We have to get our blog started so let’s begin with the basics. For the people that don’t know or have never heard of Costa Rica, it’s not Puerto Rico and it’s not an island. Costa Rica is a small country in Central America between Nicaragua and Panama, about 3 hours from Florida’s main airports and with the new low cost airlines about $75 away.

Costa Rica is known for several things World Wide. It is one of the few countries in the World that has no army, it’s the most politically stable republic in Latin America and owns around 5% of the World’s biodiversity. But we guess that most of you don’t care about this or you would have just searched for it in Wikipedia.

So what are some other interesting things that put Costa Rica on the map?

As ridiculous as it may sound Costa Rica declared war on Germany in WWII even before the U.S. did and still haven’t signed a peace treaty, so virtually we are still at war with them LOL! But don’t worry Germans are well welcomed in Costa Rica.

Ticas (Costa Rican Girls) are the most beautiful women in Central America and for what we’ve seen in our travels probably in the top 5 in the entire Latin America.

Melissa Guerrero - Photo from BellaPod.com Visit their website to see some spectacular Ticas

The entire country from border to border, coast to coast is only 51,000 sq/km (19,652 sq/mi), that’s only a third of Florida and about a ninth part of California but it still holds 5% of the Worlds biodiversity, 121 volcanic formations of which 12 are active volcanoes and 801 miles of coastline offering 200+ surf breaks in 75+ beaches. Pretty Awesome!

Costa Rica Surfing

The computer you are using at this moment to read this post is probably using a chip made in Costa Rica. So we do not live in tents in a jungle and we do have internet, cell phones, cable television so you won’t miss you’ll favorite reality TV show while visiting the country and all the other comforts a modern person may need.

97% of Ticos (Costa Rican dudes and chicks) know how to read and write and a good percentage of them speak some word or fluent English. You’ll always see a school no matter where you go and how small a town might seem. Pretty impressive! Also there is a and has been for decades a social health plan so even if we recommend it you won’t need an expensive health insurance to visit the Costa Rica.

You can have a full (and we mean FULL) meal at a Soda (small local restaurants) for as little as 2/3 bucks but you’ll probably find cheaper real estate in any major city in the U.S. and Europe. The nation currency is called Colones, as of mid 2010 1 U.S. dollar runs between 500 and 560 Colones, 1 Euro goes anywhere from 700 to 800 Colones depending on the day. Currency fluctuation happens on a daily basis. Make sure to always change your dollars at a bank to get an accurate amount of money and even if U.S. dollars are widely accepted almost everywhere, you’ll be better off having Colones in your pocket so you don’t get stiffed. Hotels, Car Rental, Tourist Services, Cars and Houses are 99.9% of times sold and paid for in U.S. dollars so you won’t need to change your currency if you happen to buy a Car in your visit. Just Kidding on that car purchase!

As any other part of the World, don’t matter what your embassy is saying, you’ll be safe as long as you are smart and stay away from obviously dangerous places. Tourism is the main source of income to the country and the government is aware of this, so tourists are usually well protected and treated. Of course thieves are also aware of this, so don’t walk around looking like a clueless tourist downtown San Jose at night (the countries capital city) and don’t leave your camera, laptop and briefcases in your car while you are taking a tour to see alligators! Most beaches are as tourist friendly and safe as a place can be but always remember to be smart and keep your valuables with you or at your hotel room.

Costa Rica Safety - Image copied from pendletonpanther.wordpress.com

Driving in Costa Rica is not as hectic as driving in India but don’t expect Ticos to drive as people do in the U.S. or Europe, so be safe, keep your distances and enjoy your vacation, if you are here on a schedule leave 20 minutes earlier that what you planned. Recently a new driving law passed and people driving under the influences of alcohol or drugs will go to jail and pay a pretty expensive ticket, the same happens if you drive 50km (about 30mi) over the speed limit.

We hope you enjoyed our first post and now know a little more on this beautiful country. We will try to keep this blog updated so come back soon and don’t forget to share our posts with your friends!