About Costa Rica
Probably by now you already know that Costa Rica is a very popular tourist destination located in the heart of Central America. It is home to beautiful beaches, active volcanoes, many national parks and amazing wildlife. You’ve probably also heard about Costa Rica “Pura Vida” lifestyle and the friendly ticos. Here are some other interesting facts we would like to share with you:
Geography.
Costa Rica is located at the narrowest point of the Central American isthmus between Nicaragua and Panama, which allows the country to have access to both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The total land area of Costa Rica is 51,100 square kilometers. The terrain mostly consists of rugged mountains with coastal plains and rolling hills. The capital of Costa Rica is San Jose, located in the Central Valley. Spanish is the official language, although many people also speak English.
Adventure Destination.
Adventure tours are one of the main activities offered in Costa Rica. You might be looking for a day trip to enjoy nature, wildlife and have fun. Here you can find almost anywhere a river to raft, a tree to zip line and a trail to hike. The rainforest is where vibrant toucans, playful monkeys, and elusive jaguars roam free. Volcano exploration offers visitors the chance to explore and observe the remarkable power of nature. These include the Arenal Volcano, Irazu, Poas, Rincón de la Vieja and Turrialba Volcanoes.
Ecotourism.
Costa Rica accounts for only 0.03 percent of the earth's surface and owns almost 5% ! of the world's biodiversity. There are 29 national parks and protected areas, 933 registered bird species and around 256 species of mammals. The country’s emphasis on conservation and sustainability makes Costa Rica one of the best places in the world to experience the tropics naturally and with minimal impact on the environment. The government of Costa Rica makes a real effort to preserve the country's image as a haven for ecotourism.
Costa Rican Coffee.
Costa Rican coffee is widely regarded as some of the best in the world. It is known for its flavor and aroma, which is attributed to its volcanic soil, ideal climate, and wet milling process. Costa Rican coffee is typically bold and rich, with a hint of sweetness and a mild acidity.
Safety
Costa Rica is generally considered a safe country, due to its low levels of violent crime and its strong rule of law. However, as with any foreign destination, travelers should exercise caution and remain aware of their surroundings. Tourists are encouraged to use the same level of caution that they would exercise in major cities or tourist areas throughout the world. Tourists should avoid deserted properties or undeveloped land, should walk or exercise with a companion, should avoid responding in kind to verbal harassment, and should bear in mind that resort areas popular with foreign tourists can also be common venues for criminal activities.
Contact our experts to include the top things to do in Costa Rica by visiting our Costa Rica Trip Planner!
Location and Map
Costa Rica is located in Central America, connecting North and South America. It borders Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. There are two international airports, the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela and the Daniel Oduber Internatinal Airport (LIR) in Liberia.
Central America
Population: 5.154 million
Area: 51,100 km2