Aerial view of the Costanera Highway along Costa Rica's Southern Zone coastline

Guides & Blog

Costa Ballena Lifestyle Blog.

Honest, practical, experience-based insights on living, renting, buying and building a life in Costa Rica's Southern Zone.

Palms leaning over an empty Pacific beach on Costa Rica's Costa Ballena coastline

Featured · Living Here

Living in Costa Rica's Southern Zone: Uvita, Ojochal & Dominical

Thinking about life in Costa Ballena? A local look at Uvita, Ojochal and Dominical — from renting and buying to what everyday life is actually like.

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Living Here · Aug 2026

The Real Cost of Owning a Home in Uvita or Ojochal, Costa Rica

The Real Cost of Owning a Home in Uvita or Ojochal, Costa Rica Buying a home in Costa Rica is one thing. Understanding what it actually costs to own and maintain one is another.…

A vehicle on a red-dirt mountain road above Uvita with rainforest and pasture

Relocation · Aug 2026

Moving to Uvita, Costa Rica: What You Need to Know

Thinking about moving to Uvita? Here's what everyday life actually looks like — from where to live and finding a rental to getting around and settling in.

Pool and rainforest garden at a residential home in Ojochal, Costa Rica

Living Here · Aug 2026

Living in Ojochal, Costa Rica: A Local Guide

Lush, residential and quietly sophisticated — here's what to know about making Ojochal home.

Covered open-air terrace and pool of a long-term rental home overlooking rainforest

Renting · Aug 2026

Renting in Costa Rica's Southern Zone: What You Need to Know

Finding a rental here doesn't always work the way you expect. Here's how the Southern Zone rental market really works — and what to know before you sign.