DISCOVER
Costa Rica
General Information
Costa Rica is a Democratic Republic, divided into 7 provinces. Neighbors are Nicaragua to the north, and Panama to the south. The Capital being San José, with a climate divided into two seasons: dry season and rainy season.
Costa Rica is a very mountainous country and most of the territory is formed by elevations between 900 and 1800 meters above sea level. There are four main mountain systems: the Guanacaste Volcanic mountain range, the Tilarán Minera mountain range, the Central Volcanic mountain range and the Talamanca mountain range, there are also four secondary mountain systems: Nicoya mountain ranges located in the Guanacaste province; Brunqueña row or Coastal row that runs through the province of Puntarenas parallel to the coast; and the Sierra de Osa, in the South Pacific, a series of mountains that extend to Panama, has heights between 600 and 1500 meters above sea level. The highest point in the country is the Chirripó hill (3820 masl), the fifth highest peak in Central America. The highest volcano is the Irazú volcano (3432 masl). The country has about 200 volcanoes, of which five are active: Irazú, Poás, Arenal, Rincón de la Vieja and Turrialba.
Costa Rica takes pride in its history and conservationism! An extensive effort in preserving the natural resources enclosed within 51,100 km2, and holding around 6% of the world’s biodiversity. Costa Rica began reversing deforestation in the 1990s, and they are moving towards using only renewable energy. One of the highlights of our nation, is the abolition of the military force back on December 1st, 1948, by the year 1949 the complete abolition was introduced in Article 12, of the Costa Rican Constitution. From here on the military budget was invested in education and health care.
Not only does the country invest in green initiatives, but the culture has also been shaped around this idea of conservation and efforts in individual communities through activism. You will find nature, culture, and a tight correlation between a history of peace and the Pura Vida vibe!
History Overview
During the pre-Columbian era, presence of the Mesoamerican and Andean native cultures overlapped. More recently, pre-Columbian Costa Rica has also been described as part of the Isthmo-Colombian Area. The presence of hunters-gatherers can be dated back to 10.000 to 7.000 BCE, it's likely that two cultures co-existed together. Around 5.000 years later the development of agriculture with basics as roots and tubers, the exact process of transition from gatherers to agriculture is unknown, evidence of pottery, vases, platters and other tools can be found in 2.000 BCE.
The origin of the name Costa Rica “rich coast” can be either attributed to Cristopher Columbus or Gil González Davila, who respectively arrived in Costa Rica in 1502 and 1522. The reason is believed to be the amount of gold jewellery worn by local tribes. During most of the colonial period Costa Rica belonged to the Captaincy General of Guatemala, nominally part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain. The distance from the captaincy, the lack of resources such as gold, silver and indigenous population for encomienda (forced labour) made Costa Rica the poorest of the Spaniard colonies, this prevented the establishment of large plantations. Overlooked by the Spanish Crown, Costa Rica was left to develop on its own. The result was the development of a more egalitarian society, Costa Rica becoming a “rural democracy” with no oppression of mestizo or indigenous descendants.
Like the rest of Central America, Costa Rica gained independence on September 15 1821, after the defeat of the Spanish in the Mexican War of Independence (1810-1821). Upon independence two bands were formed, both with different political interests, the Imperialists, in favor joining the Mexican empire, defended by Cartago and Heredia cities. The cities of San Jose and Alajuela who wanted full independence. After disagreements between the two bands, the first civil war took place. The Battle of Ochomogo took place in the Central Valley in 1823. The Republicans won the war, the city of Cartago lost its status as capital, to this day San Jose was chosen as the new capital.
After the Federal Republic of Central America ceased to exist, Costa Rica formally proclaimed itself sovereign. Cutting ties from the rest of Central America and becoming fully independent.
The economic growth of the country has been widely based on the production of basic grains and products: tobacco, sugar and cacao were the primary exports. By the 1820´s coffee became the main production, this created a wealthy class of Coffee Barons, the revenue helped modernize the country. The main consumer of coffee was Britain, this pushed the construction of the railroad from San Jose to Limon port, U.S. businessman Minor C. Keith was hired to build the project which started in 1870, after many delays, disease and financial difficulties the project was completed by 1890 with the help of Jamaican, US convicts, Italians and Chinese immigrants. In exchange for the work the Costa Rican government granted Mr Keith large tracts of land and a lease on the train route, which he used to produce bananas and export them to the United States. Eventually bananas became the main product for exportation, opening the doors to exploitative companies as United Fruit Company, this lead to The Great Banana Strike, this major event in was an important step towards the formation of effective trade unions in Costa Rica, by 1938 the company was required to sign collective agreements with workers.
Between 1917 and 1979, General Federico Tinoco ruled as a military dictator, he was overthrown and forced to exile. This led to a decline in the size and wealth of the military politically speaking. One of the main events in Costa Rican history was in 1948, when José Figueres Ferrer led an armed uprising in a presidential election between Rafael Angel Calderón (president between 1940-1944) and Otilio Ulate Blanco. The war lasted for 44 days and resulted in the death of 2.000, becoming the bloodiest event in the 20th century.
Rebels formed a temporary government, abolished the military and oversaw the drafting of the new constitution. Once the reforms were made, they transferred the power to Ulate in November 1949. Later Figueres became the first president to be elected democratically under the new constitution in 1953. With a stable democratic government dating back to 1948, in one of the most stables in the near region.
NATIONAL SYMBOLS
The Flag
The easiest one to remember, the Costa Rican flag was declared National Symbol on September 29, 1848. The Costa Rican flag has five horizontal bars, blue, white, red, white and blue.
Emblem
The emblem is a national symbol since 1848, it went through a lot of changes, and finally in 1998 it was established that it must have three steaming volcanoes, a light green valley, greenish blue mountains, a golden arc made of coffee beans, seven stars representing the provinces a raisin sun and oceans at each side.
Pabellón Nacional
The easiest one to remember, the Costa Rican flag was declared National Symbol on September 29, 1848. The Costa Rican flag has five horizontal bars, blue, white, red, white and blue.
National Anthem
Written by José María Zeledón, music by Manuel María Gutiérrez. The National Anthem is not a war song; rather, it tells the story of a democratic people, of farmers who have not experienced great conflicts
Guaria Morada
The Purple Orchid that grows in Costa Rica’s forests and the gardens of many houses. This is Costa Rica’s National Flower. This national beauty blossoms during the months of January through March. It usually produces four to five flowers, each lasting only a limited time.
Guanacaste Tree
Written by José María Zeledón, music by Manuel María Gutiérrez. The National Anthem is not a war song; rather, it tells the story of a democratic people, of farmers who have not experienced great conflicts
Yiguirro
(Turdus Grayi), the country’s national bird, declared as such in 1977. Although the yiguirro is not the most attractive bird in the country, its beautiful tune makes it Costa Rica’s favorite.
Ox Cart
The ox cart hand painted with incredible detail is considered a symbol of work as it was the main form of transportation of coffee from the central valley to Puntarenas.
White-tailed Deer
In May 1995, President José María Figueres Olsen declared the ‘White-tailed deer’ (scientific name is Odocoileus virginianus) to be the National Symbol of Wildlife in Costa Rica.
The Marimba
This historic and popular musical instrument is an emblem that represents and dignified art and culture of the people of Costa Rica, a peaceful country, which has prevailed since the annexation of Guanacaste to Costa Rica.
Independence Torch
Represents the liberty and independence of Costa Rica and the rest of the Central American countries. Represents the lights that travelled from Guatemala to Costa Rica to announce the
good news.
Los Crestones
A symbol of Costa Rica’s national richness, declared as a national symbol April 14, 2011. Located in the Chirripó National Park at 3,720 meters above sea level.
The Manatee
It symbolizes the country’s marine fauna. It is an endangered species which is why manatee sanctuaries are strongly protected.
Diquis Stone Spheres
A symbol of Costa Rica’s national richness, declared as a national symbol April 14, 2011. Located in the Chirripó National Park at 3,720 meters above sea level.
PROVINCES
Guanacaste is home to much of the folklore in Costa Rica, from instruments, music, traditional dance, sabanero “cowboy” culture, traditional dishes, and the rural natural lifestyle, despite being the second biggest province and also the least populated it has become the number one tourist destination within the country due to the amazing diversity of landscapes from volcanoes running natural hot springs, mountains, river, paradisiacal beaches, culture and much more. Travelers can find many activities in the area from water sports specially for surfing and fishing, adventure travel, relaxing sites, wildlife observation and much more.
Divided into 11 cantons and 61 districts, is home to a Tropical Paradise with more than 60 beautiful beaches, 8 national parks, 6 volcanoes, culture and delicious food. The hot sabana is home to one of the last Tropical Dry Forests in the world, the 6 months of dry season from the beginning of December until the end of April transforms the landscape into a sepia coloured picture, the less dense forest is perfect for observation and gives us a chance to admire wildlife in a different light. During the rainy season from May until the end of November, the intense rain brings rivers of water to the lowlands and everything turns green with life. Some species you can appreciate here are: Black Iguana, White-tailed Deer, Armadillos, the Howler Monkey, Macaws, the White-nosed Coati, Turquoise-browed Motmot whose habitat is exclusively the dry forest, among others.
GUANACASTE
The forest is composed of 2 different layers of trees, the ground plants and shrubs, and the canopy layer with trees of 20 to 30 meters of height with long and wide trunks, some examples of this is the Guanacaste tree, colourful flowery Cortés Amarillo Tree, Pochote, Guapinol, or Caoba. The successful seed dispersal within the Dry Forest is strongly linked to the wild inhabitants of the forest, such as monkeys and birds, who are in charge of bringing seeds far from the producer plant ensuring the survival of different species. Hence the importance of the protection of this fragile ecosystem.
There is a bit of everything for everyone, from touristic areas to more laid back relaxed areas, you can find adventures, cultural and learning experiences. Some popular activities are:
Here is the list of National Parks in Guanacaste:
•Rincón de la Vieja - UNESCO World Heritage - One of the most ecologically diverse areas in Costa Rica.
•Guanacaste National Park: - UNESCO World Heritage - You can cross the continental divide and climb down to rainforest typical of the Caribbean side of Northern Costa Rica.
•Santa Rosa National Park: - UNESCO World Heritage - the only Protected Wilderness Area that has a historical museum within its territory.
•Palo Verde National Park Wetlands: A bird's paradise, perfect for wildlife observation
•Diría National Park: Offers trails for hiking and a great chance to explore the forest.
•Barra Honda National Park: the only park in Costa Rica that has a complex of underground caverns
•Tenorio Volcano National Park & Rio Celeste Waterfall: a beautiful turquoise river surrounded by lush forests.
•Marino Las Baulas National Park: Created to offer protection to the different turtle nesting sites along Playa Grande, Ventanas y Langosta.
CHECK SOME COOL ADVENTURES
SURFING LESSONS
IN PLAYA SAMARA
PALO VERDE BOAT
AND LUNCH
ADVENTURE 4 IN 1
GUACHIPELIN
CATAMARAN TOURS
IN PLAYA SAMARA
ALAJUELA
Known as land ‘The Land of Mangoes’, Alajuela holds an important part in Costa Rican history being occupied by several indegenous groups before the arrival of the Spanish. The Hueteres lived in the south of the territory, while the Botos, Guatusos, Tices and Catapas lived in the north.Giving birth to several important characters like Juan Santamaría.
Alajuela has 15 cantos and 111 districts enclosing great natural richness. Featuring the rainforest and beautiful plains in the north. You can find two of the main volcanoes in Costa Rica, Arenal Volcano and Poás Volcano.
As the rest of the country many ecosystems are enclosed within the province, the white-headed capuchin is native to the province, as is the mantled howler. Other native species are bats, anteaters, bullet ants, blue jeans frogs, boa snakes the Three-toed Sloth, Two-toed Sloth, Blue Morpho Butterfly, Red Poison Frog, Red-eyed Frog, Howler Monkey, Coati and jaguars. Around 400 species of birds such as toucans, woodpeckers, trogons, hummingbirds, Rainbow-billed Toucan, parrots, hummingbirds, tanagers, honeycreepers, etc. In addition, there are many other species of invertebrates, and amphibians.
Poás volcano is one of the most splendid volcanoes in Costa Rica, known for its beautiful landscape and different habitats. The Arenal volcano, with its beautiful conic silhouette, is one of the most active in the world. Its charm is enhanced at night, when the colorful eruptions and lava rivers can be fully appreciated.
Alajuela has various national parks, reserves and refuges you can visit including:
•Arenal Volcano National Park
•Juan Castro Blanco National Park
•Poas Volcano National Park
•Tenorio Volcano National Park
•Miravalles Volcano National Park
•Proyecto Asis National Wildlife Refuge
•Bosque Alegre National Wildlife Refuge
•Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge
•Laguna Las Camelias National Wildlife Refuge
•Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge
•Alberto Manuel Brenes Biological Reserve
•Arenal Volcano Emergency Zone Forest Reserve
•Cerro El Jardin Forest Reserve
•Grecia Forest Reserve
•La Cureña Forest Reserve
•Bosque Eterno de los Niños Private Reserve
CHECK SOME COOL ADVENTURES
ARENAL DAY TRIPS
FROM PLAYA SAMARA
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VOLCANO ADVENTURE
FROM PLAYA SAMARA
PUNTARENAS
Puntarenas is one of the most touristic provinces due to it extensive variety of attractions, being the province with more islands: Chira, Bejuco, Caballo, Venado, Cedros, Cuchillos, Negritos, San Lucas, Herradura, Violín, Isla del Caño y la muy conocida y protegida Isla del Coco.Many beaches, many cruises passing through and many protected areas are also part of the beauty of Puntarenas. With 11.265 Km2 is the most extensive province. Divided into 13 cantons and 60 districts. Puntarenas has various ecosystems, from high mountains, valleys, beaches and lush forests. With its many beaches and bays, no wonder it is one of the most visited by tourists and national tourists. Its climate is tropical dry with two defined seasons, dry and rainy.
Historically the province was occupied by chorotega indiginous tribes, and other tribes in the south pacific. There are several indisgenous reserves that are preserving their traditions and cultures even to this day, located in the area of Coto Brus and Buenos Aires of Puntarenas. Here you can find many cultural traditions throughout its history, many autochthonous groups as immigrants composing a diverse landscape to discover. Here you can also hear the traditional music of Puntarenas, featured by the tonadas (not danceable folk music with lyrics of great status), present in the Puntarenas Carnival and in the Fiestas de los Novios Festival.
It has primary forests and secondary forests, i.e., in natural recovery. In its forests there are about 140 species of trees, both evergreen and deciduous. Among the mammals are deer, white-faced and congo monkeys, coyotes and squirrels. As for seabirds, there are brown pelicans, brown boobies and earwigs, among others. The quetzal is the most striking bird and its habitat is the rainforests, next to it stand out the bell bird and the umbrella bird; however, you can admire the hummingbirds, and the goldfinch among others. Puntarenas has numerous protected areas and zones of great biological wealth, such as Cabo Blanco, Manuel Antonio, Monte Verde and Corcovado. The economy of the province includes commerce, the service sector, tourism, agricultural activities, mining, fishing and port activities. Nearly a third of the country's 1,400 types of orchids can be found in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, which straddles the border between Alajuela and Guanacaste.
You can find many activities in the area from thrilling ziplines, to relaxing nature walks, night hikes to discover less seen animals, surfing activities, ocean sports and excursions, great gastronomic options with fresh seafood, cultural activities and much more!
Puntarenas has various national parks, reserves and refuges you can visit including:
•Alcatraz Island Biological Reserve
•Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve
•Coco Island National Park
•Carara National Park
•Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
•Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
•Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
•Curú National Wildlife Refuge
•Parque Nacional Chirripó
•Parque Nacional Piedras Blancas
coming soon
MORE INFO
CLIMATE COSTA RICA
Costa Rica is in the neotropic region, so it has a tropical climate without large annual variations in its temperature and with two well-defined seasons: the dry one, from the beginning of December until the end of April (also called summer), and the rainy, from the beginning of May until the end of November (called winter).
dry season
This season is the best season for visiting the coast, snorkeling and sightseeing tours. But the rainy season is when the magic happens, everything turns green and the vibrant colors of Costa Rica are shown. Dry season is hot and the best tropical adventures, get your sandals out and get lots of sunscreen. Here are the months per region:
-Monteverde (January - May)
-Caribbean North (February - March)
-Caribbean South (September - October)
-North & Central Pacific Coast
(December - April)
-Osa Peninsula & Drake Bay (December - April)
-San Jose Highlands & Metropilitan area (December - April)
-Rincón de la Vieja (December - April)
-Southern Costa Rica (December - April)
rainy season
This season is the best season for adrenaline yunkies and nature lovers, the rivers are full, forest are thriving with life. If are into rafing, surfing or jsut like to explore not minding the rain, you can enjoy the sunny morning and rains in the afternoon. Is the calm time of the year, perfect for those looking to get away and enjoy the true pura vida life.
-Monteverde (June - September)
-Caribbean North (November - January)
-Caribbean South (April - August)
-North & Central Pacific Coast (May - November)
-Osa Peninsula & Drake Bay (May - November)
-San Jose Highlands & Metropolitan area
(May - November)
-Rincón de la Vieja (May - November)
-Southern Costa Rica (May - November)
Biodiversity
Costa Rica is widely known for its natural beauty, around 25% of the country is protected
by National parks, Biological Reserves and different environmental programs.
Holding around 6% of the world’s biodiversity, Costa Rica is home to 1000 species of orchids, 10.000 plant species, 300.000 insect species of which 1300 are butterfly species, 232 mammal species, 838 types of birds, 183 amphibian species, 258 reptile species, and 130 species of freshwater fish.
Our Nature Tours are the best way to experience nature and be amazed by the wide variety of colors, sound, movement, and life. You can take a hike, ride on a bike while exploring backroads, calmly paddle in the river, while waiting for our wild neighbours to show up. Learn about our customs and traditions on a coffee tour, or even just sit quietly at the beach while waiting for the turtles to delight us with their beauty spawning on the beach.
Enjoy discovering the intricate creatures, plants, and history of our country, you can be by yourself or take your whole family, either way, you will be in great company. Welcome to paradise and what is considered one of the happiest countries on earth!
types of forest
Tropical Dry Forest
Costa Rica is widely known for its natural beauty; around 25% of the country is protected by National parks, Biological Reserves, and different environmental programs.
Holding around 6% of the world’s biodiversity, Costa Rica is home to 1000 species of orchids, 10.000 plant species, 300.000 insect species of which 1300 are butterfly species, 232 mammal species, 838 types of birds, 183 amphibian species, 258 reptile species, and 130 species of freshwater fishes.
Our Nature Tours are the best way to experience nature and be amazed by the wide variety of colors, sound, movement, and life. You can take a hike, ride a bike while exploring backroads; calmly paddle in the river, while waiting for our wild neighbours to show up. Learn about our customs and traditions on a coffee tour, or even just sit
quietly at the beach while waiting for the turtles to delight us with their beauty spawning on the beach.
Enjoy discovering the intricate creatures, plants, and history of our country; you can be by yourself or take your whole family, either way, you will be in great company.
Welcome to paradise and what is considered one of the happiest countries on earth! Are you up for the adventure?
Tropical Rainforest
Costa Rica is widely known for its natural beauty; around 25% of the country is protected by National parks, Biological Reserves, and different environmental programs.Holding around 6% of the world’s biodiversity, Costa Rica is home to 1000 species of orchids, 10.000 plant species, 300.000 insect species of which 1300 are butterfly species, 232 mammal species, 838 types of birds, 183 amphibian species, 258 reptile species, and 130 species of freshwater fishes.Our Nature Tours are the best way to experience nature and be amazed by the wide variety of colors, sound, movement, and life. You can take a hike, ride a bike while exploring backroads; calmly paddle in the river, while waiting for our wild neighbours to show up. Learn about our customs and traditions on a coffee tour, or even just sitquietly at the beach while waiting for the turtles to delight us with their beauty spawning on the beach.Enjoy discovering the intricate creatures, plants, and history of our country; you can be by yourself or take your whole family, either way, you will be in great company.Welcome to paradise and what is considered one of the happiest countries on earth! Are you up for the adventure?
Tropical Rainforest Animals
Among the most representative examples of rainforest fauna that can be seen are the Green Basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons), the Green Iguana (Iguana iguana), the Two-toed (Choloepus hoffmanni) & Three-toed (Bradypus variegatus) Sloth, the Blue Morpho Butterfly (Morpho peleides), the Poison Dart Frog (Oophaga pumilio), the Red Eye Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas), the Howler Monkey (Alouatta palliata) and the White-nosed Coati (Nasua narica).
Cloudforest
Costa Rica is widely known for its natural beauty; around 25% of the country is protected by National parks, Biological Reserves, and different environmental programs.
Holding around 6% of the world’s biodiversity, Costa Rica is home to 1000 species of orchids, 10.000 plant species, 300.000 insect species of which 1300 are butterfly species, 232 mammal species, 838 types of birds, 183 amphibian species, 258 reptile species, and 130 species of freshwater fishes.
Our Nature Tours are the best way to experience nature and be amazed by the wide variety of colors, sound, movement, and life. You can take a hike, ride a bike while exploring backroads; calmly paddle in the river, while waiting for our wild neighbours to show up. Learn about our customs and traditions on a coffee tour, or even just sit
quietly at the beach while waiting for the turtles to delight us with their beauty spawning on the beach.
Enjoy discovering the intricate creatures, plants, and history of our country; you can be by yourself or take your whole family, either way, you will be in great company.
Welcome to paradise and what is considered one of the happiest countries on earth! Are you up for the adventure?
