Name: The Republic of Costa Rica
Capital City: San José
Country size: 51,000 square kilometers or 19,632 square miles.
National Bird: Turdus grayi (Clay coloured Robin) “Yiguirro”.
National Flower: Cattleya skinneri (Orchid) “Guaria Morada”
Army abolished: 1948
Highest non-volcanic Mountain: Chirripo 3,820 m.
Highest Volcano: Irazu 3,432 m.
Number of active volcanoes: 9 (Orosi, Rincon de la Vieja, Miravalles, Tenorio, Arenal, Poas, Barva, Irazu, and Turrialba).

Climate details:
Costa Rica has a hot dry season (summer) from December to April, and a rainy or green season (winter) from May to November. The rainy season is not constantly wet: July invariably brings a temporary abatement and, in general mornings is clear. There are plenty of microclimates, too, with temperatures descending as altitudes rise.

In the day season, San Jose and other Central Valley towns enjoy a fresh, breezy, spring-like climate requiring a jacket or sweater in the evenings, while Guanacaste’s arid interior endures stifling temperatures. Rain still

occurs in high mountainous areas, and above all, in the Caribbean lowlands, where downpours can last for days or break into brilliant sunshine after a couple of hours. When the green season starts, it is the southern zone around the Golfo Dulce and Osa Peninsula that gets the most rain.

Health:
Hygiene standards are high and medical services excellent. Tap water is drinkable all around Costa Rica. Uncooked fruits and vegetables should always be washed, but most restaurants prepare food hygienically.
There are no vaccination requirements for visitors entering Costa Rica. Check with your doctor or travel health clinic before being vaccinated, but malaria tablets and yellow fever inoculations are advised, despite malaria has been virtually eliminated.

Electricity:
110 volts, 60 cycles AC using flat–pin US plugs. Europeans will need to bring adapters.

Time Zone:
Costa Rica time is the same as US Central Standard Time, GMT –6.

Language:
The official language is Spanish, but English is spoken in all pricier hotels and restaurants.

Religion:
Catholic. There is freedom of religious practice.

Tourist Seasons:
High season: December to April (Peak Dec 15-March 31) –dry season or summer.
Low season (green season): May to November (Peak July-August 15) –rainy season or winter.

Activities
• Adventure
• Ecotourism
• Fishing
• Diving
• Golf
• Bird watching
• Honeymoon
• Student Groups
• Music & Performance Groups
• Meetings & Incentives
• Study Trips for professionals
• Rental car, shuttle transportation and domestic flight reservations
• Hotel reservations throughout the territory
• Complete itineraries for families, individuals and groups
• Fixed departure itineraries & Open Voucher System