Costa Rica History
For more than 12,000 years, different indigenous groups such as the Chorotega inhabited the lush territory, which now makes up Costa Rica. In 1502, during his fourth voyage, Christopher Columbus arrived in the village of Cariari (now Puerto Limon) and encountered natives swathed in Gold Jewelry. It is said that he named the land Costa Rica (translated in English: Rich Coast) because of the promise of gold. However, it was not until 1560 that the first Spanish settlement, consisting mainly of adventurous pioneers, was established.
Then in 1821, along with the rest of the Central American countries, Costa Rica declared its independence from Spain. Coffee and banana cultivation became the countries most important economic activities and main source of income. In 1948 the country abolished its military, investing its scarce resources in education and public health instead. This contributed to the country's remarkable social indicators, especially literacy rates and life expectancy. Today, more than 25 percent of the country territory is protected as National Parks and a main attraction for visitors from all over the world. Eco tourists, adventure tourists, nature lovers, birdwatchers and researchers come to Costa Rica to enjoy its great biodiversity and natural beauty. Furthermore, the country has beautiful beaches and active volcanoes and hot springs that attract tourist looking for relaxation.
The Osa Peninsula
The Osa Peninsula is home to the famous Corcovado National Park and the Golfo Dulce that have been described as some of the world's most biologically intense places in the world. On the Osa Peninsula, you will most likely see more wildlife and rainforest than in any other place in Costa Rica. And besides rainforest adventures, you can engage in dolphin and whale watching excursions and experience some of the world's best sportfishing.
General Information
Costa Rican Currency
Currency is the colón and changes, at last count 500 colónes to a U.S. dollar. American dollars are welcome throughout Costa Rica, even at small stores and most hotels and banks give fair exchange rates.
Tipping
If you like the service received, tips are wonderful and make a lot of friends. A day laborer only earns $12 - 15 a day in Costa Rica. Tips at our lodge are generally split equally among the employees.
Country Exit Tax
A $26 per person exit tax is required when you leave the country. This tax can be paid with a credit card.
Time Zone
Costa Rica is on Central Standard Time and does not change with daylight savings time.
Bugs
A repellant with deet or a local Costa Rican product called Cactus Juice are excellent for mosquito or sand flea bites. A product made by AVON called "Skin So Soft" can be effective to ward off sand fleas.
Medicines and the Local Clinic
Infection from cuts or from scratching insect bites is common in the tropics if no precaution is taken. You can buy peroxide in Puerto Jimenez. Over the counter cortisone cream comes in handy for itching. A clinic in Puerto Jimenez can deal with some emergencies, while serious emergencies may require flights to Golfito or San Jose.
Shots
Shots are not required or necessary unless you or your doctor feel it is important. Insect born illnesses are not common in Costa Rica.
Climate
Our lodge is right to the ocean which gives us a daily breeze. Weather in the tropics can be hot and humid at times. From December through April the temperature is normally in the high 80's. Rainy season starts in May and it is a surprisingly pleasant time of year to visit as it normally just rains in the afternoons and evenings. September through early December marks the real rainy season. Usually for about one week out of that period, we will have a solid nonstop downpour.
Water
Drinking water is chlorinated and drinkable. Bottled and chlorinated water is almost available everywhere.
US. Embassy San Jose, Costa Rica
Phone: 506-519-2000
Embassy Business Hours
Monday - Friday 8:00am- 4:30pm
Emergency After Hours
Assistance for U.S. Citizens
506-519-2280, 506-519-2279
or 506-220-3127
The Tico Times
Leading English Language
Newspaper in Central America
Check out the online edition for local new,.
events, fishing information, travel guides, exchange rates and more.