History

Christopher Colombus anchored off Uvita Island in front of what is now Limón, Costa Rica, in September 1502 in his fourth exploratory voyage to the Americas. Although he never actually came ashore, he claimed the region the Spanish Crown, himself and his descendents, assuming that the land held vast deposits of precious metals. He baptized the splendorous landmass Costa Rica of Coast of Plenty, but, much to his disappointment, the earth never yield appreciable quantities of gold or silver.

Visitors are now attracted to this Coast of Plenty by Columbus’ first impression, its wealth of natural beauty, its abundance of wildlife, flora and fauna and its famous “eternal springtime” climate.

The Spanish colony lasted for more than 300 years, but on September 15, 1821, Costa Rica and the rest of its Central American sister colonies, declared its independence from Spain. After initially forming part of the Central American Federation, Costa Rica proclaimed itself a free and independent Republic in 1848. It has since enjoyed relative prosperity and political stability, including more than a century of continuous democratic rule.

 Democracy began in Costa Rica in the economic form before it ever became the political choice, when the coffee growing industry was turned over to the middle class country folk, rather the kept in the hands of the wealthy, and overly occupied, cattle rancher elite.

Source: Costa Rica Hotels & Travel Guide

Government

The political system is represented by three powers, which are: The Executive Power, the Legislative Power and the Judicial Power. The Elections Supreme Court is considered the fourth power of the Republic. Every four years national elections are carried out. Among other positions of popular representation, the President of the Republic is elected through direct representation by secret ballot.

Source: ICT

Communications and Technology

“Costa Rica is ranked 3rd in Latin America in the Technology Index for the quality of its environment for innovation, the capacity to receive international technology and export goods with technological content, and the degree of assimilation of new information and telecommunications technologies.” (Global Competitiveness Report 2001). “It is also among the 30 leading exporters of high-tech products,” (Human Development Report, 2001).

Costa Rica has positioned itself as one of the most technologically advanced telecommunications systems in the Latin American region. This position is no coincidence, since Costa Rica’s forward-looking policies in telecommunications have attracted major production investment from corporations such as Intel.

You can dial direct to anywhere in the world from Costa Rica. What’s even better, for credit card and collect calls, an international code connects you with an operator in your country. For your convenience, you can call toll free from the United States and Canada to make the arrangements for your event, since many local companies now have 1-800 numbers. If you prefer the Internet, more and more companies have web pages. To keep in touch with your job when you’re here, you can conduct research or access your own computer files from Costa Rica.

Costa Rica offers all the ingredients for a successful meeting. The majority of hotels offer the latest in audiovisual technology: sound systems, lighting and top-of-the-line projection, or even videoconference via satellite.

Economy

In its 2004 World Investment Report, the UNCTAD classified Costa Rica in 3rd place in Latin America in the reception of FDI per capita.

Main Exports

Electronic components, textiles, bananas, coffee, sugar, medical equipment, pineapples, ornamental plants & foliage, fish and seafood, processed foods.

According to the United Nations’ Human Development Index (HDI) for 2002, Costa Rica is placed in 45th position and in the HDI ratings among developing nations Costa Rica is ranked 4th

National Parks and other protected areas

More than 25.6% of the national territory is protected by the state in addition to 8% protected by private enterprises.

• 25 National Parks
• 8 Biological Reserves
• 58 Wildlife Refuges
• 32 Conservation Areas
• 15 Wetlands

Source: Ministerio MINAE

Holidays

• January 1: - New Year
• April 11: - Juan Santamaría –National Hero
• May 1: Labor Day
• July 25: Guanacaste Annexation Day
• August 15: Mother’s Day
• September 15: Independence Day
• December 25: Christmas Day
• Easter: Holy Thursday and Good Friday (Jueves y Viernes Santo)

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Climate

Foreigners from the north often preface their reasons for living here with “I came for the weather...” The capital, San José, in the mountainous Central Valley, is at an elevation of over 1,160 meters (3,700 ft.) and maintains an average room temperature year round, though nights can be chilly. As elevation drops toward the coasts, the temperature rises into the balmy 80s and 90s. Unlike temperate zones, Costa Rica has two seasons: a green/rainy season (May- Nov) and a dry season (Dec-April). Temperatures are dictated more by elevation and location than by season, ranging from tropical on the coastal plains to temperate in the interior highlands. Temperatures in the Central Valley average in the low 70’s F. (22 C.) year around while coastal temperatures may reach the low 90’s F. (33 C.). Typically, mornings are sunny and afternoons wet during the rainy season, and rain is rare during the dry.

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Transportation

Costa Rica offers a large fleet of late-model motor coaches, deluxe buses, microbuses and vans for any kind of traveling needs. To ensure a comfortable ride, all vehicles have air-conditioning, and the larger coaches are equipped with video monitors and washroom facilities. Most are owned and operated by transportation companies that rent them to local ground operators, although some DMCs have their own fleets (please see services descriptions for each company). You can be sure that in all cases, experienced drivers take passengers to nearly every corner of the country on Costa Rica’s more than 35,000 kilometers of road. VIPs can count on limousine service upon request. Two domestic airlines and a number of charter services, including helicopters, service the country so visitors can make up for lost time and swiftly travel inside the country. This makes any itinerary possible, even if visitors are not staying for long, since these services offer sensible fares and there are airstrips in even the outmost part of the country.

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Airports

Whether arriving from the USA, Canada or Europe, flying to Costa Rica has never been easier! Only two and a half hours from Miami, five hours from Toronto (direct flight), or a ten hour flight from Madrid.

More than a million people travel in Costa Rica every year, and the number is increasing. Most international flights arrive and depart from the Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela, a half-hour drive northwest of San José. The Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, near the northern Pacific coast, has handled a growing number of flights for travelers heading directly to Guanacaste’s beaches.

Costa Rica’s two international airports host 15 international carriers representing 378 weekly flights. What’s all the excitement about? Over the past several years Costa Rica has been chosen by numerous travel industry leaders and publications as the top destination for adventure, sports and honeymoons.

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Airlines

Major US, Canadian and international carriers such as American, Continental, Delta, United Airlines, US Airways, Air Canada, Grupo Taca and Mexicana offer daily flights from hub US and Canadian cities to the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), classified among the best in the world by the International Association of Air Transport in its annual report of passengers surveys. Other international carriers such as Iberia, Air Comet and Condor offer service from Europe with connections via Atlanta, Miami and New York, in addition to the latest direct flights from Madrid to Juan Santamaría Airport a number of days per week.

The Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR) located in the northwest province of Guanacaste, just outside the provincial capital of Liberia, receives regular international flights serviced by American, Delta, Continental, Northwest and Air Canada with non-stop flights from Miami, Atlanta, Houston and Toronto. Additionally, the airport is conveniently near the beach resorts, which continually host mid-size and large groups.

Domestic carriers SANSA and NatureAir both service Liberia's international airport in addition to the smaller domestic airstrips; SANSA flies from Juan Santamaría International Airport and NatureAir from the Tobías Bolaños Airport in nearby Pavas.

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Estimated Flight Time to Costa Rica

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Entry requirements

Most foreigners, including U.S. and Canadian citizens and Western Europeans, need only to present a valid passport that will not expire within 90 days of entry into the country. Costa Rica requires visas from a few countries, however, so check with the embassy in your country or with a travel agent if you are in doubt.

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Vaccinations

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends travelers to Costa Rica and other Central American countries vaccinate themselves against the following diseases at least four to six weeks before their trips: Hepatitis’s A and B, rabies, typhoid and yellow fever.

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What to bring

A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen,a waterproof jacket, a daypack, insect repellent, swimsuit, camera, binoculars for spotting wildlife, a lightweight sweater, pants, shorts, skirts, walking shoes, hiking boots for jungle treks and waterproof sandals. You might want one formal outfit for dinners and outings.

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What to do

The country has honed the eco-tourism enterprise to a fine point. Over 25% of its forests, waterways, beaches and mountains are protected, and owners of tourism businesses are recognizing more clearly their debt to the natural world, and repaying it with local, home-grown conservation projects. Services are already highly developed and improve yearly. Travelers can expect not only a dizzying array of ways to see the wildlife, relax, get pampered, have adventures, and vacation in accommodations as classy or rustic as they can handle, but they can expect safety, informative guides, advanced medical and rescue services and tap water they can drink. There are five-star beach resorts, unique boutique hotels, remote jungle lodges, and quaint bed and breakfasts.

Visitors can see the country from zip lines sliding down sloping steel cables over the tree tops suspended by harnesses, or in aerial trams, by train, airplane, helicopter or on horseback. There are river sports of all kinds, including rafting, kayaking, river boarding; there is windsurfing, sport fishing and SCUBA diving; there are waves from world class surfers’ dreams to small enough for beginners; there are golf courses hedged by forests where golf and bird watching occur side by side, and more. Every region is accessible by plane, boat, bus, chartered transportation service or car, which makes vacations varied and travel times minimal.

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Culture

The Costa Rican love for social values such as democracy, family and patriotism extends right down to creating a culture for loving culture. Whether it is music, arts or political issues, Costa Ricans take pride in excellence, and strive to be the very best around the globe.

Pura Vida is used by everyone on a daily basis. This expression conveys the state of happiness, greeting, appreciation, peace and the tranquility that political stability and freedom bring to Costa Ricans.

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Art

Sculptor Jiménez Deredia was born in 1954 in Costa Rica. He studied architecture in the University of Florence and currently resides and works in Carrara, Italy. His works of art have traveled the world through the most renowned museums and art galleries. His latest work is a statue of San Marcelino Champagnat, located in the outer facade of San Peter’s Basilique in the Vatican City, designed by none other than the Renaissance genius, Miguel Ángel Buonarroti.

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Music

The national trio, Editus, pursues a musical concept where music knows no frontiers, yet it maintains the spice of Latin America. They won a Grammy Award for their performance with Rúben Blades on Tiempos, in 2000, and in 2003 they won for Mundo, another collaboration with Rúben Blades.

Manuel Obregón, well known in Central America for being the leading classical and jazz pianist of the region. Performing throughout the continent and in Spain, France, Switzerland and the United States.

The National Symphonic Orchestra, founded in 1940, offers the utmost classical music performance in Costa Rica and is considered one of the best in Latin America. It has played in numerous important concerts and tours around the globe, in Europe, North and South America.

Costa Rica expands its love of music down to its children too, implementing the Suzuki program since 1990. This method, created by violinist-pedagogue Sinichi Suzuki, is based on the easy and natural learning of the “Mother Tongue Method,” and teaches Costa Rican children how to play the violin inducing total respect, appreciation and a whole new enthusiasm toward this art and its positive influences on culture.

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Politics

Laura Chinchilla Miranda, is a Costa Rican politician and the first female President of Costa Rica. She is the sixth woman to be elected president of Costa Rica.

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  Honorable Mention

UNESCO

Certification in Sustainable Tourism Program:

Blue Flag Ecological Program:

INBIO
Considered a leader in the conservation of biodiversity, the National Biodiversity Institute is a non-profit organization that promotes awareness of the value of biodiversity, preservation and sustainability. The institution has received national and international recognition for its important mission.  The National Biodiversity Institute (INBio) was awarded the “Augusto González de Linares” environmental award from the University of Cantabria and the Ministry of Environment of the autonomous government.

“In a context of sustainable development, Costa Rica is ranked 9th out of 142 countries in the Environmental Sustainability Index.” (World Economic Forum, 2002)

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