Costa Rica: Overview
The beautiful Costa Rica is located in Central America, borderig with Nicaragua to the north and with Panama to the southeast. It also has attractive Caribbean beaches to the east and others to the west, on the Pacific shores.
Climate
Costa Rica enjoys a tropical climate with little temperature variation and many rains throughout the year. The wettest months are between May and November and temperatures can reach 32 ºC or be cooled by sea breezes. In the central highlands the days are warm and the nights are cool.
The best moment of the year to visit this country is during the dry season, from the end of December until mid-April. However, it is necessary to keep in mind that the dry season is also the high tourist season, which means higher prices and full hotels. On the other hand, during the wet season roads can become impassable. There are some times of the year that offer you the best of both seasons, April, May and the period between mid-October and mid-December.
Important Information
Entry requirements vary constantly, so you should check them in a consulate or Costa Rican embassy before travelling. Citizens from Argentina, Panama, Paraguay , Spain and Uruguay do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days, while those from Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Venezuela can only stay for 30 days without a visa. A visa is obligatory for citizens from Ecuador, Nicaragua, Peru and Dominican Republic; Cubans need, besides a visa, other documentation. Visas usually cost US$ 20 and you can request them at any Costa Rican consulate.
The official currency is the Costa Rican Colon (CRC), although dollars are also broadly accepted. American dollars and traveler's cheques can be changed at banks, with a comission charge, and in many hotels. Other foreign currencies are not easy to change. Exchanging currency in the black market is risky, since it usually operates with fake notes printed in Colombia. The main credit cards are broadly accepted, although American Express or Diners Club may be a little more restricted. There are several ATMs in the main cities, but it is always better to have some local currency in cash.
As for the tips, hotels add by law a 10% for service and a 3% for tourist taxes to the bill. At upmarket and tourist restaurants it is used to leave a 10% tip, although some places add a 17% to the bill which includes services and taxes. While taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped, tourist guides do. People use to leave 5-10% if the service has been particularly good.
There are not vaccination requirements to visit Costa Rica, although it is recommended to take cautions against typhus and hepatitis A. Also concerning health it is necessary to keep in mind a risk of malaria in some areas, polluted water outside the main cities and dengue fever, especially during the rainy season. Medical facilities are reliable in the main cities and the level of hygiene and attention are high.
Although there are no problems with terrorism in the country, it is necessary to take certain security measures. There have been some reports of violent crimes and an increase of the attacks to tourists leaving the airport by rented cars in San José. You should keep an eye on you luggage and personal belongings at every moment and place, especially, in bus terminals and public transport. Robbery of and from cars is very frequent. It is not advisable to wear jewlery, carry large amounts of money or deal with street money changers. There is a possibility of manifestations which may interfear with traffic in some roads, especially those between San José and the coast.
"Machismo" is one of the main customs of Costa Rica, so this culture is very conservative of family values and it is expected that men and women’s behaviors are according to tradion.
Where to go
San José, the capital of the country and center of transports, is one of the best starting points for trips to all Costa Rica. Some of the most interesting places to visit in this city are the National Museum, where the colonial furniture, the Costa Rican archaeology and gear and religious art stand out; the Museo del Oro Precolombino, the Museum of Jade, holding the world’s largest collection of sculptures made of this precious stone; the National Theater that dates from the last decade of XIXth century; and the Central Market, the most complete and busy.
The small Quaker community of Monte Verde, located in the northwest of the country, is one of the most converged destinations. There you can enjoy attractive hiking paths, a butterfly’s garden, a mountain forest or visit many art galleries and a cheese factory.
The beautiful beaches of the Pacific are an excellent alternative to enjoy on your holidays. Golfito, to the southeast, is the access point to the beaches and it has numerous caves and a virgin forest to enjoy. The best beaches are playa Cativo, playa Zancudo, the best for swiming, and Pavones, the best enclave for surfers, followed by Boca Barranca and Doña Ana. Turtle Island is another good destination for those who are looking forward to enjoy the beaches.
What to do
Costa Rica offers an interesting diversity of activities to enjoy your stay. In the national parks you will find attractive paths for hiking, some of which take you to the magnificent tropical forest.
There are also very good destinations for bird lovers like National Park Tapantí (located south of Cartago); Parque Nacional Palo Verde (near golfo de Nicoya); the rainforests of la Selva, to the north; Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Caño Negro (east of Upala) and the surroundings of National Park Tortuguero, where you can also see these nice animals.
In the Pacific coast is Pavones, one of the best places in Central America for surfing. For this same sport also stand out playa Naranjo, to the northwest, and Puerto Viejo, in the Caribbean coast. Windsurfing takes place in the artificial lagoon of Arenal.
In Reserva Biológica Isla de Cano, located to the west of Drake bay, and in Parque Nacional Isla de Coco, 500 km to the Southwest of the country, you can enjoy scuba diving.
Height fishing is one of the activities that can be enjoyed in Golfito, while in Parsimina you can fish in the reefs.
From Turrialba trips can be made to two different rivers. In the center of the country is one of the most spectacular rivers, Reventazón, frequented by rafting and kayak fans. The best months for a visit are June and July, although you can practice these sports during the whole year. Pacuare is the second most important river, there you can go wild with rapid water rafting among the imposing surrounding canyons, covered in virgin forest
