Tourist information

Costa Rica is the second smallest country in Central America after El Salvador and lies between Nicaragua and Panama and has coastlines on the Caribbean and the Pacific. Costa Rica, is Spanish for "rich coast" and not surprisingly for a country which is mostly coastline, Costa Rica has some of the region's best surfing, plenty beaches and a climate that encourages laziness in all forms. It has a reputation for being an oasis of calm among its turbulent neighbours and its natural attractions, wildlife and inhabitants draw tourists from all over the world. Governments have made a real effort to preserve the country's image as an eco-tourism heaven, making Costa Rica one of the best places to experience the tropics naturally and with minimal impact. Costa Rica is called the Country of Eternal Spring. All through the year the fauna flowers and grows. Besides the beautiful coastlines 25% of the country exists of national parks. The Ticos, the Costa Ricans, are famous for being hospitable, and are quite happy to live up to their reputation. It has been said the Ticos are their nation's greatest asset, and once you've experienced their friendliness and spontaneity, you'll no doubt agree.

Where to go

When to go

Money & Costs

History

Culture

Costa Rica can exists of 7 provinces Set in the heart of the country, in its province of the same name, surrounded by towering green mountains, is San José, the capital city and center of cultural life in Cost Rica with a population of 336,537 (1998 estimate).Most visitors start and end in San José. Visit the many museums like the Museo Nacional, Museo del Oro Precolombino and Mudeo de Jade. Don't miss the Teatro Nacional, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the post office building and other most exciting places. The best market is Mercado Central, which bustles rather than buzzes, but has a range of goods from live turkeys to leatherwork, and some of the cheapest meals in town. Nightlife in San José is vibrant and international restaurants are plentiful.

There are many parks which you can visit, but the Parque Nacional Santa Rosa you have to see. It's the oldest and one of the best developed national parks in Costa Rica. It covers most of the Península Santa Elena. It protects the largest remaining stand of tropical dry forest in Central America. Another park you really ought to visit is Parque Nacional Tortuguero (tortuguero means turtle catcher). The remote Tortuguero National Park, on the Caribbean Coast near the fishing town of Tortuguero, is known for its turtle nesting. At various times of the year, green, hawksbill, loggerhead, and giant leatherback turtles lumber up the beaches here and deposit their eggs for safe keeping. In the park you may see freshwater turtles, crocodiles, manatees, tapirs, jaguars, anteaters, ocelots, howler monkeys, and other animals.