Costa Rica Vacations
In 1502 Christopher Columbus landed on these shores and was so impressed by their beauty that he was compelled to call it Costa Rica, or “Rich Coast”. From warm beaches to tropical rainforests. Costa Rica is a tropical Paradise.
Map of Costa Rica
Costa Rica! Amazingly warm waters all year, and limitless attractions spanning two coasts are only two of the reasons that Costa Rica’s beaches rank among the best in the world. And since nearly two thirds of Costa Rica’s borders are coastline, there are an abundance of beaches to explore.
This magnificent country is known for its pristine beauty, wondrous culture and friendly natives. Out here you can never be bored. With beaches, national parks, rainforests, volcanoes and wildlife, this tiny country has flourished with natural beauty. In fact once you visit Costa Rica, you will never want to leave!
There are spotless beaches that stretch for miles, jungle rivers for kayaking and rafting, and spectacular rainforest’s with magnificent opportunities for bird-watching and hiking.
Costa Rica: What to Do and See
Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs Tour in Costa Rica
First, you start with a stop to misty waterfalls and then over to the towns of Naranjo and Zarcero. Next, you find that your on your way to the San Carlos Plains to watch a magnificent display of gleaming orange explosions of the Arenal Volcano from a trustworthy distance. Last, you will finish off with relaxing bath in the Volcanic Tabacón Hot Mineral Springs.
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Reventazón White Water Rafting:
This one is especially good for beginners. It is a great adventure without any danger involved. You will raft along a series of essentialy easy rapids, wich later have you pushed the El Gordo and Hueco Santo. These are the most impressive of the run. Through the entire thing you see picture perfect scenery, and plenty of natural wildlife as well.
Aerial Tram Rain Forest Tour:
You start out by crossing over the Continental Divide and progress through a half-hour ride through Braulio Carrillo National Park for an astonishing ride through a amazing canopy of ancient trees and other plants. With binoculars you might be able to see some amazing veiws of wildlife creatures living, learning, nesting and such.
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Poas Volcano, Chubascos & Sarch Oxcart Factory:
Poas is is one of the world’s largest geysers. You can reach it through a system of trails that takes you to the emerald lagoon of Poa’s inactive crater. If you keep pressing forward you can reach the town of Sarachi, which is also the home of Costa Rica’snaive art where the original artists bean to decorate and paint their oxcarts with fancy and multi-colored designs.
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Folklore Show at Pueblo Antiguo:
Some experienced actors play a segment of Costa Rican History in this outstanding multimedia show that dramatizes the change of the country’s turn-of-the-twentieth-century-life. Music, dncing and masked figures entertain you in an elegant theme park. After a traditional dinner you will be able to enjoy a native folkloric dance show.
Carara Biological Reserve & Jaco Beach:
The Old Spanish Route is one of Costa Rica’s most spectacular roads. If you follow it, it will take you to a 11,750-acre reserve where unique butterflies, rare monkeys, and scarlet macaws are very few of the animals that live there. Have fun exploring this habitat along trail sheltered under a cathederal canopy of humongous trees. Then, if you wish take a break over at Jaco beach for some lunch and play along the shore.
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Corcovado National Park:
In this park there is a huge variety of habitats that include nearly impenatratable rainforest, steamy cloud forest, oak forested seashore, and swamp. A huge range of habitats covers this park from seemingly impenetrable rainforest to dripping, steamy cloud forest, oak forested seashore, and swamp. Located on the Osa Peninsula of the southern Pacific coast, lengthy, wide beaches fringe its western side. The Corcovado lagoon (left) and swamp harbors large crocodiles and many of the park’s 140 mammal species, and monkeys swing above every trail. All the country’s big cats, such as the jaguar, live in there and can occasionally be seen on the beach also, over 400 species of birds and the largest population of scarlet macaws. For advanced hikers only!
Museo Nacional de Costa Rica:
Costa Rica’s Most imortant historical museum is located in a former army barracks that was the scene of fighting during the civil war of 1948. You are able to see hundereds of bullet holes on the turrets at the coners of the building. Displays of Costa Rican history and culture from pre-Columbian times to the present feature a 2,500-year-old jade carving shaped like a seashell and etched with an image of a hand holding a small animal.
Museo de Arte Costarricense:
The most celebrated artists in Costa Rica present their most diverse art here as part of the permanent collection. Rotating exhibits are also featured and the conference room’s unusual bas-relief walls, which chronicle the history of Costa Rica from pre-Columbian times to the present, are a popular attraction.
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Zoo Ave (Bird Zoo):
Here, you can get closer look at some of the fantastic birds you see in the wild. You’ll be able to see dozens of rescued, abused or injured birds. Not only that but large Iguana, deer, monkeys, and a 12-foot alligator have found also found a safe home here.
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Pre-Columbian Ruins:
There is a collection of Building foundations and cobblestone streets from the time that Christopher Columbus and the other Colombians arrived here. You can tour them on your own or, request a guild. Buses depart daily from Turrialba.
Mercado Central:
Here you can find great shopping, shops, crafts, clothing, stalls, restaurants, freshly picked tropical foods, freshly picked coffee, entertainment and surrounding streets host as a daily farmers market.
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Costa Rica Bio Diversity
There aren’t very many places in the world that can compare to the
greatness of Costa Rica’s. In fact, Costa Rica is considered to be one of the twenty country’s with the greatest biodiversity’s in the world. There are over 10,000 kinds of flowering plants, 850 bird species, 3,000 butterfly species, and 209 mammal species! The more than 500,000 species that are found in this small country represent nearly four percent of the total species estimated worldwide. This ensures the great variety of plant’s and animals you might see during your stay.
Air Travel Time to Costa Rica from the US (approximate)
From New York City to Costa Rica – 5 hrs
From Miami to Costa Rica - 2 hrs
From Philadelphia to Costa Rica – 4.5 hrs
From Boston to Costa Rica – 6.5 hrs
From Los Angeles to Costa Rica - 6.5 hrs
From Chicago to Costa Rica – 5 hrs
From Dallas-Fort Worth to Costa Rica – 4 hrs
From San Francisco to Costa Rica – 7 hrs
Some Area’s Within Costa Rica
If you decide to fly to one of these areas, keep in mind that flights depart San José in the early morning. An overnight stay in Please note that if you should opt to fly to one of these regions, flights depart San José upon arrival and departure may be required. But I can guarantee that it will be with it.
Eco-Nature areas in Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio: 
Manuel Antonio is a small town with some exquisite scenery and ecological treasures. There are breath-taking views of the pacific ocean and some evergreen vegetation. Here there is an extremely enjoyable mix of comfort and adventure. Manuel Antonio also contains some popular beaches in Costa Rica. In 1972 it was turned into a National Park to forever preserve it’s 1,700 acres of land, 136,000 acres of ocean, and the 109 mammal and 187 bird species that inhabit its coasts and forests. This is a place of untouched forests, mangroves, beaches, lagoons, and 12 small islands. Manuel Antonio is so important as a feeding and nesting ground for so many sea birds.Come explore the jungle grounds and come just inches apart from white- faced monkeys, toucans, three-toed sloths and many, many more.
Monteverde: 
Monteverde is a cloud forest reserve and also a biological reserve. It is best to visit in the dry season (see climate) for bird-watching. Any other time of the year visitors can enjoy art, butterfly galleries, orchid gardens, horseback riding, craft shops, family restaurants and more. This reserve sits on the Continental Divide in the Tilarán Mountain Range and has eight life zones that shelter many rare species such as the endangered gentle tapir, a relative of the horse. Nature trails lead you safely and easily through this priceless eco-system.
Arenal Region:
The Arenal Region faces one of the most active volcano’s in Costa Rica. For most tourist this is a dream destination.Lake Arenal provides safe veiwpionts for Arenal Volcano’s volcanic fireworks. Hiking and horse-back riding are popular, and so is the Arenal Resivoir. You are welcome to take a self- guided tour throught the botanical gardens, handicraft markets, greenhouses, rainforest nature trails, river, and waterfalls. Keep you eyes open and see how many different kinds of birds you can spot and when your through feel free to take a rejuvinating soak in the Tabacon Hot Springs..
Osa Peninsula:
Corcovado National park is at the top of Osa Peninsula. It offers an amazing opportunity to get close to the variety of nature. Beside the flourishes lush of this rainforests reserve there are 624 species of amphibians, 
mammals, and reptiles to meet here.
Tortuguero:
Fantastic adventures wait for you in the tropical rain forest of Tortuguero National Park. You boat guild will lead you through a system of canals crawling with life.
Beach Areas in Costa Rica
Guanacaste: 
Guanacaste is the biggest domain in Costa Rica. It is miles and miles of untouched beaches on the coast of the Pacific. Guanacaste also has the relaxed towns of Flamingo and Tamarindo. Not only that but some of the country’s finest nature parks and some divine resort hotels as well. did you know that the province is named for the guanacaste, which is also known as the ear pod tree that is the national tree of Costa Rica.
Puntarena:
In Spanish, Puntarena means “Sandy Point”. If you have ever been there you would understand why. Puntarena has many unusual and interestingly fun volcanic blank sand beaches.Puntarenas is the closest beach to San Jose. Puntarenas is a great place to visit.
Jaco Beach:
Jaco, (pronounced in English as Ha-co) (which means “horse”, and is know by locals as “The city of surf”) is a coastal city in Puntarena’s province, and is located in the Central Pacific Region, on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Jaco is about one hour and thirty minutes from San Jose and one hour North of Manuel Antonio National Park. Jaco has some restaurants with local flair, some small native-style hotels, and some low-key entertainment. This area is a wonderful place for exploring the Carara Biological Reserve and a perfect place for surfing.
Tambor:
At Tambor it’s hard not to stay all day in the warm Pacific waters. Tambor is located on the southern end of the Nicoya peninsula. As a matter of fact, Tambor is a perfect place to relax on the warm beach.
Caribbean Coast/Limon:
Limon is on the Carribean Coast. With pure beaches, nice small hotels, and waving palm trees. Enjoy the breeze in the air and relax. Take a break for a while. And while you there don’t forget to andevture the underwater park in Cahuita.
Topography of Costa Rica
This country has quite a few valleys, rivers, volcanoes, plains, beaches and some natural reserve areas. Costa Rica has three main topographic regions. The highest regions are found closer the the interior, while long, flat lowlands make it to the Caribbean coast. On the Pacific side there are capes, bays, inlets formed by the marine shelf that cut sherply into the coast (see Tambor in Beach picture), and cliff faces. There are three mountain ranges that collide with a forth mountain range to create a cross. Plus, two volcanic ranges that dominate the northwest.
Climate in Costa Rica
Dry Summer Season: December-April
Rainy Winter Season: May-November
Best Time to Visit Costa Rica
The best time to visit is probably during “invierno”, or in English, the dry season. (see climate) “Verano”, or the rainy season is warm and sunny in the morning, but tends to rain in the afternoon. Pleas keep in mind that the season in Costa Rica are reversed from the US patterns. During the rainy season, often called the “Green Season” (this is when vegetation is at its lushest and most gorgeous), there are light crowds of tourists. If you are alright with working around the rainy afternoons, this may be the best time to go and see the beauty of nature at it’s fullest. Unfortunately, some rural hotels shut down during this season.
Dinning in Costa Rica
San Jose has an amazing variety of restuaunts serving great diners from all over the world. Not only that but you’ll never pay that much, even for 6- and 7- course meals at the best restaurants there. Beans and rice are the main foods. When the two are mixed together they are called “gallo into”, and they are served at almost every meal. Don’t miss out on the virtually favorite drink, a fresco. A fresco is a little bit like a tropical fruit milkshake without the ice cream. Plus, on almost every street you will find a fender selling fresh exotic fruits and that will make you mouth water.
Gourmet:
La Luz serves the most impressive food in Costa Rica. They mix fresh ingredients with international cuisine. The staff they have are devoted and full of knowledge, although the Chef makes the rounds most of the time. La Luz has glass wall in their dining room and it is considered one of the most elegant places in town. All of the breads and desserts they make are made in the resturaunt. This Resturaunt is located in San Jose, on the old road to Santa Ana, inside the Hotel Alta.
Highly Recommended:
Cafe Mundo improved the casual elegance of its former colonial mansion, containing wood tables and wrought-iron chairs. Outdoors, you will find a tropical garden and tile fountain. which are especialy nice during the day. Also outdoors, there is a lively bar with mult-colored wall murals. The chef has a deep gratitude for the fresh local ingredients he prepares with creativity. Cafe Mundo is located at San José, Calle 15 and Avenida 9.
Local Flair:
La Esmeralda is not only a restaurant but it’s also the Grand Central Station of Costa Rican Mariachi bands! Often, while the musicians wait for work, they sing to the diners in the large open dining hall. The classic Tico (Costa Ricans) food is delicious. This is located at San José, Avenida 2 between Calles 5 and 7.
Romantic:
Le Chandelier is contained in a large old house in a quiet neighborhood. It is one of the most marvelous restaurants in town and its surroundings give you the old-time Hollywood restaurant feeling. The chef enjoys creating French Cuisine served with a traditional gourmet style. Such as tenderloin with cranberry sauce. Then the feast and is finished off with exquisite desserts like crème brulée. This restaurant is located at San Pedro, ½ mile south of the ICE office.
Nightlife
In San Jose at night there is a good range of fun activities to participate in. You can find plenty of bar and clubs, pulsing discos, and a large range of theaters. If you pick up a copy of the Tico Times (English) or the “Viva” and “Tiempo Libre” sections of La Nichión (Spanish) you can find out where the parties are.
Teatro Nacional:
In April to December, performances by the National Symphony Orchestra light up the stage. There are also year-round concert and play performances.
Beatle Bar:
The Beatles cover the wall and the music they play is a mix of sixties, seventies, and Beatles. Grab one of the outdoor tables or take a turn on one of the most exciting football-field-size dance floors in the city.
Casino Colonial:
This is a 24-hour casino with a complete gaming hall that offers a bar, cable TV, a betting service for major US sporting events, and a restaurant.
La Avispa:
La Avispa contains two dance floors and a nice upstairs bar that caters gay people.
Centro Comercial El Pueblo:
This is a popular area has two discos with Latin music at Cocoloco. Infinito owns two dance floors that split musical styles between for the most part techno, pop and funk on one side, and entirely latin on the other.
Costa Rican Special Events
January
Fiestas de Palmares:
Early January food, carnival rides, Bingo games, parades, concerts and much more.
Fiestas de Alajuelita:
Week of January 15th, honor Blach Christ of Esquipulas and Alajuelita’s Patron Saint with an oxcart parade, procession to huge beamingcross on the mountain.
iestas de Santa Cruz:
Week of 15th in January in Guanacaste – honor Black Christ of Esquipulas, folk dancing, marimbas, and more.
Copa del Café:
One week long, international tennis tourney at the Costa Rica Country Club.
February
Cattle Exhibit:
First week of Febuary, San Isidro de El General Livestock shows, agricultural and industrial fair, bull-teasing and much more.
Fiesta of the Diablos:
Febuary 15th, South of San Isidro de El General in Boruca Indian village of Rey Curré. Re-play of the fight between Indians(diablitos) and the Spanish(a bull), in which multi-colored wooden mask and costumes create the scene. Sale of crafts, dances and fireworks.
Sun festival:
An annual gathering to promote the use of solar energy with exhibit of solar energy device, food cooked in solar ovens, and a fire ceremony to celebrate Maya New Year, Feb 25. Last week of the month.
Puntarenas Carnival:
Last week of the month. Everyone is having fun in the sun.
March
Chiverre Fair:
Second and third week of Febuary, food made of the huge fruit (squash family, traditional during Holy Week), sports, cultural events, dances, karaoke, Alfaro Ruiz, Zarcero, Alajuela 4km. towards San Carlos.
Día del Boyero (Oxcart Drivers Day):
Second Sunday of March, in San Antonio de Escazú. Multi-colored parade of oxcarts, blessing of animals and crops by local priests.
International Arts Festival:
Second week of March, in Central Valley. There is an international theater, dance, concerts, and exhibits.
National Orchid Show:
Over 1,500 local and foreign species and hybrids on display in San Jose.
Luz de Luna Festival:
Third week of March, cultural events, folklore, dance, concerts, plays, organized by the Municipal School of Integrated Arts, Santa Ana.
Pilgrimage to Ujarras:
In the middle of the month. Religious procession from Cartago to ruins of Costa Rica’s first church in Ujarras.
Day of San Jos:
19th of March, religious celebrations in all towns and neighborhoods with that name. Today is the traditional day to visit Poas Volcano.
Tierra Blanca:
March 15. Farmer’s Day
San Jose:
In March: Cattle Show with bullfights, rodeo and horse races.
San Jose:
In March: Book Fair
Sol y Arena Athletic Race:
Third Saturday of March, 10 km. on the beach, Puntarenas via Paseo de Los Turistas.
April
Holy Week:
The week of going from March to April. Dramatic processions illustrating the crucifixion. San José virtually shuts down Thurs-Sun.
Juan Santamaría Day:
April 11th, celebrates Costa Rica’s national hero, a barefoot soldier who heroically died in the battle with William Walker’s troops in 1856. Week long celebrations, bands parades, concerts, and dances.
University Week:
Last week of April. University of Costa Rica. Concerts, exhibits, and parades.
May
Tourist Fair:
May 13th – 15th, Zarcero.
Labor Day:
May 1st. Marches. President gives annual “state of the nation” address. Congress elects new leaders. In Limon, (seeBeach Areas in Costa Rica). People party with picnics, dances, and dominoes.
San Isidro Labrador’s Day:
May 15th. All namesake towns honor this patron saint of farmers and farm animals with a blessing of animals and crops. Parades and fairs.
Escazú, San Isidro:
May 15. Oxcart parades!
Carrera de San Juan:
May 17th. One of the biggest cross-country races, with runners covering a difficult 22.5 km course.
June
Father’s Day:
Third Sunday. People celebrate Father’s Day in about the same way we do in America.
Tourist Fair:
June 13th – 15th, Zarcero.
July
Virgin of the Sea:
Saturday closest to July 16, in Puntarenas. Colorful amount of decorated fishing boats and yachts in the Nicoya Gulf salute Puntarena’s Patron Saint, the Virgin of Mt. Carmel. Masses, parades, concerts, dances, sports events,and fireworks.
Annexation of Guanacaste:
July 25th. People celebrate Guanacaste’s decision to join Costa Rica instead of Nicaragua in 1824. Fiestas in Liberia, folk dances, parades, cattle shows, bull teasing, and concerts.
Mango Festival
A nine-day Fetival every july with the harvest of mangoes. Features a parade, a craft fair, music, and lots of delicous mangoes!
August
Virgin of Los Angeles:
August 2th. Honors Costa Rica’s Patron Saint. La Negrita, with nationwide pilgrimage to the Basilica in Cartago.
Mother’s Day:
August 15th. The same way wec elebrate it in America.
San Ramon’s Day:
August 30th. Neighborhood processions carry thirty saints from neighboring towns to the San Ramon church. “Saint Ramon” goes dancing through the streets. Parades, fun.
Semana Cultural Afro Costarricense:
Date Varies. International Afro-Costa Rican celebration, lectures, discussions, and culture exhibits.
Expo-Feria del Queso:
August 2nd. Weekend, cow milking competition, biggest cheese contest, cattle exhibit, sports, cultural events, in Santa Cruz, Turrialba.
National Adventure Tourism Festival:
August 26th-27th, competitions, demonstrations, food sale, in Turrialba and Cartago.
September
Independence Day:
September 15th. A gigantic relay race encompasses the entire Central America isthmus. Student runners carry the “Freedom Torch” from Guatemala to Costa Rica. The torch arrives at the colonial capital of Cartago precisely at 6:00 pm on 14th, and everyone, nationwide, sings the National Anthem. Kids have nocturnal homemade-lantern parades. Uniformed school children parade the next day.
Expo-Tourist Fair:
September 23th-25th, in Orosi, Cartago.
October
San Isidro de El General:
October 9th. Celebration of the city’s founding.
Limon Carnival:
Week long street dances, parades, concerts. Mostly the song of “Mardi Gras” to a caribbean beat.
Virgen del Pilar’s Day:
October 12th. A fair in San José district of Tres Ríos celebrating their Patron Saint.
Fiesta del Maíz:
October 12th in Upala. Corn is hailed with a parade and costumes made entirely of corn husk, grains, and silks.
National Artisan Fair:
Dates change. Organized by the Culture Ministry and the San José Municipality, the fair displays some of the country’s finest craftsmanship. Smaller fairs are infrequently organized in other parts of the country.
National Baroque Festival:
Second week of October, at Santa Ana Church.
Palmito Fair:
October 14th-16th, sales of dishes made of Palmito, in Horquetas Sarapiqui.
N Expo-Feria del Pejibaye:
October 28th-30th, November 4th-6th, sales of products made of pejibaye fruit and tree, in Tucurrique, Cartago.
November
All soul’s Day:
November 2nd. “Day of the Dead”is observed with family visits to cemetery to remember loved ones.
National Rural Tourism Fair:
November 11th-13th, organized by ICT, COPRENA and other tourism organizations, in former customs bldg.
Oxcart Parade in San Jose:
The last Sunday in November, oxen owners camp in La Sabana Festival, firecrackers, next day, parade along Paseo Colon.
December
Lights Festival:
Parades, concerts, fireworks at night. San José is dressed up whith lights in early December through year end.
Fiesta de los Negritos:
Week of the 8th in the Indian village of Boruca. Ancient Indian rituals combine with Catholicism to honor Virgin of the Immaculate Conception with costumes, drum and flute music, and dance.
Fiesta de la Yeguita(Little Mare):
Week of December 12 in Nicoya, blends ancient Indian ritual in honoring the Virgin of Guadalupe with processions, cocerts, fireworks, and special foods.
Chistmas:
Homes and businesses set up Nativity scenes. Competition for best scene runs through the 22th of December. season’s foods include coconut melcochas(candy), chicha(corn liquor), tamales, rompope(eggnog), imported apples and grapes. Las Posadas begin December 15th, carolers go from house to house and are treated to refreshments. At midnight December 24th, catholic churches celebrate the Misa del Gallo(midnight mass).
Festejos Populares:
(Year-End Festival). December 25th-31st, in south San José fairgrounds at Zapote. Amusement park with rides, food, bullteasing, music, and some of the country’s biggest fireworks!
Tope:
December 26th, a horse parade to end all horse parades in downtown San José.
Carnival:
December 27th, downtown San José is the scene of a huge parade with floats and music.
Fiesta de los Diablitos:
December 31st – January 2nd, Indians of the southern, Bruca regionen act a fight/dance between the Indians(diablitos) and Spaniards(bulls) a little bit flute and drum music.
What to Wear/Bring to Costa Rica
Bring loose-fitting, natural fiber clothing. T-shirts and shorts should be saved for beaches and tourist centers. Long sleeve shirts and pants are good as protection against sun and mosquitoes, and in smaller towns where immodest attire is frowned upon. Bring a hat and pack a light jacket or sweater for occasional cool nights and early mornings, as well as for volcano trips. Sturdy and comfy sneakers or hiking boots are essential, as are sunscreen, bugspray, sunglasses, and an umbrella. You might want to bring some binoculars and a camera. Sun products such as sun screen or suntan lotion are hard to find in outlying areas, so pack sufficient supplies for your trip.
Customs and Documentation For U.S. Citizens to go to Costa Rica
Entry:
A passport valid for at least 30 days after your travel date and an onward/return ticket is required for all visits to Costa Rica. No visa is required for stays up to 90 days. For stays over 90 days, apply for an extension within the first week after arrival with the Costa Rican Immigration Department and, after 90 days, obtain an exit visa.
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative:
Effective January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including US citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.
The passport requirement does NOT apply to US citizens traveling to or returning directly from a US territory. US citizens returning directly from a US territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport. US territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Costa Rica Customs:
Visitors entering Costa Rica may bring 500 grams (17 ounces) of tobacco products per person, 5 liters (5.2 quarts) of wine or spirits per person age 18 or older, 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) of sweets and chocolates, one camera, six rolls of film, binoculars and electrical items for personal use only are also allowed.
US Customs:
Upon return to the US, visitors may bring in $800 worth of merchandise without paying duty. Limits on alcoholic beverages are: one liter (33.8 fluid ounces) may be brought in duty free with travelers over 21. Limits on tobacco are: 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars may be brought in duty free.
US Embassy:
Calle 120 Avenida 0, Pavas, San José, Costa Rica
Office Hours: 8:00AM-4:30PM
Local Address: 920-1200 San José, Costa Rica
US Address: US Embassy San Jose, APO AA 34020
Phone: (506) 519-2000
After Hours/Emergencias: (506) 220-3127
Embassy Fax: (506) 519-2305
Public Affairs Fax: (506) 232-7944
Email: consular@usembassy.or.cr
Tourist Offices in Costa Rica
Instituto Costarricense de Turismo:
Calles 5 y 7, avenida 4, PO Box 777-1000, San Jose, Costa Rica, phone: 506-23-17-33, fax: 506-55-49-96
USA:
Costa Rica National Tourist Bureau, toll-free 1-800-343-6332
Costa Rica Travel Tips and Info.
Client Advisories For Trips To Costa Rica
Sunburn & Heatstroke:
The sun can be very harsh, especially in summer (see climate), so sun block and a hat are suggested. Also drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.
Animal Products:
International laws prohibit trade in endangered wildlife, so visitors to Costa Rica should not buy any wildlife or plants. Avoid sales of any kind of sea turtle product (including jewelry), wild birds, lizards, snakes or cat skins, corals, or orchids (except those grown commercially).
Currency Exchange:
Street corner foreign exchange transactions are basically and technical illegal and risky. They are known for shortchanging people and passing fake bills.
Water:
The drinking water in Costa Rica is Pure and suitable for drinking troughout most of the country. However, bottled water is recommended.
Inoculation:
Inoculation for yellow fever is recommended. Although malaria is gone there is evidence of it coming back. So, bring Malaria pills just in case. Especially if you are staying in a lowland area.
Language in Costa Rica
Spanish is the official language in Costa Rica, but English is commonly spoken in the tourist centers.
The Electricity in Costa Rica
The standard Electricity in Costa Rica is the same as in the US, 110 volts AC/60 cycles. However, three-pronged outlets are scarce, so it can be very helpful to bring along an adapter.