By Pamela Wiens

History
Few people (even Costa Ricans) know that Esparza is the second oldest city in Costa Rica; it was founded by the Spanish in 1574 (the oldest is city is Cartago, founded in 1562). Even fewer people seem to know where Esparza is located. This is about to change. San José and many areas of the country will now connect to Esparza just a short distance away via the new Caldera highway. As the new visitors arrive they will discover an amazing city steeped in history and poised to become a highly-sought after location in which to live and invest.
Esparza’s interesting history reveals that the original site chosen by the Spanish for Esparza was situated on a bluff overlooking the Nicoya Peninsula. However, after the streets were laid out in the typical grid pattern, the Spanish abandoned this site in favour of the current location, as it was further inland and therefore less likely to be attacked. The original streets of the first site in the pueblo of Chumical are still there, and one can wander these streets through rolling hills with stunning views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the city of Puntarenas. Within this province is also the Port of Caldera, an important cargo and cruise ship port founded in 1577.

Location and Natural Beauty
Natural beauty abounds as the countryside is one of rolling hills, deep river valleys, and mountain views. With a population of approximately 25,000, Esparza is situated on the central Pacific coast within the province of Puntarenas. It is 80 kilometres west of San José on the Pan-American Highway, with the new Caldera-to-San José highway projected to be just minutes away. The Nicaragua border is 2 1/2 hours, while the Panama border is 4 hours.
Esparza has begun to attract several new small- to medium-sized housing developments, currently under construction. The question that begs to be answered is “Why live in Esparza?”

• Ideal location: there is quick access to San José, beaches, and 2 international airports (San José and Liberia).
• Lower prices for land and homes than areas closer to the Pacific or Central Valley.
• The climate is comfortably warm year-round due to its elevation of about 1,000 feet. Summers (December through April) are dry with temperatures in the mid 80s and cooling breezes. Winters (May through November) have sunny mornings, rains nearly every afternoon and temperatures in the mid 80s.

Attractions
The following areas can be enjoyed, all within a 30 minute drive:
• The Original Canopy Tour, located in one of the few protected preserves of Mahogany trees.
• Carara National Park has one of the largest populations of Scarlet Macaws in the country. This park is a also a popular destination of international “birders.”
• Tárcoles River with its resident crocodiles (some of the largest in the world).
• Adventure Park Río Barranca with canopy tours rappelling, ATV quad tours, superman flight tours, night time canopy tours and hiking.
• Playas Doña Ana for swimming and surfing, Caldera, Tivives and Mata Limón.
• Turu Ba Ri Park with cable cars, canopy tours, “superman” zip line and botanical gardens.
• PANACA, an educational and interactive farm with more than 2,000 domestic animals
• The historic Puente de las Damas (Bridge of the Women) over the Jesús Maria River where the locals enjoy swimming.
• Ferry to Nicoya Peninsula.
• The daily fruit markets of Orotina.
• Kayaking in the mangroves at Mata Limón.
• Mountain biking.
In less than 60 minutes, it is possible to participate in:
• World-class surfing.
• Golfing.
• Deep-sea fishing.
• Scuba diving.
• Dancing under the stars at El Mirador Restaurant and Bar in Estanquillos de Atenas.

Restaurants
There are excellent restaurants in the area for those who enjoy fine dining. To name a few: River View in Esparza, Las Candelillas in San Mateo, Costa del Sol in Mata Limón, Villa Caletas in Herradura.

Shopping
Esparza provides shops for all the basic needs of daily living. On Saturday, there is a fresh fruit and vegetable market with very reasonable prices. For North American food items, the Automercado in Herradura is 40 minutes away. The ferreterías offer a wide range of building materials, including higher end products.

Schools
Esparza offers a selection of excellent schools, both public and private. In fact, Esparza was the first community to offer computer courses in its schools. There is a branch of the National University in Puntarenas.

Health Care
There are several physicians, both general practitioners and specialists and dentists in Esparza. The provincial hospital is located in the city of Puntarenas.

Esparza real estate currently does not reflect the value of this exciting area, given the natural and modern features to be found. However, it should not be long before tourists, retirees and savvy investors all begin to take notice of this historic and dynamic Costa Rica town.

For more information about Esparza:
www.explorecostarica.com
www.canopytour.com/mahogany.html
www.govisitcostarica.com (Doña Ana Playa, adventure tour)
www.lascandelillas.com
www.panacacostarica.com
www.costarica-nationalparks.com/cararanationalpark.html
http://www.nicoyapeninsula.com/general/boat.html (ferry schedule)