On this article, I’m going to stipulate all the things you have to know to grow to be a house-sitter in Costa Rica. There are quite a few web sites accessible to budding house-sitters, and it’s essential to know the best way to make the most of these. Home-sitting gives a singular method to touring, enhances your experiences, and may prevent a fortune in lodging prices.
I’ve been house-sitting world wide for five years now; it has grow to be a significant a part of my touring life. Constructing a robust profile and selecting up many ideas and methods alongside the best way 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 all the things from Arenal’s lush rainforests to the gorgeous seashores of Puerto Viejo.
Dream seashore sits and luxurious rainforest retreats are all inside attain, however figuring out the best way to safe them is significant. I’ve realized so much about house-sitting since changing into a nomadic world traveler and can lay all of it out for you right here.
Tips on how to Turn out to be a Home Sitter in Costa Rica
There are some nice web sites that will help you grow to be a home and pet sitter in Costa Rica. Discovering the suitable one for you is a vital first step to take. I’ve outlined a few of my favourite house-sitting websites under;
1. Trusted Housesitters
My go-to home and pet-sitting web site is Trusted Housesitters. Proper now there are 6,670 sits worldwide at the moment accepting functions and dozens of lively profiles in Costa Rica. Their platform is easy to make use of and straightforward to navigate, and I like the truth that they’ve an app.
One other nice characteristic is the power to save lots of searches. For instance, if you happen to had been in search of 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 might save your filters and be alerted as quickly as a match turns into lively.
Trusted Housesitters has 3 membership choices that include completely different advantages relying on the worth you pay. The highest membership is $260 and contains cancelation insurance coverage, enhanced customer support, and a pair of airport lounge passes a 12 months. The fundamental possibility with limitless worldwide sits is $129/12 months 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. If you happen to had been in search of an indication to get began, that is most definitely it!
2. Thoughts My Home
Thoughts My Home is a superb introduction to house-sitting. It’s easy to make use of and is likely one of the least expensive websites round at $29/12 months. The low payment means customers can really feel protected dipping their toes into house-sitting waters. Householders in search of sitters can be a part of totally free, so there are all the time 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 accessible on the time. Loads of info is offered and you’ll even see how many individuals have at the moment utilized. The statistics web page is a superb characteristic that reveals what number of lively 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’ve gotten 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 start line.
3. Workaway
Though predominantly a web site for locating volunteer placements, an amazing software to have in your house-sitting arsenal is Workaway.data. I’ve been utilizing this web site persistently during the last 3 years to search out volunteer alternatives world wide. However one of many fundamental search choices on the location is house-sitting and there are at the moment over 500 listings globally.
They’ve an app, which is all the time a bonus, and I’ve discovered hosts to be fast and aware of inquiries. Membership prices round $50/12 months or $30pp/12 months when a pair indicators up with a joint membership. I’ve made nice, life-long buddies, in addition to some useful international contacts by way of Workaway.
4. Home Carers
One other web site price contemplating is Housecarers.com. Though it may possibly’t compete with the numbers that Trusted Housesitters places up, there are tons of of listings at the moment in search of appropriate candidates.
Within the curiosity of holding your choices open, it’s smart to have a minimum of a couple of lively house-sitting memberships open. Home Carers means that you can construct a profile and search with out paying something upfront. If you happen to 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 $50/12 months so it’s one other inexpensive house-sitting useful resource.
If you happen to’re considering of changing into a house-sitter in Costa Rica, Housecarers.com is a superb web site to discover what a housesitting web site gives 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 the moment round a dozen lively Costa Rican profiles on the location. Very similar to Trusted Housesitters, customers are additionally capable of save searches and be alerted after they come in the marketplace. It’s a really useful 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 resembling insurance coverage, premium customer support, and early entry to new listings include greater membership costs. The highest-end package deal is round $190/12 months.
Regardless of not having an app, I like Nomador for its simple web site and clear and informative listings. The fundamental package deal is a good way to attempt house-sitting and not using a large 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 plush rainforest, that I couldn’t wait to reach. I had 3 pre-organized home and pet sits booked throughout my keep.
After 2 days of acclimatizing in San José, the primary house-sit was an hour north in La Fortuna. A fantastic and enjoyable spot identified for the large Arenal Volcano that dominates the skyline. My time right here got here with 2 canines to take care of and the home backed onto the rainforest – it was unbelievable. Regardless of a couple of big bugs, it was an amazing 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 seashore in Santa Theresa. A well-liked vacationer vacation spot and gorgeous location. I had extra obligations together with a pool and 4 visitor residences that wanted to be monitored, however no activity was notably 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 probably the most gorgeous 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 bit of canine referred to as Rodelle.
Finest Areas to Home Sit in Costa Rica
I had such a beautiful time home and pet-sitting in Costa Rica. It’s a spot to expertise so many alternative issues. With that in thoughts, listed here are my high 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 seashore city is a well-loved vacationer scorching spot with gorgeous white sandy seashores, nice browsing, and a vigorous 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 most of the cafes and eating places have extra of an Americanized really feel to them. It does, nevertheless, imply that food and drinks costs are considerably greater 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 bit of like stepping again to an easier time. Don’t be stunned to see individuals strolling barefoot, taking beers all the way down to the seashore at sundown, or using scooters with a canine (or canines) 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 big drive round it.
2. San José
Though I didn’t house-sit within the capital metropolis San José itself, I did spend numerous time in and round it – together with two Workaway language exchanges and a house-sit round half-hour outdoors of the town. Consequently, I obtained 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 several metropolis, it has a couple of areas that must be averted when alone or at evening. For probably 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, great streets stuffed with bars and eating places, wonderful buying, and some creature comforts if you happen to’re lacking a Starbucks or Taco Bell! By staying right here, you’ll additionally be capable to go to great 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 probably the most Americanized space of Costa Rica that I stayed in. It’s the placement of a number of massive resort-style beachfront resorts and is well-liked with expats. It’s often called a little bit of a celebration city, with numerous vacationers frequenting the numerous bars and eating places alongside the primary strip by city. I had nice enjoyable house-sitting in Jacó.
The seashore itself is gorgeous. The black sands stretch uninterrupted for two.5 miles (4 km) and it’s a well-liked spot for sunbathers and surfers. The nice year-round climate makes it a perfect vacation vacation spot for many individuals annually.
Though individuals could come to Jacó to calm down and get together there’s nonetheless loads of pure magnificence to take pleasure in. For instance, the attractive Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park is simply an hour south of Jacó. There are quite a few cool excursions accessible too. ATV and horseback using 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 obtained 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 a beautiful few days by the seashore with some buddies visiting from England. Nestled alongside the japanese Caribbean shoreline of Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo is a tropical haven and gives a singular journey expertise.
Recognized 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 vigorous 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
If you happen to’re planning to go to Costa Rica to expertise nature, in addition to some enthralling experiences, I extremely suggest you head to La Fortuna. Situated centrally within the Alajuela area, this excellent city had all the things I hoped to realize from visiting Costa Rica; wildlife and gorgeous landscapes, zip traces, and pure thermal spas.
The long-lasting 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 resembling toucans, lizards, and butterflies. It’s an amazing 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 combined 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 international locations in Central America. The nation’s dedication to eco-tourism and a steady political surroundings has contributed to its general optimistic fame. Guests can take pleasure in exploring the nationwide parks, pristine seashores, and vibrant cities with out vital security considerations.
Nevertheless, like every journey vacation spot, it’s important to train warning and to all the time stay vigilant. Petty theft, notably in crowded vacationer areas in main cities like San José, is usually a concern. Preserve a detailed eye in your belongings always and solely use respected transport companies like Uber and official buses if wanted to get round.
Basically, Costa Rica is a welcoming and safe surroundings for vacationers and an amazing place to house-sit. Commonsense precautions, an consciousness of native customs, and respect for the pure environment will definitely assist when visiting from overseas.
Execs 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:
Execs of Dwelling in Costa Rica
- Pure Magnificence: Costa Rica has an abundance of breathtaking landscapes, pristine seashores, lush rainforests, and majestic mountains.
- Pura Vida Life-style: The “Pura Vida” life-style is a cultural mantra that interprets to “pure life” and typifies the laid-back, optimistic, 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) throughout 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 hassle and was seen effectively by a specialist and the therapy wasn’t costly.
- Environmental Sustainability: Costa Rica is dedicated to environmental sustainability and conservation.
- Peaceable and Steady: Costa Rica is understood for its steady political surroundings and lack of a navy. It has been a peaceable nation for many years which fosters a protected and steady environment.
- Pleasant Locals: Costa Ricans, or “Ticos,” are identified for his or her heat and friendliness and I can actually vouch for this.
- Out of doors Actions: The nation is a paradise for outside lovers, providing a plethora of actions resembling browsing, mountain climbing, zip-lining, and bird-watching.
- Price of Dwelling: Whereas not the most cost effective nation in Central America, Costa Rica’s value of residing is cheap, particularly outdoors of main city facilities and definitely when in comparison with say, the USA or the UK.
Cons of Dwelling 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, notably in additional rural areas.
- Insect and Pest Points: The tropical local weather brings with it a wide range of bugs and pests, which is usually a nuisance and require ongoing pest management efforts.
- Pure Disasters: Costa Rica is vulnerable to earthquakes and occasional hurricanes, which pose apparent dangers and require residents to be ready for an emergency.
- Rainfall: In the course of 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 principally falls closely within the mid-late afternoons.
- Water Outages: In sure components of the nation, particularly extra rural areas the in depth rainfall can have an effect on the strain of the water provide and the strain 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 regularly than in different international locations 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 throughout the wet season might be overbearing at occasions.
- Non-Flushing of Rest room Paper: The sewage programs in lots of Costa Rican cities are very delicate and because of this, you can be requested to keep away from flushing any bathroom paper. A bin is offered which is a bit of disagreeable and is usually a bit bizarre for some individuals, but it surely’s what they do.
- The Street Techniques: Though there are fundamental roads that join the larger cities, most of the native street programs are non-direct, lower by some severely rural areas, and at occasions might 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 numerous membership bands that cowl host cancelation and another fundamental pet or house-sitting eventualities. However as a rule, it will be an amazing concept to have a normal 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 numerous nice ones, resembling Trusted Housesitters, Thoughts My Home, and Nomador which have listings for Costa Rica and are stuffed with useful info 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 a beautiful 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 permit you to seek for listings with out pets. Nevertheless, I’ve discovered that for probably the most half, pets are included as a part of the cut price within the majority of listings.
The precise laws for house-sitters in Costa Rica can differ, and it’s important to verify for current info relative to your nationality and the place you might be touring from. Usually, 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, resembling house-sitting.
At all times be certain that your keep complies with the authorized necessities of the nation.
Home-sitting jobs in Costa Rica are superior. From the attractive 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 means that you can reside like a neighborhood and actually expertise the great nation to the fullest.
Sure, there are luxurious home sits in Costa Rica. Luxurious might be subjective however I personally discovered most of the locations I stayed, each as house-sits and in Airbnbs, resorts, and so forth. had been to a extremely excessive normal and in step with a few of the greatest locations I’ve stayed world wide.
Costa Rica stands out amongst Central American nations for security and boasts a steady political surroundings. Nevertheless, warning and customary sense are suggested, particularly in crowded vacationer areas the place petty theft can happen. To greatest predict security when touring, all the time make the most of trusted transportation like Uber and official buses.
General, Costa Rica offers a safe surroundings 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 attainable. It’s such a beautiful place and house-sitting there made it much more particular. Getting to essentially know a spot and the individuals is such a distinct expertise from merely passing by.
With a lot range, I used to be capable of take pleasure in many alternative elements of Costa Rican tradition and heritage inside a single journey. So, whether or not you crave world-renowned seashores, the thrill of huge cities, the tranquility of the rainforest, or a mix 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 right now and start your seek for your excellent Costa Rican house-sit placement.