Costa Rica’s decades of political normalcy make it a “diamond in the rough.” With no standing army and the most stable government in Central America, tourism is forever on the increase and is one of the area’s leading economic resources.

This solid economic base allows Costa Rica to boast the highest quality of life among Latin American countries, as well as the highest literacy rate due to its commitment to education. The Colone is the monetary unit of the area and outside currency is usually not accepted. However, many of the resorts can accommodate traveler’s in currency exchange. Credit cards are useful, but traveler checks have their drawbacks in the more remote areas.

Costa Ricans (referred to as ticos) are exceptionally friendly and are very patient when it comes too dealing with non-Spanish-speaking visitors. In and around the more heavily visited resort areas, English is commonly spoken, making accommodations comfortable for even the most novice foreign travelers.

San Jose is the capital of this lush, green tropical gem and is home to the Juan Santamaria International Airport. San Jose itself can fill a traveler’s days. As the cultural and arts capital, the museums and architecture of this bustling metropolis can offer as much excitement as a jungle hike. The capital is also close to two of the country’s seven active volcanoes. Hotels in the area can make inexpensive arrangements for guests to be shuttled back and forth to either volcano. Handling flights from around the globe, San Jose is the starting point for eager travelers. From here explorers have several options as to their method of travel. Inexpensive charter flights are available to nearly all resort areas, making access to the tropical coast a quick hop. Rental vehicles are the most popular method of transportation and many internationally recognized car rental agencies have offices in or around the airport, making pick-up quick and easy.

With an estimated five percent of all known species on earth residing within its borders, Costa Rica offers more eco-tour options than anywhere else. A short guided jungle or canopy tour can offer sights of four different types of monkeys, 850 types of birds (twice that of the U.S. and Canada), and more butterfly species than the whole of Africa. Toucans, macaws, monkeys, sloths, and lemurs are common sights along many tour routes. The coastal areas are complete with protected areas for the four species of endangered sea turtles (green, hornbill, ridley, and leatherback) that Costa Rica takes pride in protecting. The Tortuguero area of Costa Rica remains one of only thirty nesting sites globally that the green sea turtle finds suitable for laying its eggs. Local environmental agencies coordinate tours within the turtles' mating season.

Wildlife and spectacular scenery are not the only activities available. Scuba diving, sport fishing, surfing, golf, kayaking, whitewater rafting, and mountain biking are available and draw in a large number of adventure seekers looking for new ground to cover.

Whether it’s a lazy sun-drenched day in a hammock or a hike in a high-altitude rain forest, Costa Rica offers more to do than one vacation will allow. To find yourself at the end of your journey yearning for one more day, one more week is not uncommon.

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