| Costa Rica extends 200 miles wide from the | | | | require a visa before arrival; make sure to check |
| Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean and it borders | | | | with a Costa Rica consulate or embassy in your |
| Nicaragua in the north and Panama in the south, | | | | country to confirm what exactly is required for |
| with the land portion occupying 20,000 square | | | | legal entry. |
| miles. When you travel throughout the provinces | | | | Communication: Telephone, internet and cable |
| of Costa Rica, it's easy to notice the many | | | | television is found almost in all parts of Costa Rica. |
| landscape and climate variations. This small nation | | | | If you plan on bringing a mobile phone from the |
| is one of the most visited destinations by tourists | | | | U.S., AT&T is the most recognized service |
| from all around the world, with the majority of | | | | provider in Costa Rica. If you plan on sending back |
| tourist coming from the United States. | | | | a post card to family or friends the postal |
| The country of Costa Rica is divided into 7 | | | | system is efficient enough to get it there for you. |
| provinces, which are: San Jose (capital city), | | | | Transportation: There are many forms to get |
| Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, Puntarenas, Guanacaste | | | | around this beautiful land, from public buses, taxis, |
| and Limon. Each province has their own distinction | | | | private shuttles, airplanes and helicopters. In |
| either by climate, landscape or cultural. Between all | | | | certain areas ATV's, golf carts and bicycles are a |
| the provinces you will find all sorts of attractions, | | | | popular way of transportation. Most methods of |
| like: rain forests, volcanoes, national parks, | | | | transportation are very affordable and safe. If |
| beaches, museums and restaurants. | | | | you want to drive your own way around the |
| Population: 4,100,000 (Over 2,000,000 tourists for | | | | country you have many rental car companies to |
| 2008) | | | | choose from, let it be a franchised or local |
| Language: Spanish (English is spoken in a lot of | | | | company. |
| tourists area) | | | | Food and Water: The water is safe to drink in |
| Currency: The official currency is the Colon. The | | | | most areas of the country, if you aren't sure if |
| dollar is widely accepted and the exchange rate is | | | | you should drink the water you can always find |
| roughly 500 colones to $1 USD. | | | | bottled water at a local store. The food has a |
| Climate: Costa Rica's year round climate is | | | | slight exotic flavor in most dishes but it isn't spicy, |
| pleasant with naturally occurring breezes, cooling | | | | which is great for all ages. There really isn't a meal |
| down most of the coastal areas. Temperatures in | | | | you shouldn't try, almost all dishes are worth at |
| the highlands and mountains are cool; sometimes | | | | least trying and figuring out on your own if it's |
| it might reach the low 60's, while on the beaches | | | | something you enjoy or not. A common lunch or |
| it's a bit warmer, reaching the low to mid 90's. | | | | dinner includes: rice, beans, some type of salad, |
| The only seasons that exist are the wet and dry | | | | and a choice of beef, chicken, fish or pork. |
| season, the difference between the two is the | | | | This small country is very peaceful with wonderful |
| precipitation, while the temperature stays about | | | | people, places and food to enjoy. It's no wonder |
| the same year round. | | | | why this small but attractive country has become |
| Entry Requirements: U.S. and Canadian citizens | | | | one of the most popular destinations in the last |
| holding valid passports are permitted to visit | | | | 20 years. Start making plans to make a getaway |
| Costa Rica from 30 to 90 days without a visa. | | | | and see exactly for yourself what Costa Rica is all |
| Once in the country, it is possible in some cases | | | | about. |
| to apply for an extension. Certain nationalities | | | | |