Geography

Even though Costa Rica is a small country, it has great biological and habitat diversity due to the convergence of two hemispheres, two oceans, and its varying geography.

Mountains

This creates wonderful changing views for travelers. There is a chain of mountains that forms a back- bone down the length of Costa Rica. It starts in the north with the Guanacaste "Cordillera" (mountain range), continues with the Tilaran Cordillera (location of Monteverde and Arenal), the Central Cordillera (Irazu, Poas, Braulio Carrillo), and finishes with the southern Talamanca Cordillera (the highest in the country).

Coastlines & Harbours

While the Pacific coastline is almost 780 miles (1,254 km), the Caribbean is only 132 miles (212 km). Hilly peninsulas are settled in the Pacific coast. There are two large gulfs, and many small coves and bays. Two major commercial ports are located in the Pacific: Puntarenas and Puerto Caldera. On the Caribbean, there is a natural harbor in the Moin - Limon area. It is the largest area of lowland plains (about one-fifth of Costa Rica), which stretches back from the northern coastline almost to Limon.

Temperature, Rainfall & Seasons

Costa Rica lies in the tropics between 8 and 11 degrees north of the equator. You might expect moderate temperatures, but the rugged mountain chain's creates many microclimates. Most people are surprised to learn that frost and ice can occur on some of the loftier peaks, such as Chirripo. Temperatures are somewhat higher on the Pacific side than on the Caribbean (at the same elevation) because there are more clouds on the Caribbean watershed year-round. At sea level on either side, the annual average is always above 75°F (24°C). Some of the highest peaks average 54°F (12°C), though temperatures there can fall below freezing. There's no spring or fall in Costa Rica. The seasons are called verano (summer) and invierno (winter), although they're more likely to be a dry season (from December to April) and a rainy season (from May to November). Difference in daily temperatures averages 14°F to 18°F (8°C to 10°C). From November to January, there are cold breezes from the north funnel and through the mountains of North America, causing a little down in temperature. This is one of the few countries in the world in which polar air gets this close to the equator. The warmest months are March, April, and May, and the wettest months are September and October. Rainfall amounts vary from less than 59 inches (1500mm) to more than 190 inches (4800mm) during these months. The country's average rainfall pattern is in the range of 79 to 158 inches (2,000 to 4,000 mm). Precipitation can come in the form of a tropical downpour with impressive lightning and thunder (aguacero), steady rain, or the less common, a continuous light rain for several days (temporal). Even in the rainy season, rain will not fall during the whole day, every day. It usually begins in early afternoon in the Central Valleyand other highland areas, but later in the afternoon in the Pacific lowlands. Each season has its own beauty and unique characteristics. In wetter times the flora is profuse, with a vibrant life that gets into the soul. In the dry season the background is perfect for orchids, bougainvilleas, reina de la noche (queen of the night), as well as for colorful trees that flower only then. Costa Rica can boast that it is the country with the highest percentage (25%) of its territory designated as protected areas: Forest Reserves, Biological Reserves, Nature Shelters, and of course, National Parks. These is another of the good reasons why many Europeans and North Americans, further than coming to travel, have made this land their home, being nowadays around 1% of the Costa Rican population.

Location

Costa Rica is located within the following geographic coordinate system: 8° 03' - 11 ° 13' north latitude and 82” 32' - 85° 57’ west longitude. Including its insular area has an extension of 51,100 km2. Costa Rica, next to Belize and El Salvador, is one of the smallest republics of Central America. It limits in the north with Nicaragua, in the south with Panama, in the east with the Caribbean Sea and the west with the Pacific Ocean. The length of the seaboard comprises 1,228 km, of which 1,016 km are in the Pacific coast and 212 km in the Caribbean side. The pacific coast presents a series of irregularities like peninsulas, gulfs and bays. This circumstance facilitates the establishment of harbor zones and tourist development. On the other side, the coast of the Caribbean is regular, but inappropriate for this type of facilities. Since its origins as an isthmus territory, it has been a biological bridge where species of flora and fauna coexist. They belong to the NeArctic, the Neotropic and some of the West Indies regions. Due to this biodiversity some life zones have existed, including coastal landscapes at the sea level and also some desert landscapes on the 3,000 altitude meters. The biodiversity allows the country to have an internal study of about 360 different species of reptiles and amphibious (150 amphibians and 210 reptiles), approximately 850 species of birds (625 nest and 225 are migratory), more then 205 species of mammals, inclusing bats and other non- flying mammals.

Area

51,100 sq km (19,929 square miles)

Geographic Division

Costa Rica is divided into the following seven provinces (States): Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste,Heredia, Limón, Puntarenas, & San José (Capital City). Here, geography constricts a breathtaking amount of plant and animal life within a modest area of 19,563 square miles (50,900 sq. km), an area comparable in size to Denmark or West Virginia. Within this diminutive nation is found an astonishing five percent of the world's biodiversity, including more than 800 species of ferns, 1,000 of orchids, 2,000 kinds of trees, and 200 species of mammals. Both coastlines of Costa Rica have an abundance of beaches, though the Pacific strands are generally both less developed and less spacious. Between the coasts, the interior of the country is shaped by four cordilleras, or mountain ranges, which run from North to South. The capital, San Jose, rests roughly in the nation's center, settled within a highland valley. Cascading down to the Caribbean from the central mountains are Costa Rica's many great rivers, including the Reventazon. The Pacific side is marked by two broad peninsulas that hook out into the Pacific, the Nicoya and the Osa. It is a geographic curiosity that their shapes are almost identical, the Osa being a smaller rendition of the Nicoya.

Climate

Costa Rica's climate is renowned as an atmospheric treat. Mild subtropical conditions prevail year-round, and discomforting temperature extremes and prolonged periods of gray are practically nonexistent. Temperature varies mainly according to elevation, the higher the cooler. The brunt of the rainy season lasts from May through November, while a brief dry spell pays a visit from February to April. Costa Rica's rain falls mainly on the Caribbean coast, giving the Pacific a much more arid climate.

Language

The most widely spoken language in Costa Rica is Spanish (97% of the population); although there are other native languages used mostly within the indigenous reserves. Many businesses, in and around San Jose, and resorts throughout the country have employees who also speak English.

Electricity

It is 110 volts. Plugs are two pronged without the grounding prong. Currency & Exchange Rate

The Colon (¢1.00) is the national currency of Costa Rica. The exchange rate against the US dollar can vary day by day, which is why we suggest to exchange money at the National Banking System.

Currency & Exchange Rate

Automated Teller Machines (ATM's) can be easily found in most populated areas of Costa Rica. Most international credit cards are accepted throughout the country: Visa, Master Card and American Express.

Tipping

Most restaurants will include a 10% service charge at the bill. Taxi drivers generally do not receive a tip. If you are satisfied with the service you receive, hotel maids, tour guides and drivers would appreciate a tip.