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Where is Costa Rica Located?
If you are not sure of where is Costa Rica geographically located, probably you should read this carefully; we assure you that after reading, you will be willing to visit us. First of all, you need to know that this small and biodiverse portion of land is located in the American continent; specifically, in Central America.
Costa Rica covers 51,060 square land kilometers, as well as 40 square kilometers of water, for a total area of 51,100 Km2. Due to this, the country is the 131st largest nation in the world. Costa Rica’s extension may represents only about 0.1% of the world’s total land mass, but its biodiversity is what makes the country so special: here you will find the 5% of the world’s whole biological variety of flora and fauna.
The country is located within the geographical coordinates 8 ° and 11 ° 15 'north latitude and 82 ° and 86 ° west longitude. This is one of the smallest republics of Central America along with El Salvador and Belize. Since its origins as isthmic territory, Costa Rica serves as a biological bridge which allows its natural richness.
Its territory is divided into seven provinces: San José, Heredia, Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Puntarenas & Limón, with San José as the capital province.
The GAM, or Great Metropolitan Area, include the provinces of Heredia, Cartago, Alajuela and San José. This conglomerate concentrates more than 50% of the total population in just 4% of the national territory; further, it contains 70% of the country's vehicular fleet which means that you have to take into account the hours of more traffic (peak hours) to avoid large traffic jams. Peak traffic hours in this area occur between 7am and 9am and 4pm and 7pm.
Central Valley
The Central Valley is the main entry to the country, covers a large portion of the interior of Costa Rica including the Capital City of San José, surrounded by mountains, volcanoes and fertile soils offering spectacular landscapes combined with a pleasurable climate where the majority of the population lives.
A variety of tourist, cultural and natural attractions are part of the offer of the Central Valley where tourists have the opportunity to enjoy beautiful museums, national parks and the enchantment of the nearby picturesque rural towns that offer a glimpse of the old Costa Rica, with their houses of baraheque, large coffee plantations, sugar canes and dairies.
NORTHERN REGION
Considered one of the most spectacular regions of Costa Rica it embraces the northern lowlands, Arenal Volcano area and Monteverde featuring protected areas, lakes, lagoons, volcanoes, hot springs, rivers, deep caves, and waterfalls offers a thriving development in services , adventures sites to enjoy nature and luxury accommodations.
La Fortuna is a touristy place that retains much of its original Tico charm. There are also many natural hot springs nearby as well as resorts where one can pamper themselves taking a long relaxing soak among beautiful tropical gardens where the majestic of the Arenal Volcano brings us a breathtaking view of the power of nature.
Walking through the clouds a thousands of feet above sea level is Monteverde, positioned atop the Continental Divide in western Costa Rica, the Reserve extends down both the Caribbean and Pacific slopes. Monteverde Cloud Forest a cloud forest reserve is considered as the most well-known cloud forest in the world for its wide variety of biodiversity, important conservation contributions and scientific researches.
It is definitely a paradise that cannot be missed by any nature lover.
CARIBBEAN
The Caribbean side goes from San Juan River up to Sixaola River at the border with Panamá offering an amaze collection of elements: coral reefs, multi-colored sand beaches –from black to yellow and gray sands, coastal vegetation and canals complemented by laidback environs, spicy piquant food and a picturesque Afro-Caribbean culture.
In the northern area of the region is where the green turtles come ashore to nest at Tortuguero National Park well-known as the Costa Rica´s Amazon with a waterway system which constitutes a singular attraction and, at the same time, the only transportation means.
Described as a mini Jamaica´s with dreadlocked Rastafarians, reggae and calypso music being played in the streets, delicious Costa Rican Creole cooking aromas, a confusing mix of a Spanish – English dialect called “patua”. In this part of the country one also gets the chance to come into contact with many indigenous Indian tribes that have lived in this region for hundreds.
The Caribbean side of Costa Rica is an experience by itself, its rich flavors have become a tourist favorite destination for those who are looking to relax, explore nature and have some fun.
NORTH PACIFIC
Considered the Golden Coast of Costa Rica, Guanacaste is a tropical paradise characterized for sunny days with beautiful white sand beaches, protected areas, active culture and incomparable wildlife, offering an endless of adventures all year around, this region takes advantage of its International Airport Daniel Oduber.
The unique beauty of its landscapes remarkable the tropical dry forest and its warm weather, have made Guanacaste one of the destinations with the greatest development based on high-investment hotels also home to the luxurious Papagayo Gulf, which is being developed as an ultramodern resort town.
Guanacaste always brings you unforgettable experiences.
CENTRAL PACIFIC
This region of the country extends from the city of Puntarenas to the mouth of Barú River –in the area known as Dominical de Osa and includes Coco’s Island which, despite being almost 600 Km (372 miles) from Puntarenas.
The Central Pacific has three cities of tourist development: Quepos, Jacó and Puntarenas. Offering beautiful beaches, touristy coastal resort towns, fantastic surfing spots, extraordinary bio diversity and an array of activities to enjoy.
The main attractions in this region are the coastal attractions and the protected wildlife areas, the most well-known national parks are Carara and Manuel Antonio considered between the 12th most beautiful national parks in the world and home of many endemic species of plant and animal life.
SOUTH PACIFIC
Considered an outdoor adventurer’s dream the South Pacific of Costa Rica is ranked as some of the world´s most pristine destinations featuring with two important protected areas, one is the Corcovado National Park, which National Geographic Magazine defines as “the planet’s biologically richest place” and the Humanity Biosphere Preserve, declared as Humanity Patrimony and part of the Amistad International Park.
The main activities are the beach and the marine resources –whale and dolphin watching. Other activities are watching mangroves, landscapes, reptiles, sport fishing, surfing, walks along trails in national parks, professional diving, energy treks to the Chirripó Mountain, the enjoyment of botanical gardens, and amazing waterfalls in protected areas.
