Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world. Over 26% of Costa Rica’s land mass is comprised of protected lands and conservation areas. These areas cover varied landscapes of mountains, rainforests, plains, volcanoes, beaches and more. The national parks, biological reserves, wildlife refuges and forest reserves protect 208 species of mammals, 850 species of birds, hundreds of thousands of species of insects, thousands of species of reptiles and over a million species of trees and plants. A visit to a national park is a great way to discover Costa Rica’s devotion to nature. Tortuguero National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most popular parks. It is an important nesting area for the sea turtle and home to a vast array of wildlife. Another tourist favourite is Arenal Volcano National Park, the location of one of the world’s most active volcanoes. The volcano’s incredible eruptions and rivers of lava are best appreciated at night. Whichever of the many parks you decide to visit, take the guided tour. They are educational, fun and safe.

There is no end to the adventures that await you in Costa Rica. The most fantastic and popular activity is the canopy tour. It is the best way to explore the rainforest’s biodiversity. Most of the tours use zip lines but some also use suspension bridges, lookout towers and aerial cable cars. Tree Frogs, monkeys and sloths are just a few of the creatures who make their home in the forest canopy. Tours in Turu Ba Ri Tropical Park also offer enchanting views of the ocean and far off mountains and volcanoes. Horseback riding is another way to explore and is very popular in the Guanacaste region, also known as ‘Cowboy Country.’ Tours will take you through trails and forests as well as to hot springs, waterfalls and bubbling mud pots. Another adventure that draws people from around the world to Costa Rica is white water rafting. The dry season between November and April provides the best rafting for people of all skill levels. Pacuare River Tours are among the best and will take you through dense rainforest and indigenous lands completely untouched by humans. These are the adventures that make great vacation memories.

With over 1800 km of coastline, Costa Rica is home to some spectacular beaches. Black, white, pink, grey and gold sands make the beaches here unlike anywhere else in the world. Panama Beach in the Guanacaste region is the perfect place for relaxation with its white sands and calm waters. Guanacaste is also where most of the major hotels and resorts are so it is easily accessible. Jaco Beach, with its eye-catching clean, black sand, has a very relaxed atmosphere, good swimming and is close to activities, accommodations and amenities. Costa Rica is also a surfer’s paradise. Just a short trip from Jaco Beach you will find Playa Hermosa well-suited to experienced surfers but just as thrilling for onlookers. Playa Hermosa is also home to the Quicksilver International Surfing Championship every August. With so many options, you are sure to find a beach perfect for you. From beaches to rainforests you will be truly captivated by the beauty of Costa Rica. The Costa Rican Colón (CRC) is divided into 100 céntimos and is the official currency, although US Dollars are also widely accepted. US Dollars and travellers’ cheques can be exchanged in banks and many hotels. Do not use unofficial money exchange outlets. ATMs are available in major cities only. The country’s major international airport is just north west of the capital city of San Jose. Juan Santamaria International (“SJO”) is served by most of the scheduled airlines, including Air Canada.
However, most Canadian vacationers will opt to fly to the north-western city of Liberia. Its modern international airport (“LIR”) is within an hour’s drive of the major beach hotels of the Guanacaste / Papagayo area. 110vAC, 60Hz - the same plugs as Canada. Embassy of Canada
Address: La Sabana Executive Business Centre, Building No. 5, 3rd Floor, behind the Contraloría General de la República, San José
Postal Address: P.O. Box 351-1007, San José,
Tel.: 506 242-4400
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 0-800-015-1161
Fax: 506 242-4410
GMT-6. Costa Rica does not adjust for Daylight Saving Time.
Thus, during Summer, Costa Rica has the same time as Calgary, but is one hour ahead in Winter. Compared to Toronto and Montréal, Costa Rica is one hour behind in Winter and 2 hours behind in Summer.