It is a peaceful country that hasn’t had an army since 1949! The official language is Spanish and the official religion is Catholic. Costa Rica is known for its progressive environmental policies, being the only country to meet all five criteria established to measure environmental sustainability. It shelters five percent of the existing biodiversity in the entire world, with 26 percent of Costa Rica’s territory protected under the National Park System.
What to do
All sports are available so there’s no excuse for being inactive: you can surf, windsurf, fish, golf, white-water raft, deep-sea dive, bird-watch, ride horseback, bike, go hot air ballooning.
Beaches
Each beach has its own characteristic, ranging from sheltered coves, where white sand separates the vegetation from the rainforest, to long beaches that are lined with coconut palms.
Where to stay
There are many inns, hotels and resorts. One of the newest boutique hotels is the Nayara Springs, with private plunge pools fed by thermal springs in each of its 16 villas. It’s a short walk to the sister hotel with multi facilities: the Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens.
Travel tips
- Currency is the ‘colon’. You can use the ATM to get cash, but check with your own bank what the charge will be each time you make a withdrawal.
- Shuttles between popular destinations are not expensive.
- Official taxis are bright red and have meters. Do not take a taxi with a Puntarenas plate or other private drivers.
For more information, visit CostaRica.com.
