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Costa Rica

Pura vida!

One of Costa Rica's most famous curiosities is the use of the expression
"Pura vida."

One of Costa Rica's most famous curiosities is the use of the expression "Pura vida."
Before visiting the country, it might sound like a cliché. But once there, it's true that you hear "Pura vida" all the time: as a greeting, farewell, as a way to say, "how are you?", as words of encouragement, or to celebrate a victory...
Anything goes to exclaim "Pura vida!"

A small country full of life, one of the best curiosities about Costa Rica

Costa Rica occupies only 0.03% of the Earth's surface, but within that small space live 6.5% of known animal and plant species. This makes it one of the countries with the highest biodiversity.

No army, one of Costa Rica's most famous curiosities

Costa Rica is one of the few countries in the world with no army. The military was abolished on December 1, 1948, after the Civil War. The then president said, "I don't want an army of soldiers, but of educators." Since then, there is no permanent armed organization, but there is a police force to maintain order.

The most remote part of Costa Rica is one of the most famous

Have you heard of Cocos Island? It's an island in the Pacific Ocean, 600 kilometers from the mainland. It's completely uninhabited despite being large enough (12×5 kilometers). Maybe that doesn't ring a bell, but what if we tell you that the beginning of the movie Jurassic Park was filmed there? Millions of people have virtually visited Cocos Island without knowing it, one of Costa Rica's most artistic curiosities.

The currency: the colón

Costa Rica's official currency is the Costa Rican colón, and the dollar is often used as a reference currency. The colón is divided into 100 units called céntimos. Locally, Costa Ricans may refer to their currency as "pesos" (the former currency), or "cañas". Currently, coins in circulation are 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 (colloquially called "tejas"), and 500 colones. The latter three coins are the ones you'll use most frequently. Banknotes are 1000 ("un rojo"), 2000, 5000, 10000, and 20000 colones. Each banknote references one of the country's six ecosystems and features illustrious Costa Rican figures on the front.

The bills come in different colors, and although they are the same height, their width varies to assist people with vision impairments. In many tourist establishments, you won't have any problem paying in dollars; in fact, in many places, prices are indicated directly in that currency, and you may receive colones as change.

Costa Rica Facts

Contrary to what many believe, Costa Rica is not an island—it’s a vibrant and peaceful country located in the heart of Central America. Bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west, its privileged location offers travelers access to two stunning coastlines and an incredible diversity of ecosystems.
Thanks to its isthmian position, Costa Rica has served as a natural bridge for thousands of years, allowing the migration and fusion of flora, fauna, and cultures from North and South America. This makes it a top destination not just for nature lovers, but also for those seeking meaningful cultural connections.

Costa Rica is proud to be one of the most literate and educated nations in Latin America. Since the 1970s, the country has allocated a remarkable 28% of its national budget to education, a feat made possible by its decision to abolish its army in 1948.
The educational system is well-structured and accessible to all, with free and mandatory primary education, a wide network of public and private high schools, and prestigious institutions of higher education, including the historic University of Costa Rica, founded in 1940.
This strong foundation in education is reflected in the warm, well-informed, and welcoming nature of the Costa Rican people—something you’ll notice the moment you arrive.

Costa Rica is internationally recognized for its excellent healthcare system. The World Health Organization ranks among the best in the world, thanks to its universal coverage, modern facilities, and highly trained professionals.
Whether you’re visiting for a week or considering a longer stay, you can feel secure knowing that the country is equipped with public hospitals and clinics operated by the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social). These institutions also provide benefits for disability, maternity, and elderly care.
As a result, life expectancy is high and infant mortality is low—testament to the country’s commitment to health and wellness.

The official language is Spanish, but don’t worry—English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and national parks. Many Costa Ricans are bilingual due to the growing importance of tourism and international business, making travel easier and more enjoyable for visitors from around the world.
Whether you speak fluent Spanish or just a few phrases, you’ll find communication easy and welcoming.

Costa Rica is a global leader in conservation. Over 26% of its national territory is protected through a network of national parks, nature reserves, and wildlife refuges. These areas are managed by SINAC (National System of Conservation Areas) under the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE). With more than 1.3 million hectares preserved, Costa Rica protects countless endangered species, ancient forests, volcanoes, waterfalls, rivers, and marine ecosystems. These efforts have earned the country a reputation as a world-class ecotourism destination. Visitors can explore these areas through hiking, birdwatching, camping, and guided tours to waterfalls, hot springs, volcanoes, archaeological sites, and more. Whether you’re an avid adventurer or a curious traveler, these protected areas offer unforgettable experiences and a deep connection with nature.
Costa Rica is one of the oldest and most stable democracies in Latin America. The government is divided into three branches:

  • Executive Branch: Led by the President of the Republic, elected every four years by popular vote. The President appoints two Vice Presidents and a Cabinet of 18 Ministers.
  • Legislative Branch: Made up of 57 Deputies, responsible for making laws and representing the people.
  • Judicial Branch: Headed by the Supreme Court, composed of four chambers, along with a network of superior and lower courts.

In addition, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal oversees all elections independently, ensuring transparency and fairness in the democratic process.

This strong democratic tradition gives Costa Rica its reputation as a safe and politically stable destination—ideal for travelers and investors alike.

One of the world’s five Blue Zones is found right here in Nicoya, a stunning region in northwestern Costa Rica. Blue Zones are places where people consistently live longer, healthier lives, often reaching 90 or even 100 years of age.

The secret? A combination of factors:

  • A natural and nutritious diet.
  • Constant physical activity.
  • Deep faith and spirituality.
  • Strong family and community bonds.
  • A clear sense of purpose in life.

When you visit Nicoya, you’re not just witnessing a way of life—you’re stepping into a region that inspires longevity, balance, and joy. Many of our tours include experiences in this beautiful area, where wellness and nature go hand in hand.