Costa Rica's national parks are its greatest glory. The Costa Rican authorities have set aside one-third of the country as protected areas, and dozens of private wilderness reserves have helped elevate Costa Rica to star status for ecotourism. The country has a stunning variety of landscapes, microclimates, and flora and fauna, and nature lovers will not be disappointed by the superb wildlife viewing. Visitors looking for an active holiday are spoilt for choice, with options from whitewater rafting to surfing. In urban areas, the country's Spanish heritage provides the main features of interest, although sites are relatively few.

Columbus landed in what is now Costa Rica in 1501. Under the rule of General Tomas Guardia between 1870 and 1882, Costa Rica developed many of its principal modern characteristics, notably the minimal role of the Catholic Church in secular matters and an adherence to the principles of democracy. Throughout the 20th century, Costa Rica has enjoyed peace and a steady growth in prosperity, with the notable exception of a civil war in 1948, which followed a disputed presidential election. Significantly, Costa Rica is the only country in the region to have abolished the national army.

In recent times, one of the most prominent political figures has been current President Oscar Arias Sanchez, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for successfully bringing warring parties elsewhere in Central America to the negotiating table.

Passport/Visa

Passports

Passport valid for at least 30 days after arrival or for the length of stay, whichever is greater.

Passport Note

(a) Nationals listed above must obtain an exit visa from the Immigration Department in San José at least three weeks before leaving Costa Rica. Those who stay for less than 30 days are exempt if in possession of a disembarkation card.

Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
(a) 1. nationals of Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK and USA for stays over 90 days;
(b) 2. nationals of Australia, Bulgaria and Ireland for stays over 30 days.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Visa Note

The immigration authorities are strict about detaining foreigners who are undocumented or tourists who have overstayed.

Money

Currency

Costa Rican Colón (CRC; symbol ¢) = 100 céntimos. Notes are in denominations of ¢10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of ¢100, 50, 25, 20, 10 and 5. US Dollars are also widely accepted.

Currency Exchange

Available at banks and bureaux de change. Some hotels may also change money.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are all accepted; American Express slightly less so. Many banks will only process MasterCard for cash credits. Cash may be the only form of payment in smaller towns and rural areas. ATMs usually accept foreign cards.

Traveller's Cheques

Although travellers can avoid additional exchange rate charges by taking traveller's cheques in US Dollars, fewer and fewer businesses in Costa Rica are willing to accept them.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0800/0900-1500/1800.

Exchange Rate Indicators

Health

Vaccinations

Food and Drink

Mains water is normally heavily chlorinated and, whilst relatively safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Drinking water outside main cities and towns may be contaminated and sterilisation is advisable. Bottled water is available and is advised for the duration of the stay. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

Other Risks

Hepatitis B and C occur. Outbreaks of dengue fever are common in lowland areas, notably on the Caribbean coast. Rabies is widespread throughout Central America; for those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.

Health Care

Health insurance is recommended. Reliable medical services are available. Standards of health and hygiene are among the best in Latin America, although public facilities may not come up to par with developed countries.

Getting There

Getting There by Air

The national airline is Grupo Taca (TA) (website: www.taca.com), a consortium of five national Central American airlines.

Approximate Flight Times

From New York to San José is 7 hours. From London to Liberia is 11 hours 30 minutes.

Main Airports

Juan Santamaría (SJO) (website: www.alterra.co.cr) is outside Alajuela, 23km (14 miles) northwest of San José. To/from the airport: Coaches depart regularly; return pickups stop at various hotels. Buses depart to the city every 15 minutes (journey time - 20 minutes). Some hotels have shuttle services to the airport; these are 24 hours and free of charge. Taxis are also available to the city (journey time - 15 minutes). Facilities: ATM, bank, restaurants, shops and duty-free stores.

Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR) is 8 km (5 miles) west of Liberia.  To/from the airport: Regular buses serve the airport, connecting Liberia with Playas del Coco and other beach resorts. Rental cars are available. Facilities: ATM, bank and restaurant.

Air Passes

The Visit Central America Pass, available from Grupo Taca, is an economical way to travel to Costa Rica from the USA and from Costa Rica to other Central American countries.

Departure Tax

US$26, payable if staying more than 24 hours.

Getting There by Water

Main ports: Puntarenas is the main port in the Costa Rican Pacific coast. Puerto Limón receives cruise ships on the Caribbean side.

Getting There by Road

The Inter-American Highway runs through Costa Rica from La Cruz on the Nicaraguan border through San José to Paso Canoas on the Panamanian border.

Climate

In the Central Valley, where the main centres of population are located, the average temperature is 22°C (72°F) and the region enjoys a spring-like climate year round. In the coastal areas, the temperature is much hotter and humid, while the Pacific Northwest can be extremely hot and dry. The rainy season starts in May and finishes in November, although there are distinct regional variations. The ‘warm' dry season is December to May, though temperature differences between summer and winter are slight.

Required Clothing

Lightweight cottons and linens most of the year, warmer clothes for cooler evenings. Waterproofing is necessary during the rainy season. Loose-fitting clothing is best. Wear neutral browns and greens for birding and wildlife viewing.

Contacts

Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT)

Costado Este del Puente Juan Pablo II, Sobre Autopista General Cañas, San José, Costa Rica
Tel: 299 5800/11 or 1 866 343 6332 (in the USA).
Website: www.visitcostarica.com

Embassy and Consulate of the Republic of Costa Rica in the UK

Flat 1, 14 Lancaster Gate, London W2 3LH, UK
Tel: (020) 7706 8844.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1500 (embassy); 1000-1300 (consulate).
Website: http://costarica.embassyhomepage.com

Embassy of the Republic of Costa Rica in the USA

2114 S Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 234 2945 or 328 6628 (consular enquiries).
Website: www.costarica-embassy.org