Costa Rica protects about one-third of its land area via national and private parks and reserves, offering numerous opportunities to explore this biodiversity on your own or with trained guides. You will find English widely spoken in the Tourist areas by warm and hospitable people eager to make your visit memorable.

San José

The capital, San José, offers an almost ideal climate year-round and an interesting mix of colonial and modern architecture. A well-developed transportation system makes it easy to reach the major beach and mountain destinations from San José. Due to flight schedules, most visitors find it convenient to spend the first and last nights of their Costa Rica vacation here.

GUANACASTE

This province on the northwest coast boasts some of Costa Rica's most beautiful and secluded Pacific beaches for sunbathing, snorkeling or fishing. Playa Tamarindo, Playa Conchal, Playa Flamingo and Playa del Coco are some of the better-known resort areas.

MANUEL ANTONIO

This Pacific resort area is south of San José and is reached by a 20-minute flight. The area features spectacular white-sand beaches and the virgin forest of Manuel Antonio National Park, with 109 species of mammals - including three-toed sloths and white-faced mokeys - and 184 bird species within the park. This area was discovered by Ponce de Léon in 1519.

JACO BEACH & NICOYA PENINSULA

Two more secluded and relaxing areas of beach resorts. Jaco is reached by car or minivan from San José, while Nicoya is reached by a 25-minute flight.

ARENAL

This scenic valley contains Costa Rica's largest late and its most famous volcano, as well as Tabacon Hot Springs at the base of the volcano. Here you can explore hiking in lush rain forest, relax in the hot springs or enjoy a massage at one of the spa resorts.

CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK

This jewel of the national park system is located on the Osa Peninsula on Costa Rica's south Pacific coast. It occupies more than 100,000 acres of tropical rainforest on the outer half of the Osa Peninsula. its enormous biological diversity has made the park an important international research center for the study of tropical rainforest ecology. Visitors can enjoy water activities, rainforest hikes and bird watching here.

MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST

Located 3½ hours northwest of San José, Monteverde is perhaps Costa Rica's best-known reserve. It is one of the richest tropical cloud forests in the Americas, with at least 400 species of birds, over 100 species of mammals, and an estimated 2,000 plant types. Here you can visit the Butterfly Farm, take a tour of the Biological Reserve with a naturalist, or take a full day cruise to Tortuga Island for snorkeling or beachcombing.

TORTUGUERO

For the more adventurous, there is river rafting on the Pacuare River and kayaking in Tortuguero National Park, - located on the Caribbean coast, this wildlife habitat allows you to cruise through a maze of jungle canals to see birds, monkeys, and two species of endangered turtles. Guests stay at one of several jungle lodges near the town of Tortuguero. More adventurous travellers may explore Tortuguero Park by kayak, silently navigating the canals and rivers, where you can see the nesting grounds of the endangered green and leatherback turtles from July to October.

EAT & DRINK

Think the rainforest hasn't got anything other than fruit? With both temperate and tropical climates, Costa Rica offers everything from ocean delicacies to freshwater trout to exotic fruits.

Many bars serve bocas, or snacks, such as ceviche or chicken wings or bean soup. Bocas are often served for free - so eat up and wash down with a Horchata, a cinnamon flavored cornmeal drink. Costa Rica has been blessed with bountiful, rich java beans. Sip a cup o' joe on your down time (which means when you're not dangling in the treetops.)

WEATHER

Temperatures in Costa Rica's Central Valley average about 75°F. Evenings can get cool. Along the coasts, temperature will be warmer.

Tropical and subtropical; Dry season (December to April); Rainy season (May to November); Cooler in highlands

PACK SMART

Pack light, "breathable" clothing, and comfortable, sturdy shoes for hiking tropical forests. Bring sunscreen, a lightweight hat, and sunglasses. You might want to include a small backpack, flashlight, binoculars, a light rain jacket or umbrella, and insect repellant. Don't forget your camera and film.

GETTING AROUND

You may want to arrange either shared (SIB or Seat in Basis) or private transfers before you leave on vacation. Its is an excellent way to assure smooth travel. Private transfers will have a person waiting, with your name and an Avanti sign, to greet you. To explore the country by rental car—you must be at least 21.

MONEY

The official currency is the colón (c/c), plural colones, named after Cristóbal Colón (Christopher Columbus). The colon is subdivided into 100 céntimos. Money can be exchanged at most hotels, banks, and travel agencies. Check your local bank or financial newspaper for the latest exchange rates and international currency regulations. Most banks are open from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

TIPPING

Most restaurants include a 10% service charge in the bill. Taxi drivers generally do not receive a tip. If you're satisfied with the service you receive, tip tour guides, private drivers, bellhops, and hotel maids. The amount is up to you.

WHEN IT'S OPEN

Shops and businesses are open from 10:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m. Most restaurants open from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm. Check locally for hours. Government offices are open from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Most banks are open from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

SPECIALTY GOODS

Shops in Costa Rica offer a variety of high quality, reasonably priced merchandise, such as hand-rolled cigars, works by native artisans, rocking chairs, wooden bowls, hammocks, jewelry boxes, souvenirs made of banana paper and most definitely, coffee beans.

RELIGION

Costa Rica is 95% Roman Catholic.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Spanish is the official language. English is understood in tourist areas.

A passport is required. A visa is not required unless you plan to stay more than 3 months. Visitors must hold sufficient funds, and tickets and documents required for your return trip or your next destination.

The official currency is the colón (c/c), plural colones.

Electricity is 110/60 cycles. You can use standard American plugs with your hairdryer, shaver, etc.

The international dialing code for Costa Rica is 506. There are no city codes. Dial 116 for bilingual operator assistance for international calls. Dial 113 for local information. Dial 124 for long distance information.

Contact your health care professional or a travel clinic for the latest medical information re: vaccinations required for travel to Costa Rica, since international regulations and recommended vaccines change without notice.

The water is safe in Costa Rica, but we suggest you to buy bottled water for drinking. Wash fresh fruits and vegetables before eating.

Costa Rica's time-zone is the same as US Central Standard Time, but Costa Rica does not observe Daylight Savings Time.

US Embassy address: Frente Al Centro Comercial Pavas, San José, Costa Rica. Phone: 506-220-3939.