Global Community Health Volunteers
Costa Rica: "Pura Vida" and Global Learning
Location and Geography
Costa Rica is located in Central America, bordering Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the southeast. It is strategically bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Despite its relatively small size, approximately 51,100 km² (19,700 sq mi), it is home to 6% of the world's biodiversity.
Natural Beauty and Slogan
The country is a paradise for ecotourism. Its beauty lies in the mix of pristine beaches, spectacular volcanoes, cloud forests, and astonishing wildlife, including sloths, toucans, and a vast variety of orchids.
- National Slogan: The nation's spirit is summarized in its famous phrase: "Pura Vida." More than a simple greeting, it is a philosophy that encapsulates joy, peace, and the celebration of simple living.
Culture, Customs, and Languages
Costa Rican culture, or the culture of the "Ticos" (a affectionate nickname for Costa Ricans), is famous for its warmth, love of peace, and strong commitment to democracy. It is a rich blend of indigenous, European, and Afro-Caribbean influences.
- Official Language: The main language is Spanish.
- Other Languages: Various indigenous languages and a Creole version of English are also spoken on the Caribbean coast (Limón).
Traveling from the United States to Costa Rica is easy
Main Arrival Airports
Departures from the U.S
Departures from the U.S
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), near San José (the capital), and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), in Liberia (Guanacaste).
Departures from the U.S
Departures from the U.S
Departures from the U.S
Numerous direct flights are available from major U.S. cities, including Houston, Miami, Atlanta, New York, and Los Angeles.
Common Airlines
Departures from the U.S
Average Flight Time
United, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, and the Costa Rican airline Sansa.
Average Flight Time
Using Credit and Debit Cards in Costa Rica
Average Flight Time
A direct flight from the East/Southeast Coast (like Miami or Atlanta) takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. From the West Coast, it can take 6 to 7 hours.
Currency and Exchange
Using Credit and Debit Cards in Costa Rica
Using Credit and Debit Cards in Costa Rica
The official currency is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC). The value floats, but the approximate exchange rate is 1 USD to about 500–550 CRC (it is important to verify the current rate). U.S. dollars are widely accepted in many tourist areas.
Using Credit and Debit Cards in Costa Rica
Using Credit and Debit Cards in Costa Rica
Using Credit and Debit Cards in Costa Rica
The use of cards is widely accepted and highly recommended in Costa Rica.
- General Acceptance: In the vast majority of the country, including hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and many stores, you can easily pay with credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard are the most common).
- Security and Convenience: Card usage has become very popular due to the security it offers (cards can be blocked immediately in case of theft) and the convenience, eliminating the need to carry large amounts of cash.
- ATMs (Cash Machines): ATMs are available throughout the country (though fewer in rural areas) where you can withdraw money, either in the local currency (Colones) or in U.S. dollars. Your bank will generally offer you the best exchange rate.