Location

Costa Rica is located in Central America, south of Nicaragua and north of Panama. The western side of the country is bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the eastern side by the Caribbean Sea.

Description

Opportunities for adventure, relaxation, romance and exploration are unlimited in Costa Rica, which is why the country is one of the most visited international destinations in the Western Hemisphere. With an abundance of unique wildlife, landscapes and climates, Costa Rica proudly shelters approximately 5 percent of the known biodiversity in the world and protects 26 percent of its land mass.

The phrase “Pura Vida” can be heard echoing throughout Costa Rica from coast to coast. Used as a greeting or expression of happiness, the phrase literally translates to “pure life,” however its meaning is “full of life,” which accurately describes the adventure and wonder that await visitors. Beach lovers, surfers, divers and anglers quickly feel right at home along the coasts, while couples and those in search of a relaxing retreat are captivated and pampered by the country’s natural beauty and diverse spas. Thrill seekers have met their match as they explore Costa Rica’s volcanoes, rain forests, cloud forests, and rivers primed for white-water adventures. In order to protect and preserve such a wealth of natural resources, Costa Rica has become a leader in sustainable tourism and established the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST), which has the fundamental purpose of benefitting the environment and supporting the community.

Business is bustling in Costa Rica, as the country is home to headquarter offices for a myriad of multinational corporations in the global marketplace. Business and group travelers will find a plethora of hotel and meeting space options, as the country hosts sophisticated infrastructure of hotels and international brands.

Climate

Temperatures range from 70 to 81 degrees all year round. While many tropical countries have changing weather patterns that affect the entire nation with different seasons, Costa Rica enjoys 12 different tropical microclimates that remain constant throughout the year. The most common microclimate in Costa Rica is the Tropical Moist Forest, which is filled with evergreen trees and bountiful vines, but the Tropical Subalpine Rain Páramo is a microclimate with temperatures ranging around 41º and 57º Fahrenheit, with occasional snowfall and hail.

Currency

The national currency is the Costa Rican Colon (CRC), though U.S. dollars and credit cards are widely accepted. The exchange rate as of 2016 is approximately 547.00 CRC to $1, but can vary daily.

Airports

San Jose: Juan Santamaria International Airport
Liberia: Daniel Oduber International Airport

Entry Requirements

U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport, and an entry and exit ticket. The exit tax is currently set at $29.

Tourism Information

For more information, please visit www.visitcostarica.com.