ABOUT COSTA RICA

Costa Rica is home to some of the friendliest people in the world. It is also renowned for its rich and abundant resources. Its rain forest contains rich stands of ebony, balsa, mahogany and cedar and hosts more than 1,000 species of orchid. Abundant wildlife includes puma, jaguar, deer, monkey as well as about 725 species of birds.

Costa Rica has now become the country of choice for ecological vacations. Fishing for tuna, sharks and turtles is carried out along the coast.

The climate of Costa Rica ranges from tropical on the coastal plains to temperate in the interior highlands. Average annual temperatures range from 31.7°C (89°F) on the coast to 16.7°C (62°F) inland. The rainy season lasts from April/May to December. Annual precipitation in the country averages about 25-40 mm (~100 inches).

What To Do in Jaco Beach

Jaco offers a variety of things to keep you entertained with incredible excursions that are close by. From one of the best sport fishing locations in the word, to an ecological rain forest excursion. Deep-sea fishing, hiking, white water rafting, ATV tours, zip line tours, and beach horseback riding tours are some of the exciting excursions you can participate in.

Jaco is the Surf Capital of Costa Rica. Don't know how to surf? Lessons are available from surfing, scuba diving, parasailing, and jet skiing. An array of shops, boutiques, casinos and restaurants are right outside you door! Mild or wild, it's all within reach from your beautiful villa.

If the beach is your passion, be sure to surf the waves at Jaco Beach. Rated the surf capital of Costa Rica, it's ideal for beginner and advance surfers alike with lessons right on shore.

Getting into Costa Rica

United States and Canada citizens only need a valid passports or birth certificates, photo ID - normally a driver's license - to enter Costa Rica and stay for up to 90 days.

Non-passport holders must also buy a $2 tourist card. No visas are necessary. All Europeans need valid passports. Most, with the exception of the Greeks, don't need visas. Greek citizens must have their passports stamped with a visa before they leave home. All may stay for up to 90 days.

Currency in Costa Rica

The Costa Rican monetary unit is the Colon. There is a branch of the Banco de San Jose (BAC) at the airport so you can change dollars for colones there or at any of the many banks scattered throughout the country.

The exchange rate is currently around ¢516 and ¢522 colones to $1.00 U.S. and can fluctuate without notice. It is best to bring money in the form of U.S. dollar denominated traveler's checks, don't expect to cash personal checks.

In the city most businesses will accept major credit cards (Visa, Master Card, AMEX), however in the outlying areas cash is preferred and many establishments will add a surcharge of around 4 - 6 1/2% for credit card transactions. There are numerous ATM's around that work on the Cirrus, Star, and Plus systems.