Flag of Costa Rica

Flag of Costa Rica

Facts

  • Population » 4.8 million
  • Languages » Spanish (official), English
  • Religion » Christianity
  • Life expectancy » 77 years (men), 82 years (women)
  • Currency » US Dollar and Costa Rican colon (CRC)
  • Area code 506 » Note this is also the area code for New Brunswick, Canada

Geography

  • Area » 51,100 sq km (19,730 sq miles)
  • Bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south
  • Known for its beaches, mountain ranges, and volcanoes
  • Cerro Chirripó – highest peak – more below in Adventures
Map of Costa Rica (Source » France, Sept 2021)

Map of Costa Rica (Source » France, Sept 2021)

Maps

Tourism

  • Tourism is the country’s number one source of income
  • Tourists find prices to be higher than North American prices, for similar quality and service.
  • Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity makes it a popular destination for eco-tourists.

National Parks

  • Every August 24th Costa Rican celebrates National Parks Day and entry into all parks is free for residents and international visitors!
  • There are currently 30 National Parks in Costa Rica encompassing more than 25% of the country’s total land area. (Aug 2021)

Cycling Routes

Guanacaste
  • Bagaces-Fortuna-Aguas Claras-Guayabo-Bagacesroute. This is a secondary route and it is paved and in good condition.
  • Bagaces-Guayabo-San Jorge-Curubandé-Liberia route. It is a secondary route, it is paved and in good condition.
  • Route Papagayo Gulf-Panama Beach-Playa Hermosa-El Coco. It is a primary road, it is paved and in good condition.
  • Samara-Nosara route. Here you will travel through a primary route and a MTB bike is better recommended, since although there are asphalt sectors you can also find ballast.
  • Nandayure-Hojancha route. It is a primary route, it is paved and in good condition.
  • Cañas-Tilarán route. Here you can do road cycling on a primary road, paved and in good condition.
  • Cañas-Bebedero Route. It is a secondary route, paved and in good condition.
  • Cañas-Upala-Río Celeste route. It is a primary route, paved and in good condition.
North Zone
  • Florencia-Fortuna route. Here you can fall in love with nature and landscapes. You can go through a primary route that is paved and in good condition.
  • RouteChilamate-San Miguel-Venecia-Aguas Zarcas. It is a primary route that connects Sarapiquí with San Carlos. It is paved and in good condition.
Central Pacific
  • Quepos-Dominical route. Near the warmth of the beach you will travel a primary route, paved and in good condition.
  • Dominical-Uvita route. It is a primary route, paved and in good condition.
  • Uvita-Palmar Norte route. It is another primary route, it is paved and in good condition.
Atlantic Area
  • Cahuita-Puerto Viejo-Manzanillo route. An excellent option to be surrounded by the sea and national parks at the same time. This route is on primary roads, paved and in good condition.
  • Home Creek-Sixaola Route. Without leaving the Caribbean, you can opt for this other route that is on a primary road, it is paved and in good condition as well.

Overland

  • Costa Rica prohibits the importation of Right Hand Drive (RHD) vehicles within its borders, even temporarily. If you arrive at a border crossing with a RHD vehicle, there is a strong possibility you will be refused entry.
  • Costa Rica charges a US$8 exit tax for land border crossings.
    • Travelers may wish to pay the fee at a branch of Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) or another designated payment collection point BEFORE they arrive at the border station to avoid potential last minute difficulties crossing into Panama or Nicaragua.
    • The departure tax at the airport is US$29 per person (infants and children too whether they are occupying a seat or not) plus a US$10 credit card fees.

Adventures

Notes

  • Perhaps the most prosperous and politically stable country in Central America.
  • One of the highest standards of living in the region
  • The only Central American country without a permanent army.
  • Not inexpensive
Security Map for Costa Rica (Source » France, 2021)

Security Map for Costa Rica (Source » France, 2021)

Government Travel Advice

Embassies

  • Embassy of Canada to Costa Rica, Honduras and Nicaragua
    • Street address:
      Behind the “Contraloría” in the
      Oficentro Ejecutivo La Sabana
      Building 5, Third floor
      San José, Costa Rica
    • Tel. » (506) 2242-4400
    • Fax » (506) 2242-4410
    • Email » sjcra@international.gc.ca
    • Website
  • U.S. Embassy San Jose
    • Calle 98 Vía 104, Pavas
      San José, Costa Rica
    • Phone: (506) 2519-2000
    • Fax: (506) 2519-2305

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This page was updated August 31, 2023