Facts

Costa Rica

General

Costa Rica is a democratically elected republic, about the same size as Switzerland. It consists of two coastlines separated by some rugged mountains. 'Ticos', as the Costa Ricans are known, are proud of their country's achievements as an enduring, 'unarmed' democracy with the highest standard of living in Central America.

Ecology & Environment

The concept of ecotourism was born in Costa Rica, where minimising the impact of tourism on the environment is paramount. It has dedicated one quarter of its land area to environmental protection, through parklands and wildlife refuges - a greater percentage than any other country in the world.

Costa Rica has twelve distinct ecological zones, consisting of a fantastic proliferation of wildlife. It is home to 5% of all known animals on the planet, possibly as a result of being the land bridge between North and South America. Through the centuries, animals indigenous to either continent have converged in Costa Rica, enhancing the impressive diversity.

Weather

There is a lot of weather in this tiny country! The highlands are cold, the cloud forest is misty and cool, San Jose and the Central Valley have an 'eternal Spring' and both the Pacific and the Caribbean coasts are sweltering all year-round. It rains nearly everywhere all year but the 'drier' season is from December to April and the wetter, 'green' season begins in May - actually one of the best times to be in Costa Rica.

Electricity

American plugs/sockets are used so bring adaptors, as required.

Money

Prices and travel costs are significantly higher than in most other Central American countries, but cheaper than the USA and Europe. Independent backpackers can survive well on US$20-30 per day. The currency is the Colon but US dollars are widely accepted, too, and most prices are quoted in both. Visa and MasterCard work, although Visa is more common.

Food

The main Costa Rican dish is rice and beans, which can be eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Costa Ricans enjoy a lot of meat, mostly beef, chicken, and pork. Eating fish is considered a luxury, although fish marinated in lemon juice and spices is a cheap delicacy. Vegetables and fruits are also popular and cheap. Imported apples and grapes are considered a special treat.

There are restaurants in all the major towns serving a variety of cuisines. Local food can be found in small 'sodas'. Popular restaurant dishes include: olla de carne (soup of beef, plantain, yuca, nampi and chayote), sopa negra (black beans and poached egg); and picadillo (meat and vegetable stew).

Dancing

Costa Ricans love to dance! Boys are expected to 'lead' their partners, so one or two salsa lessons may come in handy before departure!

Women

Costa Ricans are unaccustomed to seeing women travelling alone. Males will see unaccompanied females as not spoken for and will traditionally "hiss" and express compliments...this is just a macho cultural thing and appropriate to ignore, if unwelcome.

When a couple walks down the street, a woman should walk to the inside with the man next to the curb, otherwise the impression will be that the woman is 'available'.