Short
Description Costa Rica is an exhilarating land of luxuriant rainforests and mighty volcanoes, of natural hot springs and shimmering oceans, of colonial charm and captivating nightlife. The ultimate delight of Costa Rica is its people.
Destination
Highlights Arenal and Monteverde highlights include: Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal, rainforest, hot springs, Monteverde Cloud Forest, butterfly farms just to name a few.
Local
Weather Costa Rica's year round climate is pleasant with naturally occurring breezes, cooling down most of the coastal areas. Temperatures in the highlands and mountains are not so cold, especially during day, producing the feeling of a constant springtime. The average annual temperatures range from 89F on the coast to 62F inland. The rainy or green season lasts from May to December with noticeably drier days during the rest of the year.
Other
Destinations
Description Costa Rica is a major vacation and adventure-travel destination. Despite the boom in vacationers, Costa Rica remains a place rich in natural wonders and biodiversity, far from the maddening crowds. Here you can still find unsullied beaches that stretch for miles, small lodgings that haven't attracted hordes of tourists, jungle rivers for rafting and kayaking, and spectacular cloud and rainforests with ample opportunities for bird-watching and hiking. In addition to the country's trademark eco- and adventure tourism offerings, recent years have seen the opening of a handful of large luxury resorts and golf courses.
The Arenal and Monteverde areas of Costa Rica offer experiences found no place else. Relax in hot springs fed by an active volcano, explore the flora and fauna of the rainforest, see the world from, literally, above the clouds in the Monteverde Cloud Forest or enjoy a rejuvenating spa treatment utlizing the healing elements of the theraputic waters of the area.
Local Information The local currency of Costa Rica is the Colon. While US dollars are accepted it is best to exchange some dollars for the local currency either at a Currency Exchange House or your hotel. Note that there are fees involved when exchanging currency and those fees vary from location to location. ATMs are available in a few locations in San Jose but their availability is nearly non existant in areas outside of the city. Be aware that if you driving within the country all tolls are payable only in local currency.
Airport
Information The international airport in San Jose is Juan Santamara and is approximately 12.5 miles from the city. Daily flights arrive from gateways all over Europe, North America and the Latin America. In the province of Guanacaste, Liberia's Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport is home to an increasing number of international daily flights and is a better option for those staying on the west coast of the country.
Entry
Requirements A valid passport and return ticket are required of visitors with citizenship in the United States. Non-U.S. citizens should contact the airline they are traveling on, or their local consulate regarding the specific entry requirements that apply to their nationality.
