Located in Central America between two oceans and two continents, Costa Rica is a natural wonder itself. With lush rainforests, pristine beaches, volcanoes, and diverse wildlife, it’s no wonder why Costa Rica is one of the world’s top ecotourism destinations. Visitors can explore the country’s diverse ecosystems, hike through national parks, zip-line through the forest canopy, or simply relax on the beach.
Why Visit Costa Rica
NATURE
Costa Rica is known for its abundant and diverse nature, making it a popular destination for eco-tourism. With over a quarter of the country designated as national parks, visitors can immerse themselves in lush rainforests, cloud forests, and exotic wildlife. Costa Rica is home to 27 national parks and 5% of the world’s biodiversity
BEACHES
With both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, Costa Rica has some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in the world. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities including surfing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Many beaches offer white sand, crystal-clear water, and stunning sunsets, while others are more secluded and peaceful.
VOLCANOES
Costa Rica is also known for its numerous volcanoes, some of which are still active. The Arenal Volcano, for example, is a popular tourist attraction, with visitors coming from all over the world to witness its frequent eruptions. In addition to Arenal, Costa Rica is home to several other volcanoes, including Irazu, Rincon de la Vieja, and Poas.
WILDLIFE
Costa Rica’s tropical rainforests and lush landscapes provide a natural habitat for a wide range of wildlife, from exotic birds to endangered species such as jaguars, sloths, and sea turtles. In addition to the national parks and wildlife refuges, visitors can explore animal rescue centers and sanctuaries that provide care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned animals
Located in Central America between two oceans and two continents, Costa Rica is a natural wonder itself. With lush rainforests, pristine beaches, volcanoes, and diverse wildlife, it’s no wonder why Costa Rica is one of the world’s top ecotourism destinations. Visitors can explore the country’s diverse ecosystems, hike through national parks, zip-line through the forest canopy, or simply relax on the beach.
Why Visit Costa Rica
NATURE
Costa Rica is known for its abundant and diverse nature, making it a popular destination for eco-tourism. With over a quarter of the country designated as national parks, visitors can immerse themselves in lush rainforests, cloud forests, and exotic wildlife. Costa Rica is home to 27 national parks and 5% of the world’s biodiversity
BEACHES
With both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, Costa Rica has some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in the world. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities including surfing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Many beaches offer white sand, crystal-clear water, and stunning sunsets, while others are more secluded and peaceful.
VOLCANOES
Costa Rica is also known for its numerous volcanoes, some of which are still active. The Arenal Volcano, for example, is a popular tourist attraction, with visitors coming from all over the world to witness its frequent eruptions. In addition to Arenal, Costa Rica is home to several other volcanoes, including Irazu, Rincon de la Vieja, and Poas.
WILDLIFE
Costa Rica’s tropical rainforests and lush landscapes provide a natural habitat for a wide range of wildlife, from exotic birds to endangered species such as jaguars, sloths, and sea turtles. In addition to the national parks and wildlife refuges, visitors can explore animal rescue centers and sanctuaries that provide care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned animals
- Name: Republic of Costa Rica
- Capital: San José
- Official Languages: Spanish
- Currency: Costa Rican colón
- Time Zone: UTC−6
Bucket list
Hike the Arenal Volcano
Stay in an Eco Lodge
Enjoy the waters of a hot spring
Get on a zipline above the rainforest
What to expect
LANGUAGE
The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish. English is also spoken and understood in most tourist areas.
ELECTRICITY
The standard voltage is 110 V and the frequency is 60 Hz. That’s the standard voltage in the american continent; If you are traveling from the EU you will need an adaptor.
CURRENCY
The colón is the official currency in Costa Rica. Dollars are freely used, however other foreign currencies like euros are not. Credit cards are widely accepted. It is encouraged to exchange it in a bank or withdraw it directly from the ATM if you are flying in with another currency than american dollars. 1 USD equals 620 colones as of 2023.
CLIMATE
Costa Rica is known for its tropical climate with two seasons: the dry season (December to April) and the rainy season (May to November). The average temperature in San Jose, the capital city, is around 22°C (72°F) with humidity throughout the year. In coastal areas, the temperatures can be higher with a higher humidity level. The dry season is considered the best time to visit, but the rainy season has its advantages, such as fewer crowds, lush greenery, and better prices.
SAFETY
Costa Rica is safe to travel to. Its among the safest countries in America. However and just like anywhere else, some places are better than others, and exercising caution is recommended, especially in isolated areas at night.
How to get around
Costa Rica is a relatively small country, and getting around is quite easy. The most common ways of transportation in Costa Rica include:
- Domestic flights: Several airlines offer domestic flights between major cities in Costa Rica, such as San Jose, Liberia, Quepos, and Tortuguero.
- Rental cars: Renting a car is a popular option for travelers who want to explore Costa Rica’s natural beauty on their own. However, it’s important to note that some roads in Costa Rica can be rough and unpaved.
- Public buses: Public buses are the most affordable way to get around Costa Rica. Buses operate regularly and connect most major destinations throughout the country.
- Private shuttles: Private shuttles offer a more comfortable and convenient option for getting around Costa Rica, especially if you’re traveling in a group or with a lot of luggage.
- Taxis: Taxis are widely available in Costa Rica, but it’s important to negotiate the price with the driver before getting in.
No matter which transportation option you choose, it’s important to plan ahead and research the best way to get to your destination. Road conditions can vary, and travel times can be longer than expected, especially during peak travel season.
Visa Policy
Costa Rica has a very relaxed visa policy, and most visitors can enter the country without obtaining a visa in advance. Nationals from many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and most of Europe, can enter Costa Rica with just a valid passport and receive a tourist visa upon arrival that is valid for up to 90 days. However, visitors from some countries are required to obtain a visa before they arrive in Costa Rica. These countries include China, Cuba, India, and several African nations, among others. Visitors from these countries should check with the Costa Rican embassy or consulate in their home country for more information on visa requirements.
It’s worth noting that visitors to Costa Rica must have a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry, and they may be asked to show proof of onward travel or a return ticket. Additionally, visitors are required to have a yellow fever vaccination if they are coming from certain countries in Africa or South America.
If you plan to stay in Costa Rica for longer than 90 days, you can apply for an extension of your tourist visa by visiting a local immigration office. There are also several other types of visas available for those who wish to work, study, or live in Costa Rica. However, the application process for these visas is more complex and can take several months.
Overall, Costa Rica’s visa policy is relatively straightforward, and most visitors will not have any issues entering the country. As long as you have a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and meet the entry requirements, you should be able to enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer without any hassle.
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