General Information
About Costa Rica
The Friendly Locals
As of October 2024, Costa Rica proudly holds the title of the world’s friendliest nation, according to the prestigious website InterNations. This warmth and hospitality are deeply embedded in the country’s culture, a harmonious blend of diverse heritage and a commitment to peace and sustainability.
The country's breathtaking natural beauty, tropical climate, and "pura vida" way of life have long captivated travelers. "Pura vida," which translates to "pure life," reflects the Costa Rican ethos of simplicity, joy, and a deep connection with nature. It's more than a phrase—it's a way of living that invites visitors to slow down and embrace the moment.
Costa Rica also stands out for its exceptional healthcare system, widely regarded as one of the best in the region. This commitment to well-being extends to the country's ambitious environmental policies, aimed at preserving its lush rainforests and remarkable biodiversity for generations to come.
Costa Rica's cultural richness is shaped by centuries of immigration and exchange. Spanish, Indigenous, Afro-Caribbean, Chinese, and European influences weave together to create a vibrant cultural mosaic. This diversity is celebrated in the country’s music, art, festivals, and daily life.
A peaceful nation at its core, Costa Rica made history 75 years ago by abolishing its army, choosing instead to invest in education and healthcare. This dedication to non-violence has shaped a society that values dialogue, community, and human development.
With a population of around 5 million, Costa Rica is home to a growing expat community, as well as eight indigenous groups that represent about 2% of the population. These communities play a vital role in preserving their unique traditions, languages, and way of life, and many have integrated tourism into their economies to support cultural preservation.
Whether you're exploring the rainforest, unwinding on pristine beaches, or connecting with locals, Costa Rica offers a genuine sense of warmth and hospitality that makes every visit unforgettable.
Nature Paradise
One of Costa Rica’s greatest appeals is its compact size—just over 51,000+ square kilometers (9,700+ square miles)—which offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes and ecosystems. Despite its small footprint, the country is home to at least 4% of the world’s biodiversity. This diversity is amplified by the volcanic mountain ranges that run through the heart of the country, creating a majestic backdrop of pristine rivers, cascading waterfalls, verdant rainforests, active volcanoes, and endless beaches.
Costa Rica's commitment to environmental preservation is evident in its reforestation efforts. After years of deforestation for cattle farming, the country has successfully restored tree coverage to 75%, thanks to community-driven initiatives. This reflects Costa Ricans' deep respect for nature and their dedication to protecting the environment.
As you journey through Costa Rica with Eco Dreams, you'll be immersed in nature’s splendor at every turn. Prepare to be captivated by the lush rainforests, stunning beaches, towering mountains, and the incredible wildlife that inhabits this natural paradise.
While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, many of our guests have the pleasure of encountering playful monkeys, vibrant birds, squawking scarlet macaws and the iridescent hummingbirds, as well as sloths, crocodiles, and much more. Depending on the season, you might even witness awe-inspiring spectacles such as humpback whales nursing their young or sea turtles nesting along the coast.
Costa Rica is truly a nature lover’s dream come true. Let Eco Dreams guide you to the best spots, where your nature-filled adventure awaits!
Costa Rica Essentials
Safety is always first
Costa Rica is considered one of the safest countries in Latin America. However, as with any destination, it's important to remain mindful, as petty crime can occur anywhere in the world, including Costa Rica. With a few simple precautions, a little common sense, and the expert guidance of Eco Dreams Travel, you can enjoy a seamless, unforgettable experience.
When you travel with Eco Dreams Travel, our team of local experts is always one step ahead, ensuring your safety and comfort at every stage of your journey. We meticulously monitor conditions—checking the weather, confirming schedules, and making sure your driver arrives ahead of time. From the moment you arrive to the last stop on your itinerary, our team is there, offering 24/7 support and guardianship to guarantee your peace of mind.
Our local experts carefully select your guides, drivers, accommodations, and tour operators, all of whom meet our rigorous safety and service standards. Since we live and work in Costa Rica, we have firsthand knowledge of the places you’ll visit and can provide insights that enhance both safety and enjoyment.
While Costa Rica is generally very safe, it's wise to take a few precautions, just as you would in any other part of the world. Keep an eye on your personal belongings, and avoid leaving valuables unattended in public spaces or restaurants. If you're renting a car, store your belongings out of sight when parked.
There’s no need for concern, just the usual mindfulness that applies when traveling anywhere. Common sense is your best companion, whether you’re in Costa Rica, Europe or China. Feel free to ask your Eco Dreams local travel expert for additional tips—they know the country best and are happy to share useful advice to ensure a smooth, worry-free trip.
Democracy
Costa Rica is a presidential republic that gained independence from Spain in 1821. The news of its freedom came as a surprise, but Costa Rica never looked back. Instead, it takes great pride in being one of the world’s oldest democracies, having achieved full independence in 1838.
In 1948, after a brief civil conflict, Costa Rica rewrote its history with the creation of a new constitution. During this pivotal moment, the country made a decision that continues to set it apart on the global stage: the abolition of its military. President José Figueres, the visionary behind the new constitution, declared the military "a threat to democracy."
Since then, Costa Rica has celebrated 16 peaceful and vibrant presidential elections. In 1986, President Oscar Arias was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in resolving civil wars across Central America, setting a new course for peace in the region—a value deeply cherished by Costa Ricans.
Costa Rica is ready to welcome you. This country will leave a lasting impression on your heart with its natural beauty, warm people, and the peaceful spirit that can be felt wherever you go.
When to Visit Costa Rica
Don’t worry too much about what you’ve read regarding the “dry” and “rainy” seasons. The weather in Costa Rica is far too complex to fit neatly into two categories. In fact, while some regions experience their driest months, others may be at their rainiest. It's true that September and October typically bring the heaviest rainfall across the country, but this varies by location.
In regards to the temperatures, there is very little difference in temperature between the coldest months, January and February and the hottest months, March thru May. Temperatures in Costa Rica are very stable, and they change according to the altitude not to the time of the year.
There really isn't a "bad" time to visit Costa Rica; it all depends on what you're
looking to experience and what you enjoy most. Whenever possible, a good idea may be traveling between May and early December if you want to take advantage of excellent availability at top resorts, the best guides, and ideal itineraries. However, if you need to travel during the High Season (mid-December to mid-April), rest assured that our local experts are ready to craft the perfect itinerary tailored to your interests, needs, and dreams.
Crowds
Costa Rica is never as crowded as mass tourism destinations, but during peak times, facilities can reach full capacity, resulting in longer waits and less personalized service.
Most Crowded Times
December 15 - January 5.
U.S. Presidents Week (the least crowded of the busy times).
U.S. Spring Break and Easter Week.
Least Crowded Times:
May to mid-November
Activities by Season
-Birdwatching:
Costa Rica offers fantastic birding opportunities year-round, but here are some highlights:
-Spring Migration (March - April): Northern migratory birds return to their breeding grounds.
-Fall Migration (July - October): Migratory birds head south, with some staying in Costa Rica while others continue to South America.
-Raptor Migration (September - October)
Monkeys, Orchids, Sloths:
Seen year-round across various regions.
Turtle Nesting:
Atlantic Green Turtles (Best Spot: Tortuguero)
Breeding: May - August (Though hard to witness due to rough seas)
Nesting: June - October (Peak: July - August, with an 85% chance of observing nesting)
Hatching: August - November (Best seen before dawn)
*Whale Watching:
Humpback Whales (North American Migration): December - April
Humpback Whales (South American Migration): June - October
The only months without humpback whales in Costa Rica are May and November.
Let your Eco Dreams local expert know your main interests, and we’ll recommend the ideal time for you to visit Costa Rica, ensuring your trip is perfectly aligned with your desires!
