Costa Rica offers a wealth of sights and experiences

Interesting Facts and Links

• Peaceful surroundings, breathtaking vistas, spectacular sunsets
• Volcanoes, hot springs, nature hikes and wildlife
• Vibrant, contemporary Latin culture
• Sun and salsa, sand and sea

Links to more Information:

Language

The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish, but English is widely spoken in tourist-oriented businesses and is becoming more and more common in San José. 

Currency

The country's currency is named for Cristobal Colón, known in English as Christopher Columbus.  The colón is gradually losing value against other major currencies. 

In May 2009, the rate of exchange was approximately 575 colones to 1 U.S. dollar. 

11,450 colones = 20 U.S. dollars

Life and Culture

If you're looking for a cultural experience, Costa Rica has much to offer -- museums, galleries, public art; outdoor and indoor markets; theatres and public stages.

City streets buzz with activity.  Ticos (the people of Costa Rica) live their lives energetically.  Their colors are bold, their music lively and strong.  The national expression is "pura vida," literally translated as "pure life," but generally meant as "life is wonderful."

The serenity of the Costa Rican countryside is a sharp contrast to the noise and hurry of city life.  Exotic wildlife thrives in preserved rainforests.  Mountain waterfalls plunge into fresh pools.  Hot springs feed babbling streams.  At the coast, nearly deserted beaches stretch as far as the eye can see, and beyond. 

In the countryside too are signs of hard physical work.  Loaded farm trucks wind slowly up and down narrow mountain roads.  Workers harvest sugar cane, coffee, and a wide array of fruits including pineapple, bananas, mangos, papayas, and coconuts.   Cowboys herd horses and cattle on high ranch lands.  Fishing boats carry their catches into harbor.  Artisans work at their crafts—with the appreciation of tourists from all corners of the world.

All of these elements come together in a rich and colorful whole:  Pura vida! 

Climate

The "dry" season in Costa Rica normally runs from December to April.  Even then, there are occasional showers.  During the wet or "green" season (the rest of the year) showers are common. 

Alajuela

The province of Alajuela, where Casa Quetzal de Paz is located, has been identified by National Geographic as having one of the best climates in the world.   Although close to San José, the town of Alajuela benefits from a lower altitude and more sunshine.  Daytime temperatures range between high 70s and high 80s Fahrenheit (25 to 30 Celsius), and overnight temperatures drop into the 60s (15 to 20 Celsius).

San José

In San José, the capital, temperatures are cooler, typically mid-70s to low 80s.  On occasional windy days during the green season and in the evenings at higher elevations surrounding San José, you may need a light jacket to keep warm.

The Coast

At sea level, daytime temperatures range between upper 80s and upper 90s Fahrenheit (in Celsius, low to high 30s), and evenings are pleasantly warm.  Light clothing such as shorts and T-shirts are appropriate just about any day of the year.