COSTA RICA
Costa Rica is a wonderful country and the people are proud of the fact that theirs is one
of the most environmentally minded nations on earth. They have proved this by setting
aside, protecting and preserving for the benefit of the present and future generations
fully 25% of its landmass and natural resources. It is understandable then that tourism
(including eco-tourism) now generates more revenue than the combination of the
country’s two largest export crops, its famous bananas and internationally popular coffee. Costa Rica is one of the few developing countries implementing economic
modernization and state transformation within a stable, long lasting and mature
democracy. The country’s economy calls for reforms, but its political regime favours a
gradual, negotiated approach based on active citizen participation in policy making. In
addition, during the last few decades, Costa Rica achieved impressive levels in health,
education, housing, sanitation, and reduction of poverty. Costa Rica means “Rich
Coast”… and it is true.
But the wealth of the country is not to be found in its cloud capped mountain rainforests
or along its white sand beaches or growing on its lush plantations… you will find the
real treasure of Costa Rica in the genuine sincerity, warmth and welcome of her people.
Costa Rica is a small country; however, each area offers a seemingly endless amount of
unique attractions within its varied ecosystems and geographic diversity.
GEOGRAPHY
A very small, but cozy country, (51,000 Square Kilometers/31,875 Square Miles) Costa
Rica is positioned between 8 and 11 degrees North Latitude, at the narrowest part of the
isthmus connecting North and South America. You will find Costa Rica situated
between Nicaragua and Panama, the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It is a natural
bridge for migrations from North and South, and harbors many transient species, as well
as an abundance of endemic flora and fauna. Highlands and coastlines are beautiful and
abundant. The Guanacaste, Central, and Talamanca Mountain ranges are three of the
most important sierras extending throughout Costa Rica. Several active volcanoes
include: the Arenal, Irazu, Rincon de la Vieja and Poas volcanoes. The country’s
highest mountain, Chirripo Hill, is 3,819 m or 12,530 ft.
The country’s lengthy coastline extends along the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
Countless rivers and streams provide a challenging attraction for specialist kayakers and
rafters from all over the world. You can enjoy a trek through the pristine cloud forest
environment of world known Monteverde, or drive up to the rim of a volcano’s crater
and witness its splendor. Plentiful, idyllic, fine-sand beaches are plentiful, with easy access in the area of Guanacaste, Puntarenas or the Caribbean.
This is a perfect combination for travellers, who like exploring and living new
experiences in the same journey.
CLIMATE
Costa Rica is located in the inter-tropical region, and the reason why it enjoys springlike weather year round. It has two seasons during the year: a Golden Season between
December and April and the Green Season between May and November. The average
temperature in the Central Valley is 72° F (22° C), and near the coasts it ranges from
70° to 90° F (21° to 32° C). The abundance of microclimates has generated more than
14 ecosystems, according to the scale of Holdridge, and has brought forth flora and
fauna that range among the richest on the planet. A wide variety of flora and fauna
(5.4% of the planet’s plant and animal species), beautiful landscapes, and an everchanging climate will delight travellers’ senses in this everlasting-spring country.
ECONOMY
At the beginning of 1980s, Costa Rica initiated a process of promotion of exports,
insertion in the international markets, reform of the state and elimination of distortions
that were preventing our country from competing with the rest of the world as part of a
set of initiatives that gave birth to the new development model, which main target was
the insertion of the country in the international economy. During the last years, Costa
Rica has specialized in the attraction of high technology companies intensive in human
capital; as a result, many important companies have established here: Dole, Firestone,
Baxter and the most outstanding case of success, Intel. There are also business centers
such as Procter and Gamble, Western Union, Hewlett Packard, Sykes. Before the
economic restructuring process initiated in the early 1980s, the Costa Rican economy
was depending basically on a few export products: banana, coffee, sugar and meat,
which now represent a significant portion of total exports. Non-traditional agricultural
export products have shown a fast development during the last decade; among them
palm, orange, roots and tubercles (yucca, yam, “tiquisque”, malanga), ginger, pineapple,
and ornamental plants.
Coffee was historically the country’s most important crop, and Costa Rica continues to
produce some of the finest quality coffee in the world. Bananas continue to be one of
the most important export produce that is grown on vast plantations in the Caribbean
lowlands. Tourism has generated more than any single export crop and the tourism
industry, continues to grow providing new employment opportunities and stimulating
the conservation of our complex biodiversity. We could say that Costa Rica’s basically
stable economy depends on tourism, agriculture, and the manufacturing sector (textiles,
paper, electric/ electronic, metal-mechanics, plastic, food).Costa Rica’s army was
abolished in 1948, and the money the country saves by not having armed forces is
invested in improving the standard of living, which has fostered the social harmony that
makes it such a pleasant country to visit.
EDUCATION
In Costa Rica, education is public and free. Its government has long dedicated a
significant portion of the national budget to enhance the minds and bodies of its
citizens, a policy that has fostered a healthy and knowledgeable population. The country
has a literacy rate, and an average life expectancy, that are much closer to those of
Western European nations than most Latin American countries. Costa Rica has had a
socialized health system for nearly half a century; while schools, universities, and
medical centers are strategically located throughout the country.
HERITAGE & CULTURE
Costa Rican culture is, in many ways, a reflection of its racial mix. The predominant
influence has long been European, which is reflected in everything from the official
language, Spanish, to the architecture of the country’s churches and other historic
buildings. The indigenous influence is less apparent, but can be found in everything
from tortillas, served with a typical Costa Rican meal, to the handmade ceramics sold at
roadside stands. Costa Rica is a Central American success story. Since the late 19th
century, only two brief periods of violence have marred its democratic development.
Spain colonized this territory more than five hundred years ago, and for that reason
most of the population is still Catholic.
ITS PEOPLE
In Costa Rica, there are more than 4,412.474 people including immigrants from
Nicaragua, Cuba, Colombia, North America, Europe and China. Almost half of the
population lives in the Central Valley. One element is absolutely certain: Costa Rica’s
most important asset is her people. Kind and hospitable, “Ticos”, as Costa Ricans are
commonly known, set themselves apart when it comes to assisting travellers. Whether
its helping you with complicated road directions, or helping you find a good place to
eat, Ticos will go out of their way to assist any visitor. Polite, and well educated, Ticos
are quick to greet you with a smile. Once you have experienced their friendliness and
spontaneity, you will no doubt agree.
POLITICAL SYSTEM
Costa Rica is a democratically elected republic. Its system of government is very similar
to that of the United States of America or other democratic country. There are three
branches of government: the Executive, which consists of the president, two vice
presidents and ministers or secretaries of state; the Legislative Assembly, or Congress,
with 57 individually elected members; and the Judicial Branch which consists of civil,
criminal, appellate and constitutional courts. The President and members of the
Legislative Assembly are elected for a four-year period. Presidential re-election is
possible and the suffrage age is 18.
HEALTH & MEDICAL FACILITIES
You do not have to worry neither about most of the diseases that anyone may expect to
encounter in a tropical country nor about a vaccination card (not necessary to enter the
country). Costa Rica has an impressive network of public healthcare facilities including
29 hospitals, 92 clinics, and 839 local primary care medical consultation offices
(EBAIS). The system, known as the “Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social”, or simply
“Caja”, offers universal public healthcare coverage for all Costa Rican workers and
their families. Medical facilities in Costa Rica feature the same sophisticated tests,
equipment and procedures found in other developed countries, and are available at
considerably lower costs. Should one of our guests require medical services, while in
Costa Rica, there are hospitals and private clinics in major cities to provide the highest
standards of professional care and treatment. The concierges at large hotels will, in all
likelihood, be able to provide an in-house doctor. If an emergency arises, always call
911.In addition, there are pharmacies providing 24-hour service in main cities.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Costa Rica is accessible by land, sea and air. There are two international airports: Juan
Santamaría in Alajuela, near San José, and Daniel Oduber Quirós, just outside Liberia,
Guanacaste in the Northwest part of the country. There are ocean ports that fully meet
international standards: Limón, and Moín on the Caribbean, and Caldera and Puntarenas
on the Pacific Coast. It is also possible to enter Costa Rica from Panamá and Nicaragua
by car, or on any of the international bus lines such as “Tica Bus” or “Trans Nica”. Both
provide daily service from Guatemala to Costa Rica and Panamá. To enter Costa Rica,
every visitor is required to have a passport with a validity of, at least, six (6) months.
Completed immigration and customs forms, which are also required, will be surrendered upon entry. Upon leaving Costa Rica, the departure tax is currently US $26.00
per person.
CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE FACILITIES
The official currency is the Colón. The exchange rate varies daily in relation to the U.S.
dollar. Dollars and travelers checks are easily exchanged at hotels and banks. Most
major credit cards such as AMEX, VISA and MASTER CARD are accepted at hotels,
large stores and restaurants. The US Dollar is also widely accepted throughout Costa
Rica.
COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRICITY
Costa Rica has a very advanced communications system with telephones and fax
machines throughout the country. You can easily find Internet connections in most
every city and town, as well as in business centers at major hotels. The mail service is
very good, too. There are more than a hundred post offices all over the country.
National and International newspapers and magazines are sold in the streets and
shopping centers. Power is a standard 110 volts all over the country, with 220 volts
available in newer hotels. It is always important to check before connecting any
electrical devices. Europeans, visiting Costa Rica, should bring an adaptor with them.
ATTIRE
Light casual clothing is recommended all year round.
When visiting the city, bring pants, a light jacket or sweater and comfortable walking
shoes. In the Central Valley, the evening shadows bring cooler temperatures (60° to 70°
F).When going to the beach, do not forget your shorts, t-shirt and tevas. Mountain gear
is: pants, light jacket and hiking shoes. But no matter where you go, try not to forget
your swimsuit, sunscreen, cap, insect repellent, sunglasses, and raingear. Remember
that travellers will be exposed to different climates, geographical and weather changes.
TIME ZONE
Six hours (-6) behind Greenwich Mean Time.
No Daylight Saving Time.