Travel: San Jose, Costa Rica

San Jose, Costa Rica

San José is located in central Costa Rica and is the country's capital city. Costa Rica is bordered by the North Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east.

The country was given its name by Christopher Columbus in 1502, who believed it to be abundant in gold. He proclaimed it "Costa Rica" or the "Rich Coast."

Costa Rica is certainly one of the biologically wealthiest countries in the world, boasting 25 national parks, 8 biological reserves, 49 national wildlife refuges, 11 forest reserves, 31 protected areas, 14 wetlands, 2 absolute natural reserves and 2 other protected wildlife areas.

It is also home to some 9,000 different kinds of flowering plants, including more than 1,300 species of orchids.

The climate in Costa Rica is tropical on the coastal plains and temperate in the interior highlands. Annual daytime highs range from 31.7 degrees Celsius on the coast to 16.7 degrees Celsius inland.

The rainy season in Costa Rica lasts from about April or May through December. Annual precipitation averages about 3,000 to 3,500 millimetres. Flooding frequently occurs in the lowlands at the onset of the rainy season.

Tourists should be aware that San José can be affected by tropical depressions, tropical storms and hurricanes during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30.

San José is also located in an active seismic and volcanic zone, meaning earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can occur. Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano regularly erupts.

What to know before you go!

Current Condition
	22°C / 72°F

Weather Forecast
	Max: 23°C / 73°F Min: 16°C / 61°F

Documentation:
Canadian citizens require a valid passport and a tourist card to enter Costa Rica.

Language:
Spanish

Currency:
Costa Rican Colon

Some information courtesy of the Consular Affairs Bureau of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

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