| The fact that more than one million tourists visit Costa Rica each year does not happen by chance. Our country, located in Central America, is a place where life seems to have created its roots. Covering only 0.03% of the surface of our planet, Costa Rica has approximately 6% of the world's biodiversity. In addition, Costa Rica is characterized by an impressive scenic beauty, consolidated system of protected areas, social and political stability, high educational levels, and efficient infrastructure and services. All these characteristics you can find in a territory of only 51 thousand square kilometers, surrounded by both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, only three to four hours away from each other by land or 45 minutes by air. The country's strategic position, in the heart of the western hemisphere, the Government's positive attitude towards foreign investment, its infrastructure, access to international markets, and labor quality and cost, make Costa Rica an ideal place to establish commercial operations. Costa Rican culture is in many ways a reflection of its racial diversity. The predominant influence has long been European, which is reflected in everything from the official language -- Spanish -- to the architecture of the country’s churches and other historic buildings. The indigenous influence is less visible, but can be found in everything from the tortillas that make part of a typical Costa Rican meal, to the handmade ceramics sold at roadside stands. An important aspect of Costa Rica’s cultural legacy is their love for peace and democracy. The Ticos like to stand out that their nation is the exception in Latin America, where military dictatorships have long dominated politics. They take pride in having more than one hundred years of democratic tradition, and almost half a century without an army. The army was abolished in 1948, and the money the country saves by not expending in military issues is invested in improving the Costa Ricans’ standard of living, which has fostered a culture of social peace that makes it such a pleasant place to live. |
The Northern Pacific
The Northern Pacific and Peninsula Nicoya areas are located in the Province of Guanacaste. It is mainly famous for its beaches and is also called The Gold Coast of Costa Rica. This area includes the famous beaches of Conchal, Langosta, Flamingo, Tamarindo, Sámara, Hermosa, Papagayo Gulf, El Coco, Brasilito, Ocotal and many more.
Aside from cattle ranches, the Northern Pacific Region has semiactive volcanos, all protected in National Parks, lakes, and one of the last tropical dry forests left in Central America.
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The Central Pacific
South of Puntarenas down to Quepos / Manuel Antonio National Park, the Central Pacific Region stretches along the Pacific coast line, forming the transitional zone between tropical dry forest and evergreen humid and rain forest. The region offers beaches that are excellent as well as a diverse mixture of other attractions.
Quepos is a quaint village that offers adventure and good amenities. It has a natural, relaxed village lifestyle and is surrounded by the beauty of Manuel Antonio National Park. Manuel Antonio is one of the most beautiful beach and jungle areas of Costa Rica. The seas contain numerous dolphins and at times, migrating whales are sighted.
One hour drive from Quepos is Jaco and Herradura bay. Jaco is famous for its beaches, surfing and nightlife. Because of the attractions, it attracts a lot of the younger population.
Driving South, you can find lots of deserted beaches, wildlife and small coastal towns.
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The Southern Pacific
The South Pacific region of Costa Rica is known for its biological diversity, natural beauty and complex ecosystems. National Geographic magazine called the area "the most biologically intense place on earth".
The "Peninsula de Osa" is located at the extreme south western corner of the country. The Osa Peninsula, is one of the planet's most spectacular areas. The Peninsula is bordered on all sides by water.
The Osa is home to Corcovado National Park, considered by many to be the crown jewel of Costa Rica's National Park system. With over 100,000 acres in National Preserve, including he Golfo Dulce Wildlife Preserve, with more than 200,000 acres in private ownership, many endangered animal and plant species thrive here. The Corcovado is a naturalist's paradise.
Nine of the most important national parks and protected areas, and half of the nature reserves in Costa Rica are located here. The coast is beautifully forested and lined with almost perfect beaches. Surfing, tanning, horseback riding and many other options are available.
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The Central Valley
Comprised of the provinces of San José, Heredia, Cartago and Alajuela is the smallest region in Costa Rica though the one with the highest population.
The majority of people live in San Jose, Costa Rica's capital city. San Jose is where Costa Rica's banking system, larger hospital, universities, museums and the theaters are concentrated.
San Jose offers many interesting attractions to entertain visitors. There are several museums; the National Theater, a centennial architectural jewel depicting the cultural level of this society, churches, parks, and an active nightlife.
San Jose is the perfect gateway to access not only the Central Valley but the entire country as well.
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The Caribbean Region
This region is located between the coast of the Caribbean Sea and the borders of Nicaragua and Panama. The Caribbean coast runs 200 kilometers between Nicaragua and Panama and extends inland as far as Braulio Carrillo National Park and narrows in the south where the Talamanca mountain range turns toward the coast.
The Caribbean coast offers world-class fishing, bird watching, horseback riding and all types of water activities including white-water rafting, ocean and river kayaking, surfing, diving and snorkeling. The Caribbean region has a vastly different culture to the rest of Costa Rica. Life here is a mixture of influences where the Indigenous heritage combines with African, Oriental and Spanish culture offering an enchanting combination reflected in the spicy foods, language and dance.
The city of Limon is capital of the province of the same name and marks the border between the north and the south. The city is the main port of access to the country on this coast and one of the preferred destinations for cruise ships navigating the Caribbean. The number of parks in the area make Limón a good base for travel up and down the coast.
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The Northern Region
Located north of San José, between Guanacaste province on the west and the Caribbean coast on the east, the Northern Zone is home to the world's most abundant diversity of flora and fauna.
Here you will find rainforests, cloud forests, rivers, lakes, hot springs, marshes, and an incredible variety of birds and other wildlife. Lake Arenal is one of the best windsurfing spots in the world. It's also the location of Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica's most active volcano.
For a trip into the mountains, the Monteverde Preserve is one of the more successful biological sanctuaries in the world. Comprised of over 10,500 hectares of land, more than 90% virgin forest, the area has over 2,500 plant species, 100 species of mammals, 400 bird species, 120 reptilian and amphibian species, and 1000's of insects.
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge is of interest particularly to bird-watchers, and nature lovers, as it has a large population of endangered mammals, including jaguars, tapirs, and ocelots. The Rio Frio, cuts through the wildlife refuge & makes a perfect waterway for guided boat tours into Caño Negro.
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