The Howler Turns 30: Three Decades of Telling the Costa Rica Story

There are certain publications that become more than just magazines or websites. Over time, they become part of the fabric of the place they cover, a record of the people, businesses, changes and stories that help define a community. In Guanacaste, The Howler is one of those publications.

We have had the pleasure of being part of that story ourselves. In early 2021, Tres Amigos Realty Group and Tank Tops Flip Flops began a marketing partnership with The Howler as it was making the transition from its traditional print magazine to a digital, online-only publication. It was an interesting moment for a publication that had spent nearly 25 years putting ink on paper, but it also turned out to be the beginning of an entirely new chapter.

Tank Tops Flip Flops Newsletter edition no. 254

Now, as The Howler celebrates its 30th anniversary, we thought it was worth taking a look back at just how far this particular piece of Guanacaste history has come.

It Started in a Very Different Guanacaste

Ocean Views, Flip Flops & Cash Flow: Why Papagayo Ocean View Homes Keep Winning

If you have ever been to the Papagayo Region of Costa Rica, you understand that the ocean views along this stunning coastline are among the absolute best in the world. If you have been fortunate enough to stay in or own a home that enjoys one of these spectacular ocean views, then you already know what all the fuss is about. Just 20 to 30 minutes from touchdown at Guanacaste International Airport (LIR), you will find yourself in the exclusive beach communities of Playa Hermosa, Playas del Coco, Playa Panama, and Ocotal. Together, these beaches form the crown jewel of the Papagayo Region and offer those fortunate enough the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking ocean views from a select number of homes perched above the coastline.

Tank Tops Flip Flops Newsletter edition no. 250

Without a doubt, an ocean view home is the most desirable type of rental property in the Papagayo area. Ocean view homes are the most valuable assets along the coastline and are expected to continue appreciating in value while simultaneously generating excellent rental income. Few real estate investments in the region can match the long-term appreciation potential of a quality ocean view property. We are rapidly running out of unbuilt ocean view lots within the four-beach Papagayo area, and inventory of existing ocean view homes remains limited. As available properties become increasingly scarce, values are expected to continue rising while demand from vacation renters and luxury monthly tenants continues to grow. Further contributing to the rental supply shortage is the increasing trend of ocean view homeowners choosing not to rent their properties when not in residence, or electing to rent only a limited number of weeks each year at substantially higher rates, often packaging premium amenities and curated experiences with the rental.