WHY COSTA RICA?
Where else can you sit on the beach watching the most beautiful sunset in the world and within hours travel to the top of a cloud forest and see more species of plants and wildlife imaginable. Learn to scuba... Catch a sail fish... Ride through the mountains while white water rafting... Soar through the Jungle on an exciting canopy tour... Ride horses down the beach... or through the hills... See live volcanos... See unbelievable wildlife... National Parks... and we're just getting started!

• • Did you know Costa Rica is only a 4 hour flight from Atlanta?
• • Costa Rica is only about the size of West Virgina.
• • The people of Costa Rica are very friendly and welcome tourists.
• • Almost every activity you could do in this Country is reachable in a day's drive!
• • Unlike stories you've probably heard about other places like Mexico, Costa Rica is very clean.
• • Costa Rica is bounded on the west by the Pacific and the east by the Caribbean.

Specific to Agency

How long have you been in business?
Since April 2004.

Are you a member of any Costa Rica tourism organizations?
We are a member of CANATUR, the Costa Rica National Chamber of Tourism. Also we are one of the few online travel suppliers to Costa Rica registered with ICT (Costa Rica Tourism Ministry).

Are you available if we have problems while in Costa Rica?
We are available before and after your arrival. While here you will be provided with cell phone numbers of two members of our staff for availability after hours. We also always pick up our customers at the airport when they arrive so they get to meet us personally.

Do you book flights too?
Not directly, but from our web site at you can make flight reservations at discount prices.

What if we have to cancel, is there are refund of our deposit?
As long as you cancel more than 45 days prior to arrival, we provide a refund of 75% of the deposit.

What if we make last minute changes, are there fees?
There is a fee of $75 per change for changes made within 30 days of arrival.

How does your agency get paid?
We are paid directly via commissions from our vendors (hotels, tour operators, transfer providers). Our packages are built using the rack rates that you would pay directly.

What if we want to make additional arrangements after arrival, can you help with that?
We can book any accommodations, tours or transfers anywhere in the country after your arrival and also are here to answer your questions and help with any problems you encounter during your visit. Our office is in San Jose near the Best Western Irazu Hotel and is very easy to find

Can your agency arrange other non-travel related activities, like dental or cosmetic surgery?
We arrange dental procedures and cosmetic surgery procedures with top clinics here in San Jose.

Does you agency provide help if I am interested in investing in Costa Rica real estate?
We also operate a Real Estate Sale Office and can arrange property showings, real estate tour packages and also can help arrange legal and escrow services as well as help with relocation issues such as residency and shipment of belongings to Costa Rica.

Does your agency provide help if I am interesting in relocating to or retiring in Costa Rica?
Yes we provide support for that as well.

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Climate

What are the seasons in Costa Rica?
There are two seasons. The summer season or "dry" season that runs from Jan through April and the winter or "green" season that runs from May to November. December is really a transition month and doesn't really fit with either the dry or green season. It is usually a little cold and windy during December, but rain certainly can happen.

During the "green season" how often does it rain?
Normally rain is in the afternoons from around 2:00 or 3:00 PM to 6:00 or 7:00 PM. Of course, there are exceptions as Mother Nature is unpredictable.

Does the temperature vary significantly from season to season?
No in Costa Rica the temperature varies little from season to season. This country experiences some of the best weather on the planet with temperatures averaging around 25 degrees Celsius (75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit) year around. Temperature can vary significantly by elevation however, with mountain areas quite a bit cooler than the valleys and coastal areas.

Does it ever rain during the dry season?
Sure it can rain, but it is rare. Actually the season on the Caribbean coast (Limon) is the opposite from the rest of the country and heavy rains are often experienced there during the time the rest of the country is in the dry season.

Weather-wise, what is the best time to visit?
Anytime is a good time to visit Costa Rica. The dry season gets tons of sunshine, but the green season deserves its title because the rains cause vegetation to really come to life and the beauty during the sunny mornings is spectacular.

Does the temperature vary significantly from the beach to the higher areas?
Yes it is remarkable cool in the higher elevations, especially at night. If you are visiting the high areas, a coat is a must.

Is Costa Rica affected by hurricanes in the Atlantic or Pacific?
No Costa Rica is too far south to be affected materially by Hurricanes in the Atlantic. Hurricanes in the Caribbean basin can increase rainfall in the country, but direct effects other than rain are seldom experienced.

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Geography

How mountainous is Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has some of the highest mountains of Central America with several peaks higher than 11,000 feet and the highest peak, Cerro Chirripo, over 12,000 feet.

What are the borders of Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is bordered on the North by Nicaragua, on the South by Panama, on the East by the Caribbean Sea and on the West by the Pacific Ocean.

What are the beaches like in Costa Rica?
Costa has beautiful white sand and black sand beaches on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts.

How frequent do earthquakes occur?
Earthquakes (or temblors) occur frequently but severe ones are very rare.

Do volcanic eruptions pose a risk?
There are several active volcanoes in Costa Rica, with Arenal being the most active. Eruptions are frequent and spectacular, but severe eruptions are rare.

What is the highest peak in Costa Rica?
The highest peak is Cerro Chirripo at 3,820 meters (about 12,225 feet).

What oceans does Costa Rica have?
Costa Rica is bordered on the East by the Caribbean Sea and on the West by the Pacific Ocean.

Are there any large lakes in Costa Rica?
The largest lake is Lake Arenal.

Are there many rivers in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has hundreds of beautiful rivers with spectacular waterfalls and some of the best white water rafting found on the planet.

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Culture

Are the people of Costa Rica friendly?
Costa Ricans are very friendly and welcome visitors to their country very warmly.

What language is generally spoken?
Spanish is the predominant language in most parts of Costa Rica. However, on the Caribbean coast a form of English (Patua) is spoken. Also English is spoken by many in Costa Rica as a second language, especially in the tourism industry.

What are the predominant religions of Costa Rica?
Catholicism is the predominant religion.

What are the most popular sports of Costa Rica?
Costa Ricans are wild for their futbol (or soccer). You will often see cars on the road with the passengers waiving large flags with their team's colors on game day.

What things do Costa Ricans do for leisure?
Costa Ricans love their music and dance. Popular dance forms are Salsa, Merengue and Cumbia.

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Government

What type of government does Costa Rica have?
Costa Rica is a constitutional democratic republic.

How often are elections held?
Every four years.

Does Costa Rica have a military?
No the military was abolished many years ago by the then President Don Pepe Figueres.

Is Costa Rica at conflict with its neighbors?
No there are no present conflicts.

Is the Costa Rica government stable?
Costa Rica has the most stable democracy in Central America and one of the most stable in the Latin World.

When was the last time Costa Rica experienced war?
Costa Rica had a brief civil war in 1948. The military was abolished shortly thereafter.

How is Costa Rica divided?
There are seven provices (San Jose, Limon, Alajuela, Puntarenas, Guanacaste, Heredia, Cartago).

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Food and Drinks

Is the water safe to drink in Costa Rica?
Yes water is safe to drink in all parts of Costa Rica.

What is the food like in Costa Rica?
Costa Rican food is excellent. With two oceans, seafood is abundant and the rich volcanic soil produces a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

What is the Costa Rica national beer of choice?
Imperial is the favorite beer with Pilsen running second place. Recently a light version of Imperial was introduced.

Is Costa Rica coffee really that good?
Costa Rican coffee is as good as it gets. A popular saying here is that "Juan Valdez drinks Costa Rican coffee."

What other alcoholic drinks are popular in Costa Rica?
The most popular rum is Centenario. Many locals drink a very potent alcoholic drink made with sugar cane called Guaro. This is NOT recommended

What are some traditional Costa Rican dishes?
The typical meal is called a "Casado" which combines a meat with rice and beans and a small salad.

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Crime

Is crime a problem in Costa Rica?
Crime is not a big problem here. Most crimes against tourists are petty thefts. There are many fraudulent schemes perpetrated against investors, but these are mostly done by foreigners rather than Costa Ricans.

Is prostitution legal in Costa Rica?
Yes prostitution is legal. However, sex with children is highly illegal and prosecuted severely.

What kinds of crimes are most common?
Against tourists property crimes are common. It is a good idea to always have an eye on your valuables. A wise saying is "don't tempt a poor person."

Is the police force adequate?
The police force is adequate for the amount of crime experienced, which is slight. However, corruption does exist among police. It is a good idea not to pay police officers if you are stopped for a traffic violation.

What do I do if I get a speeding ticket?
If you have a rental car you can pay the rental company directly and they will handle it.

Are drugs a problem in Costa Rica?
Because of its proximity to the South American border, Costa Rica is a gateway for drug shipments to North America. Laws are very severe for possession of drugs, however.

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Travel Related

How are the roads in Costa Rica?
The roads in Costa Rica are bad, but not that bad. It depends on where you are. Mountain roads are usually paved but narrow and very windy. Coastal roads are often dirt and very washed out with large potholes. Driving for the inexperienced can be very dangerous. Traffic is also very heavy, especially in the larger cities and traffic signs are different than in the U.S. and in Spanish. It is very easy to get confused and have problems. We generally recommend that our clients use either tourist bus or private transfers to destinations of interest.

What are the major airports in Costa Rica?
There are two international airports, one in San Jose and the other in Liberia. There are many small airports throughout the country serviced by small commuter flights, originating in San Jose.

Are there commuter flights to various locations within the country?
Yes and the two largest operators of such flights are Sansa and Nature Air. Almost all destinations can be reached in less than an hour on such a flight. There is a pretty stringent weight limits for such flights, however, so it is not possible to take along a lot of luggage.

What is the Costa Rican currency called?
The currency is the colon or colones (plural).

What is the exchange rate with the US Dollar?
Currently the rate is around 560 colones per US dollar.

What is the departure tax?
When you leave the country you must pay a departure tax of $26, which can be paid either with dollars or local currency or with a Visa (and only a Visa) credit card.

What are the Costa Rica immigration entry requirements?
For US residents, only a passport is required with an expiration date more than three months beyond your departure date.

How long can I remain in Costa Rica with a travel visa?
You can remain in Costa Rica for three months (or 90 days) on a tourist visa.

How long must I remain outside of Costa Rica after my travel visa expires?
You must exit the country for a minimum of three days (or 72 hours).

How expensive is gas in Costa Rica?
Gas is more expensive than in the US, but not that much more. Currently around $3.50 per gallon.

How much do I tip in Costa Rica?
Almost all restaurants will add a 10% tip to the bill (along with the 13% sales tax) and tipping beyond that, while appreciated, is not expected. You do not need to tip taxi drivers.

Are taxis a good way to get around in Costa Rica?
Yes taxis are plentiful, especially in the larger cities. It is a fairly cheap way to get around. However, always ask how much prior to getting into the taxi to avoid getting ripped off. While most taxistas are considerate and very honest, there are some that will take advantage of tourists. Especially be wary of taxis that hang around hotels. They generally charge double what a normal taxi will charge. It is often a good idea to walk a couple blocks away from the hotel and then flag one down.

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Investing/Retiring/Relocating

Is Costa Rica a safe place for investment
Yes Costa Rica is safe for investment. There is a computerized national registry system and title insurance can be obtained. There is also very little risk of government appropriation. Most property in Costa Rica can be owned by foreigners with the exception of beachfront property (that is, the first 200 meters from the low tide mark).

What precautions should be taken?
It is always a good idea to look before you buy. That is why we offer the Real Estate Exploration Tour. Also, it is a good idea to consult an attorney to check ownership records and a cursory review of the National Registry to discover any title problems prior to putting any money down on property.

How difficult is it to establish residency in Costa Rica?
Residency can be established if you qualify under one of several categories. Pensionistas and Rentistas are perhaps the best ways to acquire the residency (you must prove a source of income for a set period of time). Another for is the inversionista (you must show an investment in a qualified business in Costa Rica). Finally either marrying a Costa Rica or having a child in Costa Rica is another qualification for residency. It is best to consult an immigration attorney for assistance in establishing residency. Also, the process moves very slowly and can take up to a year.

What are the tax laws in Costa Rica?
The primary revenue source in Costa Rica is the National Sales Tax, which is 13% and is levied on most goods bought in the country. Income taxes are levied on income from businesses, although there is widespread avoidance and the collection efforts are minimal at best. There is no capital gains tax in Costa Rica.

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Medical Care

What is the quality of medical care in Costa Rica?
Medical care in Costa Rica is excellent. People come here from the US and all over Latin America for procedures from top physicians in state-of-the-art medical facilities.

What are the best hospitals?
The best hospital is Cima located in Escazu. However, another first rate facility is Clinica Biblica in downtown San Jose.

How expensive is medical care?
Medical care here is considerably cheaper than in the US. Many people come here for cosmetic surgery and dental procedures, which in many cases can cost only 1/3 f what the same procedures cost in the US. See our dental & cosmeticsurgery page for these services. We can arrange packages including such services.

Prescriptions?
Drugs under foreign prescription can generally readily be obtained in Costa Rica without any evidence of a written prescription. However, prices are generally comparable to what you would pay in the US.

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Economic

What is the state of the economy in Costa Rica?
The economy is good, but inflation is a high compared to the US. Costa Rica is the only current Central American holdout from the CAFTA agreement (Central American Free Trade Agreement). The current president (Oscar Arias) is for Costa Rica to join the agreement and this will likely be the case. This will most likely bring down the prices of imported goods in the country and may reduce inflation. NOTE: On October 7. 2007 Costa Rica by national referendum ratified the CAFTA. Specific legislation to fully implement the law is now making its way through the legislature.

What is the per capita income?
The current per capita income is around $11,000.

Inflation?
Inflation currently is around 13% - 14%.

Unemployment?
Unemployment currently is around 6% - 7%.

Top economic sectors?
Currently tourism has overtaken agriculture as the top sector. Costa Rica is also one of the largest exporters of bananas, coffee and pineapple in the world.

What is the education system like in Costa Rica?
The education system is very good and the extremely high literacy rate (96%) is a testimony to that.

Are there private schools for foreigners?
Many private schools exist and classes are offered in such schools in English and Spanish.

What is the population of Costa Rica?
About 4,000,000.

What is the biggest city?
The largest city is the capitol, San Jose, with a population of about 2,000,000.

What is the literacy rate of Costa Rica?
96%, one of the highest in the world, developed or emerging countries combined.

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