Costa Rica is a country of 19,730 square miles (51,100 sq kilometers), more or less the size of West Virginia (or slightly larger than Vermont, Delaware, Connecticut and Rhode Island combined). It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the West and the Caribbean on the East; Nicaragua to the North, and Panamá to the South.

Flying times from United States cities are: Miami, 2,5 hours; Dallas, 3,5 hours; New York, 5 hours and Los Angeles, 6 hours. The country has approximately 4.5 million inhabitants. The capital city of San Jose, as well as most of the country’s industrial, commercial and economic activity are located in the central part of the country, known as the Central Valley, a region which is also the most populated.

CENTRAL VALLEY

Imperious volcanoes and steeply rising mountains sandwich Costa Rica 's teeming capital, San José , on two sides. Coffee plantations and exotic-plant greenhouses spread over the foothills amidst dairy farms and forest tracts. Surrounding cities, Cartago, Heredia and Alajuela enjoy a cooler climate and support several private universities, light industries and diverse commercial enterprises.

Just about anywhere in the densely populated Central Valley enjoys wonderful views. The varied elevations mean you can choose your climate from tropical Santa Ana and Ciudad Colón to the fresher temperatures climbing up the slopes of Poas and Barva volcanoes. Popular, lively, ex-pat enclave Escazú - climbing up the Cerro Blanco slopes west of San José - gives front-row vistas of at least three volcanoes.

The rainy season extends from May to November with typically bright, clear mornings giving over to wet afternoons. The dramatic scenery, pick-your-own climate, friendly people and above all Costa Rica 's enviable commitment to peace-loving policies and environmental protection are a draw for many foreigners seeking permanent or vacation homes.

The Central Valley has seen booming development of free-standing estate homes, residential communities, condominiums and sophisticated commercial centres. Excellent medical and educational services attract families and retirees who are pleasantly surprised at the combination of quality with low costs. Cosmopolitan tastes are satisfied with a growing array of distinguished restaurants and night-life venues.

GUANACASTE

Bordering Nicaragua , Guanacaste stands apart from the country's other regions, proudly displaying its independent heritage. It obtained annexation from Nicaragua to join Costa Rica in 1825 but its culture, people, music, even the huge sprawling cattle ranches and prairies are Guanacaste's own. Throughout the region, you can see the country's magnificent national tree, giving its name to this spectacular province.

Blessed with a near perfect climate of dry, sun-filled days and balmy nights that counteract the cold winters of the northern hemisphere, plus a coastline filled with sparkling sand beaches, impressive promontories and dramatic coves, the region has become a developer's dream.

Guanacaste now boasts an international airport near provincial capital city, Liberia , to accommodate the region's estimated 1 ½ million annual visitors and better services have followed close behind. With an acclaimed international school, well-stocked commercial centres and improved road and communications infrastructure, Guanacaste successfully marries its vibrant cultural heritage and natural beauties with high-end investment opportunities.

Papagayo Jump-started by the government-approved Papagayo Project over twenty-five years ago, ultra-sophisticated resorts, five-star hotels and lavish mansions have appeared along northern Guanacaste shores. Taking advantage of the area's many natural assets: diving, sport fishing, surfing, they are complemented by other exceptional man-made leisure activities: golf, polo, tennis and trail riding. The huge panoramic sweep and calm waters of Bahía Culebra have gained world attention as the prime location for real estate investment.

Tamarindo Further south, the erstwhile fishing village of Tamarindo has become a key centre with many exciting projects sprouting along its dazzling coastline and cliff tops. Sunset cruises, gourmet dining, hip night-spots and excellent sporting amenities add to an irresistible natural menu of sparkling beaches, hidden estuaries and wildlife-filled forests.

NICOYA PENINSULA

Shaped like a turtle's flipper hooked onto the mainland, Nicoya Peninsula is as easy going as these gentle marine animals that return to the same area beach each year to nest. Turtles, surfing, white-sand beaches and lush forests tumbling right onto the shore towards the south-east, remote Nicoya reveals her choicest treasures along the extensive peninsula coastline full of hidden coves and wild, unpeopled islands.

The Tempisque road bridge has speeded up access to the region although the ferries from Puntarenas to Tambor or Paquera plying daily past the magical Tortuga Islands are a laid-back alternative to get one into the relaxed rhythm typical of the area. Several of the seaside villages are serviced by domestic flights.

Development is still small scale although the main towns Nosara, Santa Teresa, Mal País and Montezuma can offer some delightful and luxurious boutique hotels and excellent dining. Nicoya is still a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve embracing Nicoya 's tip was Costa Rica 's first officially decreed protected area. At the head of the gulf, Barra Honda's intricate limestone cave systems are found close by the bridge and the Palo Verde National Park fills with migrating water birds in its preserved wetlands. Nicoya 's unhurried pace and captivating landscapes are waiting to be discovered.

Entry Requirements- With a valid passport and a round-trip or continuing ticket, citizens of the United States, Canada, Germany, Spain, Italy, and other European Union countries can travel to Costa Rica for a 90-day stay without a visa.