XTERRA Costa Rica 2025 and the Spirit of Well-Living in Las Catalinas

On the shores of Playa Danta, a story began more than a decade ago that would forever intertwine the town of Las Catalinas with the spirit of endurance sports.

In 2013, when a local mountain bike organizer, Luis Diego Chaverri, wandered into town searching for new trails, he discovered more than a place to ride: he found a community passionate about sport, nature, and living well. Encouraged by the team at Las Catalinas, who offered both support and space, the first edition of the Tri Las Catalinas was born.

For ten years, the triathlon became a beloved tradition, bringing together athletes from across Costa Rica and beyond. Then, as the world paused during the pandemic, so too did the race. But out of that pause came a new possibility. In 2024, Las Catalinas welcomed XTERRA, one of the most respected global brands in off-road racing, to host its first-ever Costa Rica event.

What began as a local race had now stepped onto the world stage. And just like that, a new chapter began.

XTERRA: A GLOBAL MOVEMENT ARRIVES IN COSTA RICA

Born on the Hawaiian shores of Maui three decades ago, XTERRA has grown into much more than a race series. Today it is recognized as the most prestigious off-road triathlon in the world. The sport is uniquely demanding, as every discipline must take place outdoors and on rugged terrain. Athletes trade a road bike for a mountain bike, leave smooth pavement for trails, and swim in open water instead of a pool. These unpredictable conditions require not only advanced technical skills but also courage, resilience, and a spirit of adventure.

At its heart, XTERRA is about discovery, of nature, of limits, and of community. Each race celebrates exploration and connection, bringing people closer to the landscapes they compete in. Because the location plays such an important role, XTERRA events are held only in places that truly embody its values: pristine nature, challenging terrain, and communities committed to protecting the environment.

In 2023, when an XTERRA representative visited the final edition of Tri Las Catalinas, they immediately saw that this coastal town in Guanacaste was the perfect setting. Las Catalinas, Costa Rica offers something rare: a place where ocean, trails, and community come together seamlessly. Soon after, the conversation began to bring the very first XTERRA Costa Rica to life.

The debut in 2024 was a success, and the momentum carried straight into this year. On August 22, 23, and 24, Las Catalinas hosted XTERRA Costa Rica for the second time. Athletes and families from around the world came together for three unforgettable days of competition, exploration, and celebration. It was not only a triathlon, but a reminder of how sport can connect people to each other and to the natural beauty of Costa Rica.

WHY LAS CATALINAS IS THE IDEAL PLACE TO HOST XTERRA COSTA RICA 

From the first edition to the second, one thing became clear: the race and the town are deeply connected. To understand XTERRA Costa Rica, you have to understand what makes Las Catalinas the perfect host.

During the competition, it didn’t take long for athletes and visitors to see why. Las Catalinas itself shapes the XTERRA experience, offering something few places in the world can.

Perhaps the best way to understand it is through the athletes’ own words. Many described the event as an atmosphere more than a race. They spoke about the condition of the trails, the seamless organization, and the charm of the place itself. One competitor called it “a little piece of Spain or Italy,” while others praised the beauty of the off-road terrain and the joy of running along trails where “you can see everything.”

These voices reveal a deeper truth: XTERRA in Las Catalinas is not just about competition but about the unique blend of land, sea, and community. It almost feels inevitable that Las Catalinas became the home of XTERRA Costa Rica.

With more than 40 kilometers of carefully designed paths winding through the forested hills, the trail system at Las Catalinas is unmatched in Costa Rica. The organizers of XTERRA have even remarked that these are not only the best trails in Costa Rica, but among the very best in Latin America. Their design is intentional, with slopes and drainage that make the terrain safe and enjoyable year-round. Unlike many other places, these trails remain rideable and runnable in both the dry and rainy seasons, a quality that sets Las Catalinas apart.

These trails lie within a portion of nature that borders directly on the sea. Beyond the forest horizon is Playa Danta, the stage for the open-water swim. Few settings compare to this one, where turquoise waters meet lush hillsides. XTERRA here is not just placed in nature, it is rooted in it.  This experience is possible because from the very beginning, Las Catalinas made a choice: to preserve 80% of its land as a tropical dry forest. The triathlons that first began here, and now XTERRA Costa Rica, are the fruits of that decision, a seed planted long before development, when nature itself was placed at the center. It aligns perfectly with the XTERRA philosophy: respect for the environment, exploration, and the recognition that nature is a source of peace, what they call “our zen garden”.

And when you race through nature that is alive and well cared for, there is always the chance of a wildlife encounter. Athletes know that at any moment a bird, a deer, or even a monkey might appear, adding wonder to the challenge.

Of course, what makes Las Catalinas even more distinctive is that it is not just a natural paradise, but a town. Very few XTERRA hosts offer this rare combination: the beauty of a dry forest alongside the conveniences of a community. Here, there are no cars, only walkable streets that lead to the sea or into the forest. For athletes traveling from across Costa Rica and abroad, everything they need is right here, lodging, dining, and places to gather, making the experience effortless.

The design of Town means athletes can wake up steps from the start line, spectators can gather in plazas and on beaches to cheer, and the energy of competition flows naturally through the streets. With two hotels, one with 45 rooms, and the other with 21, along with 65 available rental homes, restaurants, and plazas, Las Catalinas is uniquely prepared to host events of this scale in a way that feels both smooth and welcoming.

Another reason why XTERRA is so selective about its destinations is because athletes worldwide have endless options for triathlons, trail runs, and off-road challenges. Each XTERRA host competes not only with other destinations, but with hundreds of potential race sites around the world. What sets Las Catalinas apart is that it is not just a venue, but a destination in itself.

There is something undeniably special about waking up, walking to your starting line, and moving through a landscape where dry tropical forest meets mesmerizing ocean views.  The backdrop of such an event, and the duality of challenge and beauty during the race, becomes a reflection of the human experience. It all unfolds in a European-style village by the sea, set in a tropical landscape, where competition meets community and adventure.

WELL-LIVING: THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND LAS CATALINAS

This blend of connectivity between Town, nature, and a lifestyle where wellness flows seamlessly into daily life is no coincidence. The design of Las Catalinas was based on New Urbanism, which places nature and community at the center. Visitors often speak about the charm of Town, the European influences blended with Latin American character and adapted to the climate. But the principles that gave birth to Las Catalinas go far beyond aesthetics. The very starting point of its design comes from a philosophy of living.

At first glance, Las Catalinas might look like just a development, but it was created to be more than that. The infrastructure is only the physical expression of a philosophy we call Well-Living. Removing cars or shaping life around plazas and pedestrian paths may seem like a way to simplify, yet it actually makes life richer.

Here, life unfolds organically. Well-Living is not an added amenity or a trend. It is the natural result of how Las Catalinas was built: walkable streets, plazas that invite encounters, homes that embrace the outdoors, and immediate access to both trails and the ocean.

At its core, Well-Living rests on ten fundamental pillars: freedom, access to nature, community, tranquility, movement, walkability, beauty, connection, sociability, and nourishment. These principles go beyond houses, apartments, or amenities. They are what make life truly alive. Peace of mind, presence, exercise as a daily ritual, mindfulness, and sensory connection define the experience. Visually, Las Catalinas offers stunning views and deep connections with self, others, and the natural world. It is a celebration of life together, a counterpoint to the individualism and chaos of modern cities filled with traffic and noise. It goes beyond luxury, because what is offered here cannot be priced. It is the chance to embrace what truly matters.

Surrounded by nature and the ocean, residents and visitors experience measurable benefits for both body and mind. Sunlight and vitamin D regulate circadian rhythms and improve mood. Natural landscapes lower cortisol and promote relaxation. The minerals of coastal waters aid recovery and reduce stress. Walkable environments increase physical activity and longevity, while strong community ties are linked to healthier, longer lives. In Las Catalinas these truths are not theory, but daily life.

During XTERRA, the rhythm of Las Catalinas is on full display, a reflection of Well-Living itself. This is perhaps why three percent of registered athletes actually live here. Given the physical demands of the competition, this speaks volumes about how deeply health and wellness are woven into daily life, not as passing trends but as a way of being.

Beyond race days, mornings often begin with ocean swims, trail runs with friends, or family hikes where wildlife is part of the adventure. Horseback riding, pickleball, tennis, paddleboarding, and snorkeling all unfold just steps away. Sunsets at Playa Danta become shared rituals, where the sound of the waves washes the worries away.

Even the spontaneous moments reveal the culture of connection: open water relays organized by neighbors, morning dog walks through the hills, or impromptu gatherings in plazas. Here, wellness is not about image but about balance, belonging, and joy.

THE WELL-LIVING RESIDENCES

As Las Catalinas has grown, so too has the desire to make this lifestyle more accessible. This vision comes to life in the Well-Living Residences at La Rambla, created to extend the experience of Well-Living to more people.

This new offering introduces 30 residences, from studios to three-bedroom apartments, designed as an easy and convenient way to live in Las Catalinas. Semi-furnished and fully equipped, they offer both comfort and flexibility, allowing residents to make the space their own while enjoying the convenience of ready-to-live homes. Just steps from Beach Town, the residences are part of a vibrant mixed-use design where the ground floors host shops and services, weaving life and activity into the neighborhood.

With competitive pricing, the Well-Living Residences make it possible for more people to embrace this lifestyle, whether as a long-term rental, a first step toward ownership, or simply as a way to experience life in Las Catalinas. For the first time, there is an option that represents not just a visit, but a chance to belong.

AN OPEN INVITATION

XTERRA 2025 at Las Catalinas exemplifies the harmony of adventure, nature, and community. Athletes, residents, and visitors experience the essence of Town in every step, trail, and encounter. Whether competing, exploring, or strolling through the pedestrian streets, Las Catalinas offers a rare combination: the thrill of outdoor sports, the serenity of nature, and the richness of an intentional lifestyle.

The Well-Living philosophy is not an aspiration but a daily reality here, embedded in the streets, trails, and homes, waiting for anyone to embrace. Choosing Las Catalinas means choosing a community that celebrates health, beauty, connection, and movement, creating a life both vibrant and fulfilling.

As we look ahead to the next XTERRA Costa Rica, if you don’t already live here, we invite you to join us, not just for a race, but for a way of life. The Well-Living Residences are more than real estate; they are an opportunity to focus on what truly matters: body, mind, spirit, and community. Living well here is simple, not a performance, but a bridge from aspiration to reality.