Although Costa Rica is a small country, it boasts immense biological value and a vast diversity of habitats due to the convergence of the two hemispheres, two oceans, and its varied geography. This creates a wide array of landscapes for travelers. Costa Rica features a mountain range that forms a “backbone” along the country.
Starting in the north with the Guanacaste Mountain Range, it continues to the Tilarán Mountain Range (home to Monteverde and Arenal), the Central Mountain Range (Irazú, Poás, and Braulio Carrillo National Parks), and culminates in the Talamanca Mountain Range (the highest in the country).
While the Pacific coast stretches for at least 1,016 km, the Caribbean coast is only 212 km long. The Pacific coast is characterized by peninsulas with rugged terrain. There are two large gulfs, and numerous inlets and bays. Two major ports are located on the Pacific coast: Puntarenas and Caldera. In the Caribbean, there is a natural harbor located in Moín, in the Limón area. This is the largest plains area (approximately one-fifth of Costa Rica), stretching from the northern coastline almost to Limón.
Costa Rica lies in the tropics between 8 and 11 degrees north of the equator. Temperatures are moderate, but the geographical features of the mountains create a wide variety of microclimates. Most visitors are surprised to learn that ice and frost can form on high peaks, such as Cerro Chirripó. Temperatures are slightly higher on the Pacific coast than on the Caribbean coast (even though both regions are at the same altitude above sea level), because the Caribbean basin tends to be cloudier throughout the year. At sea level on both coasts, the average annual temperature is approximately 24°C. Some of the highest hills reach average temperatures of 12°C, and can even drop below freezing.
There is no spring or autumn in Costa Rica. The seasons are called summer and winter, although they should really be called the Dry Season (from December to April) and the Rainy Season (from May to November). Temperature differences range between 8°C and 10°C. From November to January, cool breezes from the north, driven by the North American mountains, cause a slight drop in temperature. Costa Rica is one of the few countries in the world where the polar winds come so close to the equator. The warmest months are March, April, and May, and the rainiest months are September and October. Rainfall varies from less than 1500 mm to 4800 mm during the rainy season. The average rainfall pattern in the country ranges from 2000 mm to 4000 mm. Precipitation can occur as downpours with impressive lightning and thunder, steady rain, or a storm (light, constant rain for several days).
Even during the rainy season, it doesn’t usually rain all day, every day. Rain typically begins early in the afternoon in the Central Valley and other high-altitude areas. In the Pacific lowlands, it begins later in the afternoon. Each season has its own unique characteristics. During the rainy season, flora is abundant, with vibrant life that touches the soul. The dry season is ideal for orchids, bougainvilleas, night-blooming jasmine, and the beautiful trees that only bloom during this time.
Costa Rica boasts one of the largest areas of protected land in the world, including forest reserves, biological reserves, wildlife refuges, and, of course, national parks. These are compelling reasons why many Europeans and North Americans, beyond simply visiting, make this country their home, comprising approximately 1% of the Costa Rican population.
Location of Costa Rica
Costa Rica Location
Along with El Salvador, Costa Rica is one of the smallest countries in Central America, located between 8°03’ and 11°13’ North latitude, and 82°32’ and 86° West longitude. Bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, it has a total of 1,290 kilometers of coastline, 212 kilometers on the Atlantic coast and 1,016 kilometers on the Pacific coast. The Pacific coast features a number of irregularities such as peninsulas, gulfs, and bays. This circumstance facilitates the establishment of ports and tourism development. On the other hand, the Caribbean coast is regular but unsuitable for this type of infrastructure.
Costa Rica borders Nicaragua to the north, with a total of 302 kilometers of border, and Panama to the southeast, with a border that reaches 639 kilometers. The area of this Central American country is 51,100 square kilometers. Costa Rica’s territorial waters have a total area of 589 square kilometers.
Costa Rica is a mountainous country with many beautiful landscapes, including volcanoes and mountain ranges. Cerro Chirripó is the highest point, with an elevation of 3,819 meters above sea level. Chirripó is the fifth highest mountain in Central America. Irazú Volcano is the highest volcano in Costa Rica, with an elevation of 3,430 meters above sea level.
Costa Rica also has numerous islands. Cocos Island is a paradise of natural marine wonders and is located 550 kilometers from Puntarenas. Cocos Island has an area of just under 24 square kilometers. The largest island in Costa Rica is Calero Island, with an area of 151.6 square kilometers. Costa Rica is also known for its protection of natural resources, with over 20% of its territory designated as a protected area.
Since its origins as an isthmian territory, it has served as a biological bridge where diverse species of flora and fauna coexist, some from the Nearctic, others from the Neotropics, and still others from the West Indies. This biodiversity has resulted in a variety of life zones, including coastal areas at sea level and desert landscapes at altitudes of up to 3,000 meters.
The country’s biodiversity has allowed for the study of approximately 360 different species of reptiles and amphibians (150 amphibians and 210 reptiles), roughly 850 species of birds (625 nesting birds and 225 migratory birds), and over 205 species of mammals, including bats and other wingless mammals.
This amazing country is a perfect getaway destination for those seeking relaxation amidst nature. If you’d like to view some vacation packages, visit:
www.costaricaguides.com
Area
51,100 km²
Political Map: Costa Rica is divided into 7 provinces: Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limón, Puntarenas, and San José (the country’s capital).
Here, geography compresses a breathtaking amount of plant and animal life within a modest area of 50,900 km².
Here, geography constricts a breathtaking amount of plant and animal life within a modest area of 19,563 square miles (50,900 sq. km), an area comparable in size to Denmark or West Virginia. Within this tiny nation lies an astonishing 5% of the world’s biodiversity, including more than 800 species of ferns, 1,000 of orchids, 2,000 types of trees, and 200 species of mammals.
Both coasts of Costa Rica have an abundance of beaches, although the Pacific shores are generally less developed and less spacious. Between the coasts, the interior of the country is formed by four mountain ranges, or cordilleras, running from north to south. The capital, San José, is located roughly in the center of the country, within a valley at a high altitude. Cascading down to the Caribbean from the central mountains, Costa Rica boasts many rivers, including the Reventazón River. The Pacific coast is marked by two large peninsulas jutting into the Pacific Ocean: Nicoya and Osa. Interestingly, both share a similar structure, with Osa resembling a smaller version of Nicoya.
Costa Rica’s climate is a renowned atmospheric delight. Mild subtropical conditions prevail year-round, and extreme periods of overcast skies and extreme temperatures are virtually nonexistent. Temperatures vary with altitude; the higher the altitude, the cooler the climate. The most intense part of the rainy season lasts from May to November, while brief dry spells occur from February to April. The Caribbean coast is the rainiest part of Costa Rica, while the Pacific coast is characterized by a drier climate.
Costa Rica has one of the highest percentages of protected areas in the world – nearly 20% of its territory is designated as a National Park or Reserve. Most national parks and reserves are easily accessible from anywhere in the country, making Costa Rica the perfect destination if you want to be surrounded by lush nature. Entrance fees to National Parks range from $7 to $15 per person. Learn more about Costa Rica’s National Parks.
Costa Rica has become one of the most popular destinations for surfers from around the world. Travel to Costa Rica and quickly see why: great weather year-round, warm waters, friendly people, and millions of waves coming from all directions on both coasts.
Languages
The most widely spoken language in Costa Rica is Spanish (97% of the population), although other native languages are used within indigenous reserves. Many businesses in and around San José, as well as hotels, have English-speaking staff.
The Colón (¢1.00) is the national currency of Costa Rica. The exchange rate with respect to the US dollar can vary daily, so we suggest only exchanging money through the national banking system.
Credit Cards
ATMs can be found in most towns and cities in Costa Rica. The most widely accepted international credit cards in the country are Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
