Overview
Costa Rica is a Central American jewel of many facets...its natural attractions, wildlife and enlightened
attitude toward conservation make it an international destination for people who value the beauty
of earth's resources.
Bordering on both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Costa Rica is home to some of the region's finest
surfing, beaches, and adventure available. The central Pacific region, home to The el Coquito Condo Hotel,
offers postcard views of sunsets over sandy beaches and rocky coastlines, people-sized big game fish,
ruggedly beautiful rainforests and frothy, swirling waves, large and small, ridden by surfers of all abilities.
Costa Rican climate and terrain
Year-round climate is tropically pleasant with naturally occurring breezes that gently cool the country's
beautiful coastal areas. The highland and mountain regions are warm by day and brisk at night, providing
an atmosphere of year-round springtime.
Average annual temperatures range from 89° F (31.7°C) in coastal areas to 62°F (16.7°C) inland. The "green season"
or rainy season lasts from May to December with noticeably dryer days the rest of the year.
High Season: November through Mid-April
Low Season: May through October
For sake of comparison, Costa Rica is approximately half the land size of Kentucky. Rugged highlands are found
throughout most of the country with several active volcanoes. The relatively long coastlines as well as a number
of rivers and streams attract expert kayakers and rafters.
Culture and diversity
The people native to Costa Rica, known as Ticos, have carved an oasis of relative well-being through their good
humor, vision, ingenuity, public debate and good fortune. A majority of the country's 3.3 million inhabitants
are of Spanish decent, many families originated from other parts of Europe, Asia, Africa and Central America.
Wildlife is equally diverse. Long a destination for birding enthusiasts, biology scholars, and nature lovers
in general, the country is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including scarlet macaws, hummingbirds,
toucans, and such rarities as sloths, leaf-cutter ants, quetzals, monkeys (both wild and semi-tame) and much more.
You'll also find a "biologically intense" assortment of exotic flowers and trees.
Things to do
· White Water Rafting
· Deep Sea Sports Fishing
· Canopy Tours
· Mountain Biking
· Surfing
· Nature Hiking Tours
· Bird Watching
· Mountain Stream Fly Fishing
· Horseback Riding
· 4-Wheel ATV
· 4-Wheel SUV
· Swimming at Exotic Beaches
· Camping
· Volcano Tours
· Hot Springs
· Private Plane Rides
· Shopping
· Nightlife
Government, healthcare and education
Costa Rica is a diplomatic, peaceful country with no standing military. The current President is Abel Pacheco, who was elected
in a runoff in April of 2002. The country has been fortunate never to have had a single war or major political turmoil.
With an impressive public healthcare system and strong emphasis on education, Costa Rica has been successful in creating a
happy affluent culture. Healthcare in Costa Rica is excellent with several ultra-modern hospitals and English speaking
doctors in the greater San José area.
The growing Costa Rican economy
Costa Rica's agricultural-based economy is built around several key crops. Coffee has historically been the country's most
important crop and Costa Rica still produces some of the finest in the world. Bananas are the second most important crop
export, with vast plantations in the Caribbean lowlands.
Pineapples, sugar, oranges, rice, hardwoods and ornamental plants, as well as beef and dairy products are significant
contributors to the country's economic well-being.
Show Me the Money...Costa Rican Currency
The local currency is on a fixed devaluation schedule with the US dollar, so you'll get the best exchange rates if you bring US
dollars to exchange for the local colones. Money can be exchanged at any local bank, or at most upscale hotels if you are a guest.
You can also get foreign currency with your ATM card.
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