Location: Central America, between Nicaragua and Panama

Size: aprox 19,730 sq mi

Population: 4,253,877 (July 2009 est.)

Language Spoken: Spanish

Type of government: democracy

Other names: Republic of Costa Rica

President: Oscar Arias (2006, 3 year period)

Land area: 19,560 sq mi (50,660 sq km); total area: 19,730 sq mi (51,100 sq km)

Population (2009 est.): 4,253,877 (growth rate: 1.3%); birth rate: 17.4/1000; infant mortality rate: 8.7/1000; life expectancy: 77.5; density per sq km: 82

Capital and largest city (2003 est.): San José, 1,527,300 (metro. area), 337,200 (city proper)

Languages: Spanish (official), English

Ethnicity/race: white (including mestizo) 94%, black 3%, Amerindian 1%, Chinese 1%, other 1%

National Holiday: Independence Day, September 15

Religion: Roman Catholic 76%, Evangelical 14%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1%, other Protestant 1%, other 5%, none 3%

Literacy rate: 94.9% (2006 est.)

Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2007 est.): $45.77 billion; per capita $10,300. Real growth rate: 6.8%. Inflation: 9.4%. Unemployment: 4.6%. Arable land: 4%. Agriculture: coffee, pineapples, bananas, sugar, corn, rice, beans, potatoes; beef; timber. Labor force: 1.82 million; agriculture 20%, industry 22%, services 58% (1999 est.). Industries: microprocessors, food processing, textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer, plastic products. Natural resource: hydropower. Exports: $7.005 billion (2005 est.): coffee, bananas, sugar, pineapples; textiles, electronic components, medical equipment. Imports: $9.69 billion (2005 est.): raw materials, consumer goods, capital equipment, petroleum. Major trading partners: U.S., Netherlands, Guatemala, Japan, Mexico, Brazil (2004).

Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 1.132 million (2002); mobile cellular: 528,047 (2002). Radio broadcast stations: AM 65, FM 51, shortwave 19 (2002).

Television broadcast stations: 20 (plus 43 repeaters) (2002).

Internet hosts: 10,826 (2003).

Internet users: 800,000 (2002).

Transportation: Railways: total: 278 km (2004). Highways: total: 35,303 km; paved: 4,236 km; unpaved: 31,067 km (2002). Waterways: 730 km (seasonally navigable by small craft) (2004). Ports and harbors: Caldera, Puerto Limon. Airports: 149 (2004 est.).

Why Costa Rica?

Costa Rica has been described several times as the more stable country of  Latin America, and the best destination for an unforgettable vacation. Costa Rica, which means "rich coast" is a top notch tropical destination that offers unending activities for your delight. Here is a short list of some of the activities you can enjoy while in Costa Rica, the land of adventure.

• National Parks tours
• travel in private transportation
• escorted tours to tropical beaches
• view famous monuments
• view unique animals
• experience and explore rain forests
• visit recognized restaurants( Typic Costa Rican restaurants)
• visit recognized entertainment centers
• try your luck at the Casinos
• enjoy a fully escorted Volcano tour
• be treated as you deserve to be treated by our professional and highly qualified team
• enjoy our 24/7 assistance feature (which means private assistance is just a call away)
• we offer Spanish lessons while you enjoy your vacation
• Fishing
• Snorkeling
• Private real estate tours offered

How long does  the flight take?

Coming to Costa Rica is only about 4 hours from Atlanta international airport

How big is Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is about the size of West Virginia.

How are people in Costa Rica?

We love tourists and we are definitely a friendly foreign  country.  Costarricans are incredibly friendly and since we are a multi cultural country, we enjoy interacting with peoples from all over the world.

How safe is Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is a very safe destination for tourists, however, as in other places in the world you must be cautious and use good judgment. Costa Rica is definitely not Mexico, instead Costa Rica is a land of peace, low crime rate, good to very good medical services, a strong police department, great educational systems, and a very stable government. Needless to say, DO NOT do anything in Costa Rica that you wouldn't do in your country, such as buying drugs, partying late with strangers, wear fancy jewelry, trust strangers, accept help from strangers, carry big amounts of money, walk alone at night, walk in places you are not familiar with, go away from your tour director(s), and anything that seems risky or suspicious. Once again use good judgment at all times and you will take home only good memories.

Where is Costa Rica located?

It is located in Central America between Nicaragua and Panama.  Click here to see map

How is the weather in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica's weather is warm and pleasant all year round. During the year we get some cooling down breezes all over the area. Costa Rica has only two seasons, Summer and a Tropical  Winter.Temperatures here are between 62F inland and about 89F in the coasts. Some people like to refer to our weather as "the eternal Spring".

Can I drink the Water?

Even though Costa Rica's local authorities  have rated the water as perfectly potable, we would recommend that you drink bottled water just to play it safe.  Costa Rica is not mexico where the Water has been found to be undrinkable in the past, but, safety is a plus and a smart move if you are in a foreign country.

Where can I exchange money?

Colon is Costa Rica's currency, a US dollar is about 500-550 colons. Dollars are accepted in most local areas, however, it is much better  if you go to a bank (consult us for more information) to ensure that you get the most out of your money.

What are the entry requirements?

All tourist are required to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of the trip.

Tourists from the following countries are allowed to stay in the country for 90 days without a visa: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Israel, Japan, Panama, Paraguay, Uruguay, United States and all European countries except from Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Czech Republics, Iceland, Ireland, Lithuania, Malta, Slovakia and Slovenia.

What is the time zone in Costa Rica?

In Costa Rica the time zone is the standard Central time.

What taxes should I pay?

Travelers must be at least to hours prior departure. There is a departure tax of  US$26.00, there is a 13% sales tax in hotels, restaurants and stores.

When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?

Anytime is good to visit Costa Rica since we have two coasts. The climate is really constant and the tempture  is more than ideal, staying all year round in between 65F to 85F. Furthermore, most of the activities and adventures we offer you can be enjoyed any time during the year.

Do I need any vaccinations before my travel to Costa Rica?

No vaccine is required to enter the country.

Can I use my credit cards, checks, cash while in Costa Rica?

Most stores, hotels, restaurants, and other locals accept all major credit cards. Traveler's checks are accepted as well.

If I need to contact the embassy of my country while in Costa Rica, how can I do it?

Most hotels have access to the numbers of different embassies within the country, or you can always contact your tour director who is available to help you 24 hours a day.

Can I get a cell phone while in Costa Rica?

Yes you can, all you need to do is specify it as a special service request and we will make sure you obtain your Cell phone.

what is Costa Rica's official language?

Spanish is our official language, but it is quite common to find people who speak English, surveys have found that over a 16% of Costa Rican people are fluent or have at least a basic knowledge of the English language.

Do I need to know Spanish to go to Costa Rica?

No, our team is fluent in both languages and all you need to come to Costa Rica is a desire to go out on adventures.

Who would I call in case of an emergency?

The emergency line in Costa Rica is 911, and you also can contact your tour director who will be always available for any emergency you may have.

How is Costa Rica divided? Are there States, Providences, counties?

Our country is divided into seven different providences: San Jose, Cartago, Alajuela, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas y Guanacaste.

Is Costa Rica an island?

No, Costa Rica is a country located in between Panama and Nicaragua and it has two coasts, one in the Pacific and the other one in the Atlantic.