Costa Rica Information
Located between Nicaragua and Panama in Central America, Costa Rica (meaning “Rich Coast) is a country with a population of just over 4 million. Commonly known as the safest country in Central America for tourists, Costa Rica is a prime destination for travelers from around the world who come to experience its breathtaking beauty. The west side of Costa Rica borders the Pacific Ocean, and the east borders the Caribbean Sea. While Spanish is the official language, many Costa Ricans also speak English, therefore it is generally easy for North Americans to get around. The official currency is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC).
Why Travel To Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a popular tourist destination not only because of its stunning beauty, but because it is easily accessible and very safe for travelers. As tourism is one of its main sources of revenue, the country does a good job of catering to visitors. Costa Ricans themselves are often fluent in two or more languages, and there are many foreigners who live and have set up businesses in this friendly country. Another interesting fact is that Costa Rica is a leader in conservation and environmentalism; it was ranked third in the 2010 Environmental Performance Index study compiled by scholars at Colombia and Yale Universities. The country also has a staggering 23% of its territory protected under its national parks system. You can expect to see incredible diversity in the country’s flora and fauna, as it has the greatest species density in the world.
Costa Rica Weather
Costa Rica’s weather makes it a prime tourist destination, especially for those coming from cooler climates. Being so close to the equator, their seasons are a bit different from those in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Costa Rica’s rainy season — what the Ticos call “winter” — spans from May to November, with cooler temperatures in the mountains and lots of rain. Their summer is from December to April, at which point it is much hotter and significantly drier. Keep in mind, Costa Rica is a tropical country so neither their rainy or dry season would be considered “winter” by the standards of most Canadians, Americans, or Europeans.
What To Do In Costa Rica
Costa Rica has a wide variety of activities to satisfy nearly every type of tourist. There is lots to see and experience in the capital, San Jose, which lies at 3,800 feet above sea level. Nearly half of Costa Rica’s population lives in San Jose, and this modern city offers the local Costa Rican experience while also having the features of a tourist destination. There are many artistic and cultural sights, as well as fine dining, shopping, and more. Venturing out of San Jose, there are smaller cities and towns to see, as well as a variety of outdoor activities. There are many attractions to take advantage of inland, such as the numerous volcanoes, parks, and jungles. There, one can hike, bike, and zip-line, among other activities. Costa Rica also has 800 miles of gorgeous coastline touching both the Caribbean and Pacific oceans. Surfing, snorkeling/scuba diving, sailing, and boat tours are widely popular activities to take part in.
South Pacific Coast
In contrast to the hot, arid, and more popular Guanacaste and Nicoya cantons, the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica is known for its tropical and less-inhabited feel. The beautiful stretch of Pacific coast along this side of Costa Rica make it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and fishing. There is also a mountain range that is good for hiking, exploring, zip-lining, and biking. The most known cities and towns of this area are Jaco, Quepos, Manuel Antonio, and Domincal. Bahia Ballena, where Bodhi Surf School is located, is a 15 minute drive south of Dominical which is a very popular tourist and surf destination.
