• Boys playing football on street in Puerto Limon, central eastern Costa Rica

    Boys playing football on street in Puerto Limon, central eastern Costa Rica

    © Eric Wheater

  • One of the cuter locals: a Ctenosaur at Corcovado National Park

    One of the cuter locals: a Ctenosaur at Corcovado National Park

    © Ralph Hopkins

  • Chestnut-Mandibled Toucan (Ramphastos swainsonii) in all his technicolor glory

    Chestnut-Mandibled Toucan (Ramphastos swainsonii) in all his technicolor glory

    © Alfredo Maiquez

Costa Rica: Overview

Mention Costa Rica and people think paradise. The country's Disney-like cast of creatures — ranging from howler monkeys to toucans — are prolific and relatively easy to spot. The waves are prime, the beauty is staggering and the sluggish pace seductive.

FAST FACTS

Full name

Republic of Costa Rica

Currency

Costa Rican Colon, CRC (¢)

Population

4133884

Languages

  • Spanish (official)
  • English (other)

Time zone(s)

  • GMT/UTC: -6

Voltage

120V

Hertz

60Hz

Plugs

  • American-style plug with two parallel flat blades above a circular grounding pin

    American-style plug with two parallel flat blades above a circular grounding pin

  • Japanese-style plug with two parallel flat blades

    Japanese-style plug with two parallel flat blades

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