Country Facts And Traveller Information
Sandwiched between the balmy waters of the Caribbean sea and the vast Pacific Ocean, the Republic of Costa Rica is a country bordered to the north by Nicaragua and Panama to the south-east and occupying 51,000 sq kms of land in Central America. With a series of volcanic mountain chains running between its two neighbouring countries, Costa Rica is effectively divided in two where high-altitude central plains descend to coastal lowlands on either side - the Caribbean coast comprising largely of tropical mangrove swamps and sandy beaches whereas the Pacific coast is a mind-blowing 1016 kms of rugged, rocky gulfs and headlands created by waves that would test the most experienced surfer. Much of the population of Costa Rica inhabits the elevated central plain where the fertile volcanic soil and sub-tropical climate has created a rich variety of flora and fauna and many unique natural environments that are now protected and preserved, and with a conservation program that is amongst the best in Central America, around 12% of the entire land mass of Costa Rica falls within the confines of one of 25 National Parks countrywide.
Quite simply, Costa Rica only has two seasons: wet and dry, the rainy season lasting from May to November giving way to a dry heat at a time when much of the western world is cold and damp. With temperatures that vary little throughout the year, both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts are hotter than anywhere else in the country, particularly during the dry season, and with an increased humidity that can feel oppressive, the only place to find relief is to head inland and uphill! However, even at altitude temperatures rarely fall below 15°C, so only the rainfall could influence any decision as to what time of year to travel to Costa Rica, although hot rain is unlikely to dampen the spirit when it's such an integral part of the nation's ecology and unique identity.
With such incredible biological and geographical diversity, vacation homes in Costa Rica can guarantee a relaxing holiday will turn out to be more like a voyage of discovery through a country that is equally abundant in history and culture - despite a wealth of exotic rainforests, active volcanoes and paradise beaches, many vibrant towns and cities are scattered across Costa Rica where the cosmopolitan eclecticism provides an exciting contrast to an almost over-whelming sense of rural peace. When there is such a diverse cultural and natural heritage to investigate throughout Costa Rica, Puntarenas and Guanacaste are regions that can let you combine the heady buzz of San Jose, the capital, with the tranquil calm found amongst the countryside stretching along the country's Pacific coast, providing a fabulous variety of destinations from where you can achieve a truly comprehensive experience of everything Costa Rica has to offer its visitors.
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