Costa Rica: Information and attractions

Costa Rica with its bio diversity and beautiful beaches is fast becoming one of the most travelled to countries in the world. As a tourist destination Costa Rica has it all, top quality hotels, beautiful beaches and warm friendly people. It’s no wonder over 2 million people visited the country in 2008. It is also widely known for its eco tourism, Tico’s(Costa Ricans) are proud of their environmental treasures and take all the measures necessary to protect it for future generations. Costa Rica as a country and a tourist destination has much to be admired, I hope that the information below will help you make the most of your time there.

In recent years Costa Rica has become a little stricter with regards to foreigners entering the country. All tourists entering the country must now have a return flight or onward flight/bus ticket leaving before their tourist visa expires.In other words you can’t enter the country without having previously bought a way out. Tourist visas are generally 90 days in length, depending on which country you are from. For further information about specific countries consult the Costa Rica embassy homepage. You also have to buy an exit visa before you leave the country, this can be bought at the airport and costs $25. These rules are the official entry and exit rules, however during my time there I met numerous people who overstayed their visas or who had not purchased a return ticket before entering the country. Some were lucky and were not penalized others were forced to buy return tickets before boarding their flight. I guess it all comes down to luck.

It is recommended that all travellers to Costa Rica are immunised against Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Typhoid. Malaria is quite uncommon in Costa Rica but there are known cases in the banana growing regions on the Caribbean coast. Medical treatment is generally of a high standard in Costa Rica and emergency treatment is free of charge. This page has more detailed information about vaccinations and health precautions.

Costa Rica is considered the safest Central American country for travellers; the country doesn’t have a military and is noted for its peaceful demeanour. However it is worth noting that petty theft and pick pocketing is quite common. Take particular care on buses and other forms of public transport. I heard numerous stories of peoples bags been taken on the bus route between San Jose and San Isisdro de General. For more information about safety and security check here.

Costa Rica is a tropical country and therefore has distinct wet and dry seasons. The rainy season runs from May to mid November and the dry season runs from mid November to April. The weather will depend on what region you visit and can be variable. Some regions are rainy all year round while others are sunny and dry. Temperatures are usually dependent on elevation, with the coast been warmer than the mountainous regions. I was in Costa Rica during the rainy season and found that you were pretty much guaranteed a rain storm in the afternoon. For more information about the climate of the various regions consult here.

Costa Rica has numerous attractions here are some of the places I visited and would recommend.

Mount Chirripo

If you are the adventurous outdoors type you should consider climbing Mount Chirripo. It is usually 2 day hike with an over night stay in the mountain lodge. The views and wildlife are breath taking.This website has more information about prices and how to book.

Manuel Antonio

This is probably one of the most visited national parks in Costa Rica. It has an abundance of wildlife including Monkeys and sloths all of which are fairly easy to spot. Don’t leave your food unattended on the beach or you risk having it stolen by some of the wildlife.

Uvita

This little beach town is about 15 minute from the surfer hangout Dominical. The town is a little quieter and further from the sea but the beaches aren’t as crowded and are truly breathe taking. There is also an inland waterfall that is perfect for cooling off on those hot sunny days.