Costa Rica is a magical land known for its beautiful scenery and appealing people. Its historic political stability and intriguing Spanish culture make it an important draw for all kinds of vacationers. Don’t expect either the obvious poverty or indigenous customs of Mexico or Guatemala here.

Costa Rica is a cosmopolitan country blessed with an exotic landscape and an uncommon landscape perfect for eco-tourism. It is not as inexpensive as the rest of Central America, or even as cheap as it was before eco-tourists discovered its beauty.

Thousands of expatriates and retirees have settled here for the climate, culture and lower cost of living, making Costa Rica a very North American-friendly destination. But it is the host of natural wonders and ecological diversions that draws most visitors – and vacation adventure opportunities abound. Whitewater raft through pristine jungles. Bathe in natural hot water springs. Slide through a canopy of trees on a high wire. Visit coffee plantations, where some of the finest coffee in the world is grown. Sunbathe on a beach of black volcanic or powdery white sand. Watch a nighttime volcano put on a fireworks display of ruby-red hot lava. Hide on a darkened beach to watch giant sea turtles as they dig nests and lay their eggs.

Climb to the top of a high volcano and look down into its crater filled with a pea green lake. Visit one of the many butterfly farms. Swim, snorkel, hike, bike, camp, eat, sleep, read a book – do whatever you want.

Costa Rica offers a smorgasbord of pastimes for your pleasure.

WHEN TO VISIT: The high season in Costa Rica, December through April, is the dry season. The rainy season, which lasts from May to November, usually sees sunny mornings, with rain showers in late afternoon and evening. Secondary roads can become rutted during those months, and four-wheeldrive vehicles are strongly recommended. Overall, the climate is tropical, with an average temperature of 72°F (22°C). It can be much hotter along the coastal areas of the country, and much cooler in the mountains.

MONEY: Costa Rican currency is the colon. American dollars and major credit cards are acceptable almost everywhere, except in small business establishments or hotels and restaurants in remote locations. Travelers’ checks are not exchanged as favorably as cash. If you pay by credit card, a small surcharge is sometimes added. ATMs are available in most cities and towns with bank offices.

LANGUAGE: The official language is Spanish, but many of the people speak some English, a required course in all schools. All post offices have computers for general use, and Internet connections are also available there. Costa Rica also imports students from overseas who come to the Spanish-language schools that abound throughout the country.

RELIGION: Catholicism is the dominant religion, as it is in most of Latin America. Consequently, nearly all major holidays are religious in nature. The government and popular culture is secular, though still conservative.

MAJOR CITIES: San José, population over one million, is the capital and cultural heart of Costa Rica. Other major cities (by population) are: Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia, Liberia, Limón and Puntarenas.

WEATHER: Costa Rica is a tropical country with two seasons – dry and wet. Temperature in the Central Valley is spring-like all year long. It’s colder at higher altitudes in the mountains and hotter in the lowlands and along the shore.

HEALTH: No shots are required, but we always suggest having a Hepatitis A shot as a precaution. The water in the major cities of Costa Rica is safe and most hotels and restaurants offer purified tap water. You might prefer to drink bottled water (agua purificada) or seltzer (agua mineral) to be sure. Costa Rica has excellent, low-cost medical care and well-qualified practitioners. Many visitors are coming to Costa Rica for cosmetic surgery or dental work. 

THINGS TO BUY: Choose from coffee and coffee-related products, reproduction pre-Columbian jewelry, craftily carved wooden boxes, attractive Chorotegan pottery, leather goods, hand-painted art (on bird feathers), guitars and other musical instruments or painted oxcarts. There’s also an abundant selection of clothes and crafts imported from Panama, Ecuador and Guatemala available.

DRIVING/CAR RENTAL: Rental cars are expensive, but a good way to see Costa Rica outside of San José. You should buy all the insurance offered – and then some. Drivers in Costa Rica are VERY DANGEROUS and very aggressive behind the wheel (same like Greeks!). Drive very cautiously!!!! In rainy season, make sure that you rent a four-wheel-drive auto. Think mass transit – buses are a good alternative and very reasonably priced.

Lianas in Interior of Lowland Rainforest, La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica