About Costa Rica
History
In the early 1500, Christopher Columbus declared that he had discovered a "rich coast." Subsequent explorers concluded that the region was 'rich' in dense jungle, but little else. Sailing farther north these explorers found the bounty of the Mayan and Incan civilizations in present day Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico to be much more accessible. The few Spaniards who did take root in Costa Rica did so by laboring in small farming colonies in the Central Valley. As conquest and explorations abounded in the northern reaches of Central America, the settler of today's Costa Rica were left to their isolated farms with very little contact with the out side world. For hundreds of years the region remained a Central America afterthought. It was during these years that Costa Ricans were able to develop their uniquely peaceful and tolerant values that continue to separate them from the discord that abounds in many of the countries throughout the region.
On September 15, 1821, Central American Nationalist declared independence from Spain. The declaration met little resistance because Gabino Gainza, the Spanish governor in Central America, sympathized with the population's desire to be free from Spain rule. Completely removed from the negotiations and fighting, the news of independence took almost a month to reach Costa Rica. All of Central America joined the Mexican Empire for two years before forming the United Provinces of Central America. This union collapsed 15 years later and Costa Rica became an independent nation in 1838.
People [top]
Costa Rica has a population of 4 million people. Costa Ricans, known as Ticos, are primarily Spanish-speaking Roman Catholics. They are generally passionate about soccer (futbol) especially their national team, nicknamed La Sele. Costa Ricans are very well educated by an excellent public school system. Almost two thirds of all Costa Ricans live in the expansive Central Valley, with the balance of the population scattered in outlying regions and along the coastlines. About 97% of the population is of Hispanic decent. Two minority groups, Afro-Caribbean and Indigenous, make up the rest. Small pockets of indigenous people are spread throughout the country, but constitute less than one percent of the total population. Generally, Costa Ricans are friendly, outgoing people who have seen enough tourists to know that you are both good for the economy and likely to the need help with directions.
Geography
Costa Rica lies on the Central America isthmus between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. The Caribbean Sea is to the east and Pacific Ocean to the west. The country stretches between eight and ten degrees north of the equator. Covering about 19,653 square miles.
Climate [top]
Costa Rica has a very consistent tropical weather year round. During our dry season (December though April) The daytime average temperature in Turrialba Valley is 83° and along the Pacific and Caribbean coast the temperature varies from 72° to 90's. During our rainy season (May through November) It is sunny and warm during the morning but it gets cloudy with showers in the late afternoon.
Come and enjoy the beautiful beaches, untouched tropical rain forest, majestic active volcanoes and the nice warm water of this tropical paradise.
Ecology
Costa Rica is a paradise for naturalists. The varied elevation caused by the Costa Rican mountain ranges create such climatic variation that almost all types of tropical habitat exist within the country. This wide range of environment has given rise to nearly 9,000 different species of plants and provides habitat for a cornucopia of tropical wildlife. Costa Rica supports a multitude of tropical mammals including sloths, monkeys, tapirs, jaguars and ocelots. There are also more then 800 species of birds such as the Toucan, Resplendent Quetzal and Flycatcher. Insects are very more abundant. There are more than 1,000 species of butterfly alone, including the electrically colored Blue Morpho. This stunning array of wildlife has led some to describe Costa Rica as the most biologically intense place on Earth.
Money [top]
The Costa Rica currency is colon. Any combination of cash, credit cards, and traveler's checks can be used in Costa Rica in exchange for colones. Obtaining colones directly from automatic teller machine (ATM's) using a credit or check card is probably the safest and most convenient method.
Tipping
Tipping in Costa Rican restaurants is not customary, but always appreciated. Tour guides are regularly tipped and certainly river guides who do a good job showing a river. Shuttle drivers won't expect a tip, but rewarding good service usually precipitates instant loyalty and continued performance.
Getting In [top]
To enter Costa Rica, you will need a valid passport. All the citizens of Canada, US and Western Europe countries do not need a visa for a 90-day stay. For most of the Eastern Europe and Latin America countries can stay 30 days without a visa. We recommend to check with the Costa Rica Embassy if you are unsure of your visa requirements for a longer stay.
Getting Out
Don't spend all of your money before you get to the airport! If you are traveling on a tourist visa and have been in the country within your allotted time, you have to pay an exit tax of $26 at the airport.
