Overview

Though Costa Rica is only about the same size as West Virginia, you'll wonder at its diversity of landscapes including coastal plains, tropical rain forests, mountainous regions, volcanic ranges, and beaches on both the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. From July to October, humpback whales travel to the warm waters of the Costa Rican South Pacific and delight tourists, since they are fairly easy to spot. Animal lovers will also want to visit the country's famed wildlife reserves and walk along the turtle nesting beaches in Toruguero National Park. For shopping, the popular Plaza Esmerelda in San José is a great place to buy souvenirs and locally produced arts and craftworks at fair prices. Keep in mind that the country has no mail delivery or street addresses, so make sure you know where you're going, because getting directions can be difficult.
See how you do at a travel quiz

Travel Facts

Population
4,331,000

Capital
San José

Time Zone
U.S. Central Standard Time Minus 1 Hour

Currency
Colón

Weather
Just eight degrees north of the equator, Costa Rica's climate is tropical year round. Summer runs from December to May and is the main tourist season. Winter, which runs from May to November, brings sunny mornings, afternoon showers, fewer crowds and lower prices.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Costa Rica is home to many museums, art galleries, concert halls and even casinos. The national museum, Museo Nacional, is set in an old fort, riddled by bullet holes put there during the 1948 Civil War. The archaeological room hosts old Indian artifacts and hand-made pottery. Art lovers will want to see The Museo de Arte Costarricense in Sabana Urban Park. Some of the finest Costa Rican art is presented in the collections there and seeing the incredible architecture of the building alone is worth the trip. At The Museo de arte contemporaneo (contemporary art), the exhibits vary, and you can usually see wonderful dance and theater presentations in the auditoriums. Looking for a little nightlife? In Costa Rica, it can be found in San José. Locals enjoy gathering downtown at El Pueblo, a mix of more than 100 bars, clubs, restaurants, galleries and shops. Here you can enjoy a walk along the picturesque cobblestone streets in search of live music and mariachis before stepping into a restaurant to savor some of the local cuisine.

Restaurant and Cuisine Listings

Donde Carlos, San Jose
Reasonable prices and huge portions have made this Argentinean Steakhouse a tourist favorite. Hearty steaks and fresh fish are prepared on their wood-burning grill and can be enjoyed on the delightful outdoor patio on the second floor.

Café La Bohemia, San Jose
Featuring crepes, quiches, and pasta, Café La Bohemia provides an elegant dining experience with marble-topped tables and waiters who dressed to impress. The coffee and desserts are delectable so this is definitely one of those times you'll want to indulge!

Vishnu, San Jose
Central American's love their meat dishes, but Vishnu is a haven for vegetarians. Delicious bean burgers and tasty cheese sandwiches are menu staples here. You can even buy natural cosmetics at the counter.

Culture & Heritage

Costa Rica is the point where the Mesoamerican and South American native cultures met. The Nicoya peninsula was the southernmost point of Nahuatl cultural influence when the Spanish conquistadors came in the sixteenth century. The indigenous people have had little influence on modern Costa Rican culture, as their population decreased drastically at the hands of the Spaniards. Conversely, Costa Rican traditions and culture have retained a strong degree of Spanish influence. The natives are generally warm and friendly and you're likely to hear the phrase "Pura Vida" (Pure Life) used when saying hello or goodbye as the people in Costa Rica value the ideal of living in a quiet, unclustered manner.

Famous Costa Ricans – Spotlight on Oscar Arias Sanchez

In May of 1986, Oscar met with the Presidents of Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras to help mediate and facilitate a peaceful solution to the region's ongoing political disputes. His efforts were awarded with a Nobel Peace Prize, and he went on to become Costa Rica's President.