Located in the tropics just north of the equator in Central America, with Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, and bordered by the Pacific and Caribbean Oceans, Costa Rica is a unique country with numerous geographical wonders to satisfy any type of tourist’s needs. Compared to nearby countries, Costa Rica is considered small (slightly smaller than West Virginia), with an area of 20,000 square miles (51,000 sq km) and the widest part being only 200 miles.

It is divided into seven provinces, Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas and San Jose. But within Costa Rica you can explore the three mountain ranges which stretch the entire length of the country, visit active volcanoes, lounge on the beautiful white sand beaches, hike through rainforests, or kayak along the numerous lakes and rivers, all while taking in the natural beauty of the flora and fauna surrounding you. Costa Rica prides itself on having around 25% of the country dedicated to conservation and natural protection areas. The diverse climates and geography provide homes to thousands of plants and insect species and hundreds of bird and mammal species.

National Parks and Protected Areas:

Costa Rica has one of the most well preserved eco-systems in the world. In 1970 Costa Ricans recognized the horrific potential of losing the beauty of their nature and formed a national park system. Costa Rica’s 39 national parks, reserves, and wildlife refuges occupy approximately 12.5 percent of national territory. The surroundings are buffered by forests called “protected zones.” In these zones reforestation, forest management, ecotourism and private conservation projects are promoted, bringing protected areas to over 25 percent of Costa Rica’s territory.

Costa Rica’s conservation efforts have received worldwide recognition. These parks are not only wondrous sites for tourists to hike through and learn about, but also preserves the natural habitats and landscape of Costa Rica, preserving much wildlife that has long disappeared from neighboring countries. The National Conservation Areas System protects 32 national parks, eight biological reserves, 13 forest reserves, and 51 wildlife refuges. Be prepared to see some of the most diverse and spectacular flora and fauna in the world!

In some areas surrounding the national parks there are private reserves where you can stay in privately owned lodges. You can also experience tours of the privately held land seeing flora and fauna similar to that in the national parks. Your money will help preserve these important buffer zones for others and future generations to explore and partake in the beauty of Costa Rica.

Flora and Fauna:

Costa Rica is home to an incredibly diverse selection of flora, each type adapted for life in a particular ecosystem, from rare tropical dry forests to mangrove swamps on the coast. The range of climates allows for twelve ecosystems perfect for any type of traveler to enjoy. At forest floors, the predominant color you will see is green, but at eye level there are brightly colored and fragrant flowers. Especially common in rainforests are various species of brightly colored flowers, like the heliconia flower- large red, yellow, and orange bursts of exuberance. With over 9,000 species of “higher plants”, 800 species of ferns, and 1,400 species of orchids, the national flower, any botanist or traveler looking for amazing scenery will be overwhelmed with the sights and aromas!

The biodiversity and numerous climates are home to over all types of wildlife. Costa Rica is a great location for avid bird watchers, home to over 850 identified species, many with spectacular plumage and colors! Those wanting to see mammals and other wildlife are in luck too! Costa Rica is home to various types of monkeys, bats, marine life and reptiles to name just some of the types of animals you can see during a hike through the rainforest or snorkeling at sea!

Costa Rica is also home to about 4 million “Ticos” (local people of Costa Rican). They are known for their extreme friendliness and hospitable personality. Like its nature, the ethnicity and culture of Costa Rica is very diverse. Major historical influences come from Spanish and other European settlers. The northern plains and southern mountain regions remained relatively untouched by settlers and the indigenous cultures were influenced by the Mayans (in the north) and Chibcha (in central and southern regions). Immigrants from Jamaica and other Caribbean islands give the Caribbean region of Costa Rica its own culture. While exploring the fantastic natural environment and partaking in breathtaking adventures, make sure to look around and experience the combinations of cultures that make each region of Costa Rica so unique.

 

Holidays & Events

 

Costa Rica has 11 official feriados (holidays) per year, and they are all taken quite seriously. Do not expect to find government offices, banks, professional offices, or many stores open on feriados. Twice during the year, the whole country shuts down completely. These are Semana Santa (the week before Easter) and the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Transportation stops totally on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, making Wednesday’s buses very crowded. Good Friday is the most important day of the Holy Week in Costa Rica and is a day of mourning throughout the country.

Easter Week is the time to see picturesque religious processions in the countryside. There are large nonreligious parades in San Jose on Labor Day, Independence Day, and during Christmas Week. The Tico Times will tell you where the most interesting events are held. It’s best to avoid visiting the beach during Easter Week because it is often the last holiday that young Ticos have before schools starts, so you are bound to run into crowds of people.

Currency

 

The currency in Costa Rica is the Colon.  Exchange Rate may range between ¢540 to ¢560 Colones to a US Dollar. US Dollars and credit cards (mainly Visa and Master Card) are widely accepted in larger cities, hotels and stores; ATMs and banks are available mostly everywhere, except for remote areas with little development.  Thus, when traveling to more rural areas or shopping and dining at more local places make sure to have some Colones with you.

Language

 

Spanish is the national language of Costa Rica. However, just like every Spanish speaking country, the Costa Ricans speak Central American Spanish and also have their own dialect and twist. Surprising to some Spanish speaking foreigners, Costa Ricans usually use the respectful “usted” form when addressing each other and when they do use the familiar form, instead of tu they use vos. Ticos also love to use nicknames as terms of endearment and never mean to be offensive. Common nicknames are gordo (fatty) or flaco (skinny) even if you are only slightly gordo or flaco. If you are actually gordo or flaco, and people really like you, you might receive a special name like repollito (little cabbage) or palito (little stick).They are amused and delighted when foreigners try to speak Spanish, especially when they include tiquismos, expressions that are particular to Costa Rican or Central American culture. Ticos have patience for beginners and will encourage them, so do not be shy and test your Spanish or tiquismos! Non-Spanish speakers should not worry, although Spanish is the primary language, many businesses and hotels around San Jose and resorts throughout the country also speak English.

Weather

 

Costa Rica benefits from an ideal tropical climate. The average temperature is 70°F (21°C) in the highlands and ranges from the high 70´s to the low 90´s (21 to 28°C) in the lowlands. Costa Rica does not have four defined seasons; its seasons are rather defined by the amount of rainfall during a particular time of year. The rainy season goes from May to November and the dry season lasts from December to April. However, even during the rainy season mornings are often bright and sunny. Temperatures vary little throughout the year; the main influence on temperature is altitude. Always pack an umbrella or raincoat wherever you go, just in case!