Costa Rica Flag
Why visit Costa Rica?
A year round destination for travelers to experience adventure sports, birdwatching, beaches, bullfights, casinos, caves, exotic plants, fishing, golf, hiking, historical sites, horseback riding, hot springs, mountain biking, natural landscapes, national parks, rainforests, restaurants, rodeos, scuba diving, snorkeling, spas, surfing, volcanoes, white water rafting, wildlife and zip lining.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Monteverde, Costa Rica. Photo Credit: JanBartel/Pixabay
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: Coffee, coffee liqueur, hand painted feathers, leather goods, macadamia nuts, miniature painted oxcarts, pottery, rum, semi precious stone jewelry, wooden bowls, wood boxes and wood carvings.
- Local Cuisine to Try: Bavaria (beer). Bocas (appetizer). Chicharrón (crispy pork). Ceviche (raw seafood). Gallo Pinto (breakfast). Olla de Carne (stew). Tres Leches (three milks dessert).
- Local Drink to Try: Agua de Pipa (green coconut juice).Agua Dulce (sugar cane water). Guaro (liquor). Imperial (beer). Michelada (beer). Pilsen (beer). Refrescos (local soft drinks). Ron Centenario (rum). Vino de Coyol (wine).
Poás Volcano (Stratovolcano), Poas Volcano National Park, Costa Rica. Photo Credit: Jonathan Rodríguez/Pixabay
Fun Facts
- Until 16th Century (1501-1600), ruled by Spain.
- In 1502, shores explored by Christopher Columbus (1451-1506), Italian explorer.
- In 1808, began planting coffee (Coffee Barons).
- In 1847, declared independence.
- In 1890, completed San José to Limón port railway.
- In 1936, entered for the first time in Summer Olympics.
- In 1949, permanently abolished their military forces reallocating funds towards education and health care services.
- In 1980, won in the Winter Olympics.
- In 1996,
- In 2010, elected their first female Laura Chinchilla Miranda, President (2010-2014).
- In 2017, National Geographic magazine named them as the happiest country in the world.
- Deemed a leader in ecological conservation.
- Is a Free Trade Zones (FTZ) attracting companies and manufacturers.
- Was highly rated for deforestation in the world.
- Home to 22 venomous snakes.
- Has six active volcanoes out of fourteen.
- Central American Squirrel Monkey, Geoffroy's Spider Monkey, Mantled Howler and Panamanian White Faced Capuchin are all native monkeys.
- One of the highest standards of living in Central America.
- Large exporter of bananas, coffee and pineapples.
- One of the highest literacy rates in Latin America.
- A long standing dispute with Nicaragua dredging and navigation rights about the San Juan River.
- Only Americas appointing an official religion, Roman Catholicism.
- Birthplace to the most recognizable phrase, "Pura Vida" (Pure Life).
- Home purchase prices are affordable.
- Condiment staple, Salsa Lizano is acidic and slightly sweet compliments many dishes.
Manuel Antonio Beach, Quepos, Costa Rica. Photo Credit: Gloriana Anchetta/Pixabay
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Annual Events: (January) Fiestas of Palmares, Fiesta of Santa Cruz, (February) Envision Festival, Fiesta of the Diablitos, National Orchid Show, (July) Dia de la Virgen del Mar, Fiesta of the Virgin of the Sea (October) Carnival of Limon, (December) Carnaval Nacional, Carnival of Desamparados, Festival de la Luz, Las Fiestas de Zapote, Light Festival and El Tope Nacional de Caballos.
- Holidays: New Year's Day, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Juan Santamaría Day, Labour Day, Guanacaste Day, Virgin of Los Angeles Day, Mother's Day, Independence Day, National Cultures Day and Christmas.
Volcán Irazú National Park, Cartago, Costa Rica. Photo Credit: Alex Ip/Unsplash
Good to Know
- "Pura Vida" is often said in greeting.
- Has two seasons, dry summer (December - April) and rainy winter (May -November).
- Has two cruise terminal docks, Puerto Limon and Puntarenas City.
- Carry your passport with you at all times.
- Some beaches experience strong rip tides.
- Chikungunya, Dengue, Malaria and Zika Virus are present.
- Most roads are in poor condition.
This international destination requires:
- A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
- Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.
- Required Vaccination: Yellow Fever from select countries.
- Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.
On 10/13/20 Level 3 Reconsider Consider Travel Advisory due to crime.
- Best Time to Visit: December - May
- Coolest Month: September - November
- Hottest Months: February - April
- Peak Season: November - April
Subject to earthquakes, flash floods, severe landslides, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.
Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort, Herradura, Costa Rica. Photo Credit: Michelle Maria/Pixabay
Your Must-See & Do
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Area de Conservación Guanacaste World Heritage Site, Cocos Island, La Amistad International Park and Stone Spheres of Costa Rica.
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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
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