Oh, the allure of international tourism!  We all want to travel, see exotic places, stay in nice hotels, eat great food and visit exciting attractions.  In the next few months we are offering tours to Cuba, Colombia, and Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil, including Iguazu Falls(all three in one tour).  We'll be offering a tour to Morocco in early 2025 and are planning a tour to Budapest and Bucharest for next year as well. (we'll keep you posted)

Here's a short list of upcoming tours, with full descriptions below and sign up links: 

 

Havana, Cuba and Beyond - January 3 - 10, 2025, Sold Out

Costa Rica 8 day country tour - February 25 - March 4, 2025

Costa Rica to Panama City, Panama - February 7 - 16, 2025

Guatemala March 8 - 15, 2025

Marrakech, Morocco & Beyond March 28 - April 6, 2025 10 day

All the tours highlighted below have space available at THIS MOMENT.  Tours sell out fast.

Unforgettable Tours

Embark on an incredible journey with us as we visit some of the world's most fascinating destinations. Below, you'll discover a list of our upcoming tours, complete with thrilling details and booking information.

 

Costa Rica Country Tour February 25 - March 4, 2025 (date change)

 

This nearly all-inclusive tour is $2,400 PP or $4,000 per couple. It includes all in country transportation, all lodging, all activity and entrance fees, and two meals per day. It does not include Alcoholic beverages. This very popular tour visits the highlights of Costa Rica, starting in the central valley of San Jose, on to La Paz Waterfall Gardens, including Poison frogs, big cats, orchids, hummingbirds and 4 spectacular waterfalls. We'll visit Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna, lounge in a thermal springs heated by the volcano, visit Manual Antonio and the famous national park, visit Jaco, Dominical and more. We'll travel in a luxury Mercedes Sprinter and see the animals, plants and birds that Costa Rica is famous for. This tour includes two meals per day, breakfast and dinner, and is otherwise All-Inclusive. Click here for more information Sign Up Here

Costa Rica to Panama Tour

February 7 - 16

All-inclusive $2,800 PP or $4,800 couple

See complete description and sign up link here

 

Guatemala

March 8 - 15, 2025

This All-Inclusive tour visits the highlights of Guatemala including Guatemala City, the Palacio Nacional, the Cathedral Metropolitana and the central market. We stay/tour in Antigua, Lake Antitlan/Panajachel, visit Chichicastanango (the largest market in Guatemala), Puerto San Jose (on the west coast Pacific ocean) and more. We'll get a insiders view of Guatemala, including parts of the country not normally visited. $2,000 per single, $3,800 per couple.

Sign Up Here

 

Marrakesh, Morocco and beyond March 28 - April 6, 2025 This all-inclusive tour will include an in depth look at Marrakesh, the souks, spice market, home of Eve St Laurant, the walled city and neighborhoods beyond. We will also visit the Agafar desert, the Atlas mountains, go for a camel ride, see some great arts and crafts and more. Watch for more details on this tour (I am working on the details now but needed to get this mailing out so I'll be sending a separate email about Marrakech and beyond).  110 days, all-inclusive, $2,800 PP or $4,800 per couple Sign Up Here

 

Cuba April 12 - 19, 2025 More Info and to Sign Up   This small group All-Inclusive tour, in support of the Cuban people is scheduled for April 12 - 19, 2025. This tour may have to cancel, depending on the administration changes we may have in November 2024. The cost is $2,000 per person. You can fly regular airlines into Cuba, American Airlines is the easiest but Delta, Southwest and Copa all fly there too. Cuba was closed to Americans for years but it's now open to visitors who follow state department regulations. We'll visit in full compliance, staying in Casa Particulars, taking private transportation and in support of and interacting with the people of Cuba. We tour old Havana, Vedado, Veradero, Vinales and more. We'll get great photos and hear some great music. We visit "the famous" Veradero beach, visit the Plaza of the Revolution, as well as the largest artesian market in Havana, ride convertibles & more. More Cuba Photos below

Why Travel With Us?

When it comes to choosing a travel company, you want to ensure that you are in the best hands possible. That's where we come in. As seasoned travelers ourselves, we understand the needs and preferences of our clients, particularly those in the older demographic. We have carefully curated our tours to provide you with the highest quality experiences, prioritizing comfort and cultural immersion. We have a unique perspective on what people want to see, having visited over 80 countries and having flown millions of miles on commercial airlines.

One of the key reasons to tour with us is our extensive knowledge and expertise in international business. As someone who has personally owned properties and businesses in multiple countries, we have gained invaluable insights into the world of international real estate. This unique perspective allows us to not only offer exceptional tours, but also to help you consider the potential benefits of retiring, owning, or investing abroad.

We pride ourselves on our flexible cancellation policy. We understand that plans can change, and we want to make sure that you have peace of mind when booking with us. If you need to cancel or adjust your tour, simply notify us as soon as possible. If you cancel or inform us of flight issues at least 30 days before the tour, there will be no charge. For cancellations between 30 and 7 days before the tour, we will only charge for non-refundable hotel bookings. Cancellations within 7 days of the tour will incur a charge of 50% of the tour fee.

At our core, we prioritize the comfort and mobility of our participants. We want to ensure that everyone has the best experience possible, which is why good mobility is important. Many of our tour activities involve walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of vehicles. If you have any mobility issues, we kindly request that you refrain from booking our tours to ensure the best experience for all.

When traveling to a foreign country, it is crucial to take responsibility for yourself and your belongings. You need to have a valid passport, with at least 6 months before the expiration date, you might want to consider travel insurance, and being aware of your surroundings is paramount. Proper planning is key, including making photocopies of your passport, printing out your itinerary and boarding passes, and packing appropriately. To assist you in preparing for your journey, we provide a packing list suggestion for our tours.

Our tours are specifically designed to strike the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. We cater to the needs of active individuals who want to explore new destinations without compromising comfort. While we offer a variety of tours, each with its own unique itinerary, all of them are carefully crafted to ensure an unforgettable experience.

Join us on one of our upcoming tours and let us captivate your senses with exceptional destinations and unforgettable experiences. From the 8 Day Discovery Tour of Cuba to the 8 Day Medellin Colombia Tour and the 10 Day Costa Rica Tour, we have a wide range of options to choose from. Our tours are not just about tourism; they also provide insights into owning or investing abroad for those who are considering being a snowbird.

When you tour with us, you can trust that you are in the hands of an experienced and knowledgeable guide. We have spent years studying international business and have a deep understanding of both travel and owning property abroad. Our tours are designed to provide high-quality experiences at an affordable cost, allowing you to explore exceptional places without breaking the bank.

Don't just take our word for it, check out the testimonials from our tour guests on our website. We are confident that their experiences will give you a glimpse into the incredible journeys that await you when you choose to tour with us. So why wait? Join us on an adventure of a lifetime and create memories that will last a lifetime.

As an experienced traveler and expert in international business, I have curated these tours to provide you with the highest quality experiences. I understand the needs and preferences of an older client base, offering itineraries that prioritize comfort and cultural immersion. Whether you want to witness breathtaking waterfalls, explore exotic destinations, enjoy live music, or partake in activities that require mobility without the adrenaline rush, our tours cater to your desires.

Traveling abroad not only opens up new horizons but also presents opportunities for property ownership or business ventures. I have personally owned properties and businesses in multiple countries, giving me valuable insights into the world of international real estate. By offering affordable tours, I aim to help you discover exceptional destinations while considering the potential benefits of living or investing abroad.

Cancellation Policy

We understand that plans can change, which is why we have a flexible cancellation policy. If you need to cancel or adjust your tour, please notify us as soon as possible. If you cancel or inform us of flight issues at least 30 days before the tour, there will be no charge. For cancellations between 30 and 7 days before the tour, we charge 50% of the tour fee. Cancellations within 7 days of the tour will incur a charge of 80% of the tour fee.

Mobility

To ensure the best experience for all participants, it is important to have good mobility. Many of our tour activities involve walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of vehicles. If you have mobility issues, we kindly request that you refrain from booking our tours.

Foreign Travel

When traveling to a foreign country, it is essential to take responsibility for yourself and your belongings. This includes having a valid passport, considering travel insurance, and being aware of your surroundings. Proper planning, including making photocopies of your passport, printing out your itinerary and boarding passes, and packing appropriately, is crucial. We provide a packing list suggestion for our tours to assist you in preparing for your journey.

Tours for Baby Boomers

Are you looking for a tour that strikes the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation? Our tours cater to the needs of active individuals who want to explore new destinations without compromising comfort. However, please note that good mobility is necessary to join our tours, as we engage in various activities that require physical agility.

Upcoming Tours

We offer a variety of tours.  See the list and Sign up links below.

Why tour with me?  I've owned properties and businesses in multiple countries, and learned much about owning or operating a home, rental property or business outside the US, but I also spent 7 years studying international business and have an expert understanding on what's important in both travel and owning property abroad.  As a wanderlust, I look for itineraries of high quality, that are also tuned in to an older client base.  Most of you don't want to zip line, white water raft or repel down a waterfall.  But you'd love to see the waterfall, visit exotic places, hear great music, maybe take a dance lesson, visit the top attractions, and take part in cool activities that require mobility but not adrenaline. 

We are working on a tour to Guatemala and to Marrakech, Morocco, to be offered sometime in the coming year, watch for more details.  See our list of upcoming tours below, some focused on pure tourism, but many with a touch of real estate thrown in for those who might be considering owning or investing abroad.  

 

https://www.pacificlots.com/tours check this link for testimonials from our tour guests.

Cancellation policy - Some hotels we use require advanced purchase to secure the rooms. If you cancel a tour or can't get the flights to work, let us know as soon as you can.  If flights don't work and you let us know at least 30 days before the tour, there is no charge. If you cancel with less than 30 days but more than 7 days before the tour, we will only charge you for any hotels we booked that can't be cancelled.  If you cancel at the last minute (less than 7 days, the charge will be 50% of the tour fee.  

 Tours for Baby Boomers on offer:

     Want a tour that's not an adrenalin tour, but not an old fogey tour either? 

     You need to be mobile to join our tours, no walkers, no canes, no issues....

You can't control where you where you were born but you can control where you live. Do you live somewhere cold or unpleasant for part of the year and are considering owning a second home or just moving somewhere new.  Maybe you're ready to retire and looking for an ideal destination.  Maybe you just want to travel to places that others have chosen for relocation, to see what all the buzz is.  Fact: owning a home in a vacation destination, instead of in a traditional community is a smart way to be able to earn money from your home when you are not using it.  YOu can travel for free simply by renting out your home when you're not using it. We've designated owner lock out closets to put our stuff in when our properties are rented out. Now every few years we've been able to buy additional properties with the money we're making from our rentals, something we would never have been able to do if we'd bought a traditional  home. Don't think you can't continue to earn lots of money in retirement, you've built a lifetime of equity, now you can put it to work. 

How'd we do it? First of all, we never sold our primary home. Instead we took an equity line of credit and used it to buy a few smaller properties in areas of high demand, condos with rental management programs in vacation destinations where there are good rental management companies. We rent our condos short term using craigslist, Airbnb and VRBO, using rental management companies to do the work. We also rent out our primary home long term. We enjoy the benefits of lots of rental income instead of having spent all our money on a home in a typical retirement community, most of which have zero rental appeal.  Important - buy good properties in areas of high tourist interest.

So how can you learn more? We've scheduled a bunch of "discovery tours to the many of the top expat destinations. property tours.  We continue to offer tours to both Costa Rica (10 days) and or ever popular Costa Rica to Panama tour (also 10 days).  See the list of tour dates on the left sidebar just below the main menu (cursor down a bit).  Come see why Costa Rica continues to top the list of recommended destinations for North Americans looking to move out of the US or Canada. Best of all, your property is easy to rent and occupancy rates have been higher than ever. We just did investigative tours to Argentina, Uruguay and Colombia, see our latest newsletter for more about what we found.  Steve also wrote about how currency devaluations can make vacationing cheap while potentially making property purchases much more expensive.  You can see our latest newsletter here.

North Americans can again travel pretty freely without proof of a Covid19 vaccine or test.  We don't need a Covid19 test to return to the US or Canada, so now is a great time to get out there and find your Shangra La. Read on to learn more about why anyone would want to own property outside the US 

We've recently added a 4 day chill weekend property tour to the Riviera Maya of Mexico, to tour developments in Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, or Merida.  The cost is $399 per person includes 3 nights lodging, transport from the airport, and one lunch.  You'll get a chance to visit properties built by the developer, as well as staying in one of the condos they've built.  You'll see currently completed units available for immediate sale and see pre construction offerings as well.  We work with one of the largest developers in the area, with a proven track record of results and strong ROI for their clients, from rental income.  Click here for more information about our offerings in the Mexican Riviera.  

There are currently have no vaccine or Covid19 test requirements for any of our tours, nor to return to the US after leaving the country.

Costa Rica - Since Covid19, Costa Rica has seen an increase in people wanting to find a less crowded, less politically charged place to call home.  For some it was merely the desire to find a way to retire sooner, live a higher quality of life with less stress.  For others it was a way to cut their cost of living and learn to relax.  Pent up demand for travel has created a travel boom.  Whether you are looking for a better quality of life, a vacation home, a rental property that provides great returns, a more affordable retirement or to move assets offshore, Costa Rica is a wonderful, safe and stable place to do so.  I encourage you to spend some time here, look at our pictures and imagine living somewhere new.  As one of the safest most stable democracies in the Americas, you won't find the political strife and polarization found in much of the US right now.  View our slide show above to see how Costa Rica can work for you.  

Costa Rica is not as inexpensive as it used to be, but for most of us, it is much less expensive than the US.  As an example, we are currently building custom homes at $130 per square foot, which is considerably cheaper than most markets in the US, especially when comparing the quality of what you get in Costa Rica for your money, versus in the US.

Find out more! We offer 4 day Discovery tours almost every month, typically at least 2 per month, based on demand. We represent the largest residential project in Costa Rica.  The projects cover 3200 acres in 21 phases of development, complete with a 10,000 sq. ft. workshop where all our own custom windows, doors, cabinets, wrought iron work, counters, etc. On our tours we provide full transportation to and from San Jose as well as 3 nights lodging.  Although we represent the largest project in Costa Rica, we do not offer "walk in tours" since it does not provide enough time to understand what we are all about.  Our tour includes lodging, meals and beverages, airport taxi fare and hotel drop off service after our tour and all transportation within Costa Rica. We charge $299 for our 4 day visit, per person. We offer full financing as well as a 5% discount for non financed lot purchases, on land.  The firm is debt free and all of the home sites are fully improved with road, water at the lot line and electric to each lot.  You will be visiting the largest builder of custom homes in the country. The owner is a woman from France. There's also a golf course only 2 miles from our developments for those of you who golf.

We've had many Ideal Living, International Living, Expat Exchange and Pathfinder readers visit a variety of "Chill Weekends" with other developers in various countries tell us that our discovery tour is the best one offered.

In a nutshell:  Imagine your home in a friendly community where you know your neighbors and the beach is your playground. A place known for healthy living and conservation, natural foods and abundant amenities and free of political strife.  You can swim in a waterfall while watching wild parrots, toucans and macaws. Where first class health care costs pennies on the dollar compared to the US yet the average life expectancy is 2 years longer than the US. A community located within a few miles from one of the newer hospitals in the country. A place where the value of your property is appreciating each year and reflects your individual taste. Pacific Lots of Costa Rica represents the largest developer on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, where affordable ocean and mountain view properties as well as custom home building services will turn your dreams into reality. We provide excellent value for those looking for a better place to live.  Relax, your money will go further than in the US. Enjoy a quality of life we have forgotten in the US. Step away from the stresses of daily living, political turmoil, a country divided and a lack of a sense of community.  In retirement, your largest expenses will likely be property taxes, insurance and healthcare costs.  These three expenses are significantly less in Costa Rica than in North America.  National Geographic's November 2017 magazine rated Costa Rican as "The Happiest People on the Planet".

Prices for home sites in our developments start at $29,000 and candidly for $40,000 to $50,000 you can buy a nice fully improved home site with road, electric and well water plumbed to the lot, in a large international residential gated or non gated community with plenty of room to build a nice home, carport and pool.  We have a solid track record of 29 years developing land and building homes.  Ocean view sites cost more, starting in the $90,000 range and the top end of our prices at over $300,000 for the best of the best, over an acre with incredible ocean and mountain views.  It’s easy enough to go to the top of the hill and see the view when you want to and our inexpensive lots typically have great mountain or jungle views so don't think you need to buy a big expensive ocean view.  

The development is firmly established, debt free and with nearly all infrastructure completed in all 21 phases spanning over 11 miles along the coastal community in the southern Pacific region of Costa Rica.  The developer has built hundreds of custom homes and continues to build high quality homes for our clients.  We have over a thousand owners and don't need to show people "artist's renditions" of what the development will look like some day. 

We’re currently building custom homes at $130 per square foot, with a minimum build size of 1,000 square feet and no time requirement in which you must build by.  You can easily get in a home for roughly $200k including land if you don’t want a mansion or a killer ocean view. You can build your own house or hire any builder of your choice if you prefer and you have no time limit to build. The home sites are in nicely laid out developments only a short drive from the highway but the terrain makes 4 wheel drive pretty much a necessity within most of the developments.  The roads within the developments are gravel, better than you might expect paying only a few hundred dollars in property taxes per year but still gravel.  HOA fees within our developments average around $30 per month since we don’t encumber our owners with common area amenities like club houses, community pools, etc. There are plenty of places to socialize and with beautiful public beaches and plenty of clean warm mountain rivers to swim in, you can live nicely on a tiny budget if you choose to.  We have plenty of rich residents as well with big impressive homes and incredible views but we also have many humble folks living in smaller homes, the choice is yours depending on your budget and your dreams.  For photos of some of the Custom Homes in Costa Rica we've built, click here.

Our area is an emerging one, not a big city but more like a jungle village growing quickly, a village but with great restaurants, amazing hotels, easy grocery shopping with anything available including things you would not expect to be able to find (caviar, single malt scotch, Cuban cigars, French wines) literally anything you can get in the states. We have local farmers markets, butcher shops, organic dairy products, fish markets, bigger grocery stores, even Walmart and PriceSmart if you want to drive a bit. Many renowned publications are now touting this area of Costa Rica as the best of the best.  As the influx of baby boomers continues to head our way the community has been growing quickly.  We've got golf, ATV rentals, horseback tours, white water rafting, zip-lining, national parks, sport fishing, and more within a 30 minute drive.  We've also got a nice hospital with a first rate emergency center and cardiology department.  Life is simpler, less stressful and not focused on consumerism.  We have everything you need, good healthcare, great food, a great sustainable community where you know your neighbors, an outdoor approach to life with more exercise, better food sources, clean water, excellent year round weather and low stress living. One thing you can expect is a longer, healthier life than if you stay in the states or Canada. Health insurance in Costa Rica is much less expensive than in the US and the lifestyle you lead will be healthier than what you're used to back home.

Background:  The region around the Osa Peninsula is home to more lowland forest than anywhere else on the entire Pacific coast. There are towering trees, scenic waterfalls and sweeping sandy beaches.  A dizzying amount of the world’s biodiversity can be found here.  In fact Costa Rica contains twice the number of animal species than the entire United States while the US contains over 200 times more land.  Though only 30% of the land area of Costa Rica, the Osa region in the southern Pacific contains over 50% of animal and plant species of the entire country.  This is pretty amazing considering that Costa Rica is home to nearly 5% of all the animals, plants and birds on the entire planet while encompassing only .02 of 1% of the entire earth's land mass.

Temperatures are in the 80's year round though in a few months it will definitely feel like the 90's during the height of the day but it will cool down at night.  Our village has a mix of age groups and nationalities.  We are an international community and there are roughly 3500 people living in the village in high season right now, but things are growing fast.

The southern region of Costa Rica was hard to get to in the past but has become much easier in the past few years.  That does not mean that many people were not settling in that area.  I encourage you to come on down and take a look, our discovery tours are a great and affordable way to visit and airfare continues to be reasonable now that nearly every major carrier; Delta, American, Southwest, United, Spirit Air, Jet Blue, Westjet, Frontier, Mexicana, Lacsa, Taca, Iberia, Air France, British Air and Air Canada and Alaska Air offer service there.

Wherever you end up, accessibility is key. Getting to and from Costa Rica is easy and flights are often less than $400 round trip from some markets. Costa Rica is safe, friendly, stable, affordable, beautiful, inexpensive and offers great health care.  You won't see military presence, automatic weapons or guards outside a donut shop.  When compared to places like Ecuador, Costa Rica is much more first world with better communications, nicer amenities,  more flight options, lots of tourism infrastructure and incredibly friendly people.  What are you waiting for?

Click here for a History of our developments 

Recent Changes:  In January of 2010 two new highways were finally completed, the Caldera highway stretching from San Jose to the Pacific coast and the Costanera connecting Quepos to Dominical.  These two improvements made the drive from San Jose to the southern region an attractive three hour drive through some of the most scenic parts of the country.  It also made the towns of Ojochal, Tres Rios de Coronado and Chontales much more accessible.  This area is home to Pacific Lots, the largest and oldest International residential development for North Americans in the region.  Whether you are an individual buyer or a Costa Rica realtor, you will see why we are the most popular Costa Rican real estate project in the country.   

This area is considered the southern Pacific region of Costa Rica and is located just above the Osa Peninsula. These three towns touch one another as you drive south on the Pacific Coast. This area is located about 15 miles south of Dominical and about 30 miles south of Quepos. This coastal Pacific community is in one of the few areas of Costa Rica where 6000 foot tall mountains come right down to the sea. This stunning geography provides some great views. This area of the country is also more tightly zoned and construction is limited to three stories. There are no big developments and the area has become a Luxury International Residential Community of single family homes. The area is also home to some of the most famous beaches in Costa Rica, Playa Ballena (a Marine National Park), Playa Tortuga, Playa Ventanas and Playa Pinuella.

Our homes are truly spectacular and one of the best real estate values in Costa Rica. Our homes are not inexpensive, good assets cost money but we can build you a custom home of your dreams with prices comparable to the US, but once built, the holding cost is significantly less than a home in the US and the rental market can be quite lucrative, if you choose to renti it out.

Our customers are mainly North Americans buying land for their future with many opting to build their dream home right away. Lately we have been getting many more Europeans as well as other international buyers. We've got clients from Australia, Russia, the UK and many parts of South America. Some are investors, holding real estate as a way to preserve the value of their assets as the value of the dollar continues to fall. Others are buying now for their planned retirement in the future. Some are just looking for a change of life, fed up with hectic pace in North America.  Many of our clients are baby boomers looking for a lower cost retirement.  A surprising amount of our clients are concerned about the economic outlook in the US and worldwide and are looking to protect their hard earned assets by moving some of them out of the US.  We are building primary homes, rental properties, second homes and vacation homes. Demand for rentals in our area has been very strong and continues to grow as the new international airport and major highway projects are completed.   

Contact us to arrange a visit to the properties and discover why so many people are relocating to Costa Rica. The low cost of living, high quality affordable health care and the great quality of life are hard to find elsewhere on the planet. Find out what Pura Vida "Pure Life" is all about. All it takes is a few days here to realize why so many are choosing Costa Rica for their future. Hope to see you here soon!

One thing to keep in mind when looking at other developments worldwide is how far along they are. Ask questions like do they have all their permits in place, how many people will eventually live there and how many are living there now?  Do they offer financing and have they used debt to finance their developments? There are many real estate projects in foreign retirement communities that are in their infancy or have relied on bank financing.  An economic downturn can put the developer out of business  Our project is entirely debt free. Due to previous downturns in the world economy, there have been a number of real estate projects in Costa Rica and elsewhere in the world that have run out of steam and left owners without promised infrastructure.  Many of these developers had planned on future sales to pay for the completion of the project.  These sales did not materialize, leaving a small group of owners to secure permits, electric, water, roads etc. on their own and at their own expense after the developer files for bankruptcy.  Many of these projects will never be completed and buyers within these developments were faced with completing enough infrastructure to enable them to live there with many losing the total value of the investment.  Another thing to consider when choosing a place to live abroad is the quality and dependability of the water supply.  Many areas around the world are facing limited water supplies or poor water quality.  We have an excellent supply of great quality water and take pride in the distribution systems in our developments.

Any property you purchase abroad is an asset, not an expense.  Assets well chosen will appreciate in value.  Traveling as a tourist in Costa Rica is not as inexpensive as it once was because tourism has doubled in the past 5 years alone and demand exceeds supply for tourism.  But living there is a different story and surprisingly affordable. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steve Linder

For information on how to use your 401k, SEP, simple IRA or other tax deferred retirement plan to purchase investment property in Costa Rica