Discover Costa Rica
Upper-middle-income economy focused on ecotourism, technology, medical devices. No military since 1948. 99% renewable electricity.
About Costa Rica
Geography
Area: 51,100 sq km
- • Tropical and subtropical
- • Dry season (Dec-Apr) and rainy season (May-Nov)
- • Cooler in highlands
- • Caribbean coast: rain year-round
Government
Type: presidential republic
Capital: San Jose
Economy
Upper-middle-income economy focused on ecotourism, technology, medical devices. No military since 1948. 99% renewable electricity.
GDP: $64.3 billion
Per Capita: $12,500
Demographics
Population: 5,256,612
Languages: Spanish (official), English on Caribbean coast
Religions: Catholic 47.5%, Protestant 19.8%, none 27.1%
Explore Costa Rica's Regions
Discover 7 distinct regions, each with unique landscapes and culture.
Major Cities in Costa Rica
Explore 50 cities with unique attractions and experiences.
Travel Essentials
📞 Contact & Emergency
Phone Code: +506
Currency: Costa Rican Colon (CRC)
traffic: 800-872-6748
Red Cross: 128
universal: 911
⚡ Practical Info
Electricity: 120V / 60Hz / Type A, B
Driving: Right
Water: ✅ Safe
💰 Tipping
- • 10% service charge usually included in restaurants
- • Additional 5-10% for excellent service
- • Tour guides: $10-20/day
- • Taxi: not expected
When to Visit Costa Rica
✅ Best Months
December, January, February, March, April
🔥 Peak Season
Dec-Apr (dry season, North American winter escape)
💎 Off Season
May-Nov (green season — lower prices, rain usually afternoon only)
Fiesta de Palmares (2 weeks of rodeo, music)
Envision Festival (music + yoga)
Annexation of Guanacaste Day (Jul 25)
Independence Day (Sep 15)
Top Destinations in Costa Rica
Cultural Tips
- 💡Pura Vida is more than a greeting — it's a life philosophy (pure life, no worries)
- 💡Costa Ricans call themselves Ticos (male) / Ticas (female)
- 💡Environmental awareness is genuine — don't litter, respect wildlife
- 💡Don't touch or feed wildlife — it's illegal
- 💡Tico time is relaxed — expect things to run late
- 💡Coffee is excellent everywhere — try it black first
Frequently Asked Questions
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What to Buy in Costa Rica
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