Geographic Division
Costa Rica is divided
into seven provinces (States) which are: Alajuela, Cartago,
Guanacaste, Heredia, Limón, Puntarenas, & San
José (Capital City) Here, geography constricts a
breathtaking amount of plant and animal life within a modest
19,563 square miles (50,900 sq. km), an area comparable
in size to Denmark or West Virginia.
Within this diminutive nation is found
an astonishing five percent of the world's biodiversity,
including more than 800 species of ferns, 1,000 of orchids,
2,000 kinds of trees, and 200 species of mammals. Both coastlines
of Costa Rica have an abundance of beaches,
though the Pacific strands are generally both less developed
and less spacious. Between the coasts, the interior of the
country is shaped by four cordilleras, or mountain ranges,
which run from North to South. The capital, San
Jose, rests roughly in the nation's center, settled
within a highland valley.
Cascading down to the Caribbean from the
central mountains are Costa Rica's many
great rivers, including the Reventazon. The Pacific side
is marked by two broad peninsulas that hook out into the
Pacific, the Nicoya and the Osa. It is a geographic curiosity
that their shapes are almost identical, the Osa being a
smaller rendition of the Nicoya.
Climate
Costa Rica's climate is renowned as an atmospheric treat.
Mild subtropical conditions prevail year round, and discomforting
temperature extremes and prolonged periods of gray are practically
nonexistent. Temperature varies mainly according to elevation,
the higher the cooler. The brunt of the rainy season lasts
from May through November, while a brief dry spell pays
a visit from February to April. Costa Rica's rain falls
mainly on the Caribbean coast, giving the Pacific a much
more arid climate.
Time
GMT / UTC minus 6 hours
Language
The most widely spoken language in Costa Rica
is Spanish (97% of the population); although there are other
native languages used mostly within the indigenous reserves.
Many businesses, in and around San Jose,
and resorts throughout the country have employees who also
speak English.
Electricity
110V, 60 Hz.
Credit Cards
Automated Teller Machines (ATM's) can be easily found in
most populated areas of Costa Rica. Most
international credit cards are accepted throughout the country:
Visa :: Master Card :: American Express :: Diners Club
Tipping
Most restaurants will include a 10% service charge at the
bill. Taxi drivers generally do not receive a tip. If you
are satisfied with the service you receive, hotel maids,
tour guides and drivers would appreciate a tip.
Departure Tax
The average rate is US $26.00 as of May, 2003.
Visa Requirements
Passport valid 6 months beyond intended stay in Costa
Rica.
Ticket for return or onward travel.
Visa is not required for stay up to 90 days for citizens
from the following countries: Argentina, Austria, Belgium,
Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France and dependences,
Germany, Greece, Holland and dependencies, Hungary, Israel,
Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, Panama,
Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, South
Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago,
United Kingdom, United States of America and Uruguay.
Visa is not required for stay up to 30 days for citizens
from the following countries. During the stay it is possible
to solicit an extension which allows a stay up to 90 days:
Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados,
Belize, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Chile, Czech Republic, Dominica,
El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Iceland,
Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Kuwait, Mexico, New Zealand, Oman,
Philippines, Qatar, Russia, San Cristobal/Nevis, San Marino,
St. Lucia, St Vincent, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia,
South Africa, Suriname, Taiwan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
Vatican, Venezuela.
Visa is required for citizens of all countries
not listed above, and must be obtained from a Costa
Rican embassy or consulate before traveling there.
Suggested items to bring Pants, Shorts, T-shirts, Hiking
Shoes, Socks and extra socks, Bathing suit, Sandals, Waterproof
sunscreen, sunglasses, Light-weight hat, Day Pack, Light
rain jacket, Flashlight, Insect Repellent, Umbrella, Casual
Attire for nights, Binoculars, Camera and film. |
