|
Government,
Religion, Population,
Language, Time Zone,
Climate, Food, Topography,
Entry requirements, Currency,
banking, credit cards, traveler's checks, Electricity,
Telephone, Health,
Water, Flight information,
Public Transportation, Clothing,
What to pack, Taxes, Tipping,
Recommended reading
Unlike
many other countries around the world, one of the best things about
Costa Rica is that its' people actually welcome foreigners. They
are friendly, affable, and try to make you feel right at home. Compared
with the rest of Latin America living standards here are still at
an enviable level, with a literacy rate of 94% and a per capita
income double that of the regional average.
Government
Costa
Rica is a democratically elected Republic. Elections are held every
four years. back to top
Religion
Like
all Latin American countries, Costa Rica is predominantly Catholic,
but other denominations are found throughout the country. back
to top
Population
3,500,000
of which over 50% live in the Central Valley which comprises only
4% of the entire country. back to top
Language
Spanish
is the native language, but other languages such as English, French,
Italian, and German are frequently spoken especially in tourist
areas. back to top
Time
Zone
Costa
Rica is on Central Standard Time (-6 GMT) and Daylight Savings Time
is not observed. back to top
Climate
Almost
ideal year-round, the climate is a moderate 72 degrees in the highlands,
while the lowlands and coastal areas range from the low 70's to
the high 90's. Evenings in San Jose are free of humid heat, and
beaches are cooled by ocean breezes. Rainy season occurs from the
end of May to November, with the heaviest rainfall in October. The
Atlantic or Caribbean side is driest from February thru April, with
a short "summer" in June and July, and the wettest months
from November thru January. However, you should be prepared for
rain at any time during the year in this part of the country. The
Pacific side and central parts of the country are driest from January
through March.
A lot of people have a misconception of our "rainy season",
imagining that it's "monsoon like" and that it never stops
raining. Nothing could be further from the truth. We can normally
be assured of sunny mornings followed by some rain in the afternoons
and evenings, and even plenty of days without rain. The Caribbean
experiences a "short summer" during this time, and their
weather can be quite pleasant.
Avg. highs are between 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit and avg. lows between
72-75 degrees. back to top
Food
Due
to its geographical location and climate, Costa Rica has a wealth
of fruits and vegetables that, when combined with the interplay
of native and European ingredients and culture, translate into a
unique Costa Rican flavor.
The basic staples of the Costa Rican diet are: rice, beans and tortillas,
which consist primarily of corn. The ingredients used by Costa Rican
cooks include simple native food, such as chayotes, avocados, and
the ever present corn. "Tico" fare is neither spicy nor,
in many respects, unfamiliar. Breakfast typically features a delicious
mixture of rice and black beans known as "gallo pinto"
which may be accompanied by eggs, corn tortillas and sour cream.
Calorie counters may prefer a tropical fruit plate of papaya, watermelon,
pineapple, banana, and in season mango or cantaloupe. "Casados",
popular at midday, are huge plates of white rice, beans, fried plantains,
salad, cheese, diced vegetables, and your choice of meat, chicken
or fish. Hearty soups are a favorite for dinner. Of course Costa
Rica produces some of the finest coffee in the world and it's not
uncommon to see bumper stickers around proclaiming that "Juan
Valdez drinks Costa Rican coffee".back to top
Topography
Costa
Rica is bordered to the north by Nicaragua and to the south by Panama.
It has both a Pacific and Atlantic Coast. A series of volcanic chains
(cordilleras) runs from the Nicaraguan border in the northwest to
the Panamanian border in the southeast, splitting the country in
two. In the center of theses ranges is a high-altitude plain (Central
Valley), with coastal lowlands on either side. Over half the population
lives on this plain, which has fertile volcanic soils. The Caribbean
coast is 132 miles long while the Pacific coast is 635 miles long.
back to top
Entry
requirements
A valid
passport is required for all nations citizens and visas are needed
for certain nationalities so check
ahead before traveling. For
more information click here.
The
citizens of the following nationalities can stay for 90 days without
a consular visa if International Agreements exist. back
to top
| Argentina |
Hungary |
Puerto
Rico |
| Austria |
Israel
|
Romania |
| Belgium |
Italy |
Spain |
| Brazil |
Japan |
South
Korea |
| Canada |
Liechtenstein |
Sweden |
| Denmark |
Luxembourg |
Switzerland |
| Finland |
Norway |
Trinidad
y Tobago |
| France |
Panamá |
United
Kingdom |
| Germany
/ Deutschland |
Poland |
United
States of America |
| Greece |
Paraguay |
Uruguay |
| Holland
/ Netherlands |
Portugal |
|
Currency,
banking, credit cards, traveler's checks
|
TURTLE
KEY
- Pacific
Olive Ridley / March-October Santa Rosa, Nosara, Quepos,
Corcovado
- Leatherback
/ July-December Corcovado, Tortuguero, Flamingo, Tamarindo
- Hawksbill
/ Non-Breeding Visitor Corcovado, Tortuguero
- Pacific
Green Turtle / July-December Santa Rosa, Quepos, Corcovado
- Green
Turtle
Tortuguero
- Loggerhead
/ Non-Breeding Visitor Tortuguero
|
The
Costa Rican monetary unit is the Colon. NOTE: DON'T BE TEMPTED TO
EXCHANGE MONEY IN YOUR HOME COUNTRY BEFORE DEPARTING, THE RATE YOU
WILL RECEIVE IS WELL BELOW WHAT YOU'LL RECEIVE HERE. The exchange
rate is currently hovering around ¢492.00 colones to $1.00 U.S. (04-18-2008)
and can fluctuate without notice. It is best to bring money in the
form of U.S. dollar denominated traveler's checks, don't expect
to cash personal checks. In the city most businesses will accept
major credit cards (Visa, Master Card, Amex), however in the outlying
areas cash is preferred and many establishments will add a surcharge
of around 6-6 1/2% for credit card transactions. There are numerous
ATM's around that work on (Cirrus, Star, and Plus) systems, don't
forget your PIN. Office hours are generally from 8:00 am to 4:30-5:00
pm with an hour for lunch between 12 noon and 1 pm. Most banks are
open from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on weekdays. back to
top
Electricity
Standard
current is 110volts, 60 Hertz back to top
Telephone
Direct-dial
service is available to most countries. You may also use telephone
credit cards through the appropriate operator for the following
companies; ATT, MCI, SPRINT, and BELL CANADA. back
to top
Health
Public
health facilities in Costa Rica compare favorably with that of many
developed countries and are numerous and dependable. Many English-speaking
doctors and dentists practice in San Jose. back to
top
Water
Yes,
you can drink the water! Pure and suitable for drinking throughout
most of the country. back to top
Flight
information
U.S.
carriers include American, United, Continental and Delta Airlines.
LACSA is the official Costa Rican carrier. back to
top
Public
transportation
Large
number of affordable taxis. Bus service is readily available both
inter and intra city as well as internationally. Two domestic
airlines service the country well and there are a number of
air taxi services as well as helicopters. The road system is somewhat
primitive compared to North American standards, and driving at night
is not recommended. An international driver's permit is not necessary.
back to top
Clothing
The
tone here is casual wear - it is not necessary to dress up to go
to the theater or to dinner. Comfortable lightweight is best. In
the higher elevations, San Jose, the volcanoes, or Monteverde, temperatures
are cool and sweaters or light jackets are suggested back
to top
Pack
lightly!! Suggested items:
- One
or two swim suits
- Lightweight
hiking boots with a good tread suggested for hikes
- Walking
or athletic shoe with a good tread suggested for walks
- Plastic
or waterproof sandals or river shoes
- Personal
toiletries
- Insect
repellant - at least 75% DEET
- Sunscreen
- with high sun protection factor, such as SPF 29-40
- Hat
or cap
- Sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Lots
of film (expensive here)
- Check
batteries in camera
- Light
natural, blends of cotton and a synthetic such as nylon
- Poncho
or rain gear
- Light
jacket or sweater for higher elevations and chilly nights in San
Jose
- Day
pack
- Plastic
bags - for keeping books, binoculars and other items dry, and
for wet clothing.
back
to top
Taxes
There
is a 13% sales tax and an additional 3% tourist tax at hotels. back
to top
Tipping
A 10%
"service charge" is generally added to all restaurants
bills so act accordingly. Taxi drivers generally do not receive
a tip. back to top
Recommended
Reading
| we also have Costa Rican Videos |
We highly recommend the following
guide books:
The
New Key to Costa Rica, Buy
it now!
by Beatrice Blake and Anne Becher; Wingbow Press
The New Key to Costa Rica is now revised, making it even more
valuable to the more than 400,000 North Americans who visit
Costa Rica each year. The guide features a map and complete
information for the tourist. "The best guidebook to Costa Rica."--New
York Times. |
Costa
Rica National Parks and Preserves - A Visitor's Guide Buy
it now!
by Joseph Franke
Unspoiled beaches, tropical jungles, volcanic mountains, exotic
wildlife--Costa Rica offers remarkable geographical and biological
diversity. Franke profiles 54 of these areas, details hiking
and nature trails, lists the flora and fauna found in each area,
covers transportation and camping information, and more. 76
photos, 16 in color. 25 maps. |
The
Rivers of Costa Rica, Buy
it now!
by Michael Mayfield and Rafael Gallo
The rivers of Costa Rica are it's jewels and this guide written
by possibly the highest authority in the subject is an excellent
companion for the daring adventurer. If you practice kayaking
or white water rafting, your experience in Costa Rica will be
enhanced by this book. |
Costa
Rica: Adventures in Nature, Buy
it now!
by Ree Strange Sheck
Costa Rica is incredible in its ecological richness, and this
guidebook helps travelers take it all in, from walking in the
rain forest to watching green turtles' nest to snorkeling in
clear waters off pristine beaches. 60 b&w photos. Color
photos. |
Costa
Rica Handbook, Buy
it now!
by Christopher Baker
Fully revised and updated, the Costa Rica Handbook guides travelers
through this peaceful country where travelers can surf the Caribbean
or hike the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Informative essays on Costa
Rica's exotic plants and animals are included. Features a Spanish-English
language section and 74 maps. |
Costa
Rica : The Rough Guide (Rough Guides) Buy
it now!
This ultimate guide to Costa Rica takes readers to that beautiful
country as few other travel guides do--from the capital of San
Jose to the plethora of outdoor activities. Providing guidance
on all of Costa Rica's best activities--from whitewater rafting
to exploring national parks to riding with the cowboys of Guanacaste--it
also offers the complete low-down on fun in San Jose, and more. |
Frommer's Buy
it now!
by Eliot Greenspan
Frommer's makes it easy to enjoy an adventure to Costa Rica,
with detailed, practical coverage that encompasses isolated
waterfalls, 850 species of birds, turtle nestings, world-class
botanical gardens, and fantastic diving at Isla Coco. |
Fodor's Buy
it now!
by Eugene Fodor
Fodor's Gold Guides are ideal for travelers who want to experience
the flavors, sights, and sounds of their destination. Short,
medium, and long itineraries advise readers on what to see in
the time they have. A-to-Z listings of important contacts and
travel tips, detailed maps with bullets pinpointing hotels and
restaurants, background essays, and a comprehensive index make
the perfect travel package. |
For further information use our Contact Form or
Rain Forest Tours & Adventures
Telephone : (011-506) 296-7074 / Fax: (011-506) 296-7054
U.S. Mailing Address: 921 E. 29th St.
Hialeah, Fl 33013
HOME | General information | San José one day excursions | Tortuguero canals
Arenal and Monteverde | Corcovado & Osa peninsula | Guanacaste beaches
Caribbean | Manuel Antonio Nat'l Park | Rafting | Sportfishing | Diving
Bird watching | Guest photo journal | Contact us | Site Map
Site index
Feedback |
| Privacy policy | Booking terms | Advertising
Hosted by Latin America Hosting
|