I have recently seen references to a developing sim of Costa Rica by the Costa del Pacifico group. I read them with interest since a family member is planning to spend a summer semester studying there. The blog articles I read were focused on fashion and the shopping district, but I found the whole estate a wonderful place to explore and live.
The goal of the group is to develop an estate of sims which combine to look like a map of Costa Rica. Zoning is planned for each sim, set for residential, commercial, mixed, or leisure. Sixteen sims within the estate are intended to be open spaces / water sims.
The best place to start exploring is at the CDP International Airport. It’s a shiny, modern airport though it was fairly quiet at the time I visited. Just outside the airport, look for the free hovercraft tours. Sitting in the hovercraft initiates the tour, giving you a menu of places to visit – the wildlife sanctuary, rainforest, nude beach, whale watching, surfing, or shopping. Whichever place you choose, the trip includes a narration of the sites you’re passing as well as polite announcements at each sim boundary crossing.
There are some nice designers at the shopping sims. I was interested to find clothing and shoe stores dedicated to men, something that I don’t see often (though I don’t seek them out, either). I was very happy to find a free backpack, though others may be more interested in the elegant gowns or beach wear. There is an outdoor art exhibition currently along the sidewalks. Nearby is a clubhouse perfect for wedding receptions or hanging out. One word of warning – be careful crossing the bridges in this area. They open to let boats pass through, and I ended up in the water!
For people who love sun, water, and sand, there is much to do at this estate. From the shopping area, you can sit and watch dolphins frolicking in the waves. The beach shack calls you to kick back and relax. Worship the sun at the nude beach. Surfing and windsurfing are available. I took a hovercraft tour out to the deep ocean to watch humpback whales play. It was tempting to jump in and swim, too, but I forgot to pack my suit.
There is fantastic hiking at both the private wildlife sanctuary and the rainforest. Costa Rica is known for its biodiversity, and many animals, shy and not so shy, can be found in these areas. Look for activities such as horseback riding, rafting, hanggliding, swings suspended high in the tree canopy, and suspended rope bridges to cross one hilltop to another.
I’ve had a wonderful time exploring this estate. I hope my brother’s time in the real Costa Rica is at least as fantastic.
Prim Perfect 
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