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This texts, graphics and photos is courtesy by Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT).
From white sandy beaches and fiery volcano peaks, to fascinating rainforests and an abundance of exotic animal and plant-life, Costa Rica exceeds expectations!
We Ticos, as we are known in Latin America, take pride in our environment and culture and welcome visitors to share in the beauty, wonder and excitement that our country have to offer. The country's unique bio-diversity and almost perfect climate conditions allow every visitor to take full advantage of all that Costa Rica provides. Whether it be rafting, deep-sea fishing, surfing, hiking, canopy tours, basking in hot water springs, or just soaking up the sun on a breathtaking beach, Costa Rica does not disappoint.
Costa Rica is both an adventure and a sanctuary in a tropical paradise, the opportunities are endless.
Location: Central America, between Nicaragua and Panamá.
Capital: San José.
Population: 4,500,000.
Currency: Colones (American Dollars are used nation-wide as well).
Political Views: Democratic, right. No Army.
Climate:
Summer / dry Season: December - April.
Rainy / green Season: May - November.
Average temperatures: 14-24°C in the central region and 24-40°C at the beaches.
Typical dishes:
Casado: A large plate that contains: red meat, chicken or fish, rice, beans, sweet plantains, cabbage and tomato salad, tortillas and picadillo).
Gallo Pinto: a mixture of white rice and whole black beans with special tico spices, cilantro and onion. It is usually served with sour cream on the side.
Typical phrases: "Pura vida"! (great, full of life, excellent). - "How are you"? - "Pura vida"!
Official Language: The official language is Spanish. However English is widely spoken in the country.
National Symbols:
The Purple Orchid
skinneri (Bateman, 1838).
It was decreed as the national flower by Agreement number 24 on June 15, 1939.
National Flag
Flag used for civil acts.
Guanacaste Tree
Enterolobium cyclocarpum.
It was declared as the national tree of Costa Rica, on August 31, 1959.
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National Emblem of Costa Rica
Enacted since May 5, 1998.
Yigüirro (Clay-Colored Robin National Bird) urdus grayi.
It was decreed as the national bird on January 3, 1977.
Typical Cart
National Symbol of Labor. It was decreed as the National Symbol, on March 22.
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Interesting Facts about Costa Rica:
In 1949 Costa Rica gave women the right to vote, a pioneer in women´s rights in the area of Central America.
Life expectancy is as in European countries.
Costa Rica abolished its army in 1948.
The neutrality of the country, its peacefulness and its mountains have caused Costa Rica to be called "The Switzerland of Latin America".
Costa Rica has one of the highest literacy percentages and lowest child mortality rates in the world.
8% of the world's biodiversity can be found in Costa Rica.
Cocos Island was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997.
Arenal Volcano is the only Hot Spot Volcano in all the country and is said to be the only one in the world to have a perfect conic shape.
Getting Here:
Traveling to Costa Rica is very easy. We have two international Airports: Juan Santamaria Aiport in San Jose (SJO), in the capital; and Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, Guanacaste, 4-5 hours from San Jose and closer to the coastal area of the Pacific.
From USA direct flights to San Jose (SJO) from Boston, New York, New Jersey, Washington DC, Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles & Houston can be found:
- American Airlines American Airlines.
- Continental Airlines Continental Airlines.
- Delta Air Lines Delta Air Lines.
- Lacsa Northwest Airlines.
- US Airways US Airways.
- Spirit Airlines United Airlines.
- Frontier Airlines Miami Air International.
- TACA.
From Europe you have direct flights from Spain or connecting flights from every major city:
- IBERIA First Choice.
- Martinair.
- Condor.
- Air Comet.
- Air Caribes.
COSTA RICA'S MOST IMPORTANT REGIONS
La Fortuna:
Located in the northern part of Costa Rica, La Fortuna is a small town with an enormous amount of tourist attractions. The main draw to this
area is the Arenal Volcano. This volcano has been active since 1968 and gives an amazing fire show at night.
This area is only highlighted by the natural
hot springs where you can bathe and relax the night away! The town center is full of restaurants that serve typical o international cuisine, shops,
bars and other sorts of entertainment. This is one place you have to see!
Monteverde:
Have you ever ventures into a Cloud Forest? If you haven't, Monteverde is the only place in Costa Rica where you can find it. Explore this rare aspect of nature by taking day or night hikes with knowledgeable guides, taking canopy tours or sky trek and zip line through them, what way more adventurous than these? For some less adrenalin-rushed tours, you can try going down to the old cheese farm where one of Costa Rica's best known cheese brands started producing their products, get a taste of what us ticos enjoy everyday! You can head out to the bird sanctuary or down to the shops to look at what local artisans have to offer.
Sarapiquí:
Sarapiquí is a beautiful part of Costa Rica but not as explored as others. Sarapiqui is the principal county of the northeastern province of Heredia, Costa Rica. The region contemplates three districts: La Virgen, Horquetas & Puerto Viejo. This is a lush green area full of cultural and eco-tourism attractions. Within this area of immense biodiversity and scenic beauty; hiking, kayaking, white water rafting, bird watching, horseback riding, volcanoes and astonishing waterfalls are all waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. Among the principal attractions of this route are the National Parks of the Poas Volcano Braulio Carrillo.
Caribbean:
The influence of Afro-Caribbean culture, Rainforests and sandy beaches, make this one of the most unique routes of Costa Rica. Attractions include coral reefs, beaches with multicolored sand (black, yellow and gray), coastal rainforests and mid-altitude forests, all amid the traditions and cuisine of a unique culture and history that add legend and mystery to your visit.
Adventure, hiking, surfing and eco-tourism, are among the many other activities available.
Guanacaste:
Guanacaste is located in the northwestern part of the country, along the Pacific coast. Among the many activities are golfing and deep sea fishing; this is Costa Rica's gold coast where hundreds of miles of sandy beaches, hotel and tourism development, encompass a route that features dry and humid tropical forests, mangrove reserves and the flora and fauna of the Costa Rican wetlands and savannahs; combined with all sorts of water sports and adventure under the sun. Snorkeling and scuba diving are specially great in this area.
San José and Central Valley:
San José is the heart of Costa Rica, not only because it's the capital city of our country but because of the cultural melting pot you will find here. The different areas of San José are filled with things to do, from the more festive and fun to the more cultural. There are a huge number of restaurants (from Japanese cuisine to Mexican), clubs, museums and art galleries. The Valley is also characterized by Costa Rica's famed nature with many National Parks and reserves. The mountains that surround it are populated by some of the country's most impressive volcanoes, including the
Poas, Irazu and Barva.
Corcovado:
The southern Pacific is characterized by its warm tropical year round climate and hefty average yearly rainfall. These conditions combine to produce some of the country's most lush and dense tracts of tropical forest. Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula is a nature lover's paradise where visitors can enjoy the countless eco-lodges amid 'one of the most bio-diverse regions on the planet. This area has many secluded beaches that provide a home to water sports among which snorkeling, sports fishing, surfing or diving off the coast to explore its extraordinary underwater marine world, are memorable experiences.
Central Pacific:
There is much to see and do in the Central Pacific, where the country's natural diversity coexists with tourism development. Aerial Trams, golfing, deep sea fishing, water sports, bird watching and canopy tours combine with many beach resorts to create a relaxed coastal atmosphere with golden sunsets. A number of renowned national parks such as Carrara National Park minutes from Jaco, and private reserves allow visitors to enjoy the beauty of this area. The Central Pacific includes numerous beaches such as Jacó, Manuel Antonio, Esterillos, Palo Seco, Dominical, Ballena Beach and many more.
The region also includes Manuel Antonio National Park, just south of Quepos and nearly 100 miles from San Jose; it is perhaps the area's most popular park, due to its expansive white sand beaches backed by tropical forest. These forests, mangroves; are home to varied fauna amid a lush and exciting coast.
Rincon de la Vieja:
Its exact translation is "Old Woman's Corner" Rincón de la Vieja is one of the less traveled areas of the northern portion of Costa Rica. This area is considered to be off the tourist track and thank goodness for it! Rincón de la Vieja is a paradise for those seeking some one-on-one time with nature. This region is where the old extinct volcano by the same name is located. You can walk up to it's crator, see the lagoon, play in the mud baths called "las pailas", hike for hours and breath fresh air. There are a lot of fun and adrenaline-filled activities you can enjoy as well. It just depends on what you are looking for.
Tortuguero:
Tortuguero lays on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. It's geography is very unique because on one side it is touched by the Atlantic
Ocean and on the other side you'll find sweetwater canals. These Canals are what makes this area famous and a wonderful spot for nature lovers. In these calm waters you'll find all sorts of marine life as well as thousands of bird species and quite a few mammals as well. Lucky tourists have spotted manatees, crocodiles, boars and Congo monkeys. The ride through the Tortuguero Canals can be serene, a truly natural experience. We should mention that Tortuguero is one of the best places in the world to see turtles lay their eggs. The best season to experience this natural phenomenon is the summer season, July and August. Tortuguero, you'll never see anything else like it!
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