Location
Costa Rica is located ten degrees north of the equator on the isthmus of Central America, the country is bordered to the north by Nicaragua, the south by Panama, the East by the Caribbean Sea and to the west by the Pacific Ocean.

Size
Costa Rica is a small country, irregular in shape and less than 20,000 square miles in size. At its narrowest point, just 75 miles separate the Caribbean Sea from the Pacific Ocean. From North to South the country is just 180 miles long.

Geography
At the heart of Costa Rica is a jagged, mountainous ridge that runs from the northwest to the southeast corner of the country. It is made up of four volcanic mountain ranges (the Central, Guanacaste, Tilarán, and Talamanca) separated by low passes and valleys and rise progressively higher towards the southern two-thirds of the country. South of the Central Range lies the Meseta Central (Central Plateau) - the heartland of Costa Rica in every sense of the word. The Meseta is home to 60% of the population and the country's four principal cities (San Jose, Cartago, Heredia and Alajuela). Ranging in altitude from 3,000 to 5,000 feet (1,000 to 1,800 meters) above sea level, the Meseta enjoys a comfortable climate and is covered with beautiful rolling landscapes of farms and forests. The countryside slopes precipitously towards the coast, and the steep terrain is etched by fast flowing rivers - some of which have been harnessed to provide electrical power. In the Northwest on the Nicoya Peninsula, vacationers can explore miles of sandy beaches, while the Caribbean is known for its lush forests, palm-lined beaches and world-class sport fishing. Geographically, the many varied areas of Costa Rica provide a tremendous diversity of habitats and beautiful tropical scenery.

History
Costa Rica was visited by Christopher Columbus in September, 1502, on his fourth voyage to the Americas. He claimed the region for himself and his descendants, believing that the land was filled with vast deposits of precious metals. Costa Rica never yielded much gold or silver, but its natural beauty and perfect climate are finally producing some of the richness Columbus had hoped for.

The colonial period lasted from 1502-1821. On September 15, 1821, Costa Rica declared its independence from Spain, forming part of the Central American Federation. In 1848, Costa Rica proclaimed itself a free and independent Republic. It has since enjoyed relative prosperity and political stability, including more than a century of continuous democratic rule.

Biodiversity
Covering only 0.01 percent of the Earth’s landmass, Costa Rica is believed to host approximately 5 percent of its biodiversity. Tourists must like what they find because many return again and again to Costa Rica to explore the variety of habitats: rain forest, dry forest, cloud forest, oak forest, mountains, and wetland, mangrove, and other aquatic habitats. Over 13.000 plant species can be found, including 1,300 varieties of orchids like the La Guaria Morada, the national flower which usually blooms in March. More than 850 species of birds, 209 mammal species, 220 species of reptiles, and 163 species of amphibians have been identified. And as for the diversity in insects and antropods, over 365.000 species have been encountered so far. Costa Rica’s fabulous fauna includes the jaguar, puma, and agouti, the leatherback & green turtle, three species of monkey, the American crocodile, caiman and the two & three-toed sloth, just to name a few.

Natural Parks and Reserves
Many of the habitats where all this life flourishes are under protective status as you can see the in the information below. In 1977 the Costa Ricans formed a national park system that has won worldwide admiration. The National Parks and Wildlife Refuges of Costa Rica are managed by the MINAE, Ministerio de Ambiental y Energia. Responding to the new policies of the MINAE, 11 Conservation Areas were established by this department in 1998 to oversee and manage the public lands of Costa Rica. These conservation areas are known as the Sistema Nacional de Areas de Conservacion, or SINAC. The purposes of those areas are the conservation and protection of natural resources. All together over 25% of the national territory is protected for tomorrow’s generations. And, in addition, individuals and organizations have established reserves for conservation purposes, like the Monteverde -, La Selva - and Tirimbina Biological Reserves.

Climate
The climate in Costa Rica varies depending upon elevation and location.

"The coastal plains are warm and tropical. Mountainous regions are much cooler and the Central Plateau has a spring-like climate year-round, with little variation in temperature from month to month (the average daily temperature is 75 F or 25 C). December through April is the dry season, when rain is quite uncommon. May through November is considered the rainy, or "green", season, although mornings are usually quite sunny, with most of the rain falling in afternoon showers.

Government
Costa Rica is a free, democratic and independent republic. The government is comprised of three branches, with checks and balances. The branches are: Legislative (Unicameral), Executive (President and 2 Vice Presidents) and Judicial. The presidential term is 4 years. A former President can run for a re election only after a period of time corresponding to the duration of two presidential mandates. In addition to the above, a fourth branch of power is exercised during the electoral process. In 1949, the Costa Rican Constitution abolished a standing army.

Economy
Economic development in Cost Rica is among the highest in the Western Hemisphere. An agricultural country, its principal exports are coffee, bananas, cocoa, sugar, lumber and wood products and beef. Other industries-such as cigarette production, textiles, soap, leather and rubber products, plastics, cosmetics and biotech-are also developing. The government is actively attracting foreign investments that are beneficial to both the investor and the country. Recently, tourism became the country’s largest source of income.

Population
Costa Rica currently has a population of 4 million inhabitants, predominantly of European (Spanish) origin.

Indigenous peoples account for less than 2% of the total population. With over 90% literacy, Costa Rica has one of the most educated societies in the Americas.

Language
The official language is Spanish, although English is widely spoken.

Religion
The constitution guarantees freedom of religion. Roman Catholicism is the official religion of Costa Rica and over 80% of the population considers itself Roman Catholic.

Shopping
Costa Rica features a wide range of stores offering merchandise made locally or imported from other Latin American countries. Most prices are fixed, and bargaining is recommended only with street vendors or in market places. Some of the best buys are handcrafted items made of wood or leather. The national symbol of Costa Rica, replicas of ox carts, hand painted and in a variety of sizes and colors, are popular souvenirs; as are replicas of Pre-Colombian gold artifacts. The duty-free allowance for U.S. citizens and most Europeans traveling to Costa Rica is three liters of wine or spirits, a half kilogram (one pound) of processed tobacco, and perfume only for personal use.

Shopping Hours
Mon-Sat 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Bank Hours
Weekdays 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Some banks open Saturdays and Sundays usually from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Currency
The Colon is the national currency; dollars can be exchanged at banks and hotels. The exchange rate fluctuates in small increments daily. Bills come in denominations of 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000 colones, and coins are minted in 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100 and 500 colon pieces. Traveler's checks in dollars can be changed at any bank and at most hotels, provided a valid passport is used.

Cuisine
A wide range of cuisine can be sampled in Costa Rica - from French to Chinese and local dishes as well. With two oceans as sources, seafood is a Costa Rican specialty, as are native dishes such as "gallos" (open-faced tortillas with beef, chicken or ham) and uniquely seasoned refried black beans. Other native specialties are hearts of palm, tamales and ceviche. Guaro is the national liquor, while a variety of local rums, beers and flavored liquors are also available.

Tipping
A 10% service charge and 13% sales tax are always included in restaurants bills. An additional 10% tip is suggested. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip. Porters should receive $3.00 or $4.00 IN/OUT depending on hotel, and chambermaids $2.00 per room per day.

Electricity
Service is the same as in the U.S.: 110 volts; 60 cycles. European items need an adapter.

Credit Cards
Major international credit cards (Master Card/Visa/AMEX) are accepted at most hotels, stores, restaurants and car rental agencies -- at smaller businesses be prepared to pay in local currency.

Transportation
We represent many of the Rental Car companies serving Costa Rica, including the franchises of Budget and National, as well as a number of locally owned companies, thus a fleet of over 600 vehicles of all makes and sizes are available.

Foreign driver's licenses are valid for one month from date of entry into the country. Inexpensive and rapid bus service is available to Alajuela, Cartago, Puntarenas, San Isidro del General, Limón and hundreds of small towns scattered throughout the country. Minibuses with drivers can be hired. Taxis are plentiful in San Jose. Taxis are metered, but you'll have to agree on a price beforehand when leaving from a large hotel.

Domestic flights to different areas of Costa Rica are available.

Public Holidays

Time
Costa Rica is one hour behind Eastern Standard Time (U.S.) and eight hours behind Central European Time. Daylight savings time is not observed.

Clothing
Bring light clothing, a sweater, windbreaker, good walking shoes, sandals and a hat. During Costa Rica's rainy season, a raincoat and umbrella come in handy.

Drinking water
Modern processing facilities ensure pure drinking water, particularly in San José and the larger cities.

Medical Services
Quality medical services are available in Costa Rica. Many well-trained, competent doctors, dentists, ophthalmologists and specialists have offices in the principle cities. Most have studied in the United States, Europe or Canada and speak English. The capital city of San Jose has numerous modern and well-equipped hospitals and clinics. There is also a growing market for cosmetic surgery.

Airlines
All flights to Costa Rica arrive at San Jose's Juan Santamaría Airport, located ten miles from downtown or at Daniel Oduber International airport, near the beaches of Guanacaste.

Some of the airlines serving Costa Rica are: Continental Airlines, America Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, Iberia, KLM, British Airways, Grupo Taca, Copa, Cubana, Avianca/Sam and Mexicana, Air Canada, Aeroperlas, Air Transat, America West, Martin Air, many of them with flights leaving from Europe, North and South America and the Caribbean.