Costa Rican 101
Costa Rica stretches 200 miles wide from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean and borders Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, with the land portion occupying 20,000 square miles. When traveling through the provinces of Costa Rica, it is easy to notice the many variations in landscape and climate. This small nation is one of the most visited destinations by tourists from all over the world, with the majority of tourists coming from the United States.
The country of Costa Rica is divided into 7 provinces, which are: San José (capital city), Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, Puntarenas, Guanacaste and Limón. Each province has its own distinction either due to climate, landscape or culture. Among all the provinces you will find all kinds of attractions, such as: tropical forests, volcanoes, national parks, beaches, museums and restaurants.
Population: 4,100,000 (More than 2,000,000 tourists for 2008)
Language: Spanish (English is spoken in many tourist areas)
Currency: The official currency is the Colon. The dollar is widely accepted and the exchange rate is approximately 500 colones per $1 USD.
Climate: The climate of Costa Rica throughout the year is pleasant with natural breezes that cool most of the coastal areas. Temperatures in the highlands and mountains are cool; it can reach the low 60s at times, while on the beaches it is a bit warmer, reaching the low 90s in the mid. The only seasons that exist are the wet and the dry, the difference between the two is the precipitation, while the temperature remains almost the same throughout the year.
Entry Requirements: US and Canadian citizens holding valid passports may visit Costa Rica for 30 to 90 days without a visa. Once in the country, it is possible in some cases to request an extension. Certain nationalities require a visa prior to arrival; be sure to check with a Costa Rican consulate or embassy in your country to confirm what exactly is required for legal entry.
Communication: Telephone, internet and cable television are found almost everywhere in Costa Rica. If you plan to bring a mobile phone from the US, AT&T is the most recognized service provider in Costa Rica. If you plan to send a postcard to family or friends, the postal system is efficient enough to send it for you.
Transportation: There are many ways to get around this beautiful land, from public buses, taxis, private transfers, planes and helicopters. In certain areas, ATVs, golf carts, and bicycles are a popular form of transportation. Most transportation methods are very affordable and safe. If you want to drive your way around the country, you have plenty of car rental companies to choose from, be it a local company or a franchise.
Food and Water: The water is safe to drink in most areas of the country, if you’re not sure if you should drink the water, you can always find bottled water at a local store. The food has a slight exotic flavor in most dishes but is not spicy which is great for all ages. There really isn’t a food you shouldn’t try, it’s worth at least trying almost every dish and finding out for yourself if it’s something you enjoy or not. A typical lunch or dinner includes: rice, beans, some type of salad, and a choice of beef, chicken, fish, or pork.
This small country is very peaceful with wonderful people, places and food to enjoy. It is no wonder that this small but attractive country has become one of the most popular destinations in the last 20 years. Start making plans for a getaway and see for yourself exactly what Costa Rica is all about.
