristine seashores, and vibrant cities with out important security issues.
Nonetheless, like every journey vacation spot, it’s important to train warning and to at all times stay vigilant. Petty theft, significantly in crowded vacationer areas in main cities like San José, is usually a concern. Preserve an in depth eye in your belongings always and solely use respected transport providers like Uber and official buses if wanted to get round.
Normally, Costa Rica is a welcoming and safe setting for vacationers and a terrific place to house-sit. Common sense precautions, an consciousness of native customs, and respect for the pure environment will definitely assist when visiting from overseas.
Professionals and Cons of Being a Home Sitter in Costa Rica
As with anyplace, there are execs and cons to house-sitting in Costa Rica. So, based mostly on my experiences, I’ve shortlisted a couple of for potential house-sitters to contemplate:
Professionals of Residing in Costa Rica
- Pure Magnificence: Costa Rica has an abundance of breathtaking landscapes, pristine seashores, lush rainforests, and majestic mountains.
- Pura Vida Way of life: The “Pura Vida” way of life is a cultural mantra that interprets to “pure life” and typifies the laid-back, constructive, and stress-free way of living in Costa Rica.
- Local weather: Costa Rica enjoys a constant tropical local weather. With year-round temperatures averaging round 32°C (90°F) in the course of the day and 23°C (73°F) at evening.
- Healthcare: Costa Rica has a well-regarded healthcare system, with high-quality medical amenities and professionals. My husband wanted a visit to the emergency room for ear bother and was seen effectively by a specialist and the remedy wasn’t costly.
- Environmental Sustainability: Costa Rica is dedicated to environmental sustainability and conservation.
- Peaceable and Steady: Costa Rica is understood for its secure political setting and lack of a navy. It has been a peaceable nation for many years which fosters a protected and secure environment.
- Pleasant Locals: Costa Ricans, or “Ticos,” are recognized for his or her heat and friendliness and I can actually vouch for this.
- Outside Actions: The nation is a paradise for out of doors lovers, providing a plethora of actions akin to browsing, mountain climbing, zip-lining, and bird-watching.
- Price of Residing: Whereas not the most cost effective nation in Central America, Costa Rica’s value of residing is affordable, particularly exterior of main city facilities and definitely when in comparison with say, the USA or the UK.
Cons of Residing in Costa Rica
- Language Barrier: Whereas many Costa Ricans communicate English, the official language is Spanish. Non-Spanish audio system could face challenges in sure conditions, significantly in additional rural areas.
- Insect and Pest Points: The tropical local weather brings with it quite a lot of bugs and pests, which is usually a nuisance and require ongoing pest management efforts.
- Pure Disasters: Costa Rica is liable to earthquakes and occasional hurricanes, which pose apparent dangers and require residents to be ready for an emergency.
- Rainfall: Through the wet season (Might to November), the nation experiences as much as 9.5 inches (240 mm) of rainfall every month and as many as 27 wet days every month. I discovered that it largely falls closely within the mid-late afternoons.
- Water Outages: In sure elements of the nation, particularly extra rural areas the intensive rainfall can have an effect on the stress of the water provide and the stress drops to nearly nothing. This implies faucets, sinks, and bogs gained’t work till they repair the issue which might typically take hours to resolve.
- Energy Outages – Likewise, energy outages though uncommon do happen extra incessantly than in different nations I’ve visited. In 3 months I skilled three 4-8 hour full energy outages.
- Humidity – Given its tropical year-round local weather, the humidity, particularly in the course of the wet season may be overbearing at instances.
- Non-Flushing of Bathroom Paper: The sewage methods in lots of Costa Rican cities are very delicate and because of this, you’ll be requested to keep away from flushing any bathroom paper. A bin is supplied which is a little bit disagreeable and is usually a bit bizarre for some individuals, nevertheless it’s what they do.
- The Highway Techniques: Though there are primary roads that join the larger cities, lots of the native street methods are non-direct, reduce via some significantly rural areas, and at instances may be poorly maintained.
Home Sitting in Costa Rica: FAQs:
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on house-sitting in Costa Rica:
Most house-sitting web sites may have insurance coverage choices inside their varied membership bands that cowl host cancelation and another fundamental pet or house-sitting eventualities. However as a rule, it will be a terrific thought to have a basic journey insurance coverage coverage in place for visiting Costa Rica.
To grow to be a house-sitter in Costa Rica you first want to enroll on a home and pet-sitting web site. There are various nice ones, akin to Trusted Housesitters, Thoughts My Home, and Nomador which have listings for Costa Rica and are stuffed with useful data to get you arrange as a sitter.
Though there could also be alternatives to receives a commission to be a house-sitter in Costa Rica, cash doesn’t issue into any of the web sites I’ve ever used. Predominantly the trade of an exquisite house, loving pets, and the improved expertise of residing someplace new is the cost.
Sure. Though fairly uncommon, I’ve actually seen listings for house-sitting in Costa Rica with out pets. Websites like Trusted Housesitters will assist you to seek for listings with out pets. Nonetheless, I’ve discovered that for essentially the most half, pets are included as a part of the cut price within the majority of listings.
The particular laws for house-sitters in Costa Rica can fluctuate, and it’s important to verify for current data relative to your nationality and the place you might be touring from. Typically, vacationers are allowed to remain in Costa Rica for as much as 90 days and not using a visa. This era contains each tourism and non-work-related actions, akin to house-sitting.
At all times be sure that your keep complies with the authorized necessities of the nation.
Home-sitting jobs in Costa Rica are superior. From the beautiful seashores of each coastlines to the bustling cities and cities there’s a lot to like. Pleasant individuals, nice year-round climate, nice meals, and a lot pure magnificence. Home-sitting in Costa Rica lets you dwell like a neighborhood and actually expertise the fantastic nation to the fullest.
Sure, there are luxurious home sits in Costa Rica. Luxurious may be subjective however I personally discovered lots of the locations I stayed, each as house-sits and in Airbnbs, accommodations, and many others. had been to a extremely excessive customary and consistent with among the finest locations I’ve stayed around the globe.
Costa Rica stands out amongst Central American nations for security and boasts a secure political setting. Nonetheless, warning and customary sense are suggested, particularly in crowded vacationer areas the place petty theft can happen. To finest predict security when touring, at all times make the most of trusted transportation like Uber and official buses.
Total, Costa Rica offers a safe setting for vacationers and house-sitters alike.
In Conclusion
My time in Costa Rica flew by and writing this text has made me very eager to return as quickly as doable. It’s such an exquisite place and house-sitting there made it much more particular. Getting to actually know a spot and the individuals is such a distinct expertise from merely passing via.
With a lot variety, I used to be capable of take pleasure in many alternative facets of Costa Rican tradition and heritage inside a single journey. So, whether or not you crave world-renowned seashores, the excitement of massive cities, the tranquility of the rainforest, or a combination of all of those sights, Costa Rica may have a house-sitting alternative to swimsuit you.
What are you ready for?! Get your self signed up in the present day and start your seek for your good Costa Rican house-sit placement.
