Costa Rica is known for its beautiful nature and friendly people. It is one of the countries with the most protected zones; twenty-five percent of its territory is protected in some way, eight percent belongs to the national park system which began in the seventies. Of all of the Central American countries, Costa Rica had the most influence from the Spanish Conquest; Costa Rica had little pre-Colombian influence. Costa Rica is a Democratic Republic and does not have an army.

Spanish is the native language but English is often spoken in tourist areas. If you do not speak Spanish, I recommend that you at least learn some basic phrases- see Bluedolphins Useful List of Spanish Words and Phrases

Costa Rica time is equivalent to Central Time in North America and Daylight Savings Time is not observed.

A valid passport is required for U.S. citizens. I recommend that you bring copies of your passport and another form of identification such as a drivers license, just in case.

The Costa Rican currency is the Colon. The exchange rate is 289 Colones to one US Dollar as of August 14, 1999. For the exact exchange rate as of today click here. There are ATM's available but I recommend that you bring all the money you need in the form of travelers checks and cash. Most any bank will be happy to exchange Colones for travelers checks or U.S. Dollars.

The electricity supply is 110 V AC at 60 Hz

The water is suitable for drinking throughout the majority of the country.

Costa Rica's staple is Gallo Pinto which literally translates as spotted rooster, but it refers to black beans and rice.

Costa Rica has two seasons, the wet season (invierno) and the dry season (verano). The dry season runs from late December to early April. The remainder of the year tends to be wet, but not cold. If it rains it is usually in the afternoon. The Caribbean side tends to be wet all year round with less rainy days in the dry season. In the highlands the dry season really is dry, but it can rain for more than twenty days straight in the wet season. Temperature varies little from season to season. The lowlands are very humid and warm all year round. In the highlands it is less humid and cooler. More detailed climate info from incostarica.net. Four Day Forecast from CNN interactive.

Believe it or not, I recommend going in the wet season; prices are lower and there are less tourists. Although it will probably rain, it is not cold.

I recommend using buses and taxis- they are inexpensive and reliable. Taxis are red in color and are are equiped with meters in big cities, but not in the more rural areas. Do not worry if there is no meter, all you need to do is agree on a price before you go. Rental car services are also available.

• Insect repellant - I like avon skin so soft, it is deet free and it works great

• Lots of waterproof sunscreen

• Hat or cap

• Sunglasses

• Camera

• Lots of film (it is very expensive in Costa Rica)

• Batteries for your camera (also expensive in Costa Rica)

• Small Spanish-English dictionary

• Backpack

• Ziploc and garbage bags- for keeping items dry in rain or humidity and for wet clothing.

• Snack food- granola bars or energy bars (these items are not available in Costa Rica)

• Personal toiletries- bring enough to last your entire trip

• Two towels- one for the beach and the other for the bath (cheaper hotels do not supply towels)

• Light comfortable clothing (cotton is best, avoid jeans if you can- they take forever to dry and are uncomfortable in high humidity; light pants which can be rolled up are great for hikes)

• Poncho (especially if you go during the rainy season)

• Light waterproof jacket- for higher elevations where it is cooler

• Swim suit

• Some people like hiking boots, but they take up a lot of room

• Walking or athletic shoes with a good tread for walks

• waterproof sandals

• Coffee: I recommend Café Montaña which can be bought at a grocery store. Do not buy coffee at a gift shop, it is over priced.

• Handicrafts: wood (salad bowls, boxes, etc.) and leather items are well made and inexpensive. Many people visit Sarchí is to purchase these items. I like the gift shop in Hotel Don Carlos which is in San José.

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