The Basics:
Costa Rica is in central America between Nicaragua and Panama with the Pacific on its west coast and the Atlantic Ocean on its east coast. It is a small country, about 20,000 square miles, approximately the size of Ireland, with a population of about 5 million.
Costa Rica is known for its long-standing democracy, educated workforce and strong commitment to the environment. It is one of the few countries that does not have a standing army.
Unlike Mexico or Ecuador Costa Rica did not have a rich heritage and large indigenous population prior to the Spanish conquests, so you will not see the history and cultural traditions you might expect. Spanish colonization was not extensive, no gold or silver, large populations of local peoples to exploit.
Irazu is the highest of the 14 volcanoes and Lake Arenal is the largest lake. Costa Rica contains about 5% of the world’s bio-diversity and ranging across its vast network of national parks you can see big cats, monkeys, sloths, birds and reptiles. Off the coast are turtles and sharks. The forests also contain orchids, birds and an array of insects.
Costa Rica is the most visited nation in Central America, more than 3 million visitors at last count.
San Jose is the capital and largest city.
Currency :
Colon – Credit cards are widely accepted in the cities, but you’ll need Pesos in the countryside
Language:
A Costa Rican version of Spanish, aka Tico
Religion:
Roman Catholic 52% Protestant 25%.
Time Zone:
Costa Rica is on the same time zone as Texas= 6 hours behind the UK, 2 hours ahead of California
Visiting
Getting there: Situated in Central America, technically you can drive into the country from Nicaragua and Panama but most people fly. The main airport is near San Jose, Alajuela, in the center of the country, served by most major US and top European carriers. You can also fly directly into the Guanacaste province in the North, landing at Liberia Airport; United, Delta, American fly there, as do a number of regional carriers.
Destination ( 1 week +) ? = 
Depending on what you want to do in Costa Rica, you can plan from 1 to 2 weeks. Some people fly down and spend their entire time at the coast, playing golf, surfing and fishing. Others want more adventure and go up to the volcanoes, explore the cloud forests and the southern jungle. Situated between the Pacific and Atlantic there are abundant beaches. Accommodations vary between high end luxury resorts, villas and delightful, sometimes rustic, but charming B&Bs.
- The south is known for its parks, golf courses, beaches and jungle
- San Jose and environs give easy access to
- Guanacaste
What to eat and drink
The food in Costa Rica is primarily fresh fruit and fish, there is not a unique and inspiring cuisine but you will not lack sustenance.
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Fruits – carambola, pineapple, banana,
- Plantains
- Tamales
- Rice and black beans aka Gallo pinto
- Tres leches cake – similar to the Mexican version – cake with condensed milk, cream, milk
What to drink:
- Rum – both Costa Rican and Nicaraguan rum is available
- Beer – Imperial and Pilsen
- Coffee
- Fruit juices
What to bring home:
- Coffee
- Chocolate
- Rums
- Carved wooden bowls
What you should know before you go:
- Costa Rica is quite safe, but you should not be dumb.
- The water is good, but it’s probably safer to drink bottled water
- Tourism is very important to Costa Rica and you will be made to feel welcome
The amazing Costa Rican Pasos
The amazing Costa Rican Pasos 15 or so years ago I visited southern Costa Rica when it was still wild and unspoiled. There were no luxury resorts in sight and [...]