Costa Rica’s richness also lies on the cultural diversity of our people. Throughout our history, the indigenous population of pre-Hispanic origins have been added movements of immigrants which settled in these lands, making it their home. Populations of European origin, mainly Spaniards, persons of African and Asian ascendance, as well as people from different places of the American continent have interacted among them, enriching the cultural backgrounds in the process.
Currently, besides the predominant half-breed component, there are ethnical-national groups and colonies of immigrants recovering their particular cultural heritage: African descendants, Chinese, Hebrew, Lebanese, Italian, etc.; as well as the indigenous populations of the Bribri, Cabecar, Maleku, Teribe, Boruca, Ngöbe, Huetar, and Chorotega.
Considered one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world, Costa Rica is divided in 20 natural parks, 8 biological reserves, and a series of protected areas that captivate ecotourism lovers. The variety of activities includes horseback riding, hiking mountainous paths in the cloud forests, and guided bird-watching tours.
Tortuguero National Park is especially famous for sea turtle nesting that takes place every year, and the natural canals that abound with protected species such as crocodiles, manatees, and otters.
The country's natural attractions, wildlife and reputation for enlightened conservation draw tourists from all over the world. Successive governments have made a real effort to preserve the country's image as an ecotourism heaven, making Costa Rica one of the best places to experience the tropics naturally and with minimal impact.
Rugged highlands are found throughout most of the country, ranging from approximately 1,000 to 2,000 meters (3,000 to 6,000 feet above sea level). The Guanacaste Mountain Range, Central Mountain Range, and Talamanca Mountain Range are the main mountain ranges extending the entire length of the country. There are several active volcanoes (Arenal Volcano, Irazu Volcano, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano and Turrialba Volcano) and the country’s highest mountain (Chirripo Hill) with a height of 3,819 m/12,530 ft. The country has a relatively long coastline in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as a number of rivers and streams that attract specialist kayakers and rafters from all over the world.
Like many tropical countries, Costa Rica experiences two seasons, the wet and the dry, rather than the four seasons temperate regions are used to.
The Dry Season: The dry season is generally from about late December to April and this is called verano (or summer) by Costa Ricans.
The Wet Season: The rest of the year (May to late November or early December) tends to be wet, and is called invierno (or winter).
The Caribbean coastal region tends to be wet all year round. In the highlands, the dry season really is dry, with only one or two rainy days per month. It can, however, rain up to 20 days per month in the wet season.
Temperature varies little from season and the main influencing factor is altitude. San José, at 1500 meters, has a climate which the locals refer to as the "eternal spring". Lows average a mild 15º C year round while highs are a pleasant 26º C. The coasts are much hotter with the Caribbean averaging 21º C at night and over 30º C during the day; the Pacific is 2º C or 3º C warmer.
People accustomed to more temperate climate can find the high heat and humidity of the coastal areas oppressive but most adjust to the conditions after a few days.
Banks and Currency
Local and International banking services are available at private and public banks. The official currency is the "colón". The exchange rate against the dollar varies a bit daily. Credit cards are accepted throughout the country.
Medical Facilities
Any foreigner who is temporarily in the country has the right to receive health care at hospitals and clinics in the case of an emergency, sudden illness or chronic disease. The social security hospital provide free emergency services to everyone, including visitors.
Electricity
Costa Rica's electricity supply is 110V AC at 60 Hz
Water
In San José and most tourists towns, the tap water is safe to drink. However, if you go to remote areas, especially on the coast, you should drink purified water only.
