Travel

Costa Rica, is seen as an exceptional example of political stability and sometimes referred to as the Switzerland of Latin America. Costa Rica has the most diverse environment relative to it size in the entire world while covering only 0.01% of the surface of the Earth and containing five percent of the planet s plant and animal species.

With 850 species of bird, 209 mammal species, 13,000 plant species (including 1,500 trees and 1,400 orchids), 220 species of reptile and 163 species of amphibians. Costa Rica also has the highest percentage of protected land in the world so seeing wildlife in it natural environment is only a question of will (Fenell and Eagles). Costa Rica has preserved these lands and natural habitats in such a way that they are more accessible to tourists than those of any other country in the region (Budowski, 1993).

Costa Rica has developed an image at the international level as an ecological tourism destination. The international magazine ‘Recommend’, edited in London has named Costa Rica the best Tropical Eco-Destination in the World five consecutive years. Costa Rica is also so small, that a large variety of activities can be carried out in a relatively short period of time. In a few hours tourists may go from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, and in a few days they can visit forests, beaches, national parks, and other diverse attractions.

Costa Rica Travel Essentials

Travelling in Costa Rica takes you to a land where you will witness some of the world s greatest biodiversity. Along with this you will also experience varying climatic regions and temperature ranges. Visiting more than one area will require you to carry a variety of clothing and other essentials. In order to ensure successful travel endurance, here is a list of specific things that you will want to have with you while visiting popular travel locations.

Costa Rica is located between 8° and 11° north of the equator so the sun is hot and the UV rays intense, especially around midday. Wearing a hat and sunscreen or simply staying out of the sun between 11:00am and 2:30pm is very important. The safest time for laying out tanning is in the early morning, from about 8:30am - 11:00am, and it is quite effective even then.

The country is located within a Tropical Zone well known for its “Tropical Rain Forests”. Therefore, you can expect it to rain while you’re visiting. Average rainfall per annum ranges from the Caribbean Coast to the Pacific Coast as well as from north to south. The highest annual rainfall is on the north eastern slopes of the Central Cordillera Mountains with of over 5,000 mm per year! Mornings are usually sunny throughout the country, but rain clouds move in quickly in the afternoon. What you need is a lightweight rain jacket that you can carry with you at all times. An umbrella would also be helpful but a little more annoying to carry around. In case you do get wet, the humidity here makes it hard for clothes to dry indoors so try to stick with light, quick drying materials, but laundry facilities equipped with dryers are available in most towns.

Outdoor adventuring and Eco-tourism are among the most popular attractions in Costa Rica. Hiking shoes can sometimes be too hot, and they are quite bulky to bring down here with you. Tennis shoes or other comfortable walking shoes are a better choice. However, do not bring your favourite pair of Jordans because they will get muddy and the volcanic clay can stain light coloured material. Don’t forget your binoculars and maybe a field guide to identify the varieties of birds and other wildlife you will encounter here! Oh, and bug spray.

River rafting and river kayaking is popular in the Sarapiqui Valley. Water shoes or durable, strapped on sandals would be effective, along with a water proof camera that you can secure to yourself while traversing wild rapids.

If you are going to visit regions of high elevation, above 1600m (5200 ft), be prepared with some warmer clothing. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, for example, is a part of this region. The altitude in combination with the mist causes temperatures to be fairly cool.

On the Northern Pacific coast, in Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula, there is less rainfall and tons of surf. Sarongs, flip flops, bikini, and a board will definitely be required here.

Costa Rica Entry and Customs

A passport is required to get into Costa Rica. Citizens of the US, Canada, Great Britain, and most other European nations can stay as a tourist for 90 days. Citizens of New Zealand, Ireland, and Australia may stay for 30 days but may have the option to extend their stay once in the country. If you want to stay longer than the normal allowable time the easiest thing to do is to cross into Panama or Nicaragua for at least 72 hours. Then you may re-enter the country on another tourist visa. Although there are some people who have used this method to stay in Costa Rica for as long as 15-20 years be warned there are rumors that the government may be cracking down on long-term tourists to reciprocate for tightening border policies in the US. The worst case scenario is that you would be denied re-entry.

People entering Costa Rica are officially allowed to bring 5 liters of liquor and 500 grams of tobacco. $500 US of merchandise may be brought in. Cameras, computers, and electronic equipment for personal use are permitted duty-free but bringing in more than one or two of any of these items may draw suspicion. Luggage is rarely checked upon entry.

Returning US citizens may bring back $800 worth of merchandise once every 30 days duty-free. Anything over that limit will be charged duty. For mailed goods this limit is $200.