Costa Rica.Natural beauty and friendly business climate It's often said that there's no place in the world like Costa Rica Costa Rica (kŏs`tə rē`kə), officially Republic of Costa Rica, republic (2005 est. pop. 4,016,000), 19,575 sq mi (50,700 sq km), Central America. : active volcanos, carefully protected rain forests, secluded beaches and undersea coral reefs coral reefs, limestone formations produced by living organisms, found in shallow, tropical marine waters. In most reefs, the predominant organisms are stony corals, colonial cnidarians that secrete an exoskeleton of calcium carbonate (limestone). . A small mountainous country on the narrow Central American Central America A region of southern North America extending from the southern border of Mexico to the northern border of Colombia. It separates the Caribbean Sea from the Pacific Ocean and is linked to South America by the Isthmus of Panama. isthmus isthmus (ĭs`məs), narrow neck of land connecting two larger land areas. Since it commands the only land route between two large areas and is on two seas, an isthmus has great strategical and commercial importance and is a favorable situation , Costa Rica enjoys an immense diversity of climates, environmental regions and plant and animal life. But it is also gaining in importance as a strategic business center, with easy access to world markets and friendly investment policies. Located in the middle of the American Continent, Costa Rica lies between Panama to the south and Nicaragua to the north, with its Pacific and Atlantic coasts merely 175 miles apart. Costa Rica has a well-developed tourism infrastructure, ranging from luxurious beachfront beach·front n. A strip of land facing or running along a beach. adj. Situated along or having direct access to a beach: beachfront hotels; beachfront property. Noun 1. hotels to locally run lodges that provide a base for exploring the pristine mountains and rain forests. Costa Rica welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to share its peaceful beauty and natural treasures. This peaceful Central American nation Noun 1. Central American nation - any one of the countries occupying Central America; these countries (except for Belize and Costa Rica) are characterized by low per capita income and unstable governments Central American country also hosts hundreds of meetings and conventions annually through its nationwide network of resorts and other hospitality facilities. Ticos, as Costa Ricans are commonly known, know their country is a special place and go out of their way to accommodate visitors, pointing them in the right direction, explaining the local customs and helping to ensure an enjoyable stay. Most international visitors arrive at the recently remodeled Juan Santamaria International Airport located in Alajuela, 20 minutes from the capital city of San Jose San Jose, city, United States San Jose (sănəzā`, săn hōzā`), city (1990 pop. 782,248), seat of Santa Clara co., W central Calif.; founded 1777, inc. 1850. . Last year, the airport posted 769,000 international arrivals, including 375,000 from the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. , 130,000 from Europe and 87,000 from South America South America, fourth largest continent (1991 est. pop. 299,150,000), c.6,880,000 sq mi (17,819,000 sq km), the southern of the two continents of the Western Hemisphere. . Costa Rica is the oldest democracy in Latin America Latin America, the Spanish-speaking, Portuguese-speaking, and French-speaking countries (except Canada) of North America, South America, Central America, and the West Indies. . The nation's armed forces were abolished in 1948, and those resources have since been devoted to education, personal health and an emerging broad middle class. The United Nations' Human Development Index has classified Costa Rica as the country with the best quality of human resources The fancy word for "people." The human resources department within an organization, years ago known as the "personnel department," manages the administrative aspects of the employees. among developing nations. SO MANY THINGS TO DO The biggest challenge that visitors to Costa Rica face is choosing how to spend their vacations with so many choices available. Here are some of the options. Beaches Beach lovers can select the perfect spot to unwind along Costa Rica's more than 621 miles of shoreline. Each beach has a beauty and character all its own. Costa Rica's many beaches are part of the national park system, which adds to their attractiveness, since visitors can enjoy the beauty of the tropical countryside as well. Snorkeling and Diving Few places in the world have such a profusion of underwater beauty as is found in the waters of the Caribbean in the east and the Pacific Ocean in the west. This beauty makes Costa Rica one of the most attractive international destinations for snorkeling and diving, with numerous dive centers offering rental equipment and organizing tours. The most beautiful areas are found around the Coco and Cano islands, but because of their distance and wealth of protected species, special permits and transportation are needed to get there. The Papagayo Gulf in Guanacaste and the southern Caribbean  This article or section needs copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone and/or spelling.You can assist by [ editing it] now. also are noteworthy because of the large number of spectacular coral reefs. Sport Fishing Costa Rica is known throughout the world for the richness and diversity of its sportfishing sport·fish·ing n. The sport of catching fish using a rod and reel. Noun 1. sportfishing - the act of someone who fishes as a diversion fishing field sport, outdoor sport - a sport that is played outdoors , including marlin, sailfish sailfish, common name for a marine game and food fish belonging to the family Istiophoridae and related to the swordfish and the marlin. It is named for its high, wide dorsal fin, colored deep blue with black spots. , tuna, rooster rooster its crowing at dawn heralds each new day. [Western Folklore: Leach, 329] See : Dawn rooster symbol of maleness. [Folklore: Binder, 85] See : Virility fish and snapper snapper, name for members of the Lutianidae, a family of spiny-finned food and game fishes found chiefly in tropical coastal waters. Snappers are carnivorous, active, and voracious, with large mouths and sharp teeth. Most species travel in dense schools. on the Pacific, and snook snook: see bass, fish. snook Any of about eight species (genus Centropomus) of tropical marine fishes that are long and silvery and have two dorsal fins, a long head, and a large mouth with a projecting lower jaw. , sea bass, mahi mahi (dolphin fish) and snapper on the Atlantic side. Anglers can also enjoy their sport in mountain lakes and in some rivers. Surfing It's no accident that Costa Rica has become one of the primary destinations for surfers. The easy access to the oceanside and the variety of surf are very attractive to lovers of the sport. Four different areas on the Caribbean and the North, Central, and Southern Pacific coasts offer the best in surfing. Windsurfing World champions have called Costa Rica one of the globe's top five windsurfing spots. From anywhere in the country, the warm surf is only a few hours away. There are river mouth breaks, beach breaks, reef and one of the longest left-hand curls in the world. Rafting Rafting on Costa Rica's wild and scenic rivers is perhaps the single most popular adventure sport in the country. Professional equipment and guides are available so visitors can enjoy the Reventazon, Pacuare, General or Corobici rivers to the utmost. Whitewater kayaking Whitewater kayaking is the sport of paddling a kayak on a moving body of water, typically a whitewater river. Whitewater kayaking can range from simple, carefree gently moving water, to demanding, dangerous whitewater. is another favorite, and Costa Rica has hosted more than one international tournament. Ocean kayaking is also rapidly gaining devotees. Volcanos Visitors can enjoy Costa Rica's volcanos, but judiciously. The Arenal Volcano The Arenal Volcano, in Spanish Volcán Arenal, is an active andesitic stratovolcano in north-western Costa Rica (10.5N, 84.7W), around 90 km north-west of San José, in the province of Alajuela. is one of the most active in the world, with an eruption on the average of once per hour. The dormant Irazu Volcano offers breathtaking views. The inactive Poas Volcano has the largest crater in the world. Historic Sites The San Jose metropolitan area boasts many historic sites, including the National Theater, the National Museum, the Post Office, the Atlantic Railway Station, the Cathedral, the Central Park, the Metallic Building, the Central Market, the CENAC (Arts and Culture Center), the National and Morazan Parks, the Melico Salazar Theater The Melico Salazar Theater is located in San José, Costa Rica. The Parisian influenced National Theatre, which was built in 1890 is decorated with elegant balconies, luxurious furniture, and marble columns. and the Children's Museum Children's museums are institutions that provide exhibits and programs that stimulate informal learning experiences for children. In contrast with traditional museums that typically have a hands-off policy regarding exhibits, children's museums feature interactive exhibits that are . In the outlying areas, sites of interest are the Orosi Church and the ruins of the Ujarras Church, both in Cartago Province Cartago is a province of Costa Rica. It is located in the central part of the country. Bordering provinces are Limón to the east and San José to the west. The capital is Cartago and it was formerly the capital city of Costa Rica. The province covers an area of 3,124. . Anyone who enjoys archeological sites should visit Turrialba in Cartago Province to see the Guayabo National Monument Guayabo National Monument is a national monument in the Central Volcanic Conservation Area in the Cartago Province of Costa Rica that covers the largest archaeological site in the country. . INFORMATION FOR TRAVELERS Lodging Visitors to Costa Rica can choose from a wide variety of lodging, from luxury hotels belonging to major worldwide chains to ecological hostels and more modest bed-and-breakfasts. Cuisine What's on What's On (Traditional Chinese: 熒幕八爪娛) is a weekly half-hour TV series that airs on Fairchild Television. Format Originally started in 1996, the show is currently the longest-running program in Fairchild Television history. the menu? Costa Rican cuisine ranges from the freshest tropical fruits and vegetables to exquisite seafood and indigenous foods, such as gallo pinto Gallo pinto (or gallopinto) is the prototypical traditional dish of Nicaragua and Costa Rica cuisines. It is considered the national dish of both countries, although the two prepare it in a slightly different manner, and is eaten as a part of any meal. , consisting of rice lightly sauteed with beans and served with steak or eggs. Costa Rican dishes also include tamales, arroz con pollo Noun 1. arroz con pollo - rice and chicken cooked together Spanish style; highly seasoned especially with saffron chicken and rice - rice and chicken cooked together with or without other ingredients and variously seasoned (rice with chicken), minced arracache root, potato and meat hash, and casado, a "marriage" of rice, beans, ripe plantains, fresh vegetable salad and some sort of meat. The list goes on to include grilled corn on the cob, chorreadas (a thick johnny cake made from tender corn), and empanadas filled with cheese, beans or meat. In addition, if a visitor so desires, he or she may try other cuisines, such as French, Italian, German, Korean, Chinese, Spanish, Mexican, U.S. and vegetarian, all of which are well-represented in the country. Communications Costa Rica has one of the most advanced telecommunications systems in Latin America, with telephones and fax machines all over the country and an increasing number of businesses online. To call or fax Costa Rica, dial the country code 506 before the number. Mail service is reliable, and San Jose has an ample selection of courier services. Most large hotels in the San Jose area have cable television. Newspapers and magazines from North America and several European nations are sold in many shops and hotels in and around the capital. Transportation It's easy to get around in Costa Rica. There is bus service to just about every town and city, and buses that serve main tourist destinations are of high quality. Taxis are also plentiful and inexpensive, and in San Jose, they are required to use meters for most trips. The standard charge for a taxi between the international airport and downtown San Jose Downtown San Jose is the central business district of San Jose, California, United States. The area is generally located north of Interstate 280 and east of Guadalupe Parkway, which roughly parallels Guadalupe River. is US$10. The quickest way to get around is to fly, and several domestic airlines offer daily flights to most of the popular tourist destinations. There are also plenty of car rental agencies, most of which rent four-wheel-drive vehicles. Banks and Money State and private banks abound in San Jose, and at least one major bank is located in every large town. The official currency of Costa Rica is the colon, but U.S. dollars are accepted in most hotels and restaurants. U.S. dollars and traveler's checks can be changed in banks and hotels. Major credit cards are widely accepted, and cash advances can be obtained in San Jose. Business Hours BUSINESS HOURS. The time of the day during which business is transacted. In respect to the time of presentment and demand of bills and notes, business hours generally range through the whole day down to the hours of rest in the evening, except when the paper is payable it a bank or by a Government offices are generally open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., while banks close any time between 3 and 6 p.m., depending on the branch. Most shops are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., while some open at 8 a.m. and others close at 7 p.m.; most grocery stores close at 8 p.m. Some shops also close for lunch, between noon and 1 or 2 p.m. Holidays Though government offices and most banks close for national holidays, travelers are not inconvenienced since they can change money or travelers checks in their hotel. Do not change money on the street. During the week of the Annexation of Guanacaste, July 25, the main towns in the northwest province of Guanacaste are overflowing with revelry Revelry Revenge (See VENGEANCE.) Reward (See PRIZE.) Bacchanalia festival in honor of Bacchus, god of wine. [Rom. Religion: NCE, 203] Boar’s Head Tavern scene of Falstaff’s carousals. [Br. Lit. and folklore. Carnival, which is celebrated in the Caribbean port of Limon during the week of October 12, is another colorful affair. Entry Documents Anyone who wants to visit Costa Rica should contact the Costa Rican embassy or consulate in their country to determine what kind of documents are needed to enter the country. Climate Costa Rica has only two different seasons: a rainy season that runs from May to November and a dry season that begins in December and ends in April. The average temperature in the Central Valley is 72[degrees] F (22[degrees] C), while on the coast and at the beaches it ranges from 70[degrees] to 90[degrees] F (21[degrees] to 32[degrees] C). Business Advantages Costa Rica's strategic position in the heart of the western hemisphere, the government's positive attitude toward new business transactions, the infrastructure, access to international markets and the quality and cost of its labor make this country an ideal place to establish commercial operations. Costa Rica's political and economical stability has fostered one of the most reliable and transparent business climates in the Americas. Fiscal incentives are offered, as well as a highly skilled labor force (95% of the population is literate), making high-quality operations available at competitive operational costs. Costa Rica places no limits on repatriation Repatriation The process of converting a foreign currency into the currency of one's own country. Notes: If you are American, converting British Pounds back to U.S. dollars is an example of repatriation. of profits and of original investment. There is a tax of a 15% on dividend remittances, but this does not apply to companies established in free zone areas. As befits the country's location, air and ocean freight transportation services are provided to major U.S., Mexican, Central American, South American and Caribbean ports and cities. This makes the country a superb strategic base for world markets, especially for the distribution of products to the Caribbean basin. Coffee has historically been the country's most important crop, and Costa Rica continues to produce some of the best coffee in the world. But in recent years, less traditional crops have been playing an increasingly important economic role. The banana is the second most important export crop, with vast plantations covering parts of the Caribbean lowlands, but there is also significant land dedicated to pineapples, sugar, oranges, rice, cattle, hardwoods and ornamental plants. Costa Rica's positive business environment fosters long-term planning for multinational corporations that seek to establish or expand operations in a country that has consistently been rated as having one of the lowest risk ratings for investment. With its high level of education and telecommunications system, Costa Rica has attracted multinational technology investments from companies like Intel Corporation, Laser Sight Technology, Siemens, Procter & Gamble and many others. Ten great reasons to visit Costa Rica * Natural, unspoiled beauty * Unique rain forests and national parks * Active volcanoes to explore * A sport fishing paradise * Snorkeling and diving trips * 621 miles of Caribbean and Pacific beaches * Convenient flight connections with the United States, Europe and Latin America * Well-developed tourism industry * Political and economic stability * Numerous resorts and meeting facilities SOURCE: Costa Rica Tourist Board (www.tourism-costarica.com) Facts About Costa Rica LOCATION: Costa Rica is bordered on the southeast by Panama, on the north by Nicaragua, on the east by the Caribbean Sea, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean. POPULATION: 4,000,000 AREA: 51,100 square kilometers (31 ,682 square miles) CAPITAL: San Jose OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Spanish MONEY: Colon OFFICIAL RELIGION: Catholic POLITICAL SYSTEM: Democracy ELECTRICITY: 110 volts NATIONAL BIRD: Yiguirro NATIONAL FLOWER: Purple Guaria Orchid NATIONAL TREE: Guanacaste HIGHEST ELEVATION: Cerro Chirripo (Mount Chirripo) at 3,820 meters (12,530 feet) above sea level Eco-tourism: A unique destination Costa Ricans have preserved their nation's invaluable biodiversity in protected areas covering fully one-quarter of the country. Costa Rica is often cited as a model for conservation in harmony with community development and economic growth. At the same time, access to nature is easy: In one day, a visitor can drive to the very edge of a volcanic crater, hike through the heart of a mountain jungle, take an aerial tram ride in the rainforest canopy and soak up sun on a deserted beach. Costa Rica's nine active volcanos vividly remind visitors of the awesome power contained in the earth's thin mantle. The forests on the upper slopes of Costa Rica's mountains and volcanos are frequently draped drape v. draped, drap·ing, drapes v.tr. 1. To cover, dress, or hang with or as if with cloth in loose folds: draped the coffin with a flag; a robe that draped her figure. in mist and clouds. Mosses and lichens Lichens Symbiotic associations of fungi (mycobionts) and photosynthetic partners (photobionts). These associations always result in a distinct morphological body termed a thallus that may adhere tightly to the substrate or be leafy, stalked, or hanging. get a foothold on the constantly wet surfaces, providing a home for orchids, bromeliads, ferns and innumerable other plants. The cloudforest captures the imagination, emanating a sense of ancient and enduring life. In the foothills and lowlands of both slopes, Costa Rica's rainforests harbor thousands of known life forms and thousands more yet to be described. They are among the last strongholds of biodiversity on earth. At dawn, the rain forest resonates with birdsong birdsong. Song, call notes, and certain mechanical sounds constitute the language of birds. Song is produced in the syrinx, whose firm walls are derived from the rings of the trachea, and is modified by the larynx and tongue. ; in the heat of the day, it is quiet. Walking in the rainforest is like taking a step back in time, where the modern world and all its stress fade into insignificance in·sig·nif·i·cance n. The quality or state of being insignificant. Noun 1. insignificance - the quality of having little or no significance unimportance - the quality of not being important or worthy of note . Costa Rica has an estimated 850 bird species, including hawks, ducks, toucans and tanagers, plus the noisy parrots and macaws. Monkeys, coatimundis, peccaries, agoutis, armadillos, sloths, deer, squirrels and bats are commonly seen mammals. Also frequently found are iguanas, crocodiles and many species of lizards. For the most fulfilling experience in the forest, it is important to go with an experienced naturalist as your guide, who will explain the complex inter-relationships of species in the forests, help identify birds and spot well-camouflaged creatures. Costa Rica's National Parks System protects examples of nearly all the ecosystems that exist in the country, covering about 14% of the national territory. Those parks and protected areas are not only great places for hiking and observing wildlife, but some also include great spots for skin diving, spelunking, surfing and other outdoor activities. No matter what your vacation priorities are, a visit to one or more of the national parks or other protected areas is time well spent. Admission to any national park costs US$6. |
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