Pura Vida! That’s what we say in Costa Rica. The literal translation is pure life but this expression, affirming the good life, is used as a greeting, a question (how’s it going?) and an answer (life is good!) all in one. You’ll hear these words just about everywhere you go. They signify the happy temperament of the Costa Rican people.

I have lived on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica since October of 2007, and I just love it! Although I have traveled to various other parts of the country the Puerto Viejo area is what I know best.

COSTA RICA (Spanish for rich coast) is a country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south, the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Its 19,730 sq. miles are comparable to the size of West Virginia. Costa Rica has 631 miles of Pacific coastline and 131 miles of Caribbean coast. The big difference in distance between the two coasts is due to the increased coastline from two large penninsulas on the Pacific side.
       There are high rain forest mountains and a temperate Central Valley. Costa Rica, which is part of the Pacific Fire Ring , has over 200 identifiable volcanic formations however, only about 100 show signs of activity. Five are active.
       Throughout the country there are all kinds of outdoor activities – water sports, jungle excursions and just about anything else you can think of. There is music everywhere you go, because song, dance and frivolity are part of the Latin culture. These people love to laugh and have fun.

POPULATION: Costa Rica has a population of 4,509,290.

CAPITOL: San Jose, centrally located in the province of San Jose, is the capitol of Costa Rica and the location of Costa Rica’s major airport, Juan Santamaría International Airport.

LANGUAGE: Spanish. There is a spattering of English spoken throughout the country, as the government is promoting it’s teaching, however there are many places where no English is spoken at all. On the Caribbean side many people descend from Jamaica and speak English, Spanish and the local patios.

COSTA RICA CURRENCY: The colon, named after Christopher Columbus, (Cristóbal Colón in Spanish) is the currency of Costa Rica. The exchange rate varies lately between 500 and 600 colones equaling one dollar. Un mil – one thousand colones, is the smallest bill they have. Today (12/20/09) the “rojo” as it is called because it’s red, equals $1.80. For spending money, most visitors carry a small amount of cash and use one of the many ATM machines all over the country, to access more more.

COSTA RICA CLIMATE: Costa Rica has two seasons – wet and dry.
THE CENTRAL VALLEY(including San Jose) and the north PACIFIC SIDE: Rainy season begins in May and runs through November. Often, there is sun in the morning and then it starts raining at the same time (around 1 p.m.) every afternoon. The Central Valley has more rain than the Pacific coast. Many people prefer the mild temperatures – usually in the seventy and eighty degree range – of the Central Valley.
THE SOUTHERN PACIFIC region: rains from May through October.
THE CARIBBEAN: The most rain is from November through January, with a second rainy season from May through July.The wettest months are July and November. Ocean stormes bring it the best waves for the surfers at that time of year. It is drier in August and September and the water is flat, not so good for surfers but fantastic for diving and snorkeling. Regardless of the season, there is always sun, mixed in with the rain. Here is the link to a good rainfall map.

WHERE AND WHEN TO VISIT Costa Rica
       Your location should be determined by the activities and atmosphere you prefer. The weather in your area of preference can then determine your travel dates. Be aware that during the Christmas and Easter Week holidays, the Costa Ricans head to the beach in droves. And the prices are higher in High Season, from December through April.
PACIFIC SIDE – central to northern region: Most developed beach resorts. High rise hotels with many amenities. Drier climate. Good surfing. Mostly Spanish spoken – not so much English spoken by the locals, except for the staff in the better hotels. Caters to Gringos – lots of American music. Tourists are mostly all from the U.S. and Canada.
PACIFIC SIDE – southern region (Osa Penninsula): Wild and primitive jungles. Lots of rain. Awesome untouched beauty.
CENTRAL VALLEY – Lovely rolling hills. Breathtaking views. Quaint mountain villages and farms. The people can be a bit shy, but friendly. Almost no English spoken. Extremely comfortable temperatures, day and night.
The CARIBBEAN - Enchanting uncrowded beaches. Amazing jungles. Mountain vistas. Less developed but with accommodations from primitive and cheap to five star. Very humid. Lots of rain but lots of sun, too – often in the same day. Good surfing at some times of the year, good diving and snorkeling at other times. Ocean currents are frequently very dangerous, which limits the opportunity to swim. You can still go in the water, just not too deep. English spoken everywhere due to the Afro Caribbean culture descended from Jamaica. Warm, helpful, friendly people. Lots of Europeans. Tourists from all over the world. Relaxed, laid back, inviting atmosphere. Lots of music – Reggae, Salsa, Calypso and American.

TRANSPORTATION in Costa Rica
BY BUS - The bus system is a great way to see the country and get to know the people. It is cheap and efficient. Make sure you keep an eye on your stuff. When traveling with with luggage, I prefer to take a shuttle van to my main destination.
       For traveling throughout Central America there are several good and comfortable bus lines – Ticabus and King Quality . I have used Ticabus. It was a pleasant experience.
SHUTTLE VANS – Interbus and Grey Line are large vans that travel between the airport and major hotels to the popular destinations throughout Costa Rica. They are air conditioned and comfortable.They cost more than the bus, but when you add up the taxi rides you often need to get between hotels and various bus stations, the price often comes out about the same.
DRIVING IN COSTA RICA:
       To drive legally in Costa Rica all you need is your current driver’s license from wherever you live. The car you drive must have up to date Marchamo and Retive stickers on the front windshield. The Marchamo is paid to the government each December and based on the value of your car. The Retive is a once a year vehicle inspection. Ownership papers must be kept in the car with you at all times.
       Costa Rica is a bit less well organized than you may be used to. The word for address is direccion and it literally is directions to the place. For example, instead of “214 Church Street”, the address might be something like, “on the main street, next to the laundry, across from the church.” There are street signs but don’t count on their accuracy or availability. Maps are not as readily available either, although they can be found. ARCR (link below) has a good one. As long as your Spanish is adequate, you can stop and ask for directions. People are glad to help. That is how I have gotten around for the two years I’ve lived here. Last time I was looking for a new place, I stopped almost every four blocks to make sure I was going the right way!
       Driving in San Jose takes some nerve. It was quite a learning experience for me. I tell all about it in my book, “If She Can Do It, So Can I.”  Driving through the rest of the country is not so bad, depending on the weather and the condition of the roads. There are huge mountains and some bad roads in this country. When you plan your trip, allow for twice the amount of driving time you would normally expect.

COMMUNICATION
INTERNET -You can get the internet almost anywhere in Costa Rica – free at many hotels and inexpensive at the internet cafes in almost every little town.
PHONE CALLS – When calling the United States or Canada, from Costa Rica, dial 001 first, then the area code and number. When calling Costa Rica from those countries dial 011, the area code (506 for the whole country) and the number. Public phones are everywhere. Your cell phone from North America will not work, unless you have the particular kind of phone and provider plan that works internationally. Pre pay cell phones are also available. They may be purchased at the airport and at the many electronics stores throughout the country. I provide a cell phone through my tour guide service (http://www.travelexperiencecostarica.com/?page_id=3049).

RESOURCES:
Costa Rica Audio Book and EBook – I wrote a book about my experiences moving to Costa Rica as a single woman. “If She Can Do It, So Can I” (http://www.travelexperiencecostarica.com/?page_id=3049) encourages and inspires others to follow their dreams.
Costa Rica Guide Service – I provide a Guide Service for individuals who would like some help making their plans, coordinating their travel and looking around. I can speak Spanish well enough to accomplish whatever needs to be done and help you to really feel comfortable and at home.

Boomers Offshore: A website designed to appeal to those seeking a new life outside the United States. It’s informative and interactive interface focuses on one North American couple’s decision to retire to Costa Rica.
The ARCR Forum – (http://forums.arcr.net) Ask questions and get answers from people who have been there before you.