Currency:
Colones, the exchange rate may vary depending on the place, we suggest to use the banks or the desks at the hotels.

Geography:
Costa Rica has four mountain ranges: Guanacaste, Tilaran, Central and Talamanca, with active and extinct volcanoes, Costa Rica is part of the Pacific Rim of Fire, so that’s why is common to feel earth tremors and small quakes from time to time, but there is nothing to worry.

The highest point is Chirripo with almost 4,000 meters over the ocean, the capital San Jose, lies in the middle of the central valley, surrounded by the other provinces; Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago. North of the Country you will find the Northern Plains, that mainly belongs to Alajuela, if you travel east, you will get to the Caribbean, the province of Limon is in thi area and if you go from San Jose, you will get to Guanacaste, (The North Pacific) Puntarenas, the last province of Costa Rica, is mainly in the Central and partly South Pacific Area of Costa Rica.

Climate:
With different climatic zones, Costa Rica is mainly a tropical country, the seasons are not well marked like in other countries, some people say that Costa Rica has summer and rainy season only, but you will find that weather changes a lot! Most of the country has a rainy season from May to November and a dry season from December to April, if you love sun and beach, the dry season will be the best for you, but also if you want to have the great experience of a tropical country, with its rain, the greener flora and small storms, you should come on the rainy season.

Travel Documents:
It is always recommended to carry a valid passport when traveling the country, when you are staying at the hotel and you go out for a while, it is better to have a copy of it, with a copy of the entry stamp, usually this is enough when you are stopped by officials.

Security:
Costa Rica is one of the most secure countries in latin America, there is no army, but there are different types of police:

Policia de transito: Road Patrols
Policia Municipal: City Police
Guardia Rural: General Police
Policia Turistica: Tourism Police

Even though we suggest to take the normal and basic security steps when you are traveling, for example; do not carry much cash with you, don’t leave bags or tings that may call the attention inside the cars, etc. Also if you find yourself in an emergency you can call 911

Health issues:
The sanitary standards in Costa Rica are very efficient, with an excellent health system. Serious diseases are very difficult to find in the country, however, we suggest to get a traveler insurance before you come to Costa Rica. Many hotels have a doctor on premises or have access to paramedics, it is important to carry with you any medication you need and written instructions.

History:
Costa Rica was inhabited by an estimated 400,000 Indians when Columbus explored it on his 4th trip in 1502. The conquest began in 1524. The country grew slowly and it was ruled as a Spanish province. Costa Rica got its independence in 1821. It became a republic in 1848 and after that Costa Rica has enjoyed one of the most democratic governments in Latin America.
Tourism is now a major business and the country has been recognized for its effort on keeping the nature by having a responsible and serious ecological program for tourism.
Óscar Arias Sánchez, who became president in 1986, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for his role in negotiating settlements to both the Nicaraguan and the Salvadoran civil wars, and he has been reelected for a second time in 2006, for the first time in costarican history, a person has the opportunity to be president twice.