Multicolored beaches, shady and deserted, crystal blue waters, lush tropical forest, curious and wild flora and fauna, splendid and virgin uncontaminated National Parks, impetuous streams and charming rivers, virgin forests and spectacular volcanoes all within a touch of safe adventure: these are the extraordinary ingredients of the fabulous cocktail named Costa Rica.

Or as our Costa Rica Chamber of Tourism says... Costa Rica, No Artificial Ingredients.

Costa Rica represents a destination unique in the world, capable of offering, in the smallest geography territory known, the greatest amount of riches no other country has. There are many different climates and landscapes to be seen in only a few hours, Tropical Rain Forest in the Caribbean, Tropical Dry Forest in the North and Central Pacific Coast, South Pacific Tropical Rain Forest in the South Pacific, Paramo and High Mountain Cloud Forest in the Central Mountain Range that splits the country in two, bizarre Volcanic scenes and Central Valley and Sub Mountainous Forest in the Central Valley.

Rivers and estuaries, swamps and Mangroves, the Pacific only four hours from the Caribbean... the attractions are simply immense.

Very few are the countries in the planet that were capable to undertake the precious actions as Costa Rica did, aimed at preserving the invaluable treasure of its natural resources.

In the country the flowing species find protection:

13000 varieties of plants
( More that Canada and U.S.A together )

3000 species of Butterflies
237 species of mammals
848 species of birds among 383
known species of reptiles and amphibians.

The wide biodiversity, typical of the Costa Rica Territory, also affects the people... In fact, people of different colors and credos live together- here - in total reciprocal respect.

Such an evident tolerant inclination in the nature of Costa Ricans has turned him into an amiable, spontaneous and obliging person, friendly and self-assured, gifted with a strong national pride...Smiles are sincere in Costa Rica and a special cordiality radiates from people's faces, so difficult to be found in other places of the world.

Costa Rica is also one of the oldest Democracies of America enjoying today such political stability that earned the country the Name " The Switzerland of the Americas "Peace and perpetual neutrality are based on courageous convictions, to the extent that the country has no army, that being prohibited by its constitution.

Principal industries: Tourism, coffee, bananas

Costa Rica Fast Facts

Name: Republic of Costa Rica
Location: Central America, south of Nicaragua and North of Panama
Capital: San Jose
Area: 50,660 km sq (about the size of the U.S. state of West Virginia)
Population: 4 million (2000 estimation)

Travel Information
Costa Rica Travel Tips and Advice

by ICT Tourism Board

" Give the Tourist a Hand " The Costaricans aare extremely friendly and helpful

Custom regulations

No customs duties are charged on personal luggage, which includes a series of items for personal, professional, non-commercial use. Costa Rican laws require checked luggage to be screened and travelers to fill out customs declarations declaring the value of any item in their possession, including fruits, vegetables, meat and by- products, biological products such as vaccinations, serums, etc. The head of a family may make a joint declaration for all members residing in the same household and traveling together to Costa Rica.

Travel Tips and Information

By Instituto de Turismo www.visitcostarica.com

Entry Requirements

Citizens holding valid passports from the following countries are permitted to stay in Costa Rica for 90 days without a visa:

Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France and Germany dependencies, Greece, Holland and dependencies, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, United Kingdom, United States of America, Czech Republic and Uruguay.

Citizens holding valid passports from the following countries are exempt from all visa requirements for stays of 30 days in Costa Rica, though once inside the country, they can apply for extension from the Immigration office, for an authorized period of stay of 90 days:

Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Chile, Dominica, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia, Saint Kitts/Nevis, San Marino, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Suriname, Taiwan, Turkey, The Vatican, Venezuela, Estonia and Monaco.

Citizens of all countries not listed above are required a visa from a Costa Rican embassy or consulate before traveling.

Custom regulations

No customs duties are charged on personal luggage, which includes a series of items for personal, professional, non-commercial use. Costa Rican laws require checked luggage to be screened and travelers to fill out customs declarations declaring the value of any item in their possession, including fruits, vegetables, meat and by- products, biological products such as vaccinations, serums, etc. The head of a family may make a joint declaration for all members residing in the same household and traveling together to Costa Rica.

Questions about Costa Rica

How to get to Costa Rica? Costa Rica is allready a well known tourism destination, especially for nature lovers and people seeking for uncrowded beaches and wonderful nature. In every Travel Agency in the world or airline office they will know hjow to fly to Costa Rica. There are now 2 International Airports, one located in the center of the country near the capital San Jose and anotherone located in Liberia, the north pacific coast Guanacaste and home to some of the best beaches, national parks and volcanoes there are in the cuntry. Both are known worldwide. Some of the airlines that are currently flying into Costa Rica are

AIR MADRID - DELTA - AMERICAN AIRLINES- CONTINENTAL - GRUPO TACA - NORTHWEST - TH0MAS COOK

Tipping The Tips in service presonell is allready included in a 10 % Service Tax that the staff receives at the end of the day. However, usually you can still tip extra on that. It depends on wether the service was good or bad. However, the people are not expecting a tip from you like in other countries.

Electricity Costa Rica`s electricity is 110 Volts

There a several ways to move around in Costa Rica

Car Rentals - best way to move aropund and save time

Semi Private and Private Mini - Van - You can also hire a Private Guide - Driver Mini - Van to travel around and visit the destinations you want. Also there is a Semi - Private Mini - Van network connecting almostany destination in Costa Rica. Here, you will not have the car at your service, but it is still saver and faster than the public bus.

Plane - If you want to reach a destination fast, there are two airlines ( local ) that combine many destinations in Costa Rica. The important thing is that you will miss the sightseing you could haveon the ground. Also, there are some destinations one can only reach by plane or boat.

Public Buses - There is a large network of public buses in the country. However, you loose much time by traveling in public buses. They are safe and connect the whole country. In almost all the cases, there are direct buses, so you will have to switch buses from town to town.

How can I pay in Costra Rica

The local coin and currency is the Colon ¢.

The major credit cars are accepted: VISA - MASTER CARD - AMERICAN EXPRESS. Also, almost in any place you can still pay in U$ Dollars. Or at the htels, you will be able to chance curecy. If you do so, we recopmmend you to not change too many dollares in colones ¢ since at the end of your trip, you might still have some colones left and you would have to change them back.

Banks

There are many banks , public and private. The opening hours are from MONDAY to FRIDAY from 08:30 - 3:00 P.M. Here you are able to changce dollars, make questions and make and receive wires..

Food and meals

The costarican cuisine is very simple. However, nowadays you basically find all kinds of international restaurants or specialized restaurants from all over the world. Alos, in the hotels and tourist places, the menu is very rich, so there is not need of worrying about weather you are going to like to food or not.

Water

Water in Costa Rica is very clean. Still, we recommend you to buy bottled water at any store or supermarket for the lenth of your stay in Costa Rica.

Medical asistance and hospitals

There are many clinics, hospitals and medical center throuout the country. Most of the staff speaks english, and the people and medical staff as well as the doctors are extremely helpful and will take care of you very good. Also, Costa Rica is a pioneer in medicina among Latina America, so the medical quality is excelente.

Safety Tips

Here and everywhere, enjoy a safer holiday by following these simple tips:

" Decide your destination in advance and make a planned route of travel.

" Always be alert and aware of your surroundings.

" If your car is bumped from behind, do not stop on the roadway or along the roadside. Drive to the nearest public area and call to 911 in search of police assistance.

If someone suspicious approaches your vehicle while you stop at a traffic light or sign, sound the car horn.

" Do not pull over for flashing headlights. A police vehicle and an authorized emergency vehicle are the only ones authorized the display of flashing, rotating red or blue lights.

" If you become lost, try to find a public place, like a service station, in order to read your map or ask for directions.

" If you are told that something is wrong with your vehicle, do not stop immediately. Drive to the nearest service station or to another well lighted public area.

" Keep doors locked and windows shut up when driving, and mainly when the vehicle is parked.

" Goods and valuables should be kept in the trunk, locked glove compartment, or out of sight, whenever traveling or before leaving the vehicle parked.

" Always park in well-lit areas.

" Check the interior of your vehicle and surrounding areas before getting into your vehicle.

" Do not pick up hitchhikers.

" If using an automatic cashier, be sure the area is well lit. Count your money inside your vehicle with the windows shut down.

" Do not leave the keys in your vehicle or your car engine running when using an automatic cashier or public telephone.

" If you suspect that you are being followed, head immediately to the nearest well lit public area and call the police.

" If you must carry a purse or bag, hold it in front of you close to your body. Be sure it is securely closed.

" When encountering a threatening, hostile individual, do not put up any resistance. If all that person wants is your belongings, give them up, they are not worth your life or any serious injury. In case of emergency call 911 from any telephone.

" Pay airport taxes only at authorized places. Taxes are $ 26 per person.

Things you should bring with you on your trip to Costa Rica

Cap or Hat

Tevas or tennis Shoes ( Walking Shoes )

Light cloth

Warm cloth

Camera

Copy of you documents

Extra cloth