Bienvenidos
-or- Welcome to Costa Rica

Seeking reliable information about Costa Rica?!
You are not alone ... many hundreds of thousands of people wordwide seek information annually on this little piece of paradise located in Central America. Costa Rica is a wonderful country rich in tradition, culture and natural resources. Costa Ricans (aka: Costarricenses or Ticos) are extremely honest and helpful to the
tourists and foriegners that are drawn to the beauty of their country.
However, as with anywhere in the word - there are opportunistic individuals that make a less than honest living misleading and taking advantage of those unfamiliar with the rules and customs of a foreign land. As the Internet emerges as a primary source of information, so to has targeted misinformation that can turn an otherwise enjoyable vacation or retirement into a wallet grabbing nightmare.

"It ain't what you don't know that gets you in trouble...
...it's what you know for sure, that just ain't so." -Mark Twain
Bienvenidos Costa Rica is here to Welcome You to Costa Rica with honest, unbiased information and resources.
This is site is your site ... people helping people. Contributions from those on the ground in Costa Rica that have already blazed the trail are encouraged to assist those seeking information by contributing to the Costa Rica Forum, suggesting information for inclusion on the Resources page, etc.
COSTA RICA - a very brief overview
Costa Rica is located South of Nicaragua and North of Panama in Central America. Costa Rica remains beautiful and warm year-round and borders the Pacific Ocean on the west, the Atlantic Ocean / Caribbean Sea on the east. It's Central Plateau features towering volcanoes and impressive valleys. Often referred to as "the Switzerland of the Americas" due to its neutral political status and spectacular mountains it is a small country of around 20,000 square miles (about 200 miles long and 70 miles wide at the narrowest part) with around four million people.
"Where the mountains meet the sea"

Although Costa Rica may be considered small in size, it is one of the most diverse concentrated geographical areas on the planet. Costa Rica has three mountain ranges that divide the country into five areas; the Northern Central Plains, the Northwest Peninsula, the Tropical Lowlands on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts and the Central Valley. Costa Rica is the home of Lush Cloud and Rainforests, Exotic Animals, Volcanoes, Exotic Flora, Birds, National Parks, World Class Beaches and Sportfishing, All Inclusive Resorts and so much more.
Costa Rica has more Americans per capita than any other country outside the United States for many reasons; Climate, Natural Beauty, Quality of Life, Lifestyle, Cost of Living, Medical Care and last but not least ... Affordable Real Estate. Pura Vida is alive and well en Costa Rica - especially with the right information!!!