Quick Information

GEOGRAPHY

5.2 million People live in this country of 51,000 km². They have managed to preserve a rich and varied nature by acquiring the 30 National Parks and Natural Reserves that cover nearly 30% of the territory.

On the East, the Caribbean coast is nearly 250km long with an area of jungle and canals in the north to Tortuguero and Barra Del Colorado; you will find long and sandy golden beaches, surrounded with coconut palms on the South.

Rocky and steep, the west pacific coast stretches over 800 kms; it is apt for seaside holidays and sport activities. It offers a multitude of beautiful beaches in all shades of sand. From north to south, eleven lively volcanoes spread along the Central Mountain Range rising up to 3400 meters. Humongous craters with emerald lakes tan or blue sky lagoons or thermal waters bubbling at 40°C are easily accessible and offer an unforgettable experience.

The deep rainforests in the lush, green valleys where citrus fruits and world famous coffee grow, the waterfalls and the rushing rivers that we raft down are also part of the extraordinary diversity to be admired in Costa Rica.

HISTORY

A calm colonization in the absence of mineral resources that could hassle the envy of its neighbors, have allowed Costa Rica to progress in harmony. Today the index of development is characterized by the conduct of tolerant and hospitable people, a cult committed to the democracy and the peace (Oscar Arias was awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987) and by human relationships based on the dialogue and the solidarity

WEATHER CONDITIONS

Two seasons define the weather in Costa Rica: the dry season that goes from November to late April and the green or rainy season that goes from May to October. During the green season, rain periods may vary depending on the region but this does not stop you from enjoying your journey. The mornings are always sunny and the temperatures vary little during the course of the year. In addition there are more than 50 micro-climates all the time within the country.

FAUNA AND FLORA

Over 13,000 species of plants, more than 6000 species of butterflies, 1,600 species of fish and 850 different species of birds have been identified in Costa Rica. About 6% of the world’s biodiversity are thus concentrated in this small territory. This is a unique opportunity to observe the rich and diverse wildlife and plants: toucans, quetzals, parrots, monkeys, sloths, iguanas, tortoises and tapirs and with some luck, jaguars and ocelots in their natural environment, admire the countless varieties of orchids, tree ferns and mangroves.

FORMALITIES

For entry in Costa Rica, you must present a valid passport that will not expire for at least thirty days after arrival and a roundtrip/outbound ticket.

HEALTH

No vaccinations are required to enter the country. The water is potable all over the country. Costa Rica has a highly developed and efficient healthcare system. There is no problem to travel with children, even at young ages.

LOCAL CURRENCY

The currency is the colon (CRC). It is imperative to bring dollars or traveler's checks in US low denomination dollars before leaving home. 01 feb 24 - US$ 1 = 513 colones CRC.

CREDITCARDS

Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, stores and shopping malls nationwide. A credit card is required for deposit when renting a vehicle.

LOCAL TIME

Current local time UTC / GMT: -6 h

Zone name (Standard time zone) UTC / GMT: -6 h

TEMPERATURE

Average temperature is between 18º and 25ºC in San Jose and the Central Valley.

It is between 28º and 34ºC in the Caribbean and the Pacific coasts.

LANGUAGE

The official language in Costa Rica is Spanish. The afro-caribbean minority (almost 5%) on the Caribbean coast speak a Creole-English. In the majority of hotels, restaurants and touristic companies, people speak English. Many Europeans and Americans run small boutique hotels throughout the country.

ELECTRICITY

110 volts. U.S. standard electrical outlet flat connectors are used. Adapter plugs are required for European and other visitors.

CLOTHING CODE

Please bring comfortable walking or jogging shoes for hiking and visiting national parks, a raincoat for the volcanos or higher areas and a light sweatter for the evenings in San José.

PURA VIDA

70 years after having abolished the army (unique in the world), Costa Rica offers more than ever, the image of a quiet and welcoming country where each of its inhabitants awaits you to share with you its love of freedom: the "Pura Vida"

HAND MADE CRAFTS

Costa Rican craftsmanship is very rich: beautiful objects in wood and gold, production of articles made from recycled paper made from banana leaves, coffee, tobacco, mango, lemon ... Indian potteries at Guaïtil ( Pacific) and in Bribri indigenous villages (Caribbean). Unlimited supply of T-shirts and caps of very good quality to ecological themes. Excellent coffee liqueur and local rum. Many art galleries throughout the country.

GASTRONOMY

The Costa Rican cuisine is varied and tasty. Do not miss to taste the famous "Gallo Pinto". Excellent beef and tasty fish and shellfish. Fruits and vegetables galore on the markets. World famous coffee.

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS

There are 16 runways and airports all over the country. Many domestic flights are operated daily by 2 major companies: Sansa and Costa Rica Green Airways Skyway, very safe companies, they use 12-15-seat planes.

These small flights of 20 to 50 minutes will allow you to reach all the nooks and crannies of the country in a very short time. In addition, charter flights can be easily and on demand.

Attention: You can only carry 12.5 kg of luggage / person in the hold (+ a shoulder bag). Beyond and up to 20 kilos, you will have to pay a small supplement directly with the company.

NATURALIST GUIDE

We offer you the possibility to carry out all your private tours as well as any selected excursion with a private guide naturalist francophone (who can also serve as a driver). We offer you our excellent guides graduates, perfectly bilingual, recognized for their quality and professionalism.