About Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a country located in Central America that has unlimited tourist potential and is ranked as one of the most visited international destinations. One of Costa Rica’s main sources of income is tourism. Costa Rica is a democratic and peaceful country, and it has not had an army since the year 1949.

Although the country is small and it covers only 0.03 % of the surface of the globe, it proudly shelters a 6% of the existing biodiversity in the entire world. 25.58 % of the country is composed of conservation and natural protected territory.

 

Costa Rica is also an attractive country for investment and it offers great potential for the establishment of important multinational companies, thanks to the outstanding academic level of its population, as well as the high standard of modern services and social and political stability.

Costa Rica occupies a privileged spot in the heart of Central America. While its territory of 19,652 square miles touches both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, the country is surprisingly accessible - one can travel from coast to coast in just three hours by car (or 45 minutes by plane).

The Caribbean region of Costa Rica stands out for its variety of aquatic ecosystems and its beautiful white and black sand beaches, providing an ideal setting for activities such as sport fishing, snorkeling, and sun bathing. The Pacific coast concentrates big tourist centers and its beaches are very popular for surfing, for example Esterillos, Jaco, Hermosa, Boca Barranca. In the Golfito region, near the Marino Ballena National Park, surfing fans can find the famous "long lefthander wave."

 

About Costa Rica Beaches ...

When someone says, "Costa Rica," you probably think, "fantastic beaches!"

Warm waters year-round, an unparalleled tourism infrastructure, and limitless attractions spanning two coasts are the reasons Costa Rica's beaches rank among the best in the world. And since nearly two thirds of Costa Rica's borders are coastline, there are a whole lot of beaches to explore.

Costa Rica has an amazing coastline, which covers more than 1,200 km (746 miles) with roughly 1,000 km winding along the Pacific Coast on the west and 200 km greeting the Caribbean Sea to the east. Our now world famous dramatic and varied beaches boast a dazzling array of features including white, gray, yellow and black sands.

There are four specific beach regions:


* North Pacific
* Central Pacific
* South Pacific
* Caribbean

North Pacific Beaches are famous for having the best beaches, thus caring the name the Gold Coast. The beaches here will satisfy all types of people: lazy loungers to die-hard surfers. Plus, the small wave beaches are great to play around in while the weather remains almost perfect throughout the year.

Central Pacific Beaches are best known for where honeymooners find romance, kids play in mother nature’s playground and surfers can find awesome breaks. It’s super popular because of its proximity to San Jose and everything your heart desires is at your fingertips!

South Pacific Beaches region starts in Playa Dominical and goes all the way down to the Osa Peninsula. And do you know why they are special? It is because of their untouched, pristine beauty! The beaches and the little villages are yet to be fully explored. So hurry up and check them out!

Caribbean Beaches - Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, Punta Uva, Playa Negra and Manzanillo, are the most popular beaches on the Atlantic side (Caribbean). Take the scenic drive down to Manzanillo stopping along the way at all the lonely beaches with great swimming and snorkeling. However, the best way to get around is to rent a bike from Puerto and enjoy a day trip towards Manzallino.

About Costa Rica Healthcare

Costa Rica is a very healthy country. Costa Rica’s health status is comparable to that of developed nations. The country’s private health clinics have international fame and attract people from around the world for everything from dental care and ocular laser surgery to major cosmetic surgery and life extension treatments.

Costa Ricans are proud of their nation’s achievements in the field of health care. Their up-to-date, affordable, state-run “cradle to grave” health care system reaches all levels of society by offering the same medical treatment to the poor as those with greater resources. Hospitals, clinics and complete medical services are available in all major cities and some small towns. More than 90 percent of the population is covered by the Social Security System.

Hospitals have the latest equipment, and laboratories are excellent.  You can feel safe having most operations without returning to the United States or Canada. Most surgical procedures cost only a fraction of what they do in the United States. For example, a heart bypass operations costs about a third of what it does in the United States.

Most Costa Rican doctors are excellent and have been trained in Europe or North America. If you don’t speak Spanish, you don’t have to worry.  Many local doctors speak English, but most receptionists and nurses do not. Doctor’s fees for office visits vary. A good private specialist usually charges between $30 and $40 for each visit, although some doctors charge  a little more and others a little less.

If you have to enter a private hospital, costs will generally be well under a $100 a day.  This includes a spacious private room with bathroom and cable TV with English channels. Private and semi-private rooms often have an extra bed or sofa bed so a relative may spend the night, if necessary.  It is important to know that the doctor’s bill will always be separate from the hospital bill.


Costa Rica’s health care system is available to retirees (pensionados and rentistas) and other foreign residents. Residents may join the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (Costa Rican Social Security System) and enjoy the same inexpensive medical coverage as most Costa Ricans do.  There are clinics all over the country. At a low cost of no more than $60 monthly, the Caja is a good deal for foreigners.

The quality of dental work in Costa Rica is equal to that found in Europe, Canada or the United States. On the average, dental work costs about 25 to 30 percent less than in the United States.  Most dentists charge about $35 for an initial exam. The approximate costs of the most common cosmetic procedures are: wisdom tooth surgery $175, single root canal $150, new crown $250, implants $750, fillings about $30 per tooth, and regular tooth extraction $40.

About Costa Rica Retirement

Costa Rica is a unique tropical retirement paradise which offers inexpensive living and retirement, the opportunity to start over, the chance to learn Spanish, gentle breezes, lots of great outdoor sports, stunning scenery with sun-soaked shores and beautiful beaches and spectacular mountains. Add to all this a peaceful nation with this political stability and year round spring-like weather in the Central Valley, the friendly people who actually like Americans and it is easy to see why Costa Rica has become tops on the list of expatriate and Baby Boomer havens.

There are many advantages that make Costa Rica the perfect destination for your retirement plans. Healthcare in Costa Rica is relatively inexpensive and up to first-world standards with doctors who have been trained in the U.S. or Europe. A excellent educational system exists for those retirees who bring children under the age of 18 or want to continue their education.

Living in Costa Rica is relatively easy to arrange as anyone 45 years or older can apply for the easy-to-relocate retirement system set up by the Costa Rican government. Qualified retirees are eligible for benefits including specific tax exemptions and incentives. Best of all, you do not have to pay tax on your retirement income in Costa Rica!

A very low incidence of violent crime (no society is crime free), a wealth of every imaginable activity to stay busy and happy, two excellent English newspapers, cable and Direct TV with all of the U.S. channels and a myriad of exciting business opportunities for enterprising foreigners, all help to contribute to the country's excellent reputation as a place to live with an excellent quality of life.

About Costa Rica History

Heritage and Culture

Costa Rican culture is in many ways a reflection of its racial diversity. The predominant influence has long been European, which is reflected in everything from the official language -- Spanish -- to the architecture of the country's churches and other historic buildings. The indigenous influence is less visible, but can be found in everything from the tortillas that make part of a typical Costa Rican meal, to the handmade ceramics sold at roadside stands.

An important aspect of Costa Rica's cultural legacy is their love for peace and democracy. The Ticos like to stand out that their nation is the exception in Latin America, where military dictatorships have long dominated politics.

They take pride in having more than one hundred years of democratic tradition, and almost half a century without an army. The army was abolished in 1948, and the money the country saves by not expending in military issues is invested in improving the Costa Ricans' standard of living, which has fostered a culture of social peace that makes it such a pleasant place to visit.

The Ticos

The Ticos, as Costa Ricans are commonly known, are famous for their hospitality, and are quite happy to live up to their reputation. They are well-educated and hard working people, who are quick with a handshake and a smile. They are well aware of the special land they have, and most likely they will help foreigners when they get lost, even explaining things that might seem bizarre to foreigners, and making their stay as enjoyable as possible.

People say the Ticos are their nation's greatest asset, and once you've experienced their friendliness and spontaneity, you'll have no doubt to that regard