One of Costa Rica’s two most-popular football teams, Saprissa, is in Manuel Antonio for pre-season training.  They guys are being hosted at our neighboring resort, Los Altos and can be seen training on the main public beach.

Founded 76 years ago, Saprissa is one of the most successful clubs in Central America, having won the UNCAF cup 5 times. It was named FIFA’s “Team of the Twentieth-century” for the CONCACAF division.

Arch-rivals the Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, or just Liga captured first place in the last season and while there are other teams in Costa Rica, the rivalry between Liga and Saprissa basically divides the country into two camps: you’re a Ligista or Sapprissista.

It’s a fun rivalry. People are passionate but “soccer hooliganism” is not in keeping with the laid-back Costa Rican attitude. If you’ve ever been in Costa Rica during a match between the two (know as “El Classico“), you’ll have witnessed each teams fans wearing their team’s colors, flying the teams flag from their car and just strutting about in general.

We wish the men of Saprissa and all the teams good luck with the coming season.

And everyone can take advantage of the great hospitality at Los Altos with their 20% discount through the end of August.

Players from Saprissa begin pre-season training at dawn each day

Members of the Saprissa team relax in their 3 bedroom Los Altos condo with ocean views!