Playa Dominical, South Pacific, Costa Rica, courtesy David Thompson
Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
Tree Frog on Palm Leaf, Costa Rica
Rice Field in Quepos, Costa Rica, courtesy David Thompson
Beach in Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
 
 Rainforest Meets Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica, courtesy Casa Ramon
Rainforest Canopy Bridge, Costa Rica
Playa Dominical, South Pacific, Costa Rica, courtesy David Thompson
Rice Field in Quepos, courtesy David Thompson

Costa Rica Vacations and Travel Guide

Costa Rica is officially the happiest country on earth, that is, when one compares levels of life expectancy, life satisfaction and ecological efficiency, according to the Happy Planet Index (HPI) which measured 143 countries worldwide. Compiled by an independent research group in Britain, the original result was released in 2006, in which Costa Rica earned the 3rd spot. In the second study released on July 4, 2009, Costa Rica scores 76.1 out of 100, taking over the top spot from the island country of Vanuatu. Not only that Costa Ricans reported the highest satisfaction with life, they also scored the second highest average life expectancy in the world. The facts and commentaries below may provide an insight into some of the characteristics that not only make Costa Rica the happiest place on earth, but also a magnetic destination for hundreds of thousands of vacationers every year.

Attractions & Activities

Attractions & Activities

Periodic surveys in Costa Rica consistently ranks the top five most popular tourist activities, according to participation level, as Sun and Beaches (54.5%), Flora and Fauna Observation (43.5%), Volcano Visits (42.9%), Hiking (40.7%) and Birdwatching (30.1%). With... more

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Biodiversity & National Parks

Biodiversity & National Parks

In Costa Rica, more than 27% of the nation’s territory falls within the ‘Protected Areas System,’ providing a sanctuary for the greatest density of flora and fauna species in the world. Known as the greenest country on earth, Costa Rica is... more

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Banks and Currency

Banks and Currency

Costa Rica’s official currency is the colón, or colónes in plural. Costa Rican coins range from 5c to 500c and Costa Rican notes come in 1000c, 2000c, 5000c and 10,000c bills. Although U.S.... more

Flights and Transportation

Flights and Transportation

Majority of inbound flights arrive at the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in the outskirt of Alajuela, about 20 minutes’ drive from the capital city of San José. Vacationers who are planning to head straight for the... more

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Geography and Climate

Geography and Climate

Costa Rica boasts an interesting variety of micro climates and topography. The central mountain range, running from the northwest to the southeast of the country, includes four volcanic formations: Central, Guanacaste, Tilaran, and Talamanca, which surround the Central... more

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Special Events and Holidays

Special Events and Holidays

Ticos, as Costa Ricans are called, are renowned for their gregarious nature, which is especially apparent during the numerous fiestas, street fairs and carnivals celebrated throughout the year in all parts of the nation. From a Saint’s day to the harvesting... more

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Language and Culture

Language and Culture

Costa Rican Spanish is extremely polite and often formal. To keep up with local custom, some key words to learn are: "Gracias" (thank you), "Por favor" (please), "Buenos dias" (good morning) and “Buenas tarde” (goof afternoon),... more

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Ticos and Ticas

Ticos and Ticas

Aside from its near-perfect weather, biodiversity and ceaseless natural beauty, Costa Rica also possesses a great attraction in its people.

Ticos, as Costa Ricans are fondly called, are renowned for their gregarious nature, which is especially apparent during the... more

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

The following information was jointly published by the Costa Rica Tourist Board and the Police Force.

TIPS FOR HAVING A GREAT AND SAFE VACATION IN COSTA RICA

* Your passport is very important: take good care of it! Always carry a copy of your... more

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Destination Virtual Tours

Destination Virtual Tours

In Costa Rica businesses come and go and what is here today is gone tomorrow, especially in small and fast growing townships and communities. Through 2010 we will endeavor to record all that we see as we roam through some of the main tourist hotspots to bring you a... more

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Recreation and Tours

Recreation and Tours

Costa Rica’s beaches, volcanoes, rainforests and national parks provide endless inspiration for tour organizers to create a wide array of tours and excursions which make it possible for tourists and visitors to enjoy and appreciate the best that Costa Rica has to... more

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Dining and Entertainment

Dining and Entertainment

Thanks to the influx of immigrants from around the world and Costa Rica’s increasing popularity as a vacation destination, dining in Costa Rica is as good as virtual globetrotting - French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Indian, Southeast Asian, Brazilian,... more

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