Atenas, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
#924
9.977277, -84.379798
Nomad Score:
68%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Atenas is a small town located in the Alajuela province, known for its pleasant climate and expansive greenery. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 20,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 25 Mbps, with options available for higher speeds from local providers. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 575 CRC; cash is widely used, but cards can be used in most establishments. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable, but it's recommended to filter or purify. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, and uses Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular mobile providers include Kolbi, Claro, and Movistar. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Basic banking services provided by Banco Nacional, BCR; options for international banking include HSBC. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and long-term rental services. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, most shops and restaurants accept credit and debit cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo are popular for short-term stays in Atenas. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable guesthouses and hostels like Room of Ages Hostel. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Cworx Coworking Space offers a good environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Tico provides a relaxed atmosphere with good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly Meetups organized through local Facebook groups and co-working spaces. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Atenas Expats group on Facebook is a great resource for community events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available and reliable in Atenas. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops offer bike rentals; however, scooters are less common. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Jacó is the closest beach, approximately 1 hour away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Sansa Airlines serves domestic flights connecting to various regions. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Copa Airlines provides major international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Pan-American Highway is accessible from Atenas for regional travel. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Atenas does not have a train service; buses serve as the primary transit option. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus passes available at local convenience stores. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to San José leave frequently from Atenas, with various local operators. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de Atenas is the main healthcare facility with basic services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga de la Vida offers a variety of classes and workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gyms like Fitness Club offer membership plans and drop-in options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lava y Planchado is a popular laundromat in the area. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and Rappi are popular in Atenas for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Casado, a traditional Costa Rican dish consisting of rice, beans, salad, and meat. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | El Buen Comer offers vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Panadería Rosa serves delicious pastries and baked goods. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Feria de Atenas offer fresh produce at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre is popular for online shopping in Costa Rica. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Mas x Menos offers online grocery delivery in some areas. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | While not a nightlife hub, cafes and some bars like Bar Jireh are popular. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Lager Atenas is a local brewery known for craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine & Friends offers a variety of international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors provide local snacks, including empanadas and ceviche. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian, Chinese, and other international cuisines are available at various restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Central Park and Iglesia de Atenas are key landmarks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Local art exhibitions featuring Costa Rican artists are often held at community centers. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Atenas has several colonial buildings with historical significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de San Rafael is a prominent church in the town. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Feria de Atenas, a local fair celebrating traditional culture, occurs in January. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The town center around the main square is vibrant with local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters host cultural events and are worth checking for shows. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Feria de Atenas operates every Friday, where locals sell crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events take place at local bars and during festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found throughout the town, showcasing Costa Rican art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Various cooking schools offer classes on traditional Costa Rican cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local artists exhibit their work in small galleries around the town. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Several historic buildings can be found around the central park area. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Atenas is known for its rich agricultural history, especially in coffee production. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cerro de la Cruz offers scenic views and hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Tapanti National Park is accessible for day trips, about 1.5 hours away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Local paths are available throughout the town and surrounding countryside. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de Atenas provides stunning views of the Central Valley. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The area is known for birdwatching, especially near coffee plantations. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near local parks allow for bonfires, though regulations apply. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local services include Correos de Costa Rica and various courier services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech repair shops like Atenas Reparaciones offer electronics services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers sometimes offer equipment for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in Atenas provide Spanish classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The local library offers quiet study spots and internet access. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural de Atenas organizes various community activities and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes often have games and provide an informal gaming community. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not common; however, nearby cities have casinos available. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $104,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% for businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residency-based taxation; global income subjected to taxation. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% max for individual income. |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% standard VAT. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies to foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is 0.25% of the property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1.5% tax applied during property purchases. |