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Costa Rica Map with Cities, Roads, and Rivers
Costa Rica is located in Central America. Costa Rica is bordered by the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, Nicaragua to the north, and Panama to the south.
In fact, it is on the Central American isthmus that connects North America and South America. Geographically speaking, it is part of North America while its cultural heritage is Latin American. Costa Rica is bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south and east.
The main airport is the Juan Santamaria International Airport, located in Alajuela. This airport is only twenty minutes away from San José.
The whole country is adequately connected by internal infrastructure. The main artery is the Interamerican Highway, which connects the two borders from Peñas Blancas all the way to Paso Canoas.
There are some important water passages in the country.
The official language spoken in Costa Rica is Spanish. About 10.7% of Costa Rica's adult population (18 or older) also speaks English, 0.7% French, and 0.3% speaks Portuguese or German as a second language. Mennonite immigrants to the country also speak Plautdietsch.
Costa Rican Colón (plural colones) (¢)
How to Use Costa Rican Currency. Costa Rica's national currency is known as the colón (plural: colones), but dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas and other places around the country. But should you pay in dollars or colones? Where can you get the best exchange rates?
Citizens of the first group of countries do not require a Costa Rica visa. They must have a valid passport with at least one day left and arrive in Costa Rica with a return ticket proving they will leave the country within the tourist visa period, usually granted for 90 days upon arrival in Costa Rica.
US passport must be valid for a minimum of one day from the day you enter Costa Rica. As a tourist US nationals cannot stay more than 90 days.
97% of the national territory has electric power. Residential voltage is 110V.
Currently the CDC does not recommend a malaria vaccine before you travel to Costa Rica. No immunizations, shots or vaccinations are required to enter Costa Rica from North America or Europe. ... Most tourist destinations do not come with a high risk of dengue or malaria.
CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
The general emergency number 911is available throughout the country. Dialing 911 enables you to connect with medical, ambulance, police and fire services.
In the event that you need an ambulance, dial 128, and call 118 to report a fire. In the event that you must contact the United States Embassy after hours for an emergency situation, such as a death or an arrest, call 506-8863-4895 in Costa Rica or 011-506-8863-4895 from the United States.
When to visit
Best time to visit the destination
The best time to visit Costa Rica is from mid-December to April (the dry season). This peak tourist season boasts plenty of sunshine making it an ideal time for exploring rainforests and lounging on beaches. That said, the dry season is the most popular (and expensive) time to visit.
What to do?
Don’t miss to challenge your world
Journey along the Tortuguero Canals
Tortuguero, on the north east coast of Costa Rica, is impossible to reach by car. You can only travel there by boat. The lack of modern infrastructure means that the region feels wonderfully peaceful and is a haven for an abundance of wildlife.
As you float down the river, you can spot manatees, caimans and crocodiles, as well as sloths and a variety of monkeys hiding out in the trees above you. Tortuguero is also one of the best places in the world to view sea turtles; the nearby beaches are key nesting sites.
View a volcano
Costa Rica is home to several impressive volcanoes, including a handful of active ones. Arenal Volcano is popular, and nearby Poas Volcano boasts the largest crater in the world. Its volcanic vents spew water and steam, and there are also two beautiful lakes near the summit, one a hot water lagoon and the other cold and clear.
Relax on the Osa Peninsula
The Osa Peninsula is blanketed in rainforest and fringed with endless sandy beaches. This is a real slice of tropical paradise, but without the usual crowds that normally flock to such beauty spots. It’s hard to understand how Osa has remained such a well-kept secret all this time.
Swim in a waterfall
Wherever you go in Costa Rica, you will never be far from an impressive waterfall – and half the fun is finding it. Throughout the country there are dedicated walking trails that take you deep into the rainforest or cloud forest to seek out the most impressive falls, where you can usually take a dip or kick back with a picnic.
You ask, we answer
FAQs about Costa Rica
How many days do you need to visit Costa Rica?
Travelers with more than a week to spend in Costa Rica have time to experience much of what makes the country so exceptional, from its many ecosystems and spectacular wildlife to culture, cuisine, and adventure activities.
Should I use dollars or colones in Costa Rica?
In addition to colones, US dollars are widely accepted throughout the country, though it is best to have some local currency to use as well. There are a few different ways to deal with changing money in Costa Rica.
Do you go through customs when leaving Costa Rica?
Leaving Costa Rica- exit requirements. When you leave Costa Rica by air, you will have to pay an departure tax. You pay this at the airports when you leave.
Can you drink the tap water in Costa Rica?
Tap water in Costa Rica is drinkable and, in many areas of the country, quite good. However, if you have a sensitive stomach, it's recommended to refrain from drinking the tap water in most beach destinations. To play it safe, visit any supermarket and buy bottled water.
Where is the clearest water in Costa Rica?
Unless a big hurricane swell moves in, Manzanillo to almost Punta Mona on the south Caribbean coast will offer the clearest waters in Costa Rica for the next few months. For the rest of the year, the clear is to be found offshore in the Pacific.
How much money do I need per day in Costa Rica?
Budget travelers can survive on around $30 – $50 USD per day. Costa Rica's unit of currency is the Colon (520 – 550 colones / $1 USD). While US dollars are widely accepted, changing your currency to colones is recommended to avoid overpaying for things in dollars.
Is there a hurricane season in Costa Rica?
Fortunately for us, Costa Rica is below the hurricane belt. So while you can expect to have afternoon showers if you're visiting the Caribbean Coast in September and October, peak hurricane season for the Caribbean islands, you really don't need to worry about hurricanes.
Can I use my debit card in Costa Rica?
Bank or debit cards in an ATM are the recommended way to access your funds while traveling in Costa Rica. ... Debit and Bank cards are convenient, safe and quick. You'll generally pay between 0 and 1% exchange commission, plus flat fees of $US 1-3 per transaction.