Travel Information Costa Rica

 

Travel map of Costa Rica by tour operator OVERCROSS

• General Information
• Climate
• Flora and Fauna
• National Parks and Nature Conservation
• Medical Advice
• Population
• Politics and Economy
• Transport Network
• Cities and Regions
• Culture, Sights
• Public holidays
• Travel advice
• Foreign representations
• Sources and links

 

 

 

1. General Information

 

Continent: Central America
Geographical location: Central America, between Atlantic and Pacific, bordering Panama to the south, Nicaragua to the north
Highest point:  Cerro Chirripó, 3819 m
Form of government: Democratic presidential republic
System of government: Presidential democracy
Languages: Spanish, partly English and English-based Creole
Neighboring countries: Panama, Nicaragua
Capital: San José
Area: 51,100 km²
Population: 5,170,252 (2023)
Population density: 101 inhabitants per km²
Religions: 76% Catholic, 14% Protestant
Currency: Colón (CRC)
Climate: tropical to subtropical. Dry season December to April, rainy season May to November
Time zone:  UTC -6
Dialing code: + 506
Country code: CR
Electricity: 110 volt AC / bring power adapter (for USA/Central America)
Opening hours: Supermarkets are usually open from 8 am - 8 pm (mostly also on Sundays), banks 8:30 am - 4 pm

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2. Climate

Best time to travel: December to April (dry season)

The climate is tropical to subtropical and depends on the respective altitude, moreover the country is divided into an ever-wet Atlantic region and an alternately wet Pacific region.

Basically, Costa Rica can be visited all year round! There are two seasons: the rainy season (approx. May to November) and the dry season (approx. December to April). In the rainy season, there are usually 2-3 real "tropical downpours" in the afternoon, otherwise it is sunny. The heaviest rainfall occurs in October and November. Generally, the Atlantic side has higher precipitation, with the Caribbean side being relatively dry June-October and January to March.

 

San José	Temp. °C min/max		Sun hours / day	Rainy days
Jan	24	14	7	3
Feb	24	15	8	1
Mar	26	16	8	1
Apr	26	16	7	4
May	27	17	5	15
Jun	26	17	4	19
Jul	25	17	4	20
Aug	26	17	5	21
Sep	27	16	5	22
Oct	26	16	5	22
Nov	25	16	5	10
Dec	24	15	6	4

 

 

Puntarenas, Pacific coast	Temp. °C min/max		Sun hours / day	Rainy days
Jan	34	22	9	2
Feb	35	23	9	1
Mar	35	23	9	1
Apr	35	24	8	2
May	33	23	7	11
Jun	33	22	5	14
Jul	32	22	5	15
Aug	33	23	5	16
Sep	32	23	5	17
Oct	30	21	5	17
Nov	32	23	6	7
Dec	33	23	8	4

 

Puerto Limón, Caribbean Coast	Temp. °C min/max		Sun hours / day	Rainy days
Jan	29	20	5	16
Feb	30	21	5	14
Mar	30	21	6	14
Apr	30	22	6	13
May	31	22	5	15
Jun	31	22	4	16
Jul	30	22	4	20
Aug	30	22	5	18
Sep	30	22	5	13
Oct	30	22	5	15
Nov	30	21	5	18
Dec	29	21	5	17

 

 

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3. Flora and Fauna

Costa Rica delights with a unique and unforgettable diversity of animals and plants. The paradise for nature lovers offers a fascinating underwater world on both coasts, as well as different natural landscapes in the rainforests. One of the best-known trees of the rainforest is probably the rubber tree, but also mahogany trees and the giant kapok tree can be found here. As is well known, coffee and cocoa thrive particularly well in Costa Rica and are among the absolute specialties of the country.

The Central American forests of Costa Rica are known for countless animal species such as big cats, reptiles, and birds. Pumas and jaguars are more rarely seen. Sloths, monkeys, and iguanas, on the other hand, are almost omnipresent. Many visit the country especially because of its birdlife. Hummingbirds and parrots decorate the nature of Costa Rica with their colors. The most famous animal there is probably the turtle, which can be observed in Costa Rica during egg-laying and hatching. In addition, crocodiles, snakes, and various spider species live in the nature paradise of Costa Rica.

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4. National Parks and Nature Conservation

Costa Rica is a pioneer when it comes to eco- and sustainable tourism in Central America and is generally very environmentally conscious. Over 25 percent of Costa Rica is under nature protection, with most protected areas being national parks and thus over 25 parks reflecting and preserving the natural beauty of Costa Rica:
 

• Arenal Volcano National Park
• Barbilla National Park
• Barra Honda National Park
• Braulio Carrillo National Park
• Cahuita National Park
• Carara National Park
• Chirripó National Park
• Cocos Island National Park
• Corcovado National Park
• Diria National Park
• Guanacaste National Park
• Irazú Volcano National Park
• Juan Castro Blanco National Park
• La Amistad International Park
• La Cangreja National Park
• Las Baulas National Marine Park
• Manuel Antonio National Park
• Palo Verde National Park
• Piedras Blancas National Park
• Poás Volcano National Park
• Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park
• Santa Rosa National Park
• Tapantí National Park
• Tenorio Volcano National Park
• Tortuguero National Park
• Turrialba Volcano National Park

 

 

 

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5. Medical information

Vaccination protection: When entering from Germany, no special vaccinations are required. However, valid yellow fever vaccination must be proven if you are arriving from a yellow fever area. The usual travel vaccinations, such as hepatitis A + B, rabies and typhoid, are recommended.

In a few provinces of Costa Rica there is a low year-round risk of malaria. In general, consistent use of mosquito protection is recommended.

For detailed information on required vaccinations and general medical advice, it is recommended to contact the Institute of Tropical Medicine.

 

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6. Population

There is religious freedom in Costa Rica. The majority of the population (about 4.7 million people) are followers of Catholicism (80%), the official religion of the country. 15% are Protestant and only 5% belong to other religions. About 90% of the population has its roots in white, old Spanish ancestry. Mestizos, Asians and mulattos are the country's largest minorities. The official language is Spanish with a national accent. For example, a resident of the country replaces the diminutive "-tito" with "-tico". This linguistic peculiarity gave Costa Ricans the nickname "Ticos".
Generally, Costa Rica is a very educated country and about 97% of the population can read and write.

 

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7. Politics and economy

Costa Rica follows the system of a presidential republic with the current president Rodrigo Chaves Robles and is divided into seven provinces. Unlike many other Central American countries, Costa Rica has a functioning and recognized democracy. Economically, Costa Rica is one of the most stable countries in Central America. Above all, the rapidly increasing tourism is the most important source of foreign currency. In addition, the export of electronic goods strongly supports Costa Rica's economy. The main trading partner is the USA, but China, Mexico and the other Central American countries are also increasingly trading with Costa Rica.

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8. Transport network

Of particular importance in Costa Rica is the extensive network of public buses, which is considerably more comfortable and acceptable compared to other Central American countries. The infrastructure, especially between the larger cities, is well developed, but almost all routes are oriented towards the capital, and for example, you also have to go through San José if you want to travel from north to south along the Caribbean coast. For greater distances, traveling by domestic flights is advisable if you want to avoid the sometimes arduous bus journeys. The country can also be perfectly explored with a rental car; however, if you want to visit more remote areas and not just go from city to city, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is highly recommended. Within the capital, San José, however, no car should be left unattended, as there is still a high crime rate there.

 

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9. Cities and Regions

 

The largest cities in Costa Rica

City

Inhabitants

San José

339,588

Puerto Limón 64,258 San Francisco 59,484 Alajuela 48,366 Liberia 47,906

 

 

10. Culture, Sights

 

Volcano Arenal and the town of Fortuna:

The typical village of La Fortuna serves as a starting point to explore the Arenal Volcano and its surroundings. The volcano itself cannot be climbed, as it is one of the most active in Latin America. The unique national park surrounding it offers, in addition to a fascinating diversity of species, waterfalls, rivers, and cloud forests, great viewpoints of the smoking giant. Approaching by boat reveals the breathtaking landscape of the Arenal area right from the start.

 

 

Monteverde National Park

In the unique cloud forests of Monteverde National Park, Costa Rica reveals itself from a completely different side. Thanks to its altitude, the climate is cooler and more humid, and a special variety of flora and fauna can be admired. For action lovers, this is the right place to try out the famous canopy (ziplines through the treetops) and observe the beauty of Monteverde from above.

 

 

Manuel Antonio National Park

On the western Pacific coast lies Manuel Antonio National Park, which is small but stunningly beautiful. Here you’ll find white sandy beaches, palm trees, and crystal blue water. Right next to it is the rainforest with monkeys, iguanas, snakes, and of course a great variety of plants. Unfortunately, this paradise is now very well known and therefore especially crowded on holidays and during the high season.

 

 

Village of Montezuma

The small village of Montezuma, located in northeastern Costa Rica, is no longer just a go-to spot for backpackers and dropouts, but has now become *the* destination for ecotourists, yoga lovers, and artists. If relaxing or enjoying the unique, laid-back atmosphere at the beach or in restaurants isn’t enough, you can also explore waterfalls, endless forests, and diverse animal and plant species.

 

 

Rincón de la Vieja

In this quieter area around the active volcano Rincon de la Vieja, you can explore acid lakes, waterfalls, bubbling mud pools, and geysers along nature trails, always accompanied by a fascinating animal and plant world. The volcano is named after the legend of an old witch who sends her smoke signals from the crater.

 

 

Tortuguero National Park

One of the highlights of Costa Rica is surely Tortuguero, deep in the jungle with a unique atmosphere. The village is named after the turtles that can be observed laying eggs and hatching here. There are no cars here; you can only get here by boat through Amazon-like canals. In this natural paradise of Tortuguero, you can discover caimans, monkeys, snakes, sloths, and countless other animals on canoe tours.

 

 

Santa Teresa & Mal Pais

The two villages on the Pacific coast are the ideal destination for surfers. However, this region is also perfect for relaxing, enjoying beaches, or exploring nature reserves.

 

Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca exudes Caribbean flair and is the perfect place for party seekers and beach lovers. During the day, black and white beaches can be reached and enjoyed by foot or rental bike, while at night this otherwise rather sleepy village shows its rhythmic and artistic side.

 

 

Cerro Chirripó

From the summit of Costa Rica’s highest mountain, you can see both seas on clear days and enjoy a fascinating view over all of Costa Rica. For sports enthusiasts, this two-day ascent is an absolute must.

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11. Holidays

 

Holiday	Date
New Year	1 January
Feast of San José (only in capital)	19 March
Maundy Thursday, Good Friday	Thursday and Friday before Easter
Day of the National Hero Juan Santamaría	11 April
Labour Day	1 May
Corpus Christi
Peter and Paul	29 June
Annexation of Guanacaste	25 July
Virgin of Los Angeles	2 August
Mother's Day	15 August
Independence Day	15 September
Columbus Day	12 October
Christmas	24/25 December
New Year's Eve	31 December

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12. Travel Advice

In general, Costa Rica is the safest country in Central America, but one should be aware that the risk from crime is not comparable to Europe. It is recommended to be especially cautious, especially after dark (after 6pm), and to carry no valuables. Particular caution should be exercised in the capital San José (and the bus stations there).

For further, up-to-date safety advice, always consult the Foreign Office before traveling.

 

 

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13. Foreign Representations

German Embassy in San José

Embajada de la República Federal de Alemania, Apartado 4017-1000, San José, Costa Rica.

 

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14. Sources and Links

www.wikipedia.de

 

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