Create your guide

Your notepad is empty

Click on the

symbol next to the travel tips you would like to add to your guide.

Ready? Click on the create guide button above, and follow the steps.

Travel guide: Costa Rica

Show preview

Author:
Article No.: 6243
Published: 07/13/2011
Language: English
Number of pages: 62
Destination: Costa Rica

Mobile

1,59 €

incl. VAT

Book

9,95 €

incl. VAT, excl. shipping

Choose product

Map sections in the travel guide: 1x Costa Rica
Status: Travel guide published

Abstract: This guide contains reliable background information as well as numerous interesting Sightseeing, Entertainment, Food & Drink, Shopping, Nightlife and Hotels & Accommodation tips – for all price levels and tastes. All pieces of information have been thoroughly investigated on the spot and are always up to date. If you visit a place for the first time or if you already know it well – this travel guide will be a good companion for your journey. Further contents: practical information. We wish you a great journey. Your inzumi team!

This guide:

Add content
Write a comment
Recommend

Costa Rica

Description of destination

The small country between Nicaragua and Panama is still an insider's tip for nature enthusiasts despite its raising popularity. Mighty, partly still active volcanoes, thick rainforests or long sandy beaches along the Caribbean and Pacific – the perfect setting for a close-to-nature adventure vacation.
The well-developed infrastructure for tourism - a dense bus network and many accomodation opportunities - enables visitors to travel easily on their own. The central plateau surrounding the capital of San José is the most densely populated area of Costa Rica. The cool highlands (450-1,300 m) are characterized by mountains, grasslands and woods and offer an ideal environment for coffee. The plantations, in the lowlands also those for bananas, are interesting travel destinations. Costa Rica's biodiversity is mentioned over and over again. Approximately 5% of all plants and animals can be found in the country, among them rare species like red-eyed tree frogs, tree snakes and jaguars. Maintaining the rich biodiversity is a political goal, and therefore approximately a third of the country is protected. The national parks' appearance is influenced by the volcanos Poas, Irazu and Arenal, displaying the elementary powers of orogeny, while the coastal parks and the Nicoya and Osa peninsulas with their jungles make the lowlands famous.

Background information

Climate and travel season

There are only occasional seasonal temperature variations in Costa Rica, but there are three different climate zones: Along the Pacific coast there is even a distinct dry period during the hot months from December to April with a low
percipitation ("verano"- summer). Winds from the southwest are the cause for the humid and comparably rainy weather from May to November ("invierno"- winter). Only way down south, at the Osa peninsula at the Golfo Dulce, is the climate always damp. Temperatures at the Atlantic coast are always around 26 °C (79 °F), and the rainfall is twice as much as on the Pacific coast.
In the heartlands, the "Valle Central", surrounded by mountains, average yearly temperatures are around 20 °C (68 °F), rainfall is equal to that along the Pacific coast.
Despite the differences in climate, one can travel to the country all year round. During the monsoon season, the weather is mainly good during the first part of the day. Only in the afternoons do short but heavy rain showers occur. At least then prices are cheaper than during the main season. In the rainforest, humidity is extremly high all year round, with chances of heavy rain showers, while it can be very cool in the mountains. Here temperatures might even fall below zero at nights. It is advisable to wear light, quickly drying clothes. Wear long sleeves and pants on tours to the rainforests, they are the best protection against bugs and small animals. Do not forget a rain jacket and something warm for the nights in the mountains. And also think of sun screen and insect repellent!

Entertainment & Nightlife

Going out at night is especially an issue in the capital San Jose. A student scene exists and therefore many bars and clubs. Business people prefer cultivated bars and expensive night clubs. If you speak Spanish, you will also have many movie and theater opportunities. An international crowd - globetrotters or package tourists - gathers at areas like the Nicoy peninsula, which is strongly developed for tourists. Many times Europeans or Americans run the bars and clubs.

Festivities & Events

2nd of February In Paraíso theatrical performances, concerts and dance performances are organized on the Día de la Candelaria in honor of the Virgin of Candelaria.
February The Fiesta de los Diablitos is held in remeberance of the battles between the indigenous people, dressed as devils, and the Spaniards, dressed as bulls. The program of events includes dances and fireworks as well.
Fat Tuesday / Ash Wednesday Parades and bull fights take place in Liberia.
Easter Holy Week, Semana Santa, is celebrated throughout the country with ceremonial processions.
July In Puntarenas the Fiesta de la Virgen del Mar is celebrated in honor of the Virgin of the Sea with boat processions.
12th of October On Columbus Day, Día de la Raza, a colorful carnival awaits you in Limón.
December/January The end of the year, Fin del Año, is celebrated in many places with horse parades, processions and bull fights.

Food & Drink

Nobody will be able to avoid the typical ingredients of the hearty, down-to-earth Costa Rican cuisine: rice and beans are encountered just as often as bananas of all kinds as well as a variety of vegetables. Corn tortillas and guacamole are also a constant. You will find the national dish of Costa Rica on many menues: "gallo pinto", made from fried rice, beans, cooked in cream and served with a fried egg as breakfast. Snacks are bocas, arreglados (sandwiches) and gallos (stuffed tortillas). The typical restaurants, simple venues, are called sodas.

How to get there

Costa Rica has two international airports. The Juan Santamaría International Airport is about 20 km (12 mi) from San José (http://www.alterra.co.cr). Buses leave regularly into the city center. Taxis are also available. The ride takes about 30 minutes. The Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport lies 12 km (approx. 7 mi) from Liberia (http://www.liberiacostaricaairport.net). Buses are also available at this airport. For tourists who don't know their way around, it's advisable to go by taxi.

Local tourist information

The Costa Rica Tourism Institute (ICT) informs, especially on its multi-language website (http.//www.visitcostarica.com), about most requests relevant to tourists. Unfortunately, the ICT only has one European branch in Spain.

Profile

Official language: Spanish
Population: 4,253,877 inhabitants
Area: 51,100 km²
Capital: San José (339,588 inhabitants)
International dialing code: 00506
Currency: Cólon and partially also the US Dollar
Time zone: Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) - 6 hours

Shopping

The nature is Costa Rica's main attraction, shopping oppurtunities are rare.
Fruit and vegetables can be bought at the markets, but are not suitable as souvenirs. The famous coffee of Costa Rica can be bought vacuum-packed and brought out of the country. One should pay attention to the "puro" label on the packaging. Fine liquors are made from the brown bean. Carved wooden figures, ceramics or leatherware, available at the bigger cities and the luxury hotels, are popular souvenirs. Moravia, a suburb in the northeast of San José, is good for souvenir shopping.

Traveling around the country

The plane is a relatively cheap way of traveling inside Costa Rica.
Different smaller airlines cover the entire country. San Jose has two airports:
international Aeropuerto Juan Santamaria and the domestic airport Tobias Bolanos. Furtheremore, there is an intact interurban bus network with reliable schedules and well-maintained busses.
Bus routes and connections decrease the further away you get from the capital. It is, however, no problem to explore Costa Rica by car. But be prepared for poor signposting. Some streets might be hard to drive on after heavy rainfalls. Depending on the travel destination and/or route you should consider renting an all-wheel drive ATV, which has to be ordered beforehand (and do check for damages and signs of usage before driving). Do follow speed limits (49 miles on the highway and 24 miles in towns) and note that there are no-parking zones (marked by yellow stripes at the side of the streets) because controls are strict. Costa Rica's traffic authority also uses radar guns against speeders.

Practical information

Embassy of the United Kingdom
Apartado 815-1007
Edificio Centro Colón
(Piso/floor 11)
San José
Phone +506-2258-2025
Fax +506-2233-9938
http://ukincostarica.fco.gov.uk
Email: consular.costarica@fco.gov.uk

Embassy of the United States
Calle 120 Avenida 0
Pavas
920-1200 San José
Phone +506-2519-2000
Fax +506-2220-2455, +506-2519-2305
http://costarica.usembassy.gov
Email: consularsanjose@state.gov

Embassy of Canada
Behind the “Contraloría” in the
Oficentro Ejecutivo La Sabana
Building 5, Third floor
PO Box: 351-1007
San José
Phone +506-2242-4400
Fax +506-2242-4410
http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/costa_rica
Email: sjcra@international.gc.ca

The voltage is consistently 110-120 volt at 50-60 hertz.
For some devices you might need an adapter.

1 January: New Year's Day; 19 March: Dia de San Jose;
11 April: Battle of Rivas Day (Dia de Juan Santamaria); Easter; 1 May:
Labor day; 29 June: Peter and Paul; 25 July: Guanacaste Day;
2 August: Virgin of All Angels Day; 15 August: Mother's Day; 15 September: Independence Day; 12 October: Meeting of Cultures Day; 8 December: Imaculada Concepcion; Christmas.

Typical of Latin America, traditional family patterns can still be found in Costa Rica. Women from western countries, traveling on their own, might encourage men to distinctively present themselves. Too much invasiveness is best blocked with confident certainty, without unnecessarily hurting the macho pride.
When outside in the nature, national parks for example, there are hardly any impairments. But to avoid any unpleasant surprises, one should act according to the valid beahavior norms.

Costa Rica has a relaxed relationship with its homosexual community.
The capital, San José, has a very active scene. There are some gay and lesbian-friendly hotels in the country. The influence of the church is not as strong as in other South American countries and homosexuality is not forbidden by law.

General and national emergency call number: 911

Banks are open Mon-Fri 8.30 am-3 pm (sometimes they go on a lunch break from noon to 4 pm, sometimes they close at 5 pm). Public authorities offen their counters from 8 am to 5 pm.
Stores are open Mon-Fri from 9 am to 6 or 7 pm and Saturdays from 9 am to 1 am. Museums are usually opened from 10 am to 5 pm, times can vary strongly. The ICT in San Jose provides you with the exact opening hours.
During the Passion Week and between Christmas and New Year almost all stores are closed.

Tips are included in the bills of the hotels and restaurants. Still you can express your satisfaction with an additional tip. Tour guides and drivers also expect a tip.

Costa Rica is 6 hours behind Universal Time Coordinated (UTC). Daylight saving time (DST) is not observed.

Many doctors in Costa Rica were educated in the US or Europe and speak English. The medical supply, especially in private clinics, is of high standard.
The Red Cross has founded first-aid centers nationwide. In remote areas you can contact the reception desks of the hotels and lodges. Medical costs must be paid on the spot. Make sure to take care of health insurance before you leave. Private insurances cover your costs if you provide the bill.

Costa Rica's biggest attraction is the exploration of nature. Usually there are no good conditions for handicapped at the national parks. At best the lodges and the bigger hotels offer handicapped-appropriate facilities. Wheelchair users can drive up to the edge of the vulcano crater at Volcán Poas National Park, but this is a big exception.

For entry into Costa Rica, EU and Swiss citizens must present a valid passport that will not expire for at least 6 months after arrival. Costa Rican authorities generally permit EU and Swiss citizens to stay up to ninety days. To extend a stay, travelers must submit an application for an extension to the the Office of Temporary Permits in the Costa Rican Department of Immigration at C. 21, Av. 6/8 (at the street leading to the airport, across from Hospital Mexico, Tel. +506-2998135, http//:www.migracion.go.cr.) Visa fee: 20 US-Dollar. There is a departure tax of $26 for visitors and eventually also a $6 security fee.

The Colon is the national currency, its exchange rate is linked to the US dollar.
Old 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 colones coins are in circulation. New coins (golden, smaller) worth 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 colones as well as 50, 100, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000 bills are also available.
Most ATMs hold colones and US dollars because the Dollar is especially popular in the tourist regions. You should have travellers cheques and US dollars cash on you. Larger hotels and stores accept credit cards, but mostly charge a fee of about 6 percent. The euro is hardly accepted.

Costa Rica's international dialing code is 00506; there is no area code within the country. Phone booths can be found all over the country, calling cards are available at stores and newspaper stands. Mobile phones can be rented; prepaid cards are not available. The AMPS net is not compatible with GMS.

You can bring 3 liters of wine, 500 gramms of tabacco products or 400 cigarettes to the country, duty free. It is forbidden to bring meat or sausage, dairy products, fruits and vegetables (except for canned foods) to Costa Rica in your luggage.

Map Sections (1)