America > Costa Rica

The tropical weather divides the year into two seasons: a rainy season from May to November and a dry season from December to April. There aren't many differences in temperature except those caused by variations in altitude. The Caribbean coast has high humidity for the major part of the year with warm temperatures of around 30°C during the day.

The Central Valley has a temperate climate with an average temperature of 20°C, which seems to set the area within what the residents call, "eternal spring." The dry season is the best time to visit the country, but it's also the busiest.

Costa Rica is above all a natural paradise with beautiful landscapes, inhabited by an extremely kind population.

San Jose isn't a very pleasant city but it has interesting museums and lively markets. Of particular interest are the National Museum for its archaeological artifacts, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and the Jade Museum.

The National parks are favourite destinations: The Arenal Volcano is still active and Santa Rosa Volcano is home to a huge rainforest.

The Pacific coast has stunning beaches and deserted coves where you can sunbathe peacefully or enjoy surfing.

The Caribbean coast boasts several national parks: Tortuguero National Park with its birds and sea turtles, the Vargas Park with its sloths, Cahuita with its village, and beaches surrounded by jungle inhabited by green parrots and howler monkeys.

Finally, in the heart of the Osa Peninsula, the Corcovado National Park allows you to explore some of the natural, unspoilt areas: Drake Bay will leave you unforgettable images; mangrove swamps inhabited by crocodiles, sand banks with blue herons, and a jungle teeming with toucans.

From Europe, your flight will go through the U.S. or Canada.
EU citizens don't require a visa to stay for less than 3 months.

The currency in circulation is the Colon.
The budget required is not very high: A double room will cost about €50 in the low season and a meal less than €5.

There are no particular health issues in the region: However it is best to drink bottled water instead of tap water, and to wash fruit and raw vegetables. Keep all your vaccines up to date.

For your safety, you should be alert to the possibility of storms which can result in heavy flooding and landslides, and also be aware if you visit the Arenal Volcano area that volcanic activity can occur without warning.

To travel within the country, buses work well and for a reasonable price. Also you can easily take a taxi to reach the destination of your choice.