Costa Rica lies a little above the equator in Central America. Not only does the country border two oceans, but it also has spectacular flora and fauna. Numerous exotic animal species cavort here in the rainforests, there are mist-shrouded volcanoes, wild rivers and beautiful sandy beaches.
According to pharmacylib, the country has remained largely untouched by the influences of the colonial era and this has a positive effect in Costa Rica. It is the perfect destination for all lovers of nature and adventure. In the treetops you can experience monkeys up close, and those who like it quieter can relax in warm thermal springs or go canyoning in raging rivers.
Best travel time
The best time to travel to Costa Rica is in the dry season from mid-December to April . This peak travel season offers plenty of sunshine, making it an ideal time to explore the rainforests and lounge on the beach. That said, the dry season is the most popular (and expensive) time to visit. If you don’t mind getting a bit wet, you can travel to Costa Rica between May and November when prices are the lowest. In June and July there are always short rain showers and Costa Rica’s forests shine in magnificent, green foliage.
When planning your trip, you should keep in mind that the weather varies greatly from region to region . In the dense rainforests of the Caribbean coast and the northern plains you can expect high humidity all year round and temperatures between 22 ° -27 ° C. Conversely, you have to be prepared for lower humidity in the parts of the North Pacific, with temperatures often above 32 ° C during the dry months ° C can rise.
Costa Rica’s dry months are characterized by the most hours of sunshine and tourists. Nature lovers and beach seekers flock to the country from all over the world to explore the spectacular rainforests and sandy beaches. You should come during the dry season to see soaring quetzals and swaying green turtles. During this time of year, numerous lively fiestas with bullfights, dancing and live music take place across the country. In San José, the year round temperatures are a pleasant 24 ° C, while in the drier regions along the northern plains and coasts, such as the Nicola and Guanacaste Peninsula, mostly above 30 ° C. In December and January, many North American and European vacationers visit Costa Rica mainly to soak up the sun and take a break from the cold winter months. You should therefore reserve several months in advance to ensure that the offers are available.
In the rainy season from May to November – often called the “green season” because of the intense green foliage – fewer tourists come to the island, which translates into lower accommodation costs. Even in drier areas such as Guanacaste there are showers in the afternoon or evening, but usually only last a few hours. You have to expect rain showers from midday until September and October along the Caribbean coast. If you are planning to visit Costa Rica this season, keep in mind that dirt roads can become impassable and remote locations can be difficult or impossible to get to.
Language
The official language in Costa Rica is Spanish, but English is also widespread and you can communicate well.
Money and expenses
The national currency of Costa Rica is the colon. Travelers checks in euros can be exchanged at any bank with a valid passport. We do not recommend taking 100 euro bills with you as there is currently a problem with counterfeiting, which means that many banks and exchange offices do not accept them.
Food and drink
In Costa Rica you can find a wide variety of dishes from French to Chinese and regional. With two oceans as a source, seafood is a specialty in Costa Rica, as are local dishes like “gallos” (open tortillas with beef, chicken, or ham) and uniquely flavored black beans. Other local specialties are palm hearts, tamales and ceviche. There are a variety of local beers, rums, and liquors.
Tip
Tips for good service are welcome. The restaurant bills always include a service charge of 10% and a sales tax of 13%.
Locomotion
Despite the country’s advanced development, roads can be in pretty bad shape. So you have to be prepared for a bumpy ride from time to time. Although Costa Rica is a relatively small country, sometimes it is quicker and easier to fly within the country.
Climate in San José
The weather and climate in Costa Rica is highly dependent on the altitude at which you are. The climatic conditions and the amount of rain also change depending on the situation. In Monteverde in the highlands there is partly cool fog for most of the year. Guanacaste on the Pacific coast, on the other hand, is hot and dry and known for its dream beaches.
There is a rainy season from May to November. The average rainfall is around 2,500 mm per year, but in some regions in the mountains of Costa Rica up to 7,500 mm can fall annually. It can also rain quite heavily in rainforest areas.
The area around the capital San José and the high plateau Valle Central have pleasant and moderate temperatures all year round. At altitudes between 600 and 1,500 meters above sea level, the temperature is usually between 18 and 29 ° C.
The rainforests on the South Pacific coast are warm and humid with heavy rainfall in the rainy season. The lowlands and coastal areas of Costa Rica have an average temperature of 26 ° C. If you are looking for a warm climate, you should visit the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Known as the Gold Coast, this area has the lowest rainfall and more sunny days than the rest of the country. The rainy season also starts later here.
