Costa Rica

More than a vacation ... 

No matter what you're looking for in a tropical getaway, you won't be disappointed in Costa Rica. This tiny Central American country offers a stunning natural diversity that is virtually unmatched anywhere else in the world.

Within its borders are rapid-running rivers, smoking volcanoes and an intersection of mountain ranges. There are low-lying rain forests, dense altitude high cloud forests and miles and miles of pristine, sandy beaches.

Shrouded amidst all of it is an amazing variety of animal, insect and aquatic life.

Entry/Exit

Remember to bring a valid passport when you visit Costa Rica. US and Canadian citizens can enter the country with an original birth certificate and two other pieces of ID. Otherwise a passport is required. Citizens of the US, Canada as well as most of Europe and Latin America don¹t need visas for stays up to 90 days. Those from Australia and New Zealand are allowed to stay in the country without visas for up to 30 days. If you¹d like to stay
an extra 30 days beyond the limit, you can obtain an exit visa through a travel agent at least three working days before your scheduled departure.

Banking/Currency

Getting or exchanging money shouldn't be a problem, especially if you are carrying U.S. dollars. Costa Rica's national currency is the colón, which fluctuates against the U.S. dollar. It has steadily drifted downward against
the U.S. currency in recent years, with banks paying about 520 colones for $1 in september, 2006. You can get local money when you arrive at San José's Juan Santamaria international airport. But not to worry if you aren't able to do this. There are numerous state and private institutions that offer both local and international banking services, including foreign exchange, cash advances on credit cards (though not all banks take American Express) and cashing travelers checks. Banks are generally open from 8 AM to 3:45 PM; some offer extended hours beyond this. If you'd rather not carry a lot of colones, most international credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country. 

Amazing Facts

Although Costa Rica covers only 0.03% of the earth's surface, this tiny country holds more than 5% of all life forms. It actively guards this incredible biodiversity in protected areas covering more than one-quarter of its land. It is no wonder, then, that Costa Rica is considered a model for conservation and draws nature lovers from all around the world. But there are many other attributes, from its friendly, peace-loving culture and people, to its relatively stable economy and its many historical secrets, that make the nation a fascinating place to visit. Below we've listed just a few "amazing facts" about this country.


More than 10% of Costa Rica's territory is under the protection of the National Parks Department for parks and preserves.

No other country has preserved more tropical cloud forest than has Costa Rica.

1,500 species of orchids have been classified here, with hundreds more awaiting verification.

With drops of more than 125 feet per mile, Costa Rica has some of the most exciting white water in the world.

Costa Rica's dense tropical rain forests contain an estimated 2,000 species of plants and trees, 75% of which remain unknown and unstudied.

There are 160 kinds of amphibians, 220 species of reptiles and 208 types of mammals that inhabit Costa Rica.

There are more than 150 kinds of edible tropical fruits in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica's legendary Ceiba, or silk cotton, tree can grow up to 13 feet in a year and rise as high as 200 feet. With a huge, thick trunk and perpendicular branches that give way to glossy leaves and creamy white flowers, the tree offers such a majestic presence that the Mayas considered it a sacred tree of life.

No fewer than 34,000 species of insects thrive in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica's got some 850 species of birds.

It has also got more than 1,000 species of butterflies.

With 20,000 troy ounces of gold on display, Costa Rica has one of the largest gold museums in the New World.

A puzzle for archaeologists: Two mysterious almost perfect stone spheres, accurate to within 0.07 inches, have been excavated in the south of Costa Rica, and no one can tell their origin. One sample adorns the entrance to Daniel Oduber International Airport outside of Liberia, Guanacaste.

Art/Culture

Though rich in nature and biodiversity, Costa Rica has never been known for being a country rich in indigenous art or culture, though that may be changing. A kind of "cultural revolution" appears to be underway that is spawning greater appreciation for Historically, Costa Rica's cultural roots are in the styles of others. A cultural and commercial meeting point for ancient civilizations of Latin America, the country borrowed and modified the techniques for ceramics, gold and jade work, weaving and stone carving from places like Ecuador and Mexico.

Climate

Your visit to Costa Rica will take you to a warm, humid tropical climate, where temperatures remain fairly stable year round. For most of the country, the average annual temperature falls between 71°F (21.7°C) and 85°F (28°C), with the coolest months being from November through January and the warmest, from March through May. This said, Costa Rica's location. The nation's location and topography also creates differences in the timing and intensity of Costa Rica's two seasons, "Summer" and "Winter." In general, the summertime, or dry season, runs from December to April, while winter, Costa Rica's rainy or so-called green season, extends from May to November. The Pacific region's rainy season begins in May and goes through November, with the wettest months being September and October.

Economy

As one of Latin America¹s healthier states, Costa Rica sustains a quasi-free market economy with a strong social conscience. These days Costa Rica¹s economy depends upon tourism, agriculture and electronic exports, with tourism being its chief economic activity and job creator. In 1999, more than one million tourists visited the country, generating $940 million and 140,000 jobs. In the first half of 2000, another 405,586 visitors arrived, representing a 6% increase from the first half of the year before and well ahead of the global average growth rate of 3.6%.