Costa Rica occupies a territory of around 20,000 square miles in the southern part of Central America, and includes several small islands mostly on the Pacific side. It is much like the state of Florida with two long coastlines. The country is only about 200 miles long and 70 miles wide at the narrowest part.

Costa Rica’s three mountain ranges create five geographically diverse areas. The Northern Central Plains, the Northwest Peninsula, the Tropical Lowlands on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts and the Central Valley where 70 percent of the population reside. They make up the seven provinces of Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Puntarenas, Limón and San José.

Costa Rica is often compared to Hawaii because of its mountains and forests. Unlike many areas of Mexico, Central and South America, Costa Rica remains beautiful and warm year-round. This is partly because it borders the Pacific Ocean on the west, the Atlantic Ocean on the east, and has a string of towering volcanoes on the Central Plateau. Combine all this and you have a unique tropical paradise with 11 climatic zones.

* Capital: San José
* Population: 4,000,000
* Size: 20,000 square miles
* Quality of Life: Excellent!!!!! (great weather, friendly people, outstanding food and affordable)
* Official Language: Spanish (English is widely spoken)
* Political System: Democracy
* Currency: Colón (514 colon = $1.00)
* Investment: Several opportunities!!!
* Per capita income: $3,700
* Official Religion: Catholicism
* Foreign Population: (U.S., Canadian and European) Over 50,000. Longevity 77.49 is almost as high the U.S.
* Literacy: 95%
* Time Zone: Central Standard (U.S.)
* Major Industries: Tourism, Agriculture & Real Estate

WHEN TO VISIT: The high season in Costa Rica, December through April, is the dry season. The rainy season, which lasts from May to November, usually sees sunny mornings, with rain showers in late afternoon and evening. There are also two Holiday periods: December 22nd thru Jan 3rd and March 30th thru April 8th. It can be a little wet at times, but there is never a bad time to visit in Costa Rica!!!

TOURISM IN THE ECONOMY: In the past, agricultural exports, like bananas, have been the staple of the Costa Rican economy. However, tourism has always played an ever increasing role, and now it has become the dominant economic force. Ecotourism travel is the most preferred for expansion because it will provide a sustainable resource for tourism for generations of Costa Ricans to come. Costa Ricans love to show off their country, and sincerely welcome all travelers and vacationers.

MONEY: Costa Rican currency is the colon (co-LOAN). It floats daily against the dollar and can be exchanged at banks and change booths. American dollars and major credit cards are acceptable almost everywhere, except in small business establishments or hotels and restaurants in remote locations. Travelers’ checks are not exchanged as favorably as cash. If you pay by credit card, a small surcharge is sometimes added. ATMs are available in most cities and towns with bank offices.

PEOPLE: The population of Costa Rica is now approximately 4,000,000 people, which includes 40,000 natives who belong to eight different cultural groups. The official language is Spanish, but many of the people speak some English, a required course in all schools. Costa Ricans are affectionately known as Ticos (TEA-coes) – and you would be hard pressed to find a more friendly and welcoming culture.

EDUCATION: Costa Rica’s constitution requires 6% of its Gross Domestic Product be dedicated to education – and as a result it has a higher literacy rate (95%) than the United States. Schools are using computers and there are several internet cafes with high speed connections throughout the country. Costa Rica also imports students from overseas who come to the Spanish-language schools that abound throughout the country.

RELIGION: Catholicism is the dominant religion, as it is in most of Latin America. Consequently, nearly all major holidays are religious in nature. The government and popular culture is secular, though still conservative.

MAJOR CITIES: San Jose, often considered the gateway into Costa Rica, has a population of one million. Most people still enter Costa Rica through the nearby Juan Santamaria international airport about 10 minutes from downtown. It is very common to at least stay overnight in this prosperous and most populated city in Costa Rica. For first time visitors, it is highly recommended to take advantage of the taxi and/or mass transit system. Driving through San Jose can be extremely confusing and quite dangerous. There is little regard for stop signs, traffic lights, pedestrians and traffic lanes. Other major cities (by population) are: Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia, Liberia, Limón, Jaco and Puntarenas.

WEATHER: Costa Rica is a tropical country with two seasons – dry and wet. Temperature in the Central Valley is spring-like all year long. It’s colder at higher altitudes in the mountains and hotter in the lowlands and along the shore. It can rain up to 40” in a three hour period.

ELECTRICITY: The voltage throughout the country is 110, the same as in North America. However, three-prong outlets are scarce, so bring along an adapter if you need one. Travelers with appliances set for 220 will need an adapter that changes the voltage and allows for use of a different plug. On occasion, the power will go out. There are usually early warning signs (flickering lights, small power surges, etc). Usually the power goes out for about 5-10 minutes, but it has been known to go out for longer periods of time.

TIME ZONES: Costa Rica is on Central Standard Time, six hours behind Greenwich Mean Time and one hour behind EST in the States. It does not currently use daylight saving time, although the idea has been considered. HEALTH: No shots are required, but we always suggest having a Hepatitis A shot as a precaution. The water in the major cities of Costa Rica is safe and most hotels and restaurants offer purified tap water. You might prefer to drink bottled water (agua purificada) or seltzer (agua mineral) to be sure. Costa Rica has excellent, low-cost medical care and well-qualified practitioners. Many North Americans come to Costa Rica for cosmetic surgery or dental work.

SAFETY AND CRIME: Costa Rica is a safe destination for 99% of its tourists, but it’s always a good idea to exercise caution whenever one travels. In general, the country has a low crime rate, but in recent years there have been increasing instances of tourists and expatriates being robbed. In most cases, crimes are simple thievery - non-violent crimes of opportunity, so just exercise caution, as anywhere in the world. Additionally, most eco-adventures involve some sort of danger, so be sure to use less testosterone and more common sense when deciding on your level of participation in these activities.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: To enter the country you now must have a valid passport. During your stay, you should always keep a photo copy of your passport on you at all times. Your Passport entitles you to visit or live here for a period of 90 days. You must leave the country for at least 3 days once your 90 period has expired. Most foreigners who are living here without residency usually take a three day trip to either Panama (south) or Nicaragua (North).

THINGS TO BUY: Choose from coffee and coffee-related products, reproduction pre-Columbian jewelry, craftily carved wooden boxes, attractive Chorotegan pottery, leather goods, hand-painted art (on bird feathers), guitars and other musical instruments or painted oxcarts. There’s also an abundant selection of clothes and crafts imported from Panama, Ecuador and Guatemala available.

DRIVING & RENTING A CAR: Rental cars are expensive, but a good way to see Costa Rica outside of San Jose. You should buy all the insurance offered. Drivers in Costa Rica are maniacs – worse than anywhere in the world – and, for a non-confrontational people, very aggressive behind the wheel. Combine that with unpredictable road conditions and there can be “awkward” moments. Drive very cautiously! In rainy season, make sure that you rent a four-wheel-drive auto. Think mass transit, or private transfers, buses are a good alternative and very reasonably priced

SURFING: The secret is now out, mainstream and popular. Surfing in Costa Rica is incredible! Those that discovered it years ago and camped out on the beach, are returning now, older, and renting or buying beachfront homes on popular surf beaches to catch a warm water wave! GOLFING: Yes, Costa Rica is becoming a golfing destination! Costa Rica has eight, 18 hole golf courses, with more under construction and in the planning phase. Luxurious, 5 Star, First Class accommodations are available for individuals, groups or incentive tours and trips.

FISHING: Offshore sport fishing is one of the most popular activities in Costa Rica. It draws thousands of anglers every year and accounts for a high percentage of tourism. The Pacific waters are abundant with big game fish…many anglers would agree that Costa Rica is the undisputed fishing capital of the world. Costa Rica is definitely a fishing paradise that anyone would appreciate and love to experience.

EXCURSIONS: This beautiful country has something for everyone! Some of the most poplar activities include whitewater rafting, tree-top canopy tours, world-class sport fishing, world-class surfing, exotic bird-watching, crocodile feeding tours, golf and a huge favorite..... just relaxing on a deserted beach.