Costa Rica

Bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, Costa Rica covers approximately 51,100 km² and claims coastline on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The capital and largest city is San José. Spanish is the official language and the Costa Rican colón is the national currency, though US dollars are widely accepted. The country's culture blends indigenous heritage, Spanish colonial influence, and Afro-Caribbean traditions, particularly along the eastern coast.

Many nationalities — including citizens of the United States, Canada, the European Union, and the United Kingdom — may enter Costa Rica visa-free for short stays. Travellers should verify the exact permitted duration for their passport at Costa Rica's official immigration authority (DGME) website, as rules and lengths of stay vary by nationality. No dedicated eVisa portal currently replaces the standard entry stamp process.

Arenal Volcano, a near-perfect cone in the northern lowlands, remains one of Central America's most recognisable peaks and anchors a national park with hot springs and rainforest trails. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve offers suspended walkways through mist-covered canopy. Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific coast combines white-sand beaches with dense wildlife. The Osa Peninsula holds Corcovado National Park, described by National Geographic as one of the most biologically intense places on Earth. The Tortuguero canals on the Caribbean coast serve as critical nesting grounds for sea turtles.

Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two broadly defined seasons: a dry season roughly from December to April and a rainy season from May to November, though the Caribbean coast receives rainfall year-round. Temperatures in the central highlands around San José typically range from 15 °C to 26 °C, while coastal lowlands regularly reach 28–35 °C. The dry season is generally considered the most comfortable time to visit. Pack light, breathable clothing alongside waterproofs regardless of season.

• Abolished its military permanently in 1948.
• Generates over 99% of electricity from renewables.
• Holds nearly 6% of global biodiversity.
• Home to more than 900 bird species nationwide.
• First Latin American country to ban recreational hunting.

• visitcostarica.com — official tourism board of Costa Rica
• migracion.go.cr — Directorate General of Migration and Foreigners (DGME)
• imn.ac.cr — Instituto Meteorológico Nacional, national weather service
• grupoice.com — Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad, national energy and telecoms authority