The People, Climate and Culture

General Information

The People, Climate and Culture

Frequently Asked Questions

Cross Cultural Tips

Reading List

Warmhearted People

"Ticos" are what Costa Ricans call themselves, and what
fellow Latin Americans call them.  You will sense a great
deal of pride in the people of Costa Rica, for they have
formed a nation unique, not only to Central America, but to the world.

Visitors will notice that the people of Costa Rica work very hard to develop the intellectual as well as the physical resources of their country. Books and newspapers are displayed everywhere, evidence that Costa Ricans have made of themselves one of the most highly literate nations on earth. More than ninety-three percent of the people can read and write.

Comfortable Climate

Costa Rica has two seasons; the Dry Season from December-April and the Green Season from May-November. The Green Season brings late afternoon or evening showers and fewer crowds.

Wildlife enthusiasts may wish to schedule their trip around high visibility seasons. The best time to spot the resplendent quetzal is between November and April. The peak season for leatherback turtles is from April to May; for green turtles it's during August and September.

Peaceful, Safe, and Politically Stable

Life is good in Costa Rica, a friendly, democratic and peaceful country.

Costa Rica is the oldest democracy in Central America, often pointed to as a model of success when discussing Latin American governments. Unlike their neighboring countries, Costa Rica has not suffered through dictatorships or civil wars since the current system was implemented in 1948.