Costa Rica. Always memorable. Always “Pure Life”.

Thrill to an unforgettable vacation in what is certainly the most magnificent
natural paradise on the planet. Fully accessible Costa Rica, with its
breathtaking, tropical beauty is a source of delight for all.

Costa Rica is Central America's special jewel.
It has a reputation for being an oasis of calm among its turbulent neighbors.
The country's natural attractions, wildlife, and reputation for enlightened
conservation draw tourists from all over the world, making Costa Rica
the best place to experience the tropics naturally.

Your travel experience will be among the most memorable of your life.
You will learn why the Costa Ricans smile and say, “Pura Vida!”
Memorably, Pure life.





Useful Information for Travelers

Area: comparative: slightly smaller than West Virginia

Local Time Difference: GMT minus 6 hours.

Population: 3,835,000 (July 2002 est.)

Religions: Roman Catholic 76.3%, Evangelical 13.7%, other
Protestant 0.7%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.3%, other 4.8%,
none 3.2%


Languages Spoken: Spanish is the official language, although
English is widely spoken in the business community and
at most tourist destinations.


Capital: San Jose, estimated population: 893,000

Geography and Climate: The country lies between Nicaragua and Panama and has coastlines on the Caribbean and the Pacific. A low, thin line of hills between Lake Nicaragua and the Pacific is prolonged into northern Costa Rica, broadening and rising into high and rugged mountains in the center and south. Costa Rica's weather is influenced by altitude. The Pacific coast is drier while the Atlantic coast has the most rainfall - about 300 days a year. The wet season is from May to October. The hottest months are March and April.

Money: The national currency is the colon.
The exchange rate fluctuates in relation to the U.S. dollar. Dollars can be exchanged in any bank in the National Banking System or at most hotels. Credit cards are widely accepted. Smaller, local establishments and many lodges accept only cash.


Visas: Visa requirements for Costa Rica change rapidly so check with your consulate before leaving. Currently citizens of the USA, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Israel, Japan, Panama, Romania, South Korea, Uruguay, the UK, France and most other Western European countries do not need a visa for a 90-day stay. Citizens of Australia, Ireland, Iceland, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa, Vatican City and most of Eastern Europe and Latin America can stay 30 days without a visa. If you do need a visa, it will cost approximately US$20 from a Costa Rican consulate.

Electricity: 110V, 60 Hz

Weights & Measures: Metric



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