Costa Rica
When to Go
The best time of year to visit weather-wise is in December and January, when
everything is still green from the rains, but the sky is clear.
| Capital | San Jose |
| Currency | Costa Rican colon (CRC) |
| Population | 4,075,261 (July 2006 est.) |
| Government | Democratic Republic |
| Language | Spanish (official), English (creole) spoken around Puerto Limon |
When to Go
The best time of year to visit weather-wise is in December and January, when
everything is still green from the rains, but the sky is clear.
Language
Spanish is the main language in Costa Rica. English is used widely in areas populated by international tourists, and information for tourist’s is often bilingual or exclusively in English.
Some things to see
See the wildlife. Costa Rica is famous for having an incredibly high level of biodiversity throughout its tropical forests including monkeys, sloths, wild cats, and various birds.
One of the most wonderful activities for people who love nature is bird watching. You can enjoy bird watching in many areas of Costa Rica. Due to the great diversity of climates, temperatures and forest types in Costa Rica, there is a wonderful variety of birds, with over 800 species.
Book your Trip to Costa Rica
Vacations to Costa Rico
Vacations to Jaco, Costa Rico
Vacations to Jaco Beach, Costa Rico
Vacations to Liberia, Costa Rico
Vacations to Playa Tambor, Costa Rico
Vacations to Puntarenas
Vacations to Quepos, Costa Rico
Vacations to San Jose, Costa Rico
Vacations to Varadero, Cuba
Vacations to Jaco, Costa Rico
Vacations to Jaco Beach, Costa Rico
Vacations to Liberia, Costa Rico
Vacations to Playa Tambor, Costa Rico
Vacations to Puntarenas
Vacations to Quepos, Costa Rico
Vacations to San Jose, Costa Rico
Vacations to Varadero, Cuba
There are impressive volcanoes, mountain areas, rivers, lakes, and beaches all throughout the country. Costa Rica is one of the most seismological active countries in the western hemisphere, and as a result several volcanoes have sprouted over the years- most notably volcanoes Poas, Irazu, and Arenal.
Some things to do
Costa Rica is a country with an extraordinary wealth of things to do, but regardless of your travel interests, you're going to want to spend time at one of the country's great beaches.
Rafting- Costa Rica is one of the countries with more rivers per square kilometer than anywhere else in the world. Anywhere you go you will find some kind of float trip to enjoy nature from a very unique point of view. There is a wide variety of exciting river trips offered in Costa Rica.
Fishing- Costa Rica has some of the best Sport Fishing in the world and is the first country to practice catch and release fishing. The Pacific side has incredible fishing for Sailfish, Marlin, Dorado, Tuna, Wahoo, Roosterfish, Snapper, and more. Half day, Full day and Multi-Day Trips are available.
Surf- Costa Rica has many surfing hotspots. The best time of year to surf is from November - August.
Biking- Costa Rica has great mountain biking routes, particularly near Irazu, Turrialba and Arenal Volcanoes. There is popular dirt road that connects Irazu Volcano and the foothills of Turrialba Volcano that is perfect for mountain biking, as it traverses the mountain and presents great views of the Cartago Valley (weather permitting, of course).
Golf-. Costa Rica is also known as a haven for some of the most lush, tropical golfing environments in the world. At any course, you can expect to an ensemble of exotic, indigenous animals; jungle; mountainous terrain; and a surreal, blue ocean painting a brilliant, seclusive experience. There are many tournaments during the year that any traveler can participate in. Most courses offer shoe and club rentals.
Weather
Costa Rica is a tropical country and has distinct wet and dry seasons. However, some regions are rainy all year, and others are very dry and sunny for most of the year. Temperatures vary primarily with elevations, not with seasons. May to mid-November is normally the rainy season. Mid-November to April is normally the dry season.
Merchandise
The most common souvenirs are made from wood. Unless it's marked as responsible (plantation grown wood), it is most likely not and may be contributing to the deforestation of Costa Rica - or even Nicaragua or Panama!
The single most desirable commodity for visitors to take home may be roasted coffee...considered by many as some of the world's best. Experts definitely recommend buying whole beans.
Cruisine
Costa Rican cuisine can be described as simple but wholesome. The spiciness often associated with Latin America has typically originated in Mexico, most Costa Rican foods are not spicy, but, as they simmer in a large pot, the flavours are blended. Good, fresh fruit is abundant in variety and low in cost. Don't forget to try the Salsa Lizano that you will surely find at any restaurant. It is a mild vegetable sauce that has a hint of curry and is slightly sweet. It's often referred to as Costa Rican ketchup. Central American standard breakfast fare is a ham sandwich. Vegetarians will find it surprisingly easy to eat well in Costa Rica.
Beverage
Most places have potable water, so don't worry about drinking tap water. Bottled water is also available. Refrescos are beverages made from fresh fruit, sugar and either water or milk. The national drink is called guaro, which is made from fermented sugar cane. It is similar to vodka, and is usually mixed with water and lemon. Ready-to-drink coffee is excellent and considered to be among the best in the world.
Safety first
With 1.9 million travelers visiting Costa Rica annually, more than any Latin American country, travel is quite popular and common. Still, travelers to Costa Rica should exercise caution. Traffic in Costa Rica is dangerous, so be careful. Pedestrians in general do not have the right of way. Roads in rural areas may also tend to have many potholes. Driving at night is not recommended. In the cities, robbery is not uncommon. Traveling alone is fine and generally safe in Costa Rica, but carefully consider what kind of risks (if any) you are willing to take. Always hike with other people and try to explore a new city with other people.
Healthwise
Costa Rica has one of the highest levels of social care in the world. Its doctors are known worldwide as some of the best. Protection against mosquito bites is very important, wearing lightweight long pants, long sleeved shirts and using insect repellents with high concentrations of DEET is recommended by the CDC. If you are going to be in very rural areas known to be malaria-infested areas, you might want to consider an anti-malarial medication. Tap water in urban areas of the country is almost always safe to drink. However, being cautious may be in order in rural areas with questionable water sources.
Some things to doCosta Rica is a country with an extraordinary wealth of things to do, but regardless of your travel interests, you're going to want to spend time at one of the country's great beaches.
Rafting- Costa Rica is one of the countries with more rivers per square kilometer than anywhere else in the world. Anywhere you go you will find some kind of float trip to enjoy nature from a very unique point of view. There is a wide variety of exciting river trips offered in Costa Rica.
Fishing- Costa Rica has some of the best Sport Fishing in the world and is the first country to practice catch and release fishing. The Pacific side has incredible fishing for Sailfish, Marlin, Dorado, Tuna, Wahoo, Roosterfish, Snapper, and more. Half day, Full day and Multi-Day Trips are available.
Surf- Costa Rica has many surfing hotspots. The best time of year to surf is from November - August.
Biking- Costa Rica has great mountain biking routes, particularly near Irazu, Turrialba and Arenal Volcanoes. There is popular dirt road that connects Irazu Volcano and the foothills of Turrialba Volcano that is perfect for mountain biking, as it traverses the mountain and presents great views of the Cartago Valley (weather permitting, of course).
Golf-. Costa Rica is also known as a haven for some of the most lush, tropical golfing environments in the world. At any course, you can expect to an ensemble of exotic, indigenous animals; jungle; mountainous terrain; and a surreal, blue ocean painting a brilliant, seclusive experience. There are many tournaments during the year that any traveler can participate in. Most courses offer shoe and club rentals.
WeatherCosta Rica is a tropical country and has distinct wet and dry seasons. However, some regions are rainy all year, and others are very dry and sunny for most of the year. Temperatures vary primarily with elevations, not with seasons. May to mid-November is normally the rainy season. Mid-November to April is normally the dry season.
Merchandise
The most common souvenirs are made from wood. Unless it's marked as responsible (plantation grown wood), it is most likely not and may be contributing to the deforestation of Costa Rica - or even Nicaragua or Panama!
The single most desirable commodity for visitors to take home may be roasted coffee...considered by many as some of the world's best. Experts definitely recommend buying whole beans.
Cruisine
Costa Rican cuisine can be described as simple but wholesome. The spiciness often associated with Latin America has typically originated in Mexico, most Costa Rican foods are not spicy, but, as they simmer in a large pot, the flavours are blended. Good, fresh fruit is abundant in variety and low in cost. Don't forget to try the Salsa Lizano that you will surely find at any restaurant. It is a mild vegetable sauce that has a hint of curry and is slightly sweet. It's often referred to as Costa Rican ketchup. Central American standard breakfast fare is a ham sandwich. Vegetarians will find it surprisingly easy to eat well in Costa Rica.
Beverage
Most places have potable water, so don't worry about drinking tap water. Bottled water is also available. Refrescos are beverages made from fresh fruit, sugar and either water or milk. The national drink is called guaro, which is made from fermented sugar cane. It is similar to vodka, and is usually mixed with water and lemon. Ready-to-drink coffee is excellent and considered to be among the best in the world.
Safety firstWith 1.9 million travelers visiting Costa Rica annually, more than any Latin American country, travel is quite popular and common. Still, travelers to Costa Rica should exercise caution. Traffic in Costa Rica is dangerous, so be careful. Pedestrians in general do not have the right of way. Roads in rural areas may also tend to have many potholes. Driving at night is not recommended. In the cities, robbery is not uncommon. Traveling alone is fine and generally safe in Costa Rica, but carefully consider what kind of risks (if any) you are willing to take. Always hike with other people and try to explore a new city with other people.
Healthwise
Costa Rica has one of the highest levels of social care in the world. Its doctors are known worldwide as some of the best. Protection against mosquito bites is very important, wearing lightweight long pants, long sleeved shirts and using insect repellents with high concentrations of DEET is recommended by the CDC. If you are going to be in very rural areas known to be malaria-infested areas, you might want to consider an anti-malarial medication. Tap water in urban areas of the country is almost always safe to drink. However, being cautious may be in order in rural areas with questionable water sources.
