General Information

Costa Rica is a Central American nation, largely agricultural country, expanding its economy to include strong technology and tourism sectors. The standard of living is relatively high. Costa Rica is characterized by an impressive scenic beauty, consolidated system of protected areas, social and political stability, high educational levels, and efficient infrastructure and services. Costa Rica is a small country but it has approximately 6% of the world's biodiversity. Considered one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world, Costa Rica is divided in 20 natural parks, 8 biological reserves, and a series of protected areas that captivate ecotourism lovers. The variety of activities includes horseback riding, hiking mountainous paths in the cloud forests, and guided bird-watching tours.

The country's biodiversity attracts nature lovers from all over the world. The primary attraction for many visitors is the 850 recorded bird species, which include the resplendent quetzal, indigo-capped hummingbirds, macaws and toucans. Costa Rica's tropical forests have 1500 tree species and provide a variety of habitats for the country's fauna including four types of monkey, sloths, armadillos, jaguars, tapirs and butterflies. National parks cover almost 12% of the country, and forest reserves and indigenous reservations boost the protected land area to 27%.

Tortuguero National Park is especially famous for sea turtle nesting that takes place every year, and the natural canals that abound with protected species such as crocodiles, manatees, and others.

Weather

It's always reasonable weather. Costa Rica lies close to the north of equator therefore it only has 2 seasons ; The rainy season goes from May to the middle of November, bringing sunny, summery mornings, splashed by afternoon rains. The dry Season starts toward the end of November and continues through April. Dry, warm, sunny days, tempered in January and February by winds cooled by the two seas.

Costa Rica’s year round climate is pleasant with naturally occurring breezes, cooling down most of the coastal areas. Temperatures in the highlands and mountains are not so cold, especially during day. The average annual temperatures range from 31.7°C (89°F) on the coast to 16.7°C (62°F) inland

If you choose to visit Costa Rica during the high season, schedule everything well in advance for your reservations. We will provide vouchers and confirmations of your reservation. Cost conscious travelers prefer to visit Costa Rica between April 15th and October 31st . when rates are lower and discounts might be available.

Geography Facts

Rugged highlands are found throughout most of the country, ranging from approximately 1,000 to 2,000 meters (3,000 to 6,000 feet above sea level). The Guanacaste Mountain Range, Central Mountain Range, and Talamanca Mountain Range are the main mountain ranges extending the entire length of the country. There are several active volcanoes (Arenal Volcano, Irazu Volcano, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano and Turrialba Volcano) and the country’s highest mountain (Chirripo Hill) with a height of 3,819 m/12,530 ft. The country has a relatively long coastline in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as a number of rivers and streams that attract specialist kayakers and rafters from all over the world.

Public holidays

Though government offices and most banks close on national holidays, this causes little inconvenience to travelers, since money and traveler's checks can be changed at most hotels. We recommend that you do not change money on the street.

There are days when hardly anything will be open, such as Christmas, New Year and often a couple of days preceding, and during Holy Week from Wednesday to Easter Sunday.

Some holidays can be attractive for travelers, such as the last week of the year, when there are parades and many other activities in San Jose and throughout the country. On July 25 every year (the annexation of the province of Guanacaste), the main towns in this northwest province are overflowing with revelry and folklore. Carnival, which is celebrated in the Caribbean port of Limon during the week of October 12, is another colorful affair.

January 1 - New Years Day.
March/April - Holy Saturday and Good Friday.
April 11 - Juan Santamaria.
May 1 - Labor Day.
July 25 - The annexation of Guanacaste.
August 2 - Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles.
August 15 - Mother's Day.
September 15 - Independence Day (1821 from Spain).
October 12 - Columbus Day.
December 25 - Christmas Day.

Business Hours

Government offices are generally open from 8 am to 4 pm, while banks close anytime between 4:00 and 6:00 pm, according to the bank and its branch. Most shops are open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, while some open at 8:00 am and others close at 7:00 pm; most grocery stores close at 8:00 or 9:00 pm. Some shops also close for lunch, between noon and 1:00 or 2:00 pm.

Cameras Film -- films are available, as are developing services. but, prices are higher than in the U.S , so bring plenty of film with you and wait until you get home for processing.

Drug Laws -- Drug laws in Costa Rica are severe, marijuana and cocaine are ilegal. Many prescription drugs are sold over the counter here, but often the names differ from those in the U.S and Europe. It's always best to have an official prescription with you

Drugstores -- “farmacias” in Spanish, drugstores are quite common throughout the country. Those at hospitals and major clinics are often open 24 hours a day.

Electricity -- It is the same as in the United States: 110 volts AC (60 cycles). However, three-pronged outlets are rare, so it's helpful to bring along an adapter.

Embassies/Consulates -- The following embassies and consulates are located in San José: United States Embassy, Pavas Road (tel. 220-3939); Canadian Consulate, Oficentro Ejecutivo La Sabana, Edificio 5 (tel. 296-4149); British Embassy, Paseo Colón between calles 38 and 40 (tel. 258-2025).

Emergencies -- In case of any emergency, dial tel. 911 (which should have an English-speaking operator); for an ambulance, call tel. 128; to report a fire, call tel. 118. If 911 doesn't work, you can contact the police at tel. 222-1365 or 221-5337

Liquor Laws -- Alcoholic beverages are sold every day of the week throughout the year, with the exception of the 2 days before Easter and the 2 days before and after a presidential election. Drinking age is 18.

Mail -- A post office is called a correo in Spanish. You can get stamps at the post office and at some gift shops in large hotels.

Maps -- for more information please visit The Costa Rican Tourist Board (tel. 800/343-6332; www.visitcostarica.com) can usually provide you with decent maps of both Costa Rica and San José.

Police -- In most cases, dial tel. 911 for the police, and you should be able to get someone who speaks English on the line. Other numbers for the Judicial Police are tel. 222-1365 and 221-5337. The numbers for the Traffic Police (Policía de Tránsito) are tel. 222-9330 and 222-9245.

Radio/TV -- There are about 10 local TV channels; cable and satellite TV from the United States are also common. There are scores of radio stations on the AM and FM dials.

Safety -- Though most of Costa Rica is safe, crime has become much more common in recent years. San José is known for its pickpockets, so never carry a wallet in your back pocket. A woman should keep a tight grip on her purse. (Keep it tucked under your arm.) Thieves also target gold chains, cameras and video cameras, prominent jewelry, and nice sunglasses. Be sure not to leave valuables in your hotel room. Don't park a car on the street in Costa Rica, especially in San José; there are plenty of public parking lots around the city.

Rental cars generally stick out, and they are easily spotted by thieves, who know that such cars are likely to be full of expensive camera equipment, money, and other valuables. Don't ever leave anything of value in a car parked on the street, not even for a moment. Also, be wary of solicitous strangers who stop to help you change a tire or bring you to a service station. While most are truly good Samaritans, there have been reports of thieves preying on roadside breakdowns.

Taxes -- All hotels charge 16.3% tax. Restaurants charge 13% tax and also add on a 10% service charge, for a total of 23% more on your bill.

Airport Tax -- The Costa Rican government implemented this newly tax. It’s around $26. departure tax must be purchased at branches of the Banco Crédito Agrícola de Cartago (BCAC), which has an office in the main terminal at the airport (open daily 3am-8pm). The tax can be paid in advance and I highly recommend you do so, as the line to purchase it at the airport is usually long and slow-moving. BCAC has numerous branches around San José and in some of the major tourist towns.

Taxis -- Taxis are common and inexpensive in San José but harder to find and more expensive in rural areas. In San José, taxis are supposed to charge metered fares. Outside of the city and on longer rides, be sure to agree on a price beforehand.

Time -- Costa Rica has CST (same as Chicago and St. Louis), 6 hours behind Greenwich mean time. Costa Rica does not use daylight saving time, so the time difference is an additional hour April through October.

Tipping -- Tipping is not necessary in restaurants, where a 10% service charge is always added to your bill (along with a 13% tax). If service was particularly good, you can leave a little at your own discretion, but it's not mandatory.

Water -- Though the water in San José is generally safe to drink, water quality deteriorates outside of the city. Because many travelers are sensitive, It’s recommended to drink bottled water.

Exchanging Money

Be very careful about exchanging money on the streets; it's risky and not recommended.The locals banks exchange currency as well as hotels

ATMs

ATMs (automated teller machines) have become quite common throughout Costa Rica, particularly in San José, and at most major tourist destinations around the country. You'll find them at almost all banks and most shopping centers. Normally they operate 24 hours.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in Costa Rica (MasterCard and Visa have the greatest coverage, although American Express has relatively wide acceptance, and Diners Club is making headway).

To report a lost or stolen American Express card from inside Costa Rica, you can call tel. 0800/012-3211; for MasterCard, tel. 0800/011-0184; for Visa, tel. 0800/011-0130; and for Diners Club, call Credomatic at tel. 295-9898, or call the company collect at tel. 001-303-799-1504.

Traveler's Checks

Well accepted but you will pay a service charge ranging from 1% to 4%.

Lost Documents -- If you lose your passport or need special assistance after you've arrived in Costa Rica, contact your embassy. Most embassies can replace your passport and help you get an exit visa in about 24.