Geography
Rugged highlands are found throughout most of the country, ranging
from approximately 1,000 to 2,000 meters (3,000 to 6,000 feet above
sea level). The Guanacaste Mountain Range, Central Mountain Range,
and Talamanca Mountain Range are the main mountain ranges extending
the entire length of the country. There are several active volcanoes
(Arenal Volcano, Irazu Volcano, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano and Turrialba
Volcano) and the country’s highest mountain (Chirripo Hill)
with a height of 3,819 m/12,530 ft. The country has a relatively
long coastline in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well
as a number of rivers and streams that attract specialist kayakers
and rafters from all over the world.
Climate
Costa Rica’s year round climate is pleasant with naturally
occurring breezes, cooling down most of the coastal areas. Temperatures
in the highlands and mountains are not so cold, especially during
day, producing an 'eternal spring' feeling. The average annual temperatures
range from 31.7°C (89°F) on the coast to 16.7°C (62°F)
inland. The rainy or green season lasts from May to December with
noticeably drier days during the rest of the year.
Knowing Costa Rica
Costa Rica extends majestically from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean
Sea, and its distance is barely 200 miles. Its land portion ocuppies
only 20 thousand square miles.
If you travel throughout the provinces of Costa Rica, it’s
easy to notice that in no other place you shall find fields with
so many variations in their landscape and climate as here.
Costa Rica is one of most highly valued tourist destinations in
this planet. This small piece of land includes all of the necessary
components to satisfy the taste of thousands of travellers visiting
each year.
Costa Rica’s territorial division includes 7 provinces, that
is: San José, Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia, Guanacaste, Puntarenas
and Limón. Together they offer an attractive tourist destination,
of almost limitless possibilities, that include extense rainforests,
volcanoes, rivers travelling through the mountains, beaches and
natural resources safeguarded by an important organization of national
parks and forest reserves.
SAN JOSÉ
San José is the country’s most highly populated province.
Located in the Central Plateau, it extends to the northeast, crossing
the impressive mountains of the Central Mountain Range, which includes
national parks, forest reserves and fertile lands, with an abundance
of coffee plantations.
Costa Rica’s capital, San José, is set in the Central
Valley. It’s an extense plain, guarded by majestic volcanoes
and green hills, honoring the natural richness that exists throughout
the national territory.
Founded in the second half of the sixteenth century, San José
is nowadays a city where visitors of the entire world converge;
metropolis full of interesting places, faces and colors reflecting
the history of a population.
Its architecture is diverse, as may be the people walking its streets.
In the north sector of the city you can find the most refined samples
of urban development of the early last century. There are many houses
and buildings of European inspiration, built with a profound Costa
Rican sense of style.
Among the most representative places of the city, we can mention
the National Theater, Costa Rica’s pride, and historically,
house to some of the best artists, national as well as foreign.
Inaugurated in 1897, fruit of the determination of merchants, intellectuals
and politicians, who were able to identify the importance an opera
house could have, to present the best artistic productions in the
world.
Nonetheless, a list of world class museums, parks, hotels, theaters
and historic buildings, are some other options to be discovered
by the thousands of tourists visiting San José yearly.
Once in the city, visitors may choose among dozens of one-day tours
to the most outstanding natural places, inside and out of the Central
Valley, as well as having access to a great variety of sports adventures
and activities for exploring.
HEREDIA
With a territory of 2.656 km2 and a population of 75 000 inhabitants,
Heredia is Costa Rica’s smallest province, town appreciated
for its colonial heritage and traditional architecture.
A great number of adobe houses may be appreciated along the communities
of Barva and Santo Domingo. The city of Heredia, best known as 'City
of the Flowers', was founded in 1762, pursuant to an initiative
of some 150 families dwelling there.
In Heredia you still find an important number of coffee plantations,
many of which have been adapted to perform guided visits with tourists.
It can be delightful to enjoy the captivating process of harvesting,
drying and roasting of coffee beans.
Among the natural wonders of the province of Heredia, we find Barva
volcano, a formidable colossus located at the west part of Braulio
Carrillo National Park, which rises 2.906 meters over sea level.
The vegetation surrounding this sleeping giant is astonishing; an
ideal place for bird watching, especially for those who dream with
the magnificent quetzal.
On the other hand, Braulio Carrillo National Park represents the
greatest natural richness near the Central Valley. A tropical rainforest,
home to hundreds of plant and animal species.
The dense vegetation of the park safeguards many cascades and rivers,
some of which are used in sports adventures. Sarapiquí River
is another of the attractions of the province. This imposing river
travels through dense vegetation, where birds are abundant and,
has an ideal current for those who enjoy the rapids, with a moderate
degree of difficulty.
The mountainous areas of Heredia, just before crossing the Central
Mountain Range, are characterized by vast extensions of forest and
fair climate. Many people choose these green and fresh sites to
establish themselves, to live far away from the city crowds.
GUANACASTE
Generous and warm province, Guanacaste is known for its cattle ranching
production and spectacular beaches. It is the driest region of Costa
Rica, specially the coastal areas.
Guanacaste became part of Costa Rica in 1825; until then, it had
remained an independent province. This territory certainly has a
very important natural and cultural richness, for Costa Rica’s
economy. Some of the best beach hotels in the world are found on
the beaches of Guanacaste.
Guanacaste is well known for its beaches and the sun, which is exactly
what visitors find along its coastline, with an abundance of hotels,
cabins and restaurants. Some are luxury ones, others more modest,
but they all guarantee that guests have the perfect option for each
budget.
Panamá Beach, in the north area of the province, is one of
the good options for tourism. A quiet place with white sand and
easy waters, invite you to enjoy a care-free weekend.
Cocos Beach features as one of the most popular spots, due to its
night life and great number of visitors; and without having to travel
much you can reach Flamingo Beach, an ideal place for those preferring
a mix of good hotels and a quiet atmosphere.
There are also Ocotal and Hermosa beaches, among the favorite of
Guanacaste’s coast. Grande Beach is located further south,
and along with Las Baulas National Park, is a sanctuary for thousands
of leatherback turtles (baula) arriving to spawn in its coasts each
year.
Tamarindo offers a blend of white-sand beaches and mangroves; sea
birds and iguanas, making it a paradisiacal and perfect spot for
those wishing to live in harmony with nature.
Many other beaches along the coast of Guanacaste will complete a
matchless natural offer. Carrillo Beach, Ostional Beach, Manzanillo
or Coyote, are some of those destinations giving the greatest province
of Costa Rica its reputation
In Guanacaste you may enjoy delicious food, so characteristic of
its people and that with the passage of time, became authentic traditional
Costa Rican dishes. Santa Rosa National Park is located to the north
of the province. It is a jewel of the tropical dry forest, counting
with a remarkable biological inventory.
Likewise, embedded in the Guanacaste Mountain Range, are the Tenorio,
Orosi, Miravalles and Rincón de La Vieja volcanoes, the latter
surrounded by the national park of the same name.
Guanacaste is undoubtedly a privileged land. Possessing a mixture
of forests dry and rainy, warm beaches, extense plains and an impressive
volcanic range; a natural world expecting to be explored.
CARTAGO
Also known as the Ancient Metropolis, Cartago was the capital of
Costa Rica until 1823, when this title was transferred to the city
of San José. It is a relatively small province, with barely
3.124 km2 and almost 35 000 inhabitants.
It is perhaps Costa Rica’s most important area in matters
of colonial art. The best example is the temple of Orosi, dating
back to 1743, a historical jewel that was witness to the birth of
a nation.
Cartago has a humid, tropical climate. Its mountain system is made
up of two mountain ranges: the Central, is where we find the Irazú
and Turrialba volcanoes. The Talamanca mountain range is the other
great mountain formation of the province. The imposing Cerro Chirripó,
the highest point in Costa Rica, is located here, at 3.600 meters
over sea level.
Cartago is a land of traditions and religiosity. To the north we
find the national monument of Guayabo, located on the outskirts
of the town of Turrialba. In Guayabo, visitors may admire the enigmatic
constructions, dating back to Pre-Colombian times. It’s one
of the largest archeological areas discovered in the country. Mounds,
bridges, plazas and highways, as well as an aqueduct that is still
working, are some of the remains of ancient cultures.
Pilgrimage to Our Lady of the Angels Basilica at the center of the
city of Cartago- is the most important religious activity of Costa
Rica. Celebrated each August 2nd, here attend millions of people
from all around the country.
Nevertheless, the main attraction of Cartago could be the Irazú
volcano, a splendid giant which still remains active, whose five
craters gather thousands of tourists yearly.
It is the volcano found at highest altitude in the country, 3.432
meters over sea level. Several rivers nurturing the basins of others,
like Chirripó, Reventazón, Sarapiquí and Grande
de Tárcoles are born here.
ALAJUELA
Is one of the most extense provinces of Costa Rica, is known as
“The Land of Mangoes”. Its territory spreads to the
north, reaching the boundary with Nicaragua. Alajuela was founded
in 1848 and gave birth to such famous historical characters like
Juan Santamaría, the national hero that burned down the “Mesón
de Rivas” in 1856.
This province has an enviable natural richness. Its uneven topography
includes the rainforest and exuberant plains to the north. Visitors
have a choice of the two most impressive, active volcanoes of the
country: Arenal volcano, in the City of San Carlos and the Poás
Volcano, at the Central Volcanic Mountain Range.
Poás volcano is one of the most splendid volcanoes in Costa
Rica, for its beautiful landscape. Around it you may appreciate
different habitats, from the cloud forest to areas of scarce vegetation,
where species have become adapted to emissions of gas and the climatic
factor characteristic of a volcano.
The Arenal volcano, on the other hand, with its beautiful conic
silhouette, is one of the most active in the world. Its charm is
enhanced at night, when the color of its eruptions and lava rivers
can be fully appreciated. Many of the hotels offer a panoramic view
of the volcano and its evening show.
In Alajuela you may also find colorful cities like San Ramón,
Zarcero and Sarchí, places to buy crafts and admire woodcarving
and painting of Costa Rican craftsmen.
Alajuela also counts with the Biological Reserve of the Monteverde
Cloud Forest, a natural reserve founded by a community of dairy
farmers 4 decades ago. This reserve is home of hundreds of exotic
species of plants and animals, meaning 400 bird species and 2500
species of plants. Monteverde also has a living laboratory, to welcome
visiting scientists each year.
A great variety of hotels, hostels and restaurants may be found
outside the reserve, offering possibilities suitable to the taste
and budget of every visitor.
During the last decades, Alajuela has become an obliged journey
for those who love Costa Rica’s natural richness.
LIMÓN
The Caribbean province is a natural paradise, formed by a combination
of dense jungles, imposing mountains, and paradisiacal beaches.
Limón has the highest percentage of protected land in Costa
Rica, as well as a wide variety of flora and fauna. Its vegetation
is exuberant, as are the cultures meeting throughout the province.
The road to Limón from San José, crosses the majestic
Braulio Carrillo National Park. At this point begins a beautiful
journey to the lowlands of the Caribbean. A significant change in
temperature and landscape can be experienced.
Perhaps the most exuberant region of Limón is Tortuguero
National Park, at the north part of the province. A vast extense
of protected land and the most important of the Atlantic coast of
the American continent, for the spawning of the green turtle.
The city of Limón is the point of arrival for visitors. It
is a port, which is essential in Costa Rica’s economic life,
and the greatest living example of the multicultural meeting experienced
in this region thoughout history.
Travelling south, at an hour’s distance, we find Cahuita,
a typical Caribbean villa. This town has become “a must”
for tourists, for it represents the essence of a culture, and the
beauty of Cahuita National Park, which protects an important expanse
of coral reefs.
The quiet waters in this spot, are a plus for those lovers of “snorkeling”.
The underwater scenery is marvelous, with a wide chain of coral
reefs, composed of different types of coral and occupied by an immense
variety of tropical fish.
Another important point in the Caribbean province is Puerto Viejo,
barely 30 minutes from Cahuita. In this town you can breathe the
profound respect for the cultural identity of its people. A combination
of music, beaches and food, so characteristic of the place, are
the elements attracting thousands of tourists year by year.
Along the coastal area, travelers find a good number of options
for lodging. The vast majority of hotels and cabins are small and
formed of traditional Bungalows, a very particular type of construction
of the Caribbean.
Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge is located just at the
end of the coastline, almost at the border with Panamá. This
refuge protects almost 4500 hectares of beaches and sea, for the
spawning of 4 species of turtles.
In Manzanillo you may rent kayaks and glide through the gentle mangroves
in search of birds and reptiles characteristic of the area.
The province of Limón possesses a unique culture in Costa
Rica, a way of life that may be fully appreciated during the traditional
carnivals held each year, an experience of rythms, and euphoric
and captivating colors.
PUNTARENAS
Known as the “Pearl of the Pacific”, Puntarenas is the
largest province of Costa Rica, with an area of 11.276 Km2. Its
main attraction is its Pacific coastline, extending over more than
500 miles down to the Panamanian boarder
This vast province offers a variety of beaches, national parks and
natural reserves of an extraordinary ecological importance, since
it is a transition area between the dry tropical lands of Guanacaste
and the green forests of the Central Pacific.
The port of Caldera and the city of Puntarenas, receive hundreds
of tourists daily, from countless cruise ships making shore on its
coasts. Some of these ships are travelling with the Panamá
canal as destination, which allows passengers to explore Costa Rica’s
inland, only to meet their cruise ship some days later at the port
of Limón, in the Caribbean.
Carara’s Biological Reserve constitutes one of the best showcases
to the natural heritage of Puntarenas. This private reserve includes
an extension of 11.600 acres of forests and mangroves.
Today, only some portions of the reserve are available to tourists,
but professional guides, who are allowed to explore some restricted
areas, may be hired.
Manuel Antonio National Park, is another of the destinations of
the province of Puntarenas. With its impressive white-sand beaches,
blue waters of the Pacific and hundreds of hectares of rainforest,
this park is one of the smallest in Costa Rica, but at the same
time, one of the most highly visited.
Manuel Antonio is one of the few places in Costa Rica where the
spider monkey (Titi) still lives. Within the park you may also find
over 100 species of mammals and an equal number of bird types.
Also belonging to Puntarenas, another feature is the Corcovado National
Park -located south, and constituting the habitat of important endemic
species such as the gold frog- as well as the Tárcoles River,
whose margins are guarded by hundreds of American crocodiles.
Good food –especially seafood- as well as the well-known carnivals
held each summer, and the warmth of its people, are some of the
nice surprises expecting tourists visiting this province.
*** Information courtesy of Destinos Magazine
