Welcome to Costa Rica
Rhythmic pounding of waves on breezy shores;
deserted beaches lined with palm trees and lush rain
forests; velvety rolling hills of tropical
vegetation; cottony clouds kissing the treetops;
raging rivers cutting through virgin jungle;
waterfalls feeding clear blue lagoons...These are
just a few of the wonders visitors enjoy in the
country called Costa Rica.
The population of Costa Rica is predominately of
European origin, particularly Spanish. The ethnic
diversity, which has resulted from settlement
patterns in Costa Rica, gave the country a rich
cultural tapestry that is every bit as interesting
as the ecological diversity for which it is better
known.
Costa Ricans are proud of their Republic, one of the
most stable and democratic political systems in all
of Latin America. The country abolished its military
in 1948 and is forbidden by its constitution to
establish another. Peace is not only a political
concept in Costa Rica, but is evident in the spirit
and generosity of the people themselves. The
negotiating and constructive dialogue which guides
the political process in Costa Rica also guides the
country's citizens in their search of
beneficial solutions to their problems.
In accordance with the democratic tradition in Costa
Rica, education is free and mandatory, and the
government's expenditures for health and education
are among the highest in the budget. Costa Rica's
literacy rate is 96%, and the average life
expectancy exceeds 70 years. Natural areas are one
of its greatest sources of national pride. With 46
national parks, reserves and wildlife refuges, Costa
Rica long ago established ecological conservation as
one of the country’s top priorities.
The result of its concentrated efforts at
preservation is a rich bio-system in which diverse
animal and plant species flourish. Costa Rica's
natural areas are cherished by the country's
citizens as well as by visitors from all over the
world. Costa Rica is a small country by most
standards, 125 kilometers (77 miles) wide at it
narrowest point and 300 kilometers (185 miles) at its widest. It is situated 10 degrees north of the
equator and has a territory of 51.000 square
kilometers ( about 20,000 square miles), roughly the
size of West Virginia, in the U.S.A.
The population of Costa Rica is approximately 3.5
millions.
What you should bring
-
It is advisable to bring US-Dollars only, not
other currencies
-
Traveller checks: Please do
not bring Eurochecks
-
International credit cards
(Visa, Master Card, American Express)
-
Light pullover for the evenings in San José and
mountainous regions
-
Swimming suit and shorts for the beaches
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Sunglasses
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Drivers license
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Camera
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Alarm clock for hostels without wake-up service
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Small travelling bag for excursions to sites
where large suitcases cannot be carried
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Special medicaments (in Costa Rica you will
usually find only the North American equivalent
brands/medicines)
-
For forest visitors:
Light rain jacket or poncho for excursions in
the rain forest, resistant shoes (hiking shoes)
or rubber boots, light wind jacket, light long
trousers, light long sleeved shirts, several
pairs of light socks, a thicker pullover (for
higher located forests), insect repellent (to be
obtained in Costa Rica, too), sun protection
lotion (and hat, too), binoculars.
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