The fact that more than
one million tourists visit Costa Rica each year does not happen
by chance. Our country, located in Central America, is an
isthmus where life seems to have created its roots. Covering
only 0.03% of the surface of our planet, Costa Rica has approximately
6% of the world's biodiversity.
In
addition, Costa Rica is characterized by impressive
scenic beauty, a consolidated system of protected areas,
social and political stability, high educational levels,
and efficient infrastructure and services. All of this
offered in a territory of only 51 thousand square kilometers,
surrounded by both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans,
at a distance from each other of only three to four
hours by land or 45 minutes by air.
The country's strategic position, in the heart of the
western hemisphere, the Government's positive attitude
towards foreign investment, its infrastructure, access
to international markets, and the quality and cost of
labor, make Costa Rica an ideal place to establish commercial
operations
Geography
Middle America, bordering
both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between
Nicaragua and Panama.
total: 51,100 sq km
water: 440 sq km
note: includes Isla del Coco
land: 50,660 sq km
Rugged highlands are found throughout most of the country,
they range from approximately 1,000 to 2,000 meters (3,000
to 6,000 feet above sea level). The Cordillera de Guanacaste,
Cordillera Central, and Cordillera de Talamanca are the principal
mountain ranges extending the length of the country. There
are several active volcanoes (Volcán Arenal, Volcán
Irazú, Volcán Rincón de la Vieja and
Volcán Turrialba) and the country´s highest mountain
(Cerro Chirripó) which reaches 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 expert kayakers and rafters.
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 the mountains are
warm by day and brisk at night giving 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. Our climate makes Costa Rica an
excellent place to visit , even when it's rainy...
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 reliable mail service, and an ample selection of courier
services in San José. Most large hotels in the San
José area have cable television, 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 buses
that serve main tourist destinations are of high quality.
Taxis are also plentiful and inexpensive, and in San José
they are required to use meters for most trips. The standard
charge for a taxi ride between the international airport and
downtown San José is $10 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.
