Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a small but remarkable country in Central America, known for its breathtaking nature, rich biodiversity and progressive environmental policies. It lies between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south and borders the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east.

Facts

Costa Rica is translated as “rich coast”. Christopher Columbus suspected rich natural resources such as gold and precious stones here. Nevertheless, it is a prosperous country and is therefore sometimes referred to as the “Switzerland of Central America”.
At its widest point, from the Pacific coast in the west to the Caribbean coast in the east, the country measures around 200 kilometers. At its narrowest point, it is only about 120 km.
Costa Rica’s landscape is extremely diverse and includes tropical rainforests, active volcanoes, misty mountain ranges, lush coastlines, mangrove forests and beautiful beaches. It provides a habitat for an astonishing variety of plant and animal species.
The three-fingered sloth (perezoso) is one of the country’s most characteristic animals and is common in Costa Rica’s rainforests and cloud forests.
Although Costa Rica only makes up around 0.03 % of the Earth’s land mass, it is home to around 5 % of the world’s biodiversity. This natural diversity makes the country a paradise for ecotourism and adventure travel.
The capital San José is the cultural and economic center of the country and is home to numerous historical sights as well as art and cultural institutions. Outside the capital, there are numerous charming towns and villages that reflect the local life and culture of Costa Rica.
Pura Vida is an expression that is closely associated with Costa Rica and is frequently used by both locals and visitors to the country. Translated, “Pura Vida” literally means “pure life” and is more than just an expression. It is an attitude to life that describes the relaxed, joyful and simple happiness that many associate with life in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica prides itself on being one of the most stable and democratic countries in Latin America. After colonization by Spain in the 16th century and as part of the short-lived Central American Confederation, Costa Rica declared its independence as a separate nation in 1838.
The government is strongly committed to environmental protection and sustainability and is implementing measures to protect natural resources and biodiversity. A large part of the country is protected by national parks and reserves and offers visitors the opportunity to experience the rich flora and fauna.
The approximately 5 million inhabitants, the Ticos, are considered friendly, hospitable and proud of their culture. Most of them speak Spanish as an official language and English as a second language.
The cuisine is varied and reflects the different influences of local, Spanish and African traditions. The national dish is gallo pinto, a dish made from rice and beans.
Since the civil war of 1948, the country has dispensed with a permanent military and instead relies on reinforced police forces and a small paramilitary unit for border security and the protection of national sovereignty.
Costa Rica has repeatedly been ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world. This is attributed to factors such as the high life expectancy, the strong social support, the low crime rate and the close connection to nature.
The official currency is the Costa Rica Colón (CRC), named after Christopher Columbus (Cristóbal Colón). In addition to colónes, US dollars are also frequently accepted.

Sights

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve (Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde) – UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its rich biodiversity and the spectacular suspension bridge tour through the treetops.
Arenal Volcano National Park (Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal) – One of the most active volcanoes in the world, surrounded by hot springs and lush vegetation, offers numerous activities such as hikes, thermal baths and canopy tours.
Manuel Antonio National Park (Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio) – Famous for its picturesque beaches, rich wildlife and hiking trails through lush rainforest.
Tortuguero National Park (Parque Nacional Tortuguero) – An important habitat for endangered sea turtles, known for its canals that allow visitors to explore the abundant wildlife, including monkeys, caimans and exotic birds.
Corcovado National Park (Parque Nacional Corcovado) – One of the most biologically diverse areas in the world with incredible wildlife spotting opportunities, including jaguars, tapirs and many species of monkeys.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca – A quiet coastal town on the Caribbean coast, known for its relaxed atmosphere, picturesque beaches and lively cultural scene.
La Fortuna Waterfall (Catarata La Fortuna) – A breathtaking waterfall near the Arenal volcano in the middle of a lush rainforest is a popular attraction for visitors.
Montezuma – Charming coastal village on the Nicoya Peninsula, known for its relaxed atmosphere, waterfalls and diverse wildlife.
Rincón de la Vieja National Park (Parque Nacional Volcán Rincón de La Vieja) – Home to the volcano of the same name, this park offers a variety of activities such as hikes to hot springs, mud volcanoes and waterfalls.
San José – The lively capital of Costa Rica offers cultural attractions such as the National Theater, the Gold Museum and the Central Market, where visitors can enjoy local cuisine and handicrafts.

Travel time

Costa Rica has a varied climate that varies depending on the region and altitude. In general, the climate can be divided into two seasons: The dry season and the rainy season.

Dry season

The dry season usually lasts from December to April. During these months, there are sunny days and only occasional rain showers in most parts of the country. This is often the most popular travel time for tourists as the weather is ideal for exploring beaches, national parks and other outdoor activities.

Rainy season

The rainy season lasts from May to November. During this time, it usually rains every day, especially in the afternoon and evening. However, the rainy season also brings with it a lush green landscape and makes it possible to observe animal migrations and enjoy less crowded tourist attractions.

Events

Turtle season

May – October: Best chances to observe the hatching of turtles (Guanacaste, Osa Peninsula, Tortuguero & Manzanillo)

Green sea turtles:
December – March: Egg laying of the green sea turtles (Guanacaste & Osa Peninsula)
December – May: Hatching of the green sea turtles (Guanacaste & Osa Peninsula)
June – November: Egg laying of the green sea turtles (Tortuguero & Manzanillo)
July – December: Hatching of the green sea turtles (Tortuguero & Manzanillo)

Leatherback turtles:
February – July: Egg laying of the leatherback turtles (Tortuguero & Manzanillo)
April – September: Hatching of the leatherback turtles (Tortuguero & Manzanillo)

Olive ridley turtles:
July – December: Olive ridley turtles lay their eggs (Guanacaste & Osa Peninsula)
September – February: Hatching of olive ridley turtles (Guanacaste & Osa Peninsula)

Hawksbill turtles:
May – August: Loggerhead turtles (Tortuguero & Manzanillo)
April – October: Hawksbill turtles (Guanacaste, Osa Peninsula, Tortuguero & Manzanillo)