Costa Rica Info

Costa Rica´s territory covers a 0.01 % of the planet´s surface and holds approximately 6 per cent of the world´s entire biodiversity, It is a 32000 square miles country, with 5 millions of inhabitants.The name Costa Rica means " rich coast" it is said, that those were the first words that Christopher Columbus said when he arrived to this country, in his fourth voyage to the new world in September, 1502. The country is a peaceful society, the national army was abolished in 1948 and the government spends the money that would have been utilized for military purposes on education and medical services. With one of the oldest democracies in America, Costa Rica enjoys full political stability with a long-standing commitment to a democratic lifestyle. In 1869, a compulsory state-paid system of education was established; around 93 % of the population is literate, in both rural and urban areas. The geographical situation of the country causes an impact on the climate, that produce only two seasons year around: from May to November (rainy) and from December to April (dry); But the exact start and finish is variable; in some years wet season can run from mid-April until mid-December or even into January. There are also variations between the Caribbean and Pacific slopes. Although rainfall is heaviest during the rainy season, the time of the day when it is likely to rain is predictable.

Clouds gradually accumulate through the morning and empty their contents in the afternoon and possibly into the evening. the average temperature in the central valley is 72 °F (22 °C) and along the coast, it can vary from 70 °F to 90 °F (21 °C-32 °C). It is also cause of an exuberant biological bridge of botanical and zoological species, connecting the flora and fauna of North America as well as South America, in Costa Rica 25 % of the territory is protected in a National Parks system, under different categories such as: National Parks, Biological Reserves and National Wildlife Refuges. There are 10.000 varieties of plants, 1240 species of butterflies, 845 species of birds, 205 mammals, 160 amphibians categories, 218 types of reptiles and 1013 varieties of fresh and saltwater fish; greater biodiversity than Europe or North America! This is the result of a combination of factors:

• The country's location as a natural bridge between North and South America. Costa Rica's warm tropical climate. The presence of many different topographical features, especially our high mountains, lakes, rivers, forested swamps, etc., create
  a wide range of habitats.
  

Costa Rica is bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panamá to the south-east; to the west is the Pacific Ocean and to the East the Caribbean Sea, three mountain ranges divide the country from north to south creating very different micro climates on each side: The Guanacaste Volcanic Mountain Range starts at the border of Nicaragua and continues all the way to Arenal Volcano. The Central Volcanic Mountain range surrounds the central valley (The Poas and Irazú Volcanoes are part of this mountain range). The third one is the Talamanca Mountain Range which extends into Panama to the south east and includes the highest peak in the country, Chirripó (3,820 meters /12,530 ft) The Central Valley is a fertile plateau, today this is the area where most of the population live concentrated in the capital city of San José and also the cities of Alajuela, Heredia, and Cartago.

Food: As a result of a mixture of Spanish foods and indigenous elements, became what we now know "as traditional Costa Rican food"; where there is an ample use of fruits, fresh vegetables, beef and rice and beans. Rice alone is one of the most important ingredients in many local dishes, just to get an idea Ticos eat rice and shrimps, rice and squid, rice and octopus, rice and chicken and rice and meat.

Banking and Money: The currency in Costa Rica is the "colón" (plural: colones). The exchange rate fluctuates almost every day, as of Sept 1st 2011 the rate was: 1$ = 500 colones. We recommend you to change your currency into colones at a bank or at the hotel. Although, US dollars are accepted at all major tourist destinations, for small purchases it's better to use colones, because some people will give you a lower exchange rate. Major credit cards are accepted at all medium - large size hotels, restaurants and stores; only at some banks you can change your travelers cheques. When arriving at a bank and before making the line, ask at the information desk if you need to pre-authorize the travelers cheques. Banks are open from 8:30 to 4:00 pm and do not close for lunch; on Saturdays some branches open in the morning, request their schedules at your hotel. ATM´s are becoming more common and we find them at most towns and cities, for security they can be used from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Electricity: Runs 110 volts / 60 cycles AC, the same as in the United States. Most hotels feature polarized outlets (two flat prongs of different size) that fit US appliances; you may need an adaptor for some older outlets with two flat prongs of the same size.

Government: Costa Rica is a democratic republic. It has independent executive, legislative and judicial branches. Elections are held every four years.

Holidays: Official holidays are: January 1st, April 11th (Juan Santamaría Day - national hero), May 1st (Labor Day), September 15th (Independence Day) and December 25th.

Water: The water is drinkable in all the hotels. You can also buy bottled water at all restaurants, shopping stores and small shops (Pulperías).

Telephones: Country code is 506. Local phone numbers have 8 digits. The telephone service is public, owned by the government and operated by the I.C.E. (Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad). Long distance calls can be made through the operator or with pre paid cards, like ATT; there has been an effective transition to pre-paid phone cards, but you still find some phones that use coins, so be prepared. We recommend you buy a pre-paid 500 colones "Colibri 197" card or 199 viajera international card 3000 colones. These cards are available at many stores throughout the country. Ask at your hotel where you can find them.

Important Telephone Numbers: Bilingual operator assistance for international calls 116, local information 113, long distance information 124, emergencys 911.

Business Hours: Government offices are open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.Commercial offices are open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.Stores and other businesses from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Taxes: There is a 13% sales tax at hotels, restaurants and most service industries.

Departure tax: The average rate is US $ 17 to depart by air. Land and sea are not charged.

Hospitals: Health care in Costa rica is very good and sanitary standards are high. First class hospital are found throughout San José and some of the other largely populated areas.

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