Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known for its civilized way of life and it is no exaggeration to describe the country as an oasis of peace. Costa Rica is a land dominated by mountains and isolated, undeveloped coasts. The Caribbean coast is constantly pounded by waves generated by the Trade Winds, producing some of the world's best surf. Beaches of brilliant white and improbably rich black sand reach in segments of 20-40 miles without a single seawall, groin, jetty, revetment, or condominium.

The Costa Ricans are also called Ticos. Costa Rica is known for its civilized way of life and it is no exaggeration to describe the country as an oasis of peace. Today Costa Rica is highly cosmopolitan. Spanish is the state language, although the black community is bilingual (most of them speak Spanish and English), as are the indigenous groups such as the Bribris, who still speak their native languages in addition to Spanish.

Costa Ricans are predominantly Catholic, but freedom of religion is protected by the constitution, and the Protestant community is quite important. There is a Catholic Church in every city or town. Fiestas, dances, and other cultural and religious events take place around the church, where people gather to socialize or simply enjoy the clear night-time sky.

Traditions are very important to the Costa Rican people. Religious holidays are among the most festive occasions, especially that of August 2nd, when thousands of Costa Ricans pay homage to the Virgen de los Angeles.

The country is divided by a backbone of volcanoes and mountains, an extension of the Andes-Sierra Madre chain which runs along the western side of the Americas. Costa Rica is part of the Pacific "Rim of Fire" and has seven of the isthmus's 42 active volcanoes plus dozens of dormant or extinct cones. Earth tremors and small quakes shake the country from time to time.

Costa Rica is a tropical country which contains several distinct climatic zones. There is no winter or summer as such and most regions have a rainy season from May to November and a dry season from December to April. Temperature is more a matter of elevation than location with a mean of around 72 degrees in the Central Valley, 82 degrees on the Atlantic coast and 89 degrees on the Pacific coast. 

In order to get married in Costa Rica, it is essential demonstrate the legal aptitudes of both parties. In Costa Rica civil matrimony is celebrated by Public Notaries (lawyers) who must produced a public deed at the exact moment of the matrimony. This notary will also produce two sworn declarations for the witnesses, where they will attest to the identity and civil status of the parties. All documents will be in Spanish, but the notary will verbally translate the deeds. And yes, this legal matrimony is accepted in any other country.

Facts for the Traveler

Passports and Visas: Citizens of the U.S., Canada and Panama may enter Costa Rica with a tourist card and one other piece of identification e.g. passport, driver's license or birth certificate. Tourist cards can be obtained in advance from any Costa Rican embassy or consulate and are valid for 30 days. No passport or visa is needed. If you want to stay longer, a valid passport allows Canadians and Americans to stay for up to 90 days. Citizens of all other countries require a valid passport to enter Costa Rica. You are required to carry your passport or tourist card with you at all times. If you are stopped by officials, a photocopy with your photo, passport number and entry stamp will usually suffice. Time: GMT-0600 Electricity: 110 volts. Nationwide service. Languages Spoken: Spanish Currency: Colon (Floats, currently $1 US = about 240) in notes of 5,000, 1,000, 500, 100 and 50 Banks, Credit Cards, ATMs: Local and international services are available at both state and private banking institutions. Banking hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (without a break). Evening banking services are also available from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The official currency is the "colon" and the exchange rate against the dollar varies every day. Dollars can be changed at any of the Banks. International credit cards are accepted in most establishments throughout the country. Office Hours: These vary according to the company or institution.  Most government offices are open to the public from 8:00 a.m. up until 4:00 p.m. Private companies open from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Shops and business open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in most cases. Others keep a 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. working day. In the Capital, there are supermarkets which are open round the clock.

 

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