A Guide To Costa Rica   by James Burrows

The Central America's Jewel, Costa Rica is a beautiful country of Central America. Officially known as the Republic of Costa Rica, the country is bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south-southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east.

Costa Rica also comprises several islands including Cocos Island, one of the National Parks of Costa Rica, located off the shore of Costa Rica. Costa Rica is divided into “seven” provinces including San José, Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia, Guanacaste, Puntarenas, and Limón. San Jose is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica had an estimated population of 4.43 million persons in 2005. Though the majority of Costa Ricans is descended from Spanish settlers, there is significant number of people of Italian, German, Jewish, and Polish descent. Costa Rica also has an expatriate community of people of all ages from the United States, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Britain, and other countries. The country has 1.7% population of the indigenous population, and a mix of local Amerindians, Africans and Spaniards.

Christianity is a major religion, and 92% of Costa Ricans are Christians including 75% of Roman Catholics, and 14% of Protestants. However there are a small number of Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist people. Spanish is the official, and English is other language of Costa Rica. Costa Rican colón (¢) is the currency of Costa Rica.

Often dubbed as the “Switzerland of Central America,” Costa Rica is one of the most poplars tourist destinations of the world. An ecotourism heaven known for its serene nature, Costa Rica is bountifully blessed with the rare beauties by the Mother Nature. It is one of the best places to experience the tropics.

Costa Rica is a perfect pleasing placid place for peaceful vacation. The country is richly hemmed in exquisiteness. Located between two oceanic beauties of the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the country offers great surfing opportunities around coastline. Along the Pacific coast, particularly in central Puntarenas and Guanacaste, Costa Rica has some of the best surfing in Central America. Jacó is a surfing paradise on the Pacific Coast. Tamarindo is a perfect beach to learn to surf, whilst Playa del Coco offers advanced surfers the chance to surf at Witches Rock and Ollie´s Point. Tamarindo is very popular destination for tourists. The wind surfing in the Tilarán area is one of the best in the world. The country has beautiful beaches on the Caribbean side.

Costa Rica is part of Neotropic ecozone, and has a tropical and subtropical climate. December to April is dry season, May to November runs the rainy season. Humidity is higher on the Caribbean side than on the Pacific side.

Costa Rica is home to a rich variety of plants and animals. Bird watching is one of the most popular and enjoyable activities of the country. The country is home to a wonderful variety of birds. The climate and geography of the country is great for supporting a wide variety of wildlife. The country has a number of National Parks including at Santa Rosa National Park, Guanacaste National Park, Rincón de la Vieja National Park, Las Baulas National Park, Palo Verde National Park, National Park Barra Hondo, Arenal National Park, Volcán Poás National Park, Braulio Carrillo National Park, Volcán Irazú National Park, Guayabo National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Cahuita National Park, La Amistad National Park, Chirripó National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, Marino Ballena National Park, and Corcovado National Park.

Costa Rica is a coveted destination for the tourists that love enjoying nature. Fishing, rafting, scuba diving, kayaking, mountain biking and boating are some of the popular activities of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is also home to a number of museums and art galleries. Some of major attractions include El Museo de los Niños (The Children's Museum), El Museo de Oro Pre-Colombiano (The Museum of Pre-Columbian Gold), El Museo de Jade Fidel Tristán (The Fidel Tristán Jade Museum), El Museo Nacional (The National Museum), El Museo de Arte Costarricense (The Costa Rican Art Museum), El Museo de Arte y Diseño Contemporáneo (The Museum of Contemporary Art & Design), El Museo de Ciencias Naturales La Salle (The La Salle Natural Sciences Museum), El Museo de Entomología (The Entolomology Museum at The University of Costa Rica), El Museo Criminológico (The Criminology Museum), and El Museo de Insectos de la Universidad de Costa Rica (MIUCR) (The Museum of Insects at The University of Costa Rica).

Costa Rica’s popular tourist destinations include San José (the capital), Alajuela (Juan Santamaría International Airport), Cartago, Heredia (university town), Jacó (Surfing paradise), Liberia (gateway to the beaches of Guanacaste), Pochote on Whale Bay, Puerto Limón (Main city on the Caribbean side), Puntarenas (offering ferries to Nicoya Peninsula), Parismina (Village on the Tortuguero Canals), Quepos (Gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park), and Tamarindo (famous for its beaches).

Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO) is the major gateway to Costa Rica. The airport is located close to the cities Alajuela, Heredia and San José. It receives most of the international flights. American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways and Taca and Copa Airlines serve the airport.

Located near Liberia in the Guanacaste province, Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) receives flights from Delta, American and Continental. Costa Rica also has bus services from the neighboring countries of Panamá, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala. The main entry point to the country is the Interamericana (Panamerican highway).

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing listings for bed and breakfasts, villas, hotels and Apartments in Costa Rica