Costa Rica,
No artificial Ingredients!
Costa Rica is the smallest part of Central America, the country is located, between Panama (South) and Nicaragua (North), and the Pacific (west) and the Atlantic Oceans (east). Costa Rica is one of the oldest democracies in America. We abolished the army half way into the past century.
The country has seven provinces: San Jose (the capital), Heredia, Cartago, Alajuela, Puntarenas, Guanacaste y Limon.
It’s a very small country but has plenty to offer to its visitors, It has an outstanding weather all year around, its surrounded by many National Parks and amazing beaches filled with Nature and unique animals.
Costarrican people are very friendly and educated due to their natural heritage.
Ticos (the nickname for costarricans) are very civilized and that is one of the main reasons why the country is a very peacefull and safe place to visit. Our ethnic heritage comes from the Spanish colonists and the Afro-Caribbean Immigrants who entered the country in the last century.
93% of the population is literate. There are approximately 3.6 million inhabitants (in 1999)
Religion: Mostly and officially Catholic but most are available and allowed.
Currency: Colones but most establishments will accept dollars and most major credit cards.
Transportation: You will find bus services, a large fleet of cabs, airplanes.
Costa Rica Map
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Heritage and Culture
Costa Rican culture is in many ways a reflection of its racial diversity. The predominant influence has long been European, which is reflected in everything from the official language -- Spanish -- to the architecture of the country’s churches and other historic buildings.
The indigenous influence is less visible, but can be found in everything from the tortillas that make part of a typical Costa Rican meal, to the handmade ceramics sold at roadside stands.
An important aspect of Costa Rica’s cultural legacy is their love for peace and democracy. The Ticos like to stand out that their nation is the exception in Latin America, where military dictatorships have long dominated politics.
The Ticos
The Ticos (the nickname for costarricans), as Costa Ricans are commonly known, are famous for their hospitality, and are quite happy to live up to their reputation. They are well-educated and hard working people, who are quick with a handshake and a smile.
They are well aware of the special land they have, and most likely they will help foreigners when they get lost, even explaining things that might seem bizarre to foreigners, and making their stay as enjoyable as possible.
Ticos are very civilized and that is one of the main reasons why the country is a very peaceful and safe place to visit. Our ethnic heritage comes from the Spanish colonists and the Afro-Caribbean Immigrants who entered the country in the last century .
 Geography
Rugged highlands are found throughout most of the country, ranging from approximately 1,000 to 2,000 meters (3,000 to 6,000 feet above sea level).
The Guanacaste Mountain Range, Central Mountain Range, and Talamanca Mountain Range are the main mountain ranges extending the entire length of the country.
There are several active volcanoes (Arenal Volcano, Irazu Volcano, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano and Turrialba Volcano) and the country’s highest mountain (Chirripo Hill) with a height of 3,819 m/12,530 ft.
The country has a relatively long coastline in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as a number of rivers and streams that attract specialist kayakers and rafters from all over the world.
Climate
Costa Rica’s year round climate is pleasant with naturally occurring breezes, cooling down most of the coastal areas.
Temperatures in the highlands and mountains are not so cold, especially during day, producing an "eternal spring" feeling. The average annual temperatures range from 31.7°C (89°F) on the coast to 16.7°C (62°F) inland.
The rainy or green season lasts from May to December with noticeably drier days during the rest of the year.
Communications
Costa Rica has one of the most advanced telecommunications systems in Latin America, with telephones and fax machines all over the country, and an increasing number of businesses online. To call or fax Costa Rica, dial the country code 506 before the number. There is also mail service, and a wide selection of courier services in San Jose.
Most large hotels in the San Jose area have cable TV, with US and European stations.
Newspapers and magazines from North America and several European nations are sold in many shops and hotels in and around the capital.
Transportation
It’s easy to get around Costa Rica, and if you stick with public transport, traveling within the country can be quite inexpensive. There is bus service to just about every town and city, and high-quality buses serving the main tourist destinations. Taxis are also plentiful and inexpensive, and in San Jose they are required to operate with meters for most trips.
The standard charge for a taxi ride between the international airport and downtown San Jose is $25 US. The quickest way to get around is to fly, and several domestic airlines offer daily flights to most of the popular tourist destinations. There are also plenty of car rental agencies, most of which rent four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Travelers are more likely to encounter more educated people, and don’t have to worry about most of the diseases they would expect to encounter in a tropical country.
Tap water is safe to drink almost everywhere in the country, but bottled beverages are recommended in rural areas. For those few travelers that do become sick or injured while in Costa Rica, there are hospitals and private clinics in San Jose provide a level of care comparable to that found in the United States, and for considerably less money.
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