Information About Traveling in Costa Rica
Now I know the difference between a tourist and a traveler. We arrived, had an instant new friend, and we set off to see his country, with all the good and all the bad. We learned a lot about the Third World, and how making money comes at the cost of losing the pleasures of close families and a simpler life. (Serendipity guide) Alvarito brought us into his world, and we didn't want to leave. — Michael M., Fairfax, VA, November, 2006
Our tiny country (see map) , the size of West Virginia, with a population of 4 million, is famous for its tremendous bio diversity. Tourism, especially eco-tourism, is the largest industry. It is famous for its volcanos and its rain forests. But what makes Costa Rica really outstanding is the people who inhabit it and the priorities Costa Ricans have set for themselves.
Costa Rica is the world’s only unilaterally pacifist country. This strongly influences the Costa Ricans' view of the world: Costa Ricans are a free people, not afraid to speak up, to demand basic human rights for everyone, without fear of reprisals. It has a free press. It is a free, classless society, composed largely of 1900-1970 European immigrants intermarried with the original Spanish settlers. Land ownership is spread widely. There is a large (and growing) middle class. These demographic characteristics are very similar to the formula that made the U.S. so great.
Costa Rica’s vital statistics bear out the commitment to the people: Costa Rica has the highest literacy rate, the lowest infant mortality rate and the longest life expectancy in all of Latin America. The National Health system really works, as does the public and private school system. In 1987, when then-president Oscar Arias received the Nobel Peace Prize, he accepted “on behalf of my country, to whom this award is truly presented.”
Traveling around Costa Rica is not as easy as traveling in Europe or the USA. Whether you're traveling on your own, or going on a fully guided Serendipity trip, there are a few things you'll want to know about Costa Rica before you arrive.
Innoculations and Medicine
No immunizations are required to enter Costa Rica, but some are recommended. Make sure you know what innoculations to get before you go to Costa Rica.
Documents for Entering Costa Rica
You'll need a passport to enter Costa Rica, regardless of your citizenship.
Getting through Customs and Immigration
Customs and immigration are simple, but here are a few tips to make it go smoothly.
Currency
Exchanging money is not as easy as in many countries. We have some advice on how to make sure you have the right cash.
Road Travel
What you need to know to travel some of the world's worst roads.
Phones
How can you communicate with others while you're in Costa Rica.
Water and Electricity
Showers in Costa Rica will be unlike anything you've ever seen in the U.S. and will require some education to obtain a safe and comfortable temperature.
Time Zone
Costa Rica's time zone is GMT -6, with no daylight savings time. Therefore, the time in Costa Rica relative to the U.S. depends on the time of year.
Weather and Climate
Costa Rica's climate depends on whether you are in the mountains or at the beach, and which coast you are on.
Snakes
Costa Rica is home to a number of beautiful snakes.
Crime and Safety
Like any country, Costa Rica has crime, but a little common sense goes a long way to avoiding it.
Volcanos
Costa Rica is filled with volcanos. Most are dormant, but a few are spectacularly active.
Rainforest and Cloud Forest
Monte Verde is the most famous forest in Costa Rica, but more intimate cloud forests abound and there's ample opportunity to experience rainforests as well.
Hot Springs
There are quite a few hot springs in Costa Rica, and they vary in style from casual to posh.
