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

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:

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

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.