:: About Costa Rica

About the size of West Virginia and with a population of almost 4 million, Costa Rica is an example of conservation of natural resources and economic sustainability.

Almost one-third of its land is protected by land management laws, more than any other country on Earth.

Costa Rica’s traditional agricultural export economy (including coffee and bananas) has been supplanted by tourism and high tech exports. Eco-tourism thrives in Costa Rica's 12 distinct ecological zones that include rainforests, rugged mountains, active volcanoes, and beaches along two oceans.

The country has become a model for nations that hope to encourage economic development within a framework of environmental protection and sustainability.

:: The "Ticos"

Ticos is the common name Costa Ricans refer to themselves.  More specifically, a Tica is a female Costa Rican and a Tico is a male. The name comes from a preference Ticos have of using the diminutive in their speech, changing everything so it means 'little something'.  For instance, a Tico might call his grandmother (abuela),  abuelita, or her house (casa) her casita.  A kiss (beso) becomes a besito!  This goes on and on and covers almost everything.  In fact, it makes learning Costa Rica style Spanish a bit harder as you have to learn these diminutives even if you don't use them.  So why Tico?  Because many people pronounced the diminutive saying  momentito (meaning just a short moment), as "momentico"

Costa Ricans (Ticos) are generally gentle, spirited, friendly, educated, polite, and kind people. Most seem to like visitors from other countries and treat them well. The Costa Rican national slogan, "Teachers—not soldiers," is indicative of the peaceful nature of the Costa Rican people; they are among the friendliest and most social people in the world. Spanish is the country's official language, though English is a workable lingua franca in the capital city of San Jose, as well as the more touristy areas. Ticos are a mixing of races. Though most of the country’s 4 million inhabitants descend from Spanish immigrants, many families originated in other parts of Europe, Asia, Africa and Central America. A large number are fair-skinned, especially in the Central Valley. 

:: Costa Rica Information

Population

3,896,092 (July 2003 est.)

Location

Middle America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, situated between Nicaragua and Panama.

Climate

Costa Rica's tropical and subtropical climate is responsible for this Central American country's vast rainforests and rich biodiversity. Temperatures in Costa Rica vary primarily with elevation, not with seasons. The coastal areas remain warm year-round, while the mountain regions tend to have a more temperate weather and climate. Costa Rica has two seasons: the rainy season, “winter,” lasts from May to mid-November; the dry season, “summer,” lasts from mid-November to April. During the rainy season, days often start out sunny with rain falling in the afternoons and evenings. The dry season, because of its lack of rain, tends to be Costa Rica’s high season for tourism.

Maps

• Costa Rica Map Information - San Jose, Arenal, Manuel Antonio, Jaco, Tamarindo, Flamingo Beach & Other Maps
  
  

Hotel Associations & Hotels

• Costa Rican Hotel Association - The Adventure Hotels of Costa Rica - Small, Ecological / Boutique
  
• Costa Rica Hot Springs - Hotel, Resort, Day Tours, Residential Lots
  
  
• Costa Rica Hostel, San Jose Downtown Guesthouse
  
  
• Manuel Antonio Hotel / Resort / Vacation Rental Villa & Quepos Fishing Center
  
  
• Yoga Retreat & Boutique Hotel / Resort / Spa - Montezuma, Costa Rica
  

Vacation Rentals

• Exclusive, Luxurious Beach Vacation Rental in Tango Mar Resort, Costa Rica
  
  
• Luxury Costa Rica Vacation Rental All Inclusive Packages, Manuel Antonnio
  
  
• Costa rica vacation rentals Luxurious costa rica vacation rentals including vacation home rentals and beach rental house near Cabuya beach Costa Rica. Discover your personal hideway with our vacation rental house and home villas close to Cobo Blanco, Costa Rica.
  
  

Travel Agencies

• Costa Rica Tours, Travel, Vacation Packages & Licensed Ground Operator
  
  
• Luxury Costa Rica Hotels, Resorts & Vacation Rentals - Limousines & Helicopters
  
  
• Extreme Adventure Vacations - Pilates, Yoga, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Kickboxing - Tours, Instruction & Boot Camp
  
  

Medical Services

• Costa Rica Dental Implants & Cosmetic Dentistry
  
  
• Costa Rica Medical Tourism - Doctors, Hospitals, Physician Specialists
  
  

Car Rentals

• Costa Rica Car Rental - 4x4s, SUVs & Compacts for Vacation or Business
  
  

International Travel Interests

• Le Auberge de Chatelus Le Marcheix L'Auberge de Chatelus in the village of Chatelus Le Marcheix, Creuse in Limousin region of France. A typical French Hotel - Bar - Resturant. The pilgrimage 'Voie de Vazelay' which is in turn part of the 'Way of St James' passes through the village.