Boarded by two oceans and bridging the Americas, Costa Rica is a beautiful tropical country located in Central America. Costa Rica means ‘rich coast’, which isn’t just a reflection of its vast rainforests, volcanoes, beaches, animal, bird and flora species. It’s evident in its varied climate zones and regions, cultural influences and world visitors. A land of peace and biodiversity and a global example of environmental stewardship, Costa Rica seeks to become the first carbon neutral country by 2021. It is a land of democracy, literacy and equality. Costa Rica consistently received top honours as one of the happiest place on earth to live
Known as a playground for the adventurous and a destination for eco-luxury vacation experiences, Costa Rica is an unspoiled natural beauty and a travel haven for those looking for something different.
Come and Explore. Costa Rica is waiting for you.
Video courtesy of Namu Travel Group
Travel Facts About Costa Rica
Entry Requirements
A valid passport and return ticket are the minimum entry requirements. A tourist Visa or passport entry stamp is valid for up to 90 days.
Documentation
Tourists are expected to travel in public with their passports at all times
Language
Spanish is the national language. English is often found in rural or popular tourists areas. A translation phone app or a downloadable translation guide is recommended
Currency
The national currency is the Colon. The American dollar is widely accepted with an exchange rate approx. 598 colones = 1 USD. You can find ATM’s around the country that dispense both currencies. Traveller’s cheques are very difficult to redeem
Electricity Use
Costa Rica uses 110 volt, 60 cycle electricity, same as the US. Plugs are typically the 2 pronged variety, so North American travelers do not need a converter or adapter. The country enacted its first official electrical safety code (based on US standards) in 2012
Geography
Is 51,1 square kilometers (approx. the size of West Virginia, USA), characterized by many rugged and volcanic highlands. These highlands range from approximately 1,000 to 2,000 meters (3,000 to 6,000 feet above sea level). Costa Rica is about 10 degrees north of the equator – wear lots of sunscreen!
Local Regions
Roads
From north to south the country is just 180 miles long with many unpaved and unmarked rural areas. Driving from coast to coast can take upwards of 9 hrs!
Mountains
Costa Rica has 200 volcanoes, 5 of which are active. ‘Pas’ Volcano in the Central region has the second-largest volcanic crator in the world. ‘Arenal’ volcano is the most famous
Protected Areas
25% of the country is protected by a national park or nature reserve
Climate
Costa Rica is a tropical destination. Its look and landscape changes throughout the year, so anytime of the year is a great time to visit
Seasons
Has two seasons: High/dry (Dec to April) & Low/wet (May to Nov)
Measurements
Adopts the metric measuring system – i.e. degrees Celsius for weather and meter/kilometer for distance
Driving
Costa Ricans drive on the right side (just like in Canada or USA). The normal speed limit on the highway is 90 Km/h (55 Mph)
Time
Costa Rica does not observe daylight savings time. All of Costa Rica is in the GMT -6 timezone. This corresponds to North American ‘Central Time’ during the winter months and ‘Mountain Time’ during Daylight Savings Time. Costa Rica has approx. 12 hours of sunshine with sunrise (about 5:30 AM) and sunset changing approx. 15 minutes over the calendar year
Safety
Costa Rica is often referred as the ‘Switzerland of Central America”. The country does not have an army and experience little crime in many locations. Common sense traveling is always recommended!
People
The nickname for Costa Ricans is “Tico”. The nickname for non-native Ticos of any type is “Gringo”
Getting Around
Every town no matter how small, a church, soccer field and corner store (pulperia). All churches face West – helpful for getting around due to the lack of street names. Directions rely on distances between that street and the next landmark. Costa Ricans call strip clubs, nightclubs
Diversity & Cultural Tourism
Costa Rica’s richness lies in its cultural diversity. Ethnic groups and immigrants include African descendants, Chinese, Hebrew, Lebanese, Italian. Get an authentic experience with personalized attention and to get know the essence and identity of Costa Ricans
Common Phrases
‘Pura Vida’ is the national expression and means ‘pure life’. It is used to greet one another, say good bye or give appreciation
