Ten Foot Square Central America

From the pulsating capital San Jose to the lush rainforest of Monteverde, from white sun-drenched beaches to rugged jungle treks, Costa Rica offers an amazing variety of scenery and atmosphere. But there is still much more to interest the traveler. Add to all these, a vibrant cultural life and you’ll wonder why you did not visit Costa Rica earlier.

Values, traditions, religion, language, education, dance, music and cuisine together make up the culture of Costa Rica. But it is mainly its people that represent its culture. Ticos, as Costa Ricans are commonly referred to, possess a unique identity that differentiates them from neighboring countries. Ninety-seven percent of the population is mestizo (mixed blood generally Spanish with Native American) or of direct European descent. Of the mestizos, majority are of European ancestry thus are fair-skinned. Afro-Caribbeans represent two percent and the original inhabitants, the Native Americans, make up less than one percent of the total population.

Costa Ricans are generally warm and friendly. It is easy to make friends with them. They are also consistently helpful and polite. They are typically laid-back and thus worry little about deadlines and even arrive late for personal appointments. Costa Ricans are non-confrontational. They prefer to avoid conflicts and just stay on people’s good sides. Faced with a difficult situation, they tend to laugh at the situation or just be cynical to diffuse the problem. Costa Ricans are very family oriented. Spending time with family and friends is of utmost importance. Most of them even prefer jobs that will allow them free time. An important aspect of Costa Rica’s cultural legacy is the people’s love for peace and democracy. In a region plagued by civil unrest and dictatorships, Costa Rica is an exception. The country has a stable democracy without an army.

Nearly 80% of the population is Catholic. However, most Costa Rican Catholics view their religion more as a tradition than as a form of faith. The Catholic hierarchy does not exert a powerful influence either politically or culturally. Moreover, Costa Rica is tolerant of other religion.

Most festivals in Costa Rica are religious-oriented. Some of these religious festivals are the festival in honor of their patron saint Virgin de los Angeles, Holy Week and the festival of the Virgin of the Sea, among others.

Spanish is the official language but basic English is spoken especially around the tourist areas. Costa Ricans of Caribbean descent speak Creole which is derived from English.

Education is very important in Costa Rica. In fact, 27% of the national budget is spent on education. As a result, 95% of the population is literate. Primary (1st-6th grade) and secondary (7th-11th or 12th grade) education are free and mandatory for all citizens. Public schools are dispersed all over the country. There are four big public universities which have become major universities in Central America.

Costa Rican cuisine is a combination of Spanish, Mexican, American and Southern American influences. This style of cuisine is shared by most of Central American countries although with individual local variations. Gallo pinto, a popular dish, is mainly a combination of black beans and white rice seasoned with cilantro, garlic, salt and a local sauce called Salsa Lizano. Other dishes are arroz con pollo (rice with chicken); olla de carne (a broth soup) and cascado (one plate meal consisting of beans, rice, meat and side dishes). A common practice is to have fruit drinks called “refrescos’ with meals.

Music includes a rhythm known as tambito and a distinct music genre called punto. Nowadays, rock music popularized by bands such as Gandhi and Evolucion are famous among the young crowd.

Most importantly, Costa Rican culture revolves around “pura vida” which literally means pure life. This phrase sums up how Costa Ricans view life. For them, “life is cool”.

What travel experiences have you had? Were they absurd, adventurous, spiritual or downright frightening? If you are planning to travel to Costa Rica, here are some sensible advice and hot tips on what not to do and what to avoid to make the most of your Costa Rica getaway.

Costa Rica is generally considered to be a very safe travel destination. Costa Ricans as a whole are honest and friendly. Statistically, Costa Rica has a low crime rate as compared to other countries. However, as it happens in most places, tourists are prime targets for petty theft than the locals. It is always a good idea to exercise caution whenever one travels to Costa Rica.

The main problems travels have to contend with in the city are street mugging and pickpocketing. In downtown San Jose, you need to be on your guard at all times especially in isolated and poor sections of the city. Gangs of youngsters called “chapulines” engage in snatching and pickpocketing. Never carry anything of value if you will not need it especially flashy jewelry. Carry only enough cash for the day and do not flash wads of bills when paying for something.

Avoid getting drunk in public so as not to attract mugging. Do not engage an inebriated person in an argument. When taking strolls, avoid secluded areas such as dark alleys and marginalized sections of the city. Do not stop if you are accosted by strangers, be they beggars or street vendors. They may be pickpockets. Even women and small children can be purse snatchers. To safe guard your purse from thieves on motorcycles; always walk away from the curb with your purse away from the street.

If you plan to go somewhere, hire an official taxi, one that is clearly identified with official markings. Some cruising taxis can be baits for robbers. If you do decide to bring a companion to your room, be extra cautious as prostitutes are infamous for wiping out their customers’ wallets before leaving.

It is also common for luggage to be stolen while their owners are distracted and even when they are deposited for safekeeping in the package counter. Make sure you have your name prominently written in your luggage. Never ever entrust your luggage to strangers except to duly identified airport porters. Lock your luggage before you leave your hotel room.

Car theft, both the car and valuables inside also happens. Make sure that your car is locked. Never leave anything of value inside your car even in the trunk anywhere in Costa Rica at all times of the day. Moreover, never park your car on the streets of San Jose, the Valle Central towns, Puntarenas and Limon. Always leave your car in a secure parking lot. Avoid parking in dark areas as this may tempt would-be carnappers. Be extra careful while driving. Streets in Costa Rica can be rough as in potholes. Some roads are not even properly marked and lighted.

There are corrupt traffic officers who flag down drivers just to extort money. If you have the misfortune of being stopped, never under any circumstance pay them off. If you did not commit any violation, contest it. But if you did commit an infraction just pay the fine.

You may also be approached by people offering to change your dollars to “colones”, the national currency, decline their offer. Change your money in accredited exchange centers only.

Outside San Jose, especially in parks, be respectful of nature. Stay on designated trails. Heed warning signs. If you surmise that a trail looks dangerous, always turn back even if there are no warning signs. This generally applies to areas around volcanoes and mountains. Always be prepared fro drastic temperature changes in high elevations. Refrain from crossing rivers that flow into the sea. Rivers can transform to huge torrents instantaneously from upstream rain so be careful more so while bathing.

Costa Rica boasts of magnificent beaches but some of them can be very dangerous. Before you take the plunge, ask around. Be wary of open beaches or any beach with a river mouth. Always stay near other swimmers and do not venture into the ocean if you are an experienced swimmer.

Illegal drugs are prohibited in Costa Rica. Trafficking in illegal drugs carries mandatory imprisonment of 3 to 25 years.

Finally, always stay with your group. If traveling alone, never trust anybody you have not been properly introduced to by someone you know.

All said, enjoy your trip!

There is a lot to see in Costa Rica - swamplands. oceans, jungles, archaeological sites and museums. It is a country of many shades, many layers. One of the best ways to get to know Costa Rica is to take a historical tour and discover its rich heritage. History comes alive as you see, hear, taste and feel the past come to life at the many historical spots of Costa Rica.

To get a glimpse of Costa Rica’s history, the best start-off point is San Jose, the capital city. Most of the museums are located here. Costa Rica’s most important museum, Museo Nacional De Costa Rica (National Museum0 is housed in the whitewashed Bellavista Fortress which was built in 1870. This barrack was the scene of fighting during the civil war of 1948 as the bullet holes on the turrets at the corners of this now tranquil building can attest. It was also here that three-time president Jose Figueres Ferrer wielded a hammer and stroked the building’s walls to signal the abolishment of the military. Inside this traditional Spanish-style courtyard building are displays of pre-Columbian artifacts, period dresses, colonial furniture, religious arts and photographs.

The dazzling three-storey Museo del Oro Pre-Columbino (Gold Museum) is located directly beneath the Plaza de la Cultura. This museum’s prized possession, the pre-Columbian gold jewelry, is the largest collection of its kind in Central America. Many pieces are in the form of frogs and eagles. But the most distinct pieces are the varied shaman figurines which symbolize human ties with animal deities. The Museo Numismatica (Coin Museum) is housed in one of its halls.

The ancient Atlantic Railroad Station is home to the Museum of Shapes, Spaces and Sounds. The railroad built between 1871 and 1890 facilitated trade with the European markets. When the railroad service closed down, it became a museum. Its interactive design enhances visitor participation and offers an alternative approach to the arts.

Aside from museums, there is the National Park where the National Monument is located. This monument is dedicated in honor of the heroic deeds of Costa Ricans who fought in the 1856 – 1857 war against the troops of the American filibuster William Walker. The Parisian-influenced National Theater was built in 1890. It showcases the history of the City of San Jose. Inside the building are beautifully adorned balconies, old colonial furniture and huge marble columns.

A city rich in History and culture, Cartago City was the first capital of Costa Rica. It is located 24 kilometers southeast of San Jose. It was founded in 1563 by Juan Vasquez de Coronado and is the first Spanish settlement in Costa Rica. Earthquakes have ravaged Cartago repeatedly over the years. In the center of the city, a public park winds through the ruins of a Romanesque cathedral that was destroyed by an earthquake in 1910 before it could be finished. Today, the ruins or “Los Ruinas” stands at the heart of a neatly landscaped park.

Perched on the slopes of Turrialba Volcano is Guayabo National Monument, Costa Rica’s most significant archaeological site. The site houses the ruins of a large community covering 49 acres and with a population of around 20,000. The city was abandoned in 1400 AD. Excavated ruins consist of tiled roads, stone bridges, a house, temple substructures and gravesites.

The Dr. Maria Eugenia Bozzoli Museum of Indigenous cultures, located in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui provides extensive information about Costa Rica’s indigenous people numbering about 40,000 out of a population of four million. On display are artifacts of the Boruca, Bribri, Cabezar, Guaymi and Maliku natives. Included also are collections of masks, musical instruments and shamanic healing sticks. Within the site is a botanical garden where medicinal plants used by the indigenous people are grown.

The province of Alajuela is home of two prominent Juan Santamaria. Costa Rica’s premier international airport, Juan Santamaria International Airport is located here. The monument of Juan Santamaria is also erected here. This landmark honors Costa Rica’s national hero who was born here in Alajuela. A small museum, the Museo Juan Santamaria pays homage to his heroic deeds.

Be ready to set out on a voyage of historical discovery.

We’re sure you know about the misty peaks, dense rainforests, pristine beaches that sparkle like diamonds, thunderous waterfalls, and natural springs; Costa Rica is an exotic tropical paradise. Exciting and thrilling adventures yet also relaxing and refreshing; intriguing Spanish culture yet charming people, Costa Rica’s magic never ends. Costa Rica is so many things but one thing is for sure, you will be spellbound.

While it’s a adventurer’s paradise, all tourists are welcome and should be aware of the following information before making the trip.

Geography. Nestled between the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean and bordered to the north by Nicaragua and to the south by Panama, Costa Rica is about 51,000 square kilometers. It is a relatively small country about the size of West Virginia USA. An amazing 24.6% of its territory is protected under the status of natural parks, biological reserves and national wildlife sanctuaries.

Climate. Costa Rica enjoys a mild, tropical weather. Temperature in the lowlands averages around 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit, the Central Valley about 72 and below 50 on the mountains at night. The dry season is from December to April. Rainy season occurs from the end of May to November. It brings sunny mornings with late afternoon or evening rain showers. This is the best time to travel to Costa Rica as crowds are few and hotel rates lower.

People. Costa Rican’s are affectionately known as “Ticos”. They belong to eight different cultural groups. They are a friendly people whose commitment to peace, democracy, education and health care are foremost.

Religion. Like all Latin American countries, Costa Rica is predominantly Catholic but other denominations are found throughout the country.

Language. Spanish is the native language but English, French, Italian and German are widely spoken especially in tourist areas.

Economy. Costa Rica’s stable history, competitive investment policies and well-educated workforce have been at the forefront of its thriving economy. Tourism remains to be its most important industry as do its banana, coffee and other agricultural exports.

Government. Costa Rica is a constitutional democratic republic. Elections are held every four years.

Time Zone. Costa Rica is on Central Standard Time Zone, six hours behind Greenwich Mean Time and one hour behind the Eastern Standard Time. Daylight Savings Time is not observed.

Utilities. Tap water is safe to drink however precautions should be taken in more remote areas. Electricity is 110 volts, 60 Hertz.

Communication. Modern telephone, facsimile, telegraph, telex, e-mail and airmail facilities exist for internal and international communities. Cybercafes with internet services can be easily found. Operator assistance for international calls is 116, local information is 113 and long distance is 124. Direct dial service is available to most countries.

Currency. The national currency is the “colon”. Dollars and traveler’s checks can be exchanged only at banks and hotels. Banks open from 9am-3pm from Mondays to Fridays. Some banks are open till 6pm while others operate on Saturdays until noon. Exchange rates fluctuate daily so be sure to check first. Traveler’s checks in US dollars are preferred as other currencies are rarely accepted. Major credit cards are commonly honored in most business establishments but remote businesses require payments in local currency. ATM is available in most cities and towns with bank offices.

Entry Requirements. Citizens of the United States, Canada and some countries in Europe are not required to have a visa and are allowed to stay for a maximum of 90 days with a valid passport. For other nationalities, they can check with the respective embassies in their home country.

Taxes. Passengers departing on international flights have to pay an airport tax of around $26. Hotels include 13% sales tax and 3.39% tax on room charges.

Customs. No custom duties are charged on personal luggages which includes items for personal and professional use as long as they do not appear on commercial quantities.

Tipping. Most restaurants add 10% service charge called “servicio” to the bill. It is also customary to leave a gratuity as personal thanks for good service. Bellboys and housekeepers can receive $0.5 - $2 depending on the service. Taxi drivers do not expect tips but tipping them is greatly appreciated.

Rewards aplenty await visitors to Costa Rica who venture from their luxury hotels. The country’s narrow and rugged roads wind through an incredible array of spectacular scenery, amazing wildlife, smoking volcanoes, verdant rainforests, gorgeous beaches and tropical picnic hideaways.

Take a tour offered by one of the country’s many travel operators. Hire a car or join the locals and hop aboard a bus. A large number of cruise ships also dock at ports around Costa Rica.

If you are visiting several regions of the country, the most convenient way is to fly into San Jose’s Juan Santamaria International Airport. This is the transportation hub to nearly every point in the country. Due to Costa Rica’s long stretches of unpaved roads marked by potholes, distances that may appear short can extend to long hours of driving. Domestic flights are a recommended option. And because car rental rates can be expensive, flying will be cheaper than driving. Domestic flights from San Jose are available to a number of tourist destinations. There are two domestic airlines, Sansa and NatureAir. Demands for seats are high so it is best to book in advance.

Charter flights within Costa Rica are also a practical option if you are traveling with a group of four to eight people. Contrary to what you may think, it is not expensive. Price per person may be slightly higher than taking a regular domestic flight but you can set your own departure time. What is more, Costa Rica has dozens of airstrips that are accessible only by charter planes. They are generally booked through tour operators, travel agents and as part of resort or hotel services.

Bus services as a whole are quite well-developed. They are reliable and inexpensive. Most Costa Ricans do not own cars thus buses run to most parts of the country using San Jose as take-off point. Remote towns may only have a single bus trip a day so it is wise to know the time of arrival and departure. Buses on the major routes are modern and comfortable but some of them are not air-conditioned. However rest assured that there are no animals, luggage or people on the bus roof. On longer routes, buses stop at restaurants.

The main inconvenience of buses is that passengers have to return to San Jose and catch another bus outward from there. There is also no main bus terminal. Buses have to leave from various departure locations. Several hotels and tour operators offer the use of minibuses that not only shorten traveling time but also pass through several tourist attractions. They are convenient as they provide door to door services to major hotels and are all air-conditioned. Two private bus companies, Gray Line Tours Fantasy Bus and Interbus travel to most of the popular destinations. Hotel to hotel service is offered as long as your hotel/resort is on the route, if not you will be dropped off at the nearest hotel in the area.

If you are not pressed for time, renting a car is a good alternative especially if you are staying at a hotel or resort that is far away from the town or if you are going off the beaten path.

Orange in color, licensed taxis are plentiful in San Jose. Taxis are metered but it is advisable to negotiate on a price with the driver beforehand especially if you are traveling outside San Jose on long trips or making several stops. Unlicensed taxis are common but they do not have meters and charge exorbitant prices.

However, most travelers avoid renting cars given the poor road conditions in Costa Rica. In San Jose, traffic is bad and car theft is widespread. Whether you are in San Jose or in the countryside, roads are often unpaved and full of potholes. Roads are also not properly lighted and many do not have painted center lines or shoulder lines. There are also unmarked speed bumps. Mountain roads can also be hazardous at night. During rainy season, roads are in much worse conditions. To add to all these hindrances, Costa Ricans are known to be reckless drivers. Costa Rica ranks second in vehicular accidents worldwide.

When traveling to some tourist hotspots, there are also other limitations to consider. Tortuguero National Park is accessible only by air or boat. Roads leading to Corcovado National Park are usually impassable during rainy season. It is illegal to cross the borders to Panama or Nicaragua on a rented car.

Regardless of which means of transportation you choose, you must always bring your passport, visa, driver’s license and other forms of identifications.

As most tourists are likely to wander out of their hotels or accommodations and stop at the first crowded venue they pass, it is not surprising that visitors go home with so many versions of what one should expect from Costa Rica’s entertainment circuit. The fact is the variety is enormous and encompasses all tastes and age groups. So to answer one of the most asked questions, “Where should we go for a night of entertainment?” Here are some of the highlights.

San Jose, the capital city, has many theaters. The Teatro Nacional offers the best of Central American architectural designs. Performances staged here vary from orchestral music to reggae as well as from classical to modern. The National Symphony Orchestra performs from March through November with concerts roughly every other weekend held at the Teatro Nacional and at the Auditorio Nacional located at the Museo de los Ninos. The National Festival of Arts features Costa Rican talents and international artists. This festival runs for the whole month of March and staged in different venues around the city.

Costa Rica also hosts large arts festivals. El Festival Nacional de las Artes features purely local talent. El Festival International de las Artes offers a variety of dance, theater, music and monologue from around the world.

Movie theaters are all over San Jose as well as in malls that surround the city. Moviegoers get to watch films in their original language usually in English as dubbing is rare in Costa Rica.

For those who crave for a more daring form of entertainment, there are the casinos where one can gamble on a wide range of games. Costa Rica has about twenty casinos, most of them located in the San Jose area and a few at beach resorts. There are four legal casino games – rummy, a variation of blackjack; craps; roulette played lottery style and tute, a type of poker played against the house. Slot machines are also legal. Most casinos offer 24-hour gambling while some are open from 6pm to 4pm. In most casinos, drinks are on the house for those who are playing.

If you are looking for Vegas-style action and excitement, odds are you will love the new Fiesta Casino and the Gran Hotel Costa Rica Casino. They offer great gaming action and world-class service. The casino on the top floor of the Holiday Inn affords gamers and spectators a panoramic view of the San Jose area.

However, if your choice of entertainment consists in having a relaxing and revitalizing experience, Costa Rica has a number of spas and health clubs to soothe and calm frayed nerves. If you want to combine a variety of recreational activities with a luxurious spa experience, opt for the resort spas. At these vacation resorts, such as the Four Seasons Resort, the Makanda-By-The-Sea in Manuel Antonio, spa treatments and services complement activities such as golf and water sports. Day spas, on the other hand, are designed to provide pampering experience that last for as little as an hour or the whole day. Day spas are freestanding or located in health clubs and in most of the hotels.

In Costa Rica, the possibilities for entertainment are endless.

Have you just returned from Costa Rica where memories are made; where the sound of the crashing waves is a symphony; where the ever changing lush vistas reveal the color of the sky, the clouds and the earth? Make sure you bring back unique finds and mementoes to fill your home with remembrances of your Costa Rican sojourn.

Shopping for souvenirs and other items in Costa Rica is a varied affair ranging from local markets offering traditional goods to large stores and gift shops. Prices at regular shops are fixed. Bargaining is uncommon but some stores give “la feria” or an extra object as a gift for large quantities of purchases.

First on any visitor’s must-buy list is coffee. Even if you are not a coffee addict, someone in your family or one of your friends is bound to be a coffee drinker. Coffee is the best buy in Costa Rica. CafÈ Brit, sold in light, dark and espresso roasts is the best widely available brand. Hotels and souvenir shops all over Costa Rica carry this brand. Several high-end brands and blends are also available. If you happen to be in the Manuel Antonio area, purchase your coffee beans at CafÈ Milagro. In Monteverde, the freshly roasted coffee beans are hands down the best. Fresh-roasted coffee beans can be bought in elegant gift packages. Buy whole beans and not the ground ones. Packaged grinds are much finer than US grinds and more often contain sugar mixed in with the ground coffee. For the best deal, buy coffee beans in the grocery stores rather than souvenir shops or hotels. It is of the same quality and cheaper.

Costa Rica also produces its own coffee liqueur, the CafÈ Rica, and a crËme liqueur. These can be purchased in any liqueur store or grocery store.

If you like your dishes to achieve a distinct taste, to leave a tingling sensation in the mouth, Ti-pica Tropical Sauce, a line of spicy salsas made from mango, pineapple, passion fruit and tamarind is sure to perk up any dish. Salsa Lizano, a flavorful green sauce is a tasteful alternative for steak sauce. These sauces make great gifts.

The oxcart, Costa Rica’s national symbol, is a popular souvenir item. It is fashioned from wood and comes in a variety of colors and sizes. The town of Sarchi is the home of the colorfully painted Costa Rica’s oxcart. Large oxcarts can be disassembled for shipping purposes. Rocking chairs made from wood and leather are also popular souvenir items.

Costa Rican woodcarvings are also good buys. For the most, they are wooden bowls, napkin holders and elegant art pieces. The excellent hardwood creations of Barry Biensanz are sold at better gift shops and hotels around the country.

Reproductions of pre-Columbian gold jewelry either solid gold, silver or gold-plated are worth bringing home. Carved stone figurines although heavy will bring back memories of your forays in Costa Rica.

The small town of Guaitil, in Central Guanacaste, is well-known for its pottery. Low-fired simple ceramic potteries can be found in most gift shops.

If you plan to bring home locally produced alcohol and cigarettes, be reminded that duty free allowance for US citizens and most Europeans traveling to Costa Rica is three liters of wines or spirits and one half kilogram of processed tobacco for personal use.

Need something for a gift or a souvenir of your visit to Costa Rica? Head off to the local markets, gift shops or hotels (budget permitting) and you’re bound to find something great.

Wherever you go in Costa Rica, there is bound to be a special event – a gala or an event or better yet a festival. If you want to immerse yourself to what is happening culturally and meet interesting locals, join in the fiesta.

Festivals are a vital part of Costa Rican culture. They are mostly religious in nature due to its being a Catholic country. The listing below rounds up the main holidays and festivals in Costa Rica.

The Costa Ricans’ celebratory mood continues well into the new year. On New Years Day (January 1), the locals clean house to ward off bad luck. Street parties are held with music, dancing, food and drinks. Activities are centered in downtown San Jose, Buenos Aires and Puntarenas. Fireworks light up the cities at night.

Fiesta de los Diablitos (Festival of the Little Devils) takes place during the second half of February in the village of Boruca in Rey Curre, south of San Pedro. This festival re-enacts the battle between the toros (Spanish troops) and the diablitos (Boruca Indians). Participants wear hand-covered masks and traditional costumes.

The religious celebration, Dia de San Jose (Day of San Jose) is observed every March 19 in all towns and neighborhoods with the name San Jose. In San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, expect the Ticos to dress up for the city’s most important party of the year. The fiesta features lots of good food, music, rides, horse parades and Tico-style bullfights were bulls are teased but not harmed. This is also the traditional day to visit the volcano.

Semana Santa (Holy Week) falls on the last week of March until the beginning of April. One of the main attractions over the week is the elaborate processions all over the country leading up to Easter Sunday. Some residents head off to the beaches while others choose to stay home and join the religious celebration which usually includes masses and processions.

The 11th of April, Dia de Juan Santamaria (Juan Santamaria Day) is the day Costa Ricans commemorate the death of their national hero, Juan Santamaria, who fought in the Battle of Rivas in 1856 against the troops of William Walkers. The week-long festivity includes band parades, dancing, live concerts and food. This is an official holiday.

As in most countries around the world, May 1st is Dia de los Trabajadores (Workers’ Day). On this day, the Costa Rican president gives his yearly “state of the nation address”. The city of Limon celebrates this day with parties, dances and cricket matches.

Fiesta de la Virgen del Mar (Festival of the Virgin of the Sea) is held on the Saturday closest to July 16. This popular celebration in Puntarenas consists of a colorful regatta of well-adorned fishing boats carrying an image of La Virgen del Monte Carmelo, the city’s patron saint, in the Nicoya Gulf. Special masses, dances, sports events, parades and fireworks display accompany the festival.

On July 25, Costa Rica celebrates Dia de Guanacaste (Guanacaste Day), the annexation of Guanacaste to Costa Rica. Street fiestas, folk dancing, horse parades, rodeos, traditional bull fights and cattle shows especially in the northwest region of Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula enliven up this special day.

Costa Rica honors its patron saint, La Virgen de los Angeles also known as “La Negrita” on August 2 with a countrywide pilgrimage (many on foot) from San Jose and elsewhere in the country to La Basilica de Cartago.

September 15 is Independence Day. The nationwide festivity starts with parades and culminates with the arrival of the Freedom Torch in Cartago delivered by relay runners all the way from Nicaragua.

Dia de los Muertos (All Souls Day) on November 2 is observed across Costa Rica with Catholic masses and pilgrimages to graveyards.

Tope Caballos, parade of horses in downtown San Jose the day after Christmas is the country’s largest horse parade. Elaborately attired horse riders with their horses from all over Costa Rica bring their best horses. A carnival celebration follows and the Festival de La Luz (Festival of Lights) commences along the parade route that same night.

On Christmas Day, December 25, family gatherings and Christmas Mass take center stage.

Get a full vacation experience, participate in Costa Rica’s many Festivals!

Costa Ricans are warm, friendly and are quick to smile. It is not uncommon for them to start a conversation even with foreigners. Ticos as they are fondly called would approach foreigners and ask the latter what he thinks about Costa Rica, where he comes from and how his family is doing. In the same way, Costa Ricans appreciate being asked about their families particularly their children, the local culture and history. It gives them great pride to discuss the beauty of Costa Rica.

On the other hand, Costa Ricans have a deep sense of honor, thus, care should be taken not to say anything that would in the least be interpreted as disrespectful. Politics and family are good conversation topics while Costa Ricans shy away from discussions about religion and personal criticisms.

Costa Ricans, regardless of social standing, conduct themselves with utmost humility. They frown upon boasting of any kind. Public displays of anger and impatience are also seen as bad manners. Because of their desire to leave good impressions, Costa Ricans are wary of embarrassing themselves or appearing rude or unhelpful. As such, they are exceedingly courteous.

With Costa Ricans, a handshake is the most common form of greeting. A firm handshake is preferred between men. Women often greet each other by patting or touching the left forearm lightly instead of shaking hands. Women friends may exchange a light kiss on the cheek. Abrazo or embrace is not typically done in Costa Rica as compared to other Latin countries.

In Costa Rica, everybody receives equal treatment and respect regardless of social standing. However, titles are important and should be used if aware of them. They are usually included in business cards. A person should be addressed directly by using his/her title only. Professionals are addressed according to their university degree. A physician is called a Doctor, teachers prefer Profesor, lawyers are Abogado and engineers go by the title Ingeniero. Persons who do not have professional titles should be addressed as Senor (Mr), Senora (Mrs), Senorita (Miss) plus their appropriate surname. Most Costa Ricans have two surnames, one from their father which is written first followed by their mothers’ surnames. Only the father’s surname is used when addressing someone.

Latin countries are more flexible when it comes to punctuality. Being late for an appointment for thirty minutes is acceptable. Costa Ricans may not be punctual when it comes to social activities but they are on time for their business appointments. Since they only have a short time for midday break, everyone is expected to be on time for business lunches. Business projects may progress slowly since Costa Ricans are conservative individuals and are averse to taking risks. They do not usually welcome new ideas. They tend to lack initiative and are passive.

People in downtown San Jose dress more formally than those in the countryside. Costa Ricans do not usually wear shorts outside beach areas. Leather dress shoes are the norm. Tennis shoes are only for sports. For business meetings, formal business attire is expected. Men should wear a conservative, dark and lightweight business suit with a tie. For women, dress, skirt and blouse or light business suit is recommended. Nowadays, it is common for women to wear pants to work. Jackets or coats should be worn all through the meeting.

When accepting a dinner or lunch invitation, it is customary to bring flowers such as roses but not calla lilies which are associated with funerals. Suggested gifts are fine wine, chocolates and other delicacies. Costa Rican women are partial to perfume or silk scarves. As a guest, expect to be seated at the head of the table. If you are a first time guest, linger only for an hour or less after the meal is finished. Good friends can stay longer. If there are no servants, offering help will be greatly appreciated. Women should also refrain from drinking liquor. This is seen as being impolite.

There are other unacceptable behaviors in Costa Rica. Putting ones feet on any furniture is a no-no except on items specifically designed for that purpose. Fidgeting with ones hands and feet is impolite. Making a fist with the thumb sticking out in the middle is offensive. Offering bribes to police officers or any bureau personnel is prohibited. Bargaining is not allowed in store and local markets.

Although relatively small in size, roughly around 51,000 square kilometers, Costa Rica is rich in its diverse range of attractions and activities. Whether you choose to visit San Jose’s many museums, be amazed at the cloud forest of Monteverde, bathe in hot springs, watch the Arenal Volcano spews fiery red lava on a starless night or simply sip Costa Rican coffee in the comforts of your resort suite, there is bound to be something for “everyone”.

Costa Rica is a popular destination for gays and lesbians. Despite its being a predominantly Catholic country, the Costa Rican reputation for tolerance and acceptance for gay and lesbian lifestyle has made it a welcoming destination for gay and lesbian travelers. However, the age of consent for any sexual union in Costa Rica is 18. Any adult caught with a minor under 18 will be held criminally liable. Tolerance for gay and lesbian relationships goes only as far as “don’t ask, don’t tell” attitude. Moreover, blatant displays of affection between same sex partners in public places are frowned upon. Obvious displays make many Costa Ricans uneasy especially the more conservative locals in the rural areas. Discretion should be practiced at all times in all places.

Downtown San Jose and the Manuel Antonio area attract the most number of foreign and local homosexuals. San Jose’s gay scene is flourishing. A number of gay and gay-friendly bars, saunas, internet cafes, restaurants and hotels have mushroomed around the San Jose in the past years.

Hotel Kekoldi is the only hotel in downtown San Jose with a private and secluded garden. It is tucked away in a beautiful art deco building away from the noise of the streets of San Jose. It has ten elegant bedrooms. Another gay-friendly hotel is the Hotel Colours San Jose, a tropical gay guesthouse located in the exclusive and quiet Rohrmoser area. The Canyon House is only minutes away from the Juan Santamaria International Airport. It is specifically for gay men only. Canyon House, an intimate Mediterranean villa has five individually decorated guest rooms complete with modern amenities.

Gay or straight, La Avispa Gay and Lesbian Dance Club is a great place to visit. There are two dance floors, pool tables, a large video screen and a bar that offers a wide array of drinks. DÈj‡ vu is a chic bar and nightclub that attracts a large gay and lesbian crowd. Modern techno music pervades. On Saturday nights, there is a drag queen show. Other gay-friendly places are Bogarts City Gay Show Bar and Restaurant and El Bochinche, an upscale bar frequented by gay yuppies.

The area around Manuel Antonio has become exceptionally popular with gay and lesbian tourists despite an untoward incident a few years back when a busload of gay revelers was turned away allegedly upon orders of the Roman Catholic clergy. Located in a secluded area in Manuel Antonio is a gay nudist beach.

Hotel Casa Blanca nestled on a gentle hillside overlooking Manuel Antonio National Park and its radiant beaches is the first resort on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast under gay and lesbian management catering to gay and lesbian guests and their family and friends. Situated on Quepos, Manuel Antonio, Hotel Villa Rocca is gay owned and is exclusively for gays, lesbians and their families and friends. The Villa Rocca is built in a beautifully landscaped garden of tropical plants and exotic wildlife. It overlooks the Manuel Antonio National Park and the great Pacific Ocean. The Plantacion is reputed to be one of the world’s foremost gay hotels. It is a tropical haven perched on a hillside adjacent to the verdant rainforests.

Triangulo Rosa, the first legally recognized gay group in Central America recommends gay-friendly hotels, bars and meeting places in Costa Rica