Living in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Tamarindo is one of the most popular beach communities in Costa Rica. Once a sleepy fishing and surfing village, this tropical paradise has exploded in popularity in recent decades. It is no wonder; the town offers an affordable and luxurious lifestyle in a beautiful tropical setting. In fact, the average monthly budget for a couple in Tamarindo is less than $3,000 USD. But that figure will vary depending on the type of lifestyle you choose and your level of comfort with luxury items like cars and imported goods.

Located along the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste, Tamarindo is the largest and most developed beach community in the region. Despite this growth, the town maintains a small-town feel and an authentic Pura Vida lifestyle. It is a place where neighbors wave to each other and children play together in the streets while locals enjoy a refreshing beverage at a local soda or restaurant. The town’s quaint beachfront restaurants serve up some of the best seafood and Costa Rican cuisine in the country.

There are plenty of day-to-day conveniences available in Tamarindo, including grocery stores, banks, shops, clinics and pharmacies. The town is small enough that most residents can walk from one end to the other in about 20 minutes. This enables residents to save on transportation costs and allows them to get exercise while getting their daily errands done.

Many expats who relocate to Tamarindo love the fact that they can live a stress-free life without being constantly bombarded by hordes of tourists. In addition, the daily sightings of howler monkeys and a variety of other tropical birds is also a big draw. The weather in Tamarindo is warm and sunny year-round, with temperatures ranging from the upper 80s to 90s during the day and cooling off at night into the upper 70s.

One of the best parts about living in Tamarindo is the opportunity to sample different cultures and cuisines through the restaurants in town. Whether it is picking up a fresh croissant at the French bakery for breakfast, eating a traditional Tico meal of arroz con pollo at a family-owned restaurant for lunch or enjoying authentic Sicilian seafood pasta for dinner, there is something for everyone in this coastal town.

Tamarindo is easily accessible via flights to the nearby Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, which has a wide range of flight options from North America, Europe and South America. Alternatively, those who prefer to drive can reach the town in about four hours from San Jose International Airport.

The first step in making agua de tamarindo is to boil the tamarind fruits until they soften. Once the tamarind is soft, separate the seeds and membranes from the mushy pulp. Next, combine the tamarind pulp with water to create a smooth drink. Then, add a sweetener to balance the sourness of the drink. Traditionally, sugar is used, but for a low-sugar option try stevia or monk fruit.