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Costa Rica

Costa Rica is located in Central America, between Nicaragua (North) and Panama (South), and between the Caribbean (East) and the Pacific Ocean (West). It covers 51 100 square kilometers: that represents only 0,03% of the surface of our planet, but it holds approximately 6% of the world’s biodiversity, making the country the world’s most diverse, biologically speaking, per unity of measure. This is why over 25% of our country is environmentally protected.

The Guanacaste mountain range, Central volcanic range, and the Talamanca mountain range form our main mountain systems that go from Northwest to Southeast (ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 meters above sea level) crossing over the entire country. Right in the middle of these mountain ranges is found the Central Valley, where around 60% of the population lives, and is where San José, and the other main cities are located. There are some active volcanoes (Poás Volcano, Irazú Volcano, Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, Turrialba Volcano) and several mountains: the country’s highest mountain is called Cerro Chirripó and it reaches a height of 3,819 meters above sea level (almost 13.000 feet).

Those highlands generate a number of rivers that flow down to the costs and make the country fertile enough to make agriculture one of the main economic activities. They also provide for a number of water sports and they are our source for electricity.

Costa Rica´s weather is pleasant with natural breezes cooling down most of the coastal areas. Temperatures in the highlands and the mountains are warm by day and brisk at night. Those conditions do not vary drastically all year long. The average temperatures range from 32°C (95°F) on the coast to 16°C (65°F) inland. The rainy season lasts from May to November in the central valley and the Pacific coast.
In addition, impressive scenic beauty, a consolidated system of protected areas, social and political stability, high educational levels, and efficient infrastructure and services characterize Costa Rica.

Basic Costa Rica Info:

  • Location on the map: Central America, between Nicaragua (N) and Panamá (SE)
  • Total Area : 51 100 km2 (almost 20.000 square miles)
  • Capital City: San José
  • Political Division : 7 Provinces San José, Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, Guanacaste, Puntarenas and Limón
  • Population: Around 4 500 000 inhabitants
  • Language: Spanish. English is spoken throughout the entire country.
  • Currency: Colón. The Euros are rarely exchanged. We suggest bringing US dollars in small bills, and not damaged. Credit cards are accepted in many places.
  • Government: Republic and Democracy since 1848. It became independent from Spain in 1821. Abolished the army in 1948, and it was declared Neutral in 1983.
  • Holidays: January 1st; April 11, national hero day; Easter; May 1st, Labor Day; July 25 annexation of the province of Guanacaste; August 2, Our Lady the Virgen of Los Ángeles; August 15, Mother´s Day; September 15, Independence Day; October 12, Day of cultures; December 25, Christmas.
  • Time Zone : Costa Rica is located at GMT -6 (US Central Standard Time)
  • Electrical power and Voltage: 110 V. Europeans have to bring bivoltage apparels and an adaptation for flat american terminal.
  • Tips: Are optional, but highly appreciated if you are satisfied with the service provided by the guide and driver of your expedition.  Generally speaking, a tip of $3-$7 per person for one full day of services is recommended. $1-$2 for smaller services. At restaurants there is a mandatory 10% gratuity already added in the bill, as tip for the service.
  • Public Services and health: Due to the high precipitation rates, most of the production of electric power is done with hydroelectric plants, that is why over 98% of the population has access to electricity and potable water. Water is completely drinkable throughout the entire country, ice too. The social security system is among the best 40 in the world, there are hospitals in all the major cities, and at least a clinic in all the small towns. Diseases such as malaria were eradicated long time ago. No vaccination is required.
  • Cuisine and beverages: Most of the restaurants serve dishes based on chicken, fish, pork or beef, the local specialty is the Casado: comes with rice, black beans, meat, salad or legumes, fried plantain, and sometimes eggs or avocado. There are a great variety of tropical fruit drinks such as soursop, blackberry, cas (Costa Rican guava), and maracuya (passion fruit). Good wine is imported, and at most restaurants a bottle will cost between US$15 and US$30.
  • Optional activities: Some of our programs allow you to participate in optional activities. We recommend foreseeing an additional budget on consequence, to fully enjoy your expedition.
  • Shopping and souvenirs: Of course, the famous Costa Rican coffee but also the Indian pottery, wooden handcraft made with precious woods such as rosewood or purple hearth. Also the reproductions of the traditional oxcart entirely hand painted, and of course the famous dark rum Centenario.
  • Weather: there are 3 types of weather: 1. The tropical zone of the Atlantic, very rainy with a dryer season during Septemeber and October. 2. The temperate zone of the Central Valley, with temperatures that remain relatively the same all year long, oscillating between 22°C y 25°C (upper 70´s °F). It gets colder with the altitude, and it has a well marked rainy season from May to November. 3. The tropical zone of the Pacific, with its hot and sunny summers from December to April, and the also well marked rainy season, especially the southern side that gets way more rain. Rainy season generally means a sunny morning and a rainy afternoon.
  • Visas: for your migratory requirements, depending on your country of origin, you can visit the official site www.migracion.go.cr, however there is no visa required for US citizens.