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Located in Central America, Costa Rica has coastlines on the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean.

This small country, covering only 0.03 % of the surface of the globe, proudly shelters 6% of the existing biodiversity in the entire world.25.58 % of the country is composed of conservation and natural protected territory.

Costa Rica is characterized by an impressive scenic beauty, consolidated system of protected areas, social stability, high educational levels and efficient infrastructure and services.
It is one of most highly valued tourist destinations in the planet.

This small piece of land includes all of the necessary components to satisfy the taste of thousands of travelers visiting each year.

Costa Rica’s territorial division includes 7 provinces, which are: San José, Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia, Guanacaste, Puntarenas, and Limón. Together they offer an attractive tourist destination, of almost limitless possibilities, that include extensive rainforests, volcanoes, rivers traveling through the mountains, beaches and natural resources safeguarded by an important organization of national parks and forest reserves.


Entering the country
For visiting Costa Rica, you passport must have be valid at least for another 6 months if you are a US, Canadian or European Union citizen. You do not need a visa, and possible duration of your stay as a tourist is 90 days.


Leaving the country
When leaving the country, an airport departure tax has to be paid. For foreigners, the departure tax is around US $ 26 and may be paid in US $ or Costa Rican Colones.


Climate
Costa Rica is a tropical country and experiences only two seasons: wet and dry. The dry season is generally between December and April and the rainy season from May to November, average temperature around 27º C / 80º F.       

Currency
Local currency is the Colón. You can exchange dollars for colones at any bank, or at most hotels.
Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX) and US $ traveler checks are accepted as well.
There are ATM machines in the main towns of each region for cash withdrawals.
Larger shops or hotels very often also accept US $ cash.
Current exchange rate (to August 2007) 1 US $ = 520 colones approximately.
Non-US travelers should buy US dollars before they arrive in Costa Rica. Carry your passport when exchanging currency and try not to leave the country with excess colones; it's difficult to buy back more than US$50.00 at the border or airport.


Tipping
Most restaurants will include a 10% service charge at the bill. Taxi drivers generally do not receive tips.
If you are satisfied with the service you’ve received: hotel maids, bellboys, tour guides, drivers a tip is appreciated.


Typical Cuisine
“Comida tipica” (native dish) rely heavily on rice and beans, the basis of many Costa Rican meals. Home-style cooking predominates. Gallo Pinto, the national dish for breakfast consists of rice and beans usually served with scrambled or fried eggs. Sour cream and fried cheese is a popular side dish to Gallo pinto.
For lunch, the traditional dish is called “Casado”. It again consists of rice and beans, some type of meat (beef, fish, pork or chicken) and a salad to round out the dish. There may also be some extras like fried sweet plantains or a slice of white cheese.
There is a good choice of fresh fruit and vegetables all year round. Fresh fruit juices are available almost everywhere in the country and can be as well enjoyed without any problems as the water that is of good drinking quality.
Traditional food goes beyond Gallo Pinto and Casados. You can delight yourself with more dishes such as ceviche (raw fish with species cooked with lemon), Corn flour Tamales (especially for Christmas season), Olla de Crane (pot of meat) and picadillo (cooked minced vegetables) among others.


About Ticos
“Ticos" are what Costa Ricans call themselves, and what fellow Latin Americans call them.
Their motto is "Pura Vida" (literally "Pure Life”) which encapsulates the pervading ideology of living in peace appreciating a life surrounded by nature and family and friends.
Ticos are full of hospitality, they love to dance and jump at any opportunity to celebrate.
Very family-oriented, peaceful and fun loving, this combined with the amazing natural beauty and diverse landscape, makes Costa Rica a perfect vacation destination.