Costa Rica at a glance

Sustainability in Costa Rica is not a trend; it is a way of life. Across the country, environmental responsibility is embraced by communities, businesses, and visitors alike. Nearly 93% of Costa Rica’s electricity is generated from renewable energy, and sustainable practices are deeply woven into everyday life, from local cuisine and artisan crafts to traditions and celebrations.

Known as the “Rich Coast”, Costa Rica is one of the most bio‑diverse countries in the world. From active and dormant volcanoes to rainforests, waterfalls, rivers, and unique flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth, Costa Rica offers an extraordinary natural environment that is carefully protected for future generations.

With an average temperature of around 22–24°C, the Central Valley provides a comfortable climate and an ideal base for discovering Costa Rica’s culture, nature, and unmistakable Pura Vida spirit.

San José is an excellent introduction to this way of life, offering vibrant markets, historic neighbourhoods, and cultural landmarks such as the National Theatre, Gold and Jade Museums, and National Museum. Visitors can explore the city on foot, by guided tour, or self‑drive, enjoy local cuisine in traditional sodas or fine restaurants, and experience a lively nightlife with music, dance, and welcoming bars.

Bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, Costa Rica is a compact yet remarkably diverse destination offering adventure, relaxation, romance, and discovery. Home to around 5% of the world’s biodiversity, with 26% of its land protected, the country features rainforests, cloud forests, volcanoes, mountains, and beautiful beaches, all within easy reach.

Located in Central America and known as the bridge between the Americas, Costa Rica’s capital, San José, lies in the fertile Central Valley. Despite covering just 51,100 km² (around two and a half times the size of Wales), travellers can explore multiple regions in a short time. Spanish is the official language, with English widely spoken in tourist areas, and while the local currency is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC), US dollars and credit cards are widely accepted. The dry season runs from December to April, followed by the lush green season.

Costa Rica is renowned for its peaceful values, having abolished its army in 1948, and is considered one of the safest countries in Central America. This outlook is reflected in the national philosophy of Pura Vida (pure life) which captures the warm, positive spirit of the Costa Rican people, known as Ticos.