COSTA RICA

The Land/Geography
Covering 19,730 square miles (51,100 square kilometers), Costa Rica is the southernmost county of Central America,. It is bordered by Nicaragua on the North and Panamá on the South, the Pacific Ocean to the West, and the Caribbean Sea to the East. Both coasts, especially the Pacific, feature excellent beaches. The population is approximately four million.

Costa Rica has some of the most interesting geography in Central America, including spectacularly beautiful rain and cloud forests in the central and south, the active Arenal volcano, secluded beaches, and the lush, winding tropical deltas of the Caribbean, making it the region’s number one tourist destination.

Because of its large tropical areas, Costa Rica contains a wide variety of animal life that includes uncounted species of insects, exotic birds and reptiles, and many intriguing mammals.

The capital, San José, situated in the central valley 3,000 to 5,000 feet (900 to 1,500 m) above sea level, has a population of a million and a quarter. The central valley is also home to the cities of Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago. Other important urban centers are Puntarenas, on the Bay of Nicoya; Limón, on the Caribbean coast; and Liberia in Costa Rica’s northern Guanacaste Province.

The people
More than half of Costa Rica’s population live in and in the immediate vicinity of the central valley. The prevailing religion is Roman Catholic (also the official state religion). Most Costa Ricans claim Spanish ancestry, although many are of mixed European, indigenous and black origin. There is a sizeable Afro-Caribbean population, the descendants of people brought from the West Indies to work on the railways and banana plantations on the Caribbean coast. A few thousand American Indians are left in the far south.

Local Time
Costa Rica does not turn its clock back or forward. So during Standard Time in the USA and Canada, Costa Rica’s time corresponds to U.S. Central Time. During the summer Daylight Savings period, the local time corresponds to U.S. Mountain Time.

Climate and Clothing
In Costa Rica, ‘summer’ is considered to be between December and May. It is warm, sunny and dry, with daytime temperatures in San José hovering in the low 80s (30 degrees Centigrade) Fahrenheit. On both coasts, the temperatures can be 10 degrees Fahrenheit (5-6 degrees Centigrade) warmer. Nights are cool and refreshing, in the upper 60s and low 70s (18-22 degrees Centigrade). Light summer clothes are advisable, and it’s always best to bring a sweater for the evenings.

The ‘green season’ (rainy) begins at the end of May, and lasts through mid-December, with an ‘Indian summer’ in July. At the beginning of the season, most mornings and evenings are clear, with rains only in the afternoon. Heaviest rains are in September, October and November. For tourists coming during this period, summer clothing is advisable, with an extra light windbreaker, and remember to bring an umbrella.

The language
The language and means of communication in Costa Rica is Spanish, and almost all the country’s Afro-Caribbean population speaks English as well. Many of the indigenous population use their own languages among themselves, although it is only recently that the government has moved to preserve and encourage these languages. English is spoken throughout the travel industry.

Travel documents
U.S. and Canadian citizens require a valid passport, although U.S. citizens can enter with an original birth certificate (raised seal) and another piece of identification bearing a photo and signature (i.e. driver’s licence). The period is three months. A $17.00 (USD) exit tax is charged upon your departure from Costa Rica.

Currency
Costa Rica’s currency is the colón. Coin denominations are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50 and 100 colones. Notes come in 50, 100, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 colones.

The current exchange (February 22, 2001) is approximately 320 colones to the U.S. Dollar. Devaluation of the colón is about 18% annually. Exchange dollars at a bank. Travellers, no matter where they come from, are strongly advised to bring U.S. dollars in small denominations; banks and others will charge heavy premiums exchanging all other national currencies. Of the major credit cards, VISA is the most widely accepted. U.S. Dollars are accepted by all hotels and major establishments.

Electric Current
The same as in the United States and Canada: 110 volts.

Health
No vaccinations are required. The tap water in practically all areas is potable, but those with weak stomachs are advised to drink bottled water.