Population of approximately 5.2 million. One of the most stable and developed countries in Central America.
The official language is Spanish. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, and some indigenous groups speak Bribri and Cab�car.
The capital and largest city is San Jose. Other major cities include Alajuela, Heredia, and Cartago, all located in the central region.
A laid-back, "Pura Vida" lifestyle emphasizing happiness and nature. Costa Ricans (Ticos) celebrate fiestas patronales (town festivals), love soccer, and have strong Indigenous influences in crafts and folklore.
Costa Rican Colon (CRC) Named after Christopher Columbus (Cristibal Colon in Spanish).
Fresh, simple dishes based on rice, beans, and tropical fruits. Popular dishes: Gallo Pinto (rice and beans), Casado (rice, beans, meat, and salad), and Ceviche (marinated raw fish).
Tropical climate. The Pacific coast has a wet season (May-November) and a dry season (December-April). The Caribbean side is humid and rainy year-round.
Known for sloths, howler monkeys, jaguars, scarlet macaws, poison dart frogs, and quetzals. Its tropical rainforests and cloud forests are rich in biodiversity.
Cultural Considerations
Pura Vida: The phrase �Pura Vida� (meaning �pure life�) embodies the Costa Rican attitude toward life, which is relaxed and focused on enjoying life.
Respect the environment: Costa Ricans are very environmentally conscious, so it's important to respect nature, especially in protected areas.
Politeness: Costa Ricans are generally polite and friendly, and using "por favor" (please) and "gracias" (thank you) goes a long way.
Dress casually: Costa Ricans dress casually, especially in coastal areas, but it's still important to dress neatly when visiting more formal settings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the visa requirements for U.S. travelers?
For up-to-date visa requirements, please visit our Visas & Entry Requirements page. You can use our interactive widget to easily check specific visa details, or find useful links and information related to entry requirements.
What are health and safety considerations for travelers?
Costa Rica is a popular and safe travel destination with good healthcare facilities. The main health risks include mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and Zika virus. Travelers should use insect repellent and wear long sleeves, especially in rural areas. Tap water is generally safe to drink in most areas, but it�s still recommended to drink bottled water in more remote locations.