House sitting in Costa Rica opened up a world of adventure for us. Hannah and I have been full-time travelers for over three years, chasing freedom and epic experiences. This guide spills our secrets to landing the best gigs in one of the planet’s most stunning destinations.
We spent three glorious months roaming around Costa Rica, soaking in its jungles, beaches, and relaxed vibes. One month was a dreamy house sit in Santa Teresa, caring for two adorable dogs just steps from one of the world’s best beaches. It was pure Pura Vida – living rent-free in paradise.
Want that for yourself? We’ve got the tips that worked for us. Let’s dive in and get you set for your own Costa Rican house sitting journey.
Why House Sitting in Costa Rica is a Game-Changer
Costa Rica’s got cheap living and jaw-dropping nature. We fell hard for its beautiful and expansive rainforests, free-roaming wildlife, and endless stunning coastlines. House sitting here saved us a fortune on accommodation costs while we explored as much of the country as we could.
It’s perfect for long-term travel in Costa Rica and we thrived as digital nomads, working from hammocks and beachside cafes. Free accommodation meant we could stretch our budget, stay longer, and enjoy more. You’re not just saving cash – you’re living the dream.
The country’s got a vibe that hooks you. Ex-pat communities welcomed us, and locals shared their warmth and friendliness wherever we went. It’s a digital nomad’s paradise waiting for you to jump in.
Top Platforms to Find House Sitting Jobs in Costa Rica
Finding house sitting jobs in Costa Rica starts with the right platform. We landed our Santa Teresa sit through Trusted Housesitters, our go-to for reliable listings. For the full rundown, check out my previous article – Everything You Need to Know About Trusted Housesitters.
Firstly, your profile has got to stand out. We added our love for pets and our travel experience. Homeowners on Trusted Housesitters loved that we’d already cared for many animals. Set alerts and apply quickly for any Costa Rica house sit that comes online; the best sits will disappear fast!
Photos help too, so upload as many as you can, ideally showing you with pets and not during a heavy night out! Ensure your account is verified so potential hosts can feel comfortable with who you are.
Insider Tips to Stand Out and Secure House Sits
Personalize every application you send. We mentioned loving dogs and Costa Rica’s beach scene in our Santa Teresa pitch and the owners picked us because of it. Suggest a video intro – most hosts will want this anyway. Putting a face to a name, albeit via video chat, is a great way to make a connection.
References are your golden ticket so always ensure you get them from previous sits. If you’re just getting started, THS allows up to three character references from friends, professionals, and other sites. A bit of flexibility can also help seal the deal – we had adjustable dates and got the nod over stiff applicants.
Oh, and here’s a bonus from our travels. We made awesome friends and have had great experiences around the world using Workaway. Teach English to Costa Rican families in your spare time. It’s a side hustle that fits perfectly with house sitting as accommodation and food is included within the exchange.
What to Expect from a Costa Rican House Sitting Gig
Most house sitting placements in Costa Rica mean pet sitting, and it can be really fun if like us you love animals. Our Santa Teresa pups just needed food, walks on the beach once a day, and love – easy stuff. You might water plants or check mail too, but it’s light work.
You’ll stay in amazing homes for free. Our Santa Teresa house was steps from a world-class beach, and every morning felt like a postcard come to life. Homeowners often turn into friends – ours dished out local tips like where to drink or grab cheap tacos. We felt right at home in no time.
Expect some variety, though. Placements can range from jungle cabins to city pads. But digital nomad house sitting Costa Rica-style means WiFi is usually solid – perfect for remote work.
Money-Saving Hacks While House Sitting in Costa Rica
House sitting cuts accommodation costs to nothing. Read about more of our budget tricks in How to Travel the World on an Accommodation Budget.
Public buses are handy for getting around. They’re cheap, reliable, and everywhere. We did have a retro 4×4 included at our house sit in Santa Teresa which was a lot of fun on some seriously bumpy roads. Free attractions like the beaches and hikes kept us busy too and cost zero, we loved them all.
Here’s a wild Workaway story from our trip. We helped an American write a self-help book at his San Isidro coffee ranch – a huge place, with endless homegrown coffee on tap. I drank so much coffee I went temporarily deaf – check out Deaf by Coffee for the full story.
Conclusion
House sitting in Costa Rica changed how we travel. It’s affordable, fun, and totally doable – our three-and-counting years on the road back that up. Hannah and I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything.
Ready to jump in? Hit Trusted Housesitters to get started for free with just your email address. The best house sits Costa Rica offers are waiting for you. Picture yourself in Santa Teresa or beyond. Pets, beaches, and freedom – it’s all there. Go live the Pura Vida life we’ve raved about.
FAQs: House Sitting in Costa Rica Questions Answered
- How do I find house sitting jobs in Costa Rica?
- Find house sitting jobs in Costa Rica by joining platforms like Trusted Housesitters. Build a verified profile, set alerts for destinations you’d like to visit and apply quickly when listings come online.
- Is house sitting in Costa Rica safe?
- Yes, house sitting in Costa Rica is very safe, especially if you use trusted platforms. Stick to well-reviewed listings and always communicate clearly.
- Do I need to speak Spanish for Costa Rica pet sitting?
- No, you don’t need to speak Spanish for Costa Rica pet sitting as many hosts are ex-pats or will have a good understanding of English. Basic phrases help for day-to-day tasks, though.
- Can digital nomads house sit in Costa Rica?
- Absolutely, house sitting in Costa Rica is perfect for digital nomads. Free housing cuts costs, and good WiFi is common in urban sits.
- How long can I house sit in Costa Rica?
- House sit placements in Costa Rica can range from days to months. Some travelers string sits together a mix of house sits and volunteer exchanges through Workaway. Always check visa rules relating to your home country, but most tourists get 90 days.
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