Costa Rica is a republic in Central America. It is bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean in the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. San José is the capital and also the largest city in Costa Rica with about a third of the population in the metropolitan area.

To see and do

When you are free from your volunteer work there are exciting attractions and activities for you to see and do. Here are a few:

Nature/National Parks

Costa Rica’s vary ecosystem is a nature persons dream. Here you can see everything from mangrove swamps, tropical rainforests to mountains and coast near beaches. Regards to other countries were they have driven animals into the deepest isolation, Costa Rica has a generous animal life.

Only 13 miles from San José lies Manuel Antonio National Park. The park has a charming mixture of rainforest, beaches and coral reefs. Here lives the unusual and stunning skull Monkey, sloths, iguanas and millions of colorful crabs.

Why don´t try to go surfing, paraglide, drive a quad on the beach. Maybe you have dreamed about trying bungee jump, go on a zip line through the jungle or paddle sea kayak in the pacific. Activities and sightseeing there are a lot of, and something for every taste.

Sun & sea

Playa Jacó is the nearest beach in San Jose, Central Valley and is one of the most visited coast areas in Costa Rica. The beach is 4 kilometers long and offers world famous surfing and much more.

Manuel Antonio National Park offers beaches and views in world class. Think about sparkling white beaches, dazzling blue water and the fresh ocean breeze. You will feel the stress leaving your body when you are enjoying the sun in Manuel Antonio.

Culture

As many other countries in South- and Latin America has the Costa Rican culture occurred from a mixture of Spanish, African and pre- Columbian influences.

In Costa Rica there also is an strong Caribbean element – descendants to the Jamaicans during the 1700-century (1800-talet) worked with building the country´s railroads. These are today no longer in use.

The most people derived from Spanish colonists, however there are also many people whom ancestors emigrated from countries like Italy, Germany and Poland.

The love to dancing is big in Costa Rica. All over San José there are many places to try different kinds of dances such as salsa, bachata and cumbia. The most known place in San José to try salsa is called Castros and it is best to try it on Thursdays.

Climate

Costa Ricas climate is subtropical and tropical in the low lands, but slightly more temperatures in the central parts of the highlands.

The country has two seasons, summer and winter, which includes rain- and dry periods. The rain period lasts between May – November. The dry period often is between December – April, with some deviation along the Caribbean coast. Here shorter dry periods occur in September and October.

The temperature in Costa Rica´s lowlands lies around 20-30 degrees Celsius. However are the temperature in Costa Rica is relative even the year around. The temperature is different depending on which height you are on.

Prices

• Meal for 2 people, mid-range restaurant, three-course: 18,000.00 ₡
• Water (1,5 liter bottle): 1,258.44 ₡
• Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle): 818.53 ₡
• Taxi 1 km (Normal tariff): 640.00 ₡