Attractions & Activities in Costa Rica

Periodic surveys in Costa Rica consistently ranks the top five most popular tourist activities, according to participation level, as Sun and Beaches (54.5%), Flora and Fauna Observation (43.5%), Volcano Visits (42.9%), Hiking (40.7%) and Birdwatching (30.1%). With... more

In Costa Rica, more than 27% of the nation’s territory falls within the ‘Protected Areas System,’ providing a sanctuary for the greatest density of flora and fauna species in the world. Known as the greenest country on earth, Costa Rica is home to more than... more

Costa Rica’s official currency is the colón, or colónes in plural. Costa Rican coins range from 5c to 500c and Costa Rican notes come in 1000c, 2000c, 5000c and 10,000c bills.

Although U.S. dollars are widely accepted by the travel trades, visitors are advised to... more

Majority of inbound flights arrive at the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in the outskirt of Alajuela, about 20 minutes’ drive from the capital city of San José. Vacationers who are planning to head straight for the beaches of Guanacaste will be... more

Costa Rica boasts an interesting variety of micro climates and topography. The central mountain range, running from the northwest to the southeast of the country, includes four volcanic formations: Central, Guanacaste, Tilaran, and Talamanca, which surround the... more

Ticos, as Costa Ricans are called, are renowned for their gregarious nature, which is especially apparent during the numerous fiestas, street fairs and carnivals celebrated throughout the year in all parts of the nation. From a Saint’s day to the harvesting of... more

Costa Rican Spanish is extremely polite and often formal. To keep up with local custom, some key words to learn are: "Gracias" (thank you), "Por favor" (please), "Buenos dias" (good morning) and “Buenas tarde” (goof afternoon), and when you meet someone for the first... more

Aside from its near-perfect weather, biodiversity and ceaseless natural beauty, Costa Rica also possesses a great attraction in its people.

Ticos, as Costa Ricans are fondly called, are renowned for their gregarious nature, which is especially apparent during the... more

The following information was jointly published by the Costa Rica Tourist Board and the Police Force.

TIPS FOR HAVING A GREAT AND SAFE VACATION IN COSTA RICA

* Your passport is very important: take good care of it! Always carry a copy of your passport and keep the original... more

In Costa Rica businesses come and go and what is here today is gone tomorrow, especially in small and fast growing townships and communities. Through 2010 we will endeavor to record all that we see as we roam through some of the main tourist hotspots to bring... more

Costa Rica’s beaches, volcanoes, rainforests and national parks provide endless inspiration for tour organizers to create a wide array of tours and excursions which make it possible for tourists and visitors to enjoy and appreciate the best that Costa Rica has to... more