Christopher Howard has resided in Costa Rica for over fifteen years and is a Costa Rican citizen.
During this time he has had the opportunity to gather a plethora of information about living, investing and retiring in Costa Rica. It is not surprising that he has first-hand knowledge and insight into all aspects of Costa Rica's culture and its people. Because of his expertise he is a frequent lecturer at numerous investment seminars.
Mr. Howard has an extensive foreign language background, having earned a B.A. in Latin American studies and a Master's degree in Spanish from the University of California. He also has credentials to teach Spanish at all levels from California State University, San Francisco.
Howard was the recipient of scholarships for graduate study at the University of the Americas in Puebla, Mexico and the Jesuit University of Guadalajara, Mexico in conjunction with the University of San Diego, California. He has written three foreign language books including the best-selling Costa Rican Spanish Survival Course and, in 1985, founded a successful language institute in San José, Costa Rica.
At present, Mr. Howard has been busy leading monthly relocation tours for people thinking of moving to Costa Rica, working as a paid consultant for National Geographic magazine, putting the finishing touches on a book about Costa Rican idioms, publishing articles for various newsletter about living abroad, and working on a feature action movie script to be filmed in Central America.
Thursday: Arrive in San José. We will greet you at the airport and transport you to the Presidente Hotel. There will be a short orientation on the way to the Hotel.
Friday: Seminar with the Association of Residents of Costa Rica. We will enjoy dinner at a restaurant offering a breath-taking view of San José.
Saturday Breakfast at the hotel, bus trip around the Central Valley to neighboring areas where foreigners live. A few of the places to see are Escazú, Santa Ana in the Valley of the Sun, Grecia, Alajuela the country's second largest city by the airport, Heredia, San José de la Montaña in an alpine-like setting, San Isido's Switzerland-like setting and breathtaking views, and Moravia. We will lunch at La Cocina de Don Leyla, where you will savor the best of Costa Rica's typical dishes. Free night.
Sunday: We'll go on a tour to see where Americans reside, the University of Costa Rica, malls, hospitals, supermarkets and more. Walking Tour of downtown San Jose— Central Market, Barrio Amon historic Buildings. Atop the Holiday Inn there will be a wonderful photo opportunity. The panoramic view is spectacular.
Monday: Transportation back to the airport.
This is an excellent tour to meet the country and especially the infrastructure of the country. $1299* per person. Airfare is not included.
Interested in a Costa Rica Inland Valley tour with Christopher Howard? To book a trip, or for more information, email us at
Beach Tour
Sunday: Arrive in San José. We will meet you at the airport and transport you to the Presidente Hotel. There will be a brief orientation on your way to the hotel.
Monday Leave for Jaco Beach where you'll stay on the beachfront at the Arenal Pacifico Lodge.You'll tour the five-star Marriot Los Sueños resort, marina and golf course. You'll also meet a local realtor. Finally, you'll view one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world from a spectacular hilltop at the Hotel Villas Caletas. The view really has to be seen to be believed.
Tuesday: Quepos Beach, where you'll stay at the beautiful Hotel Tres Banderas. You'll eat lunch at The Great Escape featuring their delicious fish tacos and more. In the afternoon you'll view Manuel Antonio National Park, considered to be the best national park on the country. You'll also meet a local realtor. Dinner will be at the hotel.
Wednesday: The final stop is Dominical Beach where you'll be staying at the Roca Verde Hotel. We'll have lunch at the hotel and then go down the coast to the beautiful village of Ojochal. This area is very interesting, and recently became accessible when the new costal highway was finished.
Thursday: Return to San José, free afternoon and evening in downtown San José.
Friday: Seminar with the Association of Residents of Costa Rica, lunch, dinner at a restaurant offering a breathtaking view of San José.
Interested in a Costa Rica Beach Tour with Christopher Howard? To book a trip, or for more information, email us at
Beach and Inland Valley Combination Tour
This tour is by far our most popular. It allows you to see both the beach and the Inland Valley extensively.
Sunday—Friday: Same as Beach Tour above.
Saturday: Breakfast at the hotel, bus trip around the Central Valley to neighboring areas where foreigners live. A few of the places to see are Escazú, Santa Ana in the Valley of the Sun, Grecia, Alajuela the country's second largest city by the airport, Heredia, San José de la Montaña in an alpine-like setting, San Isido's Switzerland-like setting and breathtaking views, and Moravia. Lunch at La Cocina de Don Leyla, where you will savor the best of Costa Rica's typical dishes. Free night.
Sunday: We'll go on a tour to see where Americans reside, the University of Costa Rica, malls, hospitals, supermarkets and more. Walking Tour of downtown San Jose—Central Market, Barrio Amon historic buildings. Atop the Holiday Inn there will be a wonderful photo opportunity. The panoramic view is spectacular.
Monday: Transportation back to the airport.
$2399* per person. Airfare is not included.
*If a group is less than 4 on this tour, there is an additional charge of $150 per person.
Interested in a Costa Rica Combination Tour with Christopher Howard? To book a trip, or for more information, email us at
Consultations
For individuals short on time, we also offer private consultations with Christopher Howard. We request that you provide us with a list of your questions, concerns and interests prior to your arrival. This will allow Mr. Howard the ability to design the day(s) to fit your needs.
1 Day $295 individual/ $442 couple (partners)
2 Days $590 individual/ $885 couple (partners)
3 Days $885 individual/ $1180 couple (partners)
Hotel and car rental are not included in these prices. Normally, you will make your own hotel and car rental arrangements. However, with the consultation, if you need assistance we are able to help you.
Interested in a consultation with Christopher Howard? To book a trip, or for more information, email us at
Nicaragua Tour
Note: No Nicaragua tours are currently scheduled.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival:
Ground transportation from the airport to the hotel in downtown Managua.
Day 2 :
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning bus trip around Managua (markets, malls, hospital, schools, neighborhoods where you might want to live, etc.)
Lunch Break
Afternoon Seminar
Topics:
Residency
Other Services
Health care options
Real Estate
Moving to Nicaragua
Banking
Dinner
Day 3 :
Breakfast at the hotel.
Bus trip to Montelimar Beach Resort.
Lunch at the Hotel.
Afternoon for recreation.
Dinner at the hotel.
Day 4 :
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a trip by bus to the charming colonial city of Granada.
Lunch, followed by a city tour in the afternoon.
Dinner with local real estate people.
Day 5 :
Breakfast at the hotel.
Trip to Isletas near Granada.
Afternoon trip to La Laguna de Apoyo. Stop along the way to look for handicrafts.
Free night.
Day 6 :
Option A: Breakfast at the hotel. Trip to the Masaya volcano. Market tour of Masaya and lunch at Aiport 79.
Option B: Day trip to Ometepe Island from San Jorge.
Day 7:
Breakfast at the hotel.
Depart for Managua with transportation provided.
