In Costa Rica the visitor can enjoy lovely tropical beaches, the grandest adventures, the wonders of nature, scintillating culture, all the necessary components of an ideal vacation.
 
Within Costa Rica’s 51,200 square kilometers there is a wider variety of species of birds than in all of Europe or North America. With a relatively small population of roughly three and a half million inhabitants, Costa Rica also boasts of one of the oldest and more consolidated democracies in Latin America.

Friendly, peaceful and progressive, "the Rich Coast" is one of the world's top eco-tourism destinations. With almost a quarter of the country either a national park or a protected area, opportunities to explore natural wonders are abundant.

Costa Rica Spearfishing is freediving only with spearguns, slings, and pole spears.

Map of Costa Rica's Destinations

Language:
Spanish is the native language, but other languages such as English, French, Italian, and German are frequently spoken especially in tourist areas.
Time Zone:
Costa Rica is on Central Standard Time and Daylight Savings Time is not observed.
Climate:
Almost ideal year-round, the climate is a moderate 72 degrees in the highlands, while the lowlands and coastal areas range from the low 70's to the high 90's.
Topography:
Costa Rica is bordered to the north by Nicaragua and to the south by Panama. It has both a Pacific and Atlantic Coast. A series of volcanic chains (cordilleras) runs from the Nicaraguan border in the Northwest to the Panamanian border in the southeast, splitting the country in two. In the center of theses ranges is a high-altitude plain (Central Valley), with coastal lowlands on either side. Over half the population lives on this plain, which has fertile volcanic soils. The Caribbean coast is 132 miles long while the Pacific coast is 635 miles long.
Entry requirements:
A valid passport is required to enter and visas are needed for certain nationalities so check ahead before traveling. For more information click here.
Departure tax:
$26.00 U.S. by air. Land and Sea exits are not charged
Currency, banking, credit cards, traveler's checks:
The Costa Rican monetary unit is the Colon. NOTE: DON'T BE TEMPTED TO EXCHANGE MONEY IN YOUR HOME COUNTRY BEFORE DEPARTING, THE RATE YOU WILL RECEIVE IS WELL BELOW WHAT YOU'LL RECEIVE HERE
Electricity:
Standard current is 110 volts, 60 Hertz
Water:
Yes, you can drink the water! Pure and suitable for drinking throughout most of the country.
Flight information:
U.S. carriers include American, United, Continental and Delta Airlines. LACSA is the official Costa Rican carrier.
Public transportation:
Large number of affordable taxis. Bus service is readily available both inter and intra city as well as internationally. Two domestic airlines service the country well and there are a number of air taxi services as well as helicopters. The road system is somewhat primitive compared to North American standards, and driving at night is not recommended. An international driver's permit is not necessary.
Tipping:
A 10% "service charge" is generally added to all restaurants bills so act accordingly. Taxi drivers generally do not receive a tip.

http://www.nosaranet.com/
http://www.tourism.co.cr/
http://www.microsites.visitcostarica.com/