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COSTA RICA
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Wednesday, May 14, 2008 |
Our Country | Top |
Costa Rica stretches majestically from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea in just 200 miles. Its portion of earth fills just twenty thousand square miles.
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Costa Rica’s political divisions include seven provinces: San José, Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia, Guanacaste, Puntarenas and Limón.
Together they offer endless types of landscapes and climates, converting Costa Rica into an attractive tourism destination with just about endless possibilities.
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Costa Rica is known for its impressive scenic beauty, consolidated system of protected areas, social and political stability, high level of education and efficient, high-quality services
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Heritage and Culture | Top |
 Costa Rica's culture is reflected in the racial mixtures that coexistthroughout the country. The main influence is European, which is seen in aspects such as our official language - Spanish - and the architecture of our churches and other historic buildings.
Indigenous influence is less visible, but present in tortillas, which are part of our traditional cuisine, and in the ceramic handicrafts that are sold along the highways.
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More recently, influence has come from the United States, which can be seen everywhere from billboards for movies in San Jose to the fast-food chains that have sprung up in cities. One important aspect of Costa Rica's cultural heritage is its love for peace and democracy.
The Costa Ricans strive to make their country stand out as the exception in Latin America. For decades the political system has been ran by democracy, not dictatorships.
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Costa Ricans are proud to have over a century of democratic tradition and nearly 60 years without an army, which was abolished in 1948. The money that is saved by not having armed forces in the country, is invested in improving the Costa Rican's living standards, thus contributing to social peace.
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The People | Top |
 The "Ticos," as Costa Ricans are affectionately known, are famous for their hospitality. They are hard workers and most posses a high level of education.
Ticos love to offer a smile and a helping hand to others. It is often said that the Ticos are Costa Rica's biggest asset. Once you have experienced their friendship and spontaneity, you won't have any doubts about it.
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Even though the majority of Costa Rica's four million inhabitants are descendents of Spanish immigrants, many families came from different parts of Europe, Asia, Africa and of course Central America. You'll be surprised to see so many light-skinned people, mainly in the Central Valley. In other areas, the majority of people is mestizo, which is a mix of European and indigenous blood.
Also, a significant part of people on the Caribbean coast is of African descent, and in the Talamanca area many different indigenous group still exist.
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Health and Education | Top |
 For a long time, the government of Costa Rica has dedicated animportant part of its budget to improving the minds and bodies of its citizens. This policy has increased the number of educated, healthypeople.
The country has achieved literacy and life expectancy rates similar to Western Europe and North America. Costa Rica boasts a comprehensive social security system, as well as hospitals, schools and universities around the country.
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This means that visitors deal with educated people and don’t have to worry about many of the diseases and epidemics typical to many tropical countries.
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The water is potable nearly anywhere in the country, although it is recommended to drink bottled water in rural areas. If a tourist gets sick while in Costa Rica, there are clinics and hospitals in San José with the same level of care as those in their home country, but with a substantially lower price tag.
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Climate | Top |
 Costa Rica's climate is pleasant year round. The hottest areas are the coasts. Temperatures in mountainous areas aren't too cold, especially during the day, giving a sensation of "eternal springtime."
The average annual temperature is 31.7° C (89° F) on the coast and 16.7° C (62° F) in the interior areas. The rainy (or green) season is from May to November, and from December to April there are few showers.
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Geography | Top |
 There are high areas in the country with elevations from 1,000 to 2,000 meters above sea level (3,300 to 6,600 feet). The Guanacaste, Central and Talamanca mountain ranges are the main mountainous areas.
There are also several volcanoes (Arenal, Irazú, Rincón de la Vieja, Poás and Turrialba), and the highest point is Cerro Chirripó, at 3,819 meters (12,526 feet) above sea level.
Costa Rica has long coasts on both oceans, the Atlantic and Pacific, as well as a wide range of rivers that attract specialists in kayaking and whitewater rafting from around the world.
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Communications | Top |
Costa Rica is connected via satellite with other Central American countries, the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico, South America, Asia and Africa. In addition to offering direct-dial and fax facilities, there is also an efficient system of post and courier services.
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Transportation | Top |
 It is easy to travel throughout Costa Rica. Additionally, public transportation is fairly inexpensive. Nearly every city and town has a bus system. The buses that travel to main tourist areas are high-quality coaches. Taxis are common and inexpensive.
The fastest way to travel between two points is by air. There are several airlines that offer daily domestic flights to main tourist attractions. There are also many car rental companies, most of which offer four-wheel-drive options.
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Government | Top |
 Costa Rica’s system of government is very similar to the United States’ or that of many countries in Western Europe and South America.
There are three powers in the republic, which are: the Executive, with one president, two vice presidents and ministers; the Legislative, with the Legislative Assembly that seats 57 deputies elected by popular vote; and the Judicial, with civil, criminal, appeal and constitutional courts.
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| The president and members of the Legislative Assembly are elected to four-year terms, and an ex-president can be reelected. |
Language | Top |
Costa Rica’s official language is Spanish. On the Caribbean coast, a minority group of Jamaican descendants speak a local version of English. The majority of Costa Ricans understands and speaks a bit of English.
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Time | Top |
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Costa Rica is six hours behind Greenwich Mean Time.
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Banking and Money | Top |
There are many state and private banks in San José and all sizeable cities and towns have at least one branch. The official currency is the colón. Also, US dollars are accepted in nearly all hotels and restaurants. Dollars and traveler’s checks can be changed in banks and hotels. Major credit cards are also widely accepted.
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Business Hours | Top |
Government offices generally are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m, while banks close between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m. (some at 9:00 p.m.). Stores are usually open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (generally in shopping centers). Some businesses also close for an hour during lunch.
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Economy | Top |
 Costa Rica's economy is based mainly on tourism, technology and agriculture (bananas, coffee and sugarcane).
Coffee has historically been the most important source of income for the country, and Costa Rica produces one of the world's best coffees. However, in recent years so-called "non-traditional" products have taken hold and have shown strong growth.
The second traditional product is the banana, of which there are enormous farms, chiefly in the Atlantic area of the country. Pineapple, sugar cane, oranges, rice and ornamental plants are also important crops
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Festivities | Top |
 Although government offices and banks essentially close on national holidays, this is not an inconvenience for travelers. They can exchange money and traveler's checks in their hotel. It is not recommended to change money in the street.
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Emergencies | Top |
Call 911 to report emergencies. Incidents that are not in progress can be reported in person at the nearest police station. In the event of a traffic accident, vehicles should not be moved until the Transit Police and investigator from the National Insurance Institute arrive on scene.
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Emergency telephone numbers:
Emergencies: . . . . . . 911
Fire Department:. . . . 118
Transit Police: . . . . . 222-9330/ 222-9245
Police: . . . . 117
Rural Police:.. . ..127
Red Cross: . . . . . . . .128
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Airports | Top |
 Juan Santamaría International Airport(San Jose): 437-2400
Limon Airport: 758-1379
Tobías Bolaños Airport (domestic): 232-2820
Daniel Oduber International Airport (Liberia, Guanacaste): 668 - 1010 / 668-1032 |
Entrance Requirements | Top |
 The majority of foreigners are given a visa that allows them to remain on Costa Rica soil for 90 days. The visa is conferred only with a valid passport and proof of onward travel. Some countries need a visa to enter.
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Costa Rica by areas | Arriba |
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North Pacific
The North Pacific is Costa Rica's new paradise. The region, located mainly in the province of Guanacaste, holds hundreds of miles of pristine beaches, white sand and palm tree-lined coves.
This is the quintessential beach paradise destination. In the past, this region has had its natural vocation in cattle rising and the agriculture. Currently, nevertheless, the incomparable beauty of its landscapes, that go from the tropical dry forest to the forest montano low and its hot climate, as well as its fertile nature, have done of
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| Guanacaste one of the most concurred places by the local and international tourism. Besides an important backup in the Pole of Tourist Development of the Gulf of Papagayo, there is the Daniel Oduber International Airport, where charter and regular flights arrive from the United States.
This area has two main tourist centers: Liberia(central of stopover distribution, scale and excursion) and Tamarindo, and three other tourist centers: Flamingo, Samara & Nosara and the Nicoya Peninsula. The landscape of the coast is exceptional.
There are beaches of white sands and a peaceful sea that has an intense blue color, especially the ones located inside Gulf of Papagayo (Nacascolo, Virador, Iguanita and Panama). It is one of the regions of greater development, based on outstanding hotel accommodations, ranging from quaint beachside boutique hotels to five-star resorts, which include a world-class golf course.
The region is also known for its extensive nature reserves that hold an incredible concentration of flora, fauna, and natural beauty. There are several reserves that are possible to visit in a single day from your beach hotel. We recommend Rincón de la Vieja National Park, which holds an active volcano, thermal mud baths, and a variety of forests; Arenal Volcano, which is one of the most active volcanoes in the world; and Palo Verde National Park, which is a bird-watcher's and nature-lover's paradise.
The region also holds some exciting canopy tours, river rafting, horseback riding, forest hiking and biking, sailing, surfing, diving, snorkeling, fishing and turtle watching. Because of the region's unspoiled beauty and numerous options, countless numbers of discriminating travelers have made the North Pacific their preferred destination.
Swiss Travel Service offers a full selection of daily tours that can be operated privately, with all the class and comfort of our new, private transportation fleet. |
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Central Pacific
The Central Pacific's proximity to San José, between a ninety-minute and a three-hour drive, makes this region one of Costa Rica's most popular destinations. But the short distance isn't all.
The area holds some of the world's best beaches, outstanding surfing, primary rainforest reserves, and countless other secrets.
A high concentration of varied attractions has made the Central Pacific area a must -see while in Costa Rica. With a developed infrastructure in the midst of wild surroundings, this region is especially popular for the off-the-beaten -path travelers who seek adventure and class in the same place.
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The region stretches from the city of Puntarenas to the mouth of the Barú River in the area known as Dominical de Osa. It has three cities attractive to tourists and well developed for tourism: Quepos, Jacó and Puntarenas. The region also comprises the islands in the Gulf of Nicoya, as these are mainly accessed from Puntarenas.
A wet and rainy climate allows for greater biodiversity in the beaches and hills next to the coast; thus, there is a transition from tropical wet forest to tropical forest to tropical dry forest. These ecosystems provide habitat for numerous plant and animal species that are protected in several wilderness areas.
The region's main attractions are its coast and protected wilderness areas. The coast is made up of numerous beautiful beaches, several of which are just a couple of hours from San José, allowing for quick access. In regards to wilderness areas, the region features wildlife refuges, national parks and biological preserves.
Other important attractions are of cultural and recreational interest, including the various organized events-especially sporting events-that distinguish the region. Also worthy of note is the scenic beauty along the coastal highway that connects the Caldera area with the Quepos and Manuel Antonio region.
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South Pacific
The South Pacific region of Costa Rica is currently known as Central America's last frontier. The main activities and attractions include beach enjoyment and marine resources, such as whales and dolphin's observation, mangrove swamp's, landscapes, reptilian, sport fishing, surfing, hiking through the National Park's paths, professional diving, the energetic walks to the Chirripó's summit, botanical gardens and impressive waterfalls.
Ecotourism features as the main product, especially the one that is carried out among the Humedal Sierpe-Térraba; Golfo Dulce Forest
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Reserve, Marino Ballena National Park, Isla del Caño Biological Preserve and Corcovado National Park. The beach's tourism possesses a wide potential in the coastal sector of Dominical-Piñuela; Platanares Beach; Zancudo and Pavones.
The mountain's product identifies itself in the Talamanca's Mountain subunit, where San Gerardo de Rivas and San Vito of Coto Brus stand out as access centers to Chirripó National Park and the Friendship World Patrimony site.
Additionally, there is a high potential in the rural tourism development, in country settlements distributed along the region. Two important protected areas are located in this region, one is the Corcovado National Park, which National Geographic Magazine defines as "the planet's biologically richest place" and the Humanity Biosphere Preserve, declared as Humanity Patrimony and part of La Amistad.
The best way to reach this wonderful area is by plane, and Swiss Travel Service can arrange both private charters and bookings on scheduled domestic service. We recommend a three-night stay in the area in order to visit the most important attractions and truly absorb the Southwest experience.
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Northern
The Northern Area showcases some of our most scenic countryside and small towns. Only a two-hour drive from San José, small agriculture communities and cattle ranches cover rolling hills and deep valleys.
Known as the heart of Costa Rica, you will find a strong cultural identity here. The plains, rivers and most importantly the people make the North Central a must- see in any Costa Rica program.
This area is divided into three areas. The first is the Arenal area, where the main attraction is the highly active, conical Arenal Volcano.
Curative mineral hot springs and wonderfully manicured gardens surround the volcano, which is among the most active volcanoes in the world.
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In this area you will also find the Caño Negro National Park, which is home to deep caverns, high waterfalls, extensive forest reserves and hundreds of species of birds. The next area is Sarapiquí, which is an important region also gives life to a huge diversity of flora and fauna, and boasts a host of excellent small lodges and resorts.
The area lays claim to a Biological Station where international scientists flock to study nature. Finally, there is the Monteverde area, where guests will have the opportunity to study Mother Nature at her best. Hiking in the cloud forest canopy, shrouded in mist and the orchestra of the forest is an experience few guests will forget.
Additionally, a visit to the Sky Bridges or a canopy tour will always add that special adventurous touch that will bring to life the child we all have inside. With its several protected areas, lakes, lagoons, volcanoes, rivers and waterfalls, the Northern Zone is undergoing a boom in tourism service and adventure site development, so that nature-loving visitors can enjoy the region's many riches.
Thanks to frequent rains, the Northern Zone features wet and evergreen forests as well as fertile plains-natural environments that serve as sanctuaries for water birds, reptiles, mammals and the prehistoric Gaspar fish, and important sites of interest for wildlife-lovers.
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Caribbean
The Caribbean Coast is one of Costa Rica's most unique and special destinations. Our Caribbean region is divided into two main areas: North Caribbean that comprises the Caribbean coast and goes from the San Juan River to Limón city which is the tourist center of this Corridor; simultaneously working as an accommodation, stop over, distribution and touring center.
Green turtle's nesting on Tortuguero National Park and bass 's, shad's and other species' sport fishing at Barra del Colorado National Wild Life Refuge represent the main attraction of the region. It is complimented with
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the river canal's system; which connects Moin Port with Barra del Colorado, and has become a singular attraction and the only way of transportation. Nature-based products get rewarded, especially fauna observation, therefore is a world-known site for bird and turtle's watching.
The South Caribbean goes from Limón to the Panamá border. The region shows a country-unique combination of beaches, natural resources and African American culture in Cahuita, Puerto Viejo and Gandoca Manzanillo.
Limón's development is quite different from the rest of the Caribbean Island, which gives it a special potential to distinguish Costa Rican products. High quality beaches allow adventure and natural history activities, which definitely compliment with culture, gastronomy and music.
The reefs, multicolor-sanded beaches (from black to yellow and gray), coastal vegetation and medium-high forest stand out in this area. Cahuita National Park and Gandoca Manzanillo Reserve are worldwide recognized, not only because of their natural beauty but because they are becoming unique conservation places in almost the whole Caribbean.
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