About Costa Rica - Savegre Mountain Hotel - San Gerardo de Dota- birdwatching, hiking, fly fhishing, horseback riding

It is not chance that more than one million tourists visit Costa Rica each year. Our Central American country is an isthmus that seems to have been magically created. Though it covers only 0.03% of the surface of our planet, Costa Rica has approximately 6% of the world's biodiversity.

Costa Rica is characterized by its impressive and scenic beauty, a consolidated system of protected areas, social and political stability, high educational levels, and efficient infrastructure and services. All these characteristics are found in a nation of only 51 thousand square kilometers (19,700 square miles) - smaller than West Virginia! - bordered by both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, which are only three to four hours away from each other by land or 45 minutes by air.

The country's strategic position in the heart of the western hemisphere, its government's positive attitude towards foreign investment, its infrastructure, its access to international markets, and its labor quality and cost, make Costa Rica an ideal place to establish commercial operations.

Geography
Rugged highlands are found throughout most of the country, ranging from approximately 1,000 to 2,000 meters (3,000 to 6,000 feet above sea level). The Guanacaste Mountain Range, Central Mountain Range, and Talamanca Mountain Range are the main mountain ranges, extending the entire length of the country. There are several active volcanoes (Arenal Volcano, Irazu Volcano, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, and Turrialba Volcano) and the country’s highest mountain is Chirripo Hill with a height of 3,819 m/12,530 ft. The country has a relatively long coastline along both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as a number of rivers and streams that attract kayakers and rafters from all over the world.

Climate
Costa Rica's climate is pleasant year round, with naturally occurring breezes cooling down most of the coastal areas. Temperatures in the highlands and mountains are not cold, especially during the day, producing an 'eternal spring' feeling. The average annual temperature ranges from 31.7°C (89°F) on the coast to 16.7°C (62°F) inland. The rainy or green season lasts from May to December with noticeably drier days during the rest of the year.

Coffee Picking

Heritage and Culture
Costa Rican culture reflects the mix of heritages that coexist in our country. The principal influence is European, especially Spanish, which can be seen in our official language of Spanish and the architecture of our churches and other historical buildings. The influence of the indigenous culture is less visible, but can be seen in the tortillas that are an integral part of traditional Costa Rican food and the ceramic crafts that are sold roadside. We are also proud to include among our citizens people from throughout the American continent, and of Asian and African descent. The indigenous populations of the region include the Bribri, Cabecar, Maleku, Teribe, Boruca, Ngöbe, Huetar and Chorotega.

An important aspect of our cultural heritage is our love of peace and democracy. Costa Ricans, or Ticos, try to highlight the fact that our country is the exception in Latin America: our political system is democratic and it has been many years since the last Costa Rican dictator. Ticos take pride in having more than a century of democratic tradition and more than 60 years without a standing army. The army was abolished in 1948, and the money the state saved by not maintaining armed forces has improved the Costa Rican quality of life, helping the social tranquility that makes Costa Rica a lovely place to visit.

Ticos are also known for our hospitality. We are educated and hardworking, and like to smile and shake hands. We know that our country is special, and generally are happy to guide lost visitors, and make your stay as pleasant as possible. Once you have experienced our friendliness and spontaneity, you will not doubt that Ticos are the best part of Costa Rica.

Health and Education
The Costa Rican government has long dedicated a significant portion of its national budget to education and other social services, resulting in a healthy and educated populace. The country has literacy rates and average life expectancies much closer to those of Western European nations than most Latin American countries. Costa Rica has had a socialized medical system for nearly half a century, and while schools and clinics are found throughout the country, the Central Valley has several public universities and dozens of private universities.

Travelers need not worry about many of the diseases found in other tropical countries, and are likely to encounter highly educated people and English speakers throughout the country.

Tap water is safe to drink almost everywhere in the country, but bottled beverages are recommended in rural areas. For those few travelers that do become sick or injured while in Costa Rica, there are hospitals and private clinics in San Jose provide a level of care comparable to that found in the United States, and for considerably less money.