Costa Rica Tourism Board
Uncover essential Costa Rica by exploring the sustainable structures, lively culture and adrenaline filled adventures that come together to create a beautiful Pura Vida!
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Did you know?
- Costa Rica is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, boasting over 500,000 species, which makes up nearly 4% of the total estimated species worldwide.
- It has an extensive system of national parks and protected areas, covering around 25% of its total land area, showcasing diverse ecosystems from rainforests to volcanoes.
- Costa Rica is a paradise for adventure seekers, offering activities such as zip-lining through rainforests, surfing in Pacific Ocean waves, and exploring volcanic landscapes.
- Pura Vida encapsulates the Costa Rican way of life, translating to "pure life" or "simple life," reflecting a relaxed, friendly, and optimistic approach to living.
- Known as a pioneer in eco-tourism, Costa Rica emphasizes sustainable tourism practices, promoting conservation and responsible travel initiatives.
- Coffee production is a significant part of Costa Rica's economy and culture, with coffee plantations offering tours where visitors can learn about the process and sample local brews.
- Despite its small size, Costa Rica has a rich cultural heritage influenced by indigenous, Spanish, and Afro-Caribbean traditions, evident in its cuisine, music, and festivals.
- It is one of the few countries in the world without a standing military since 1949, instead focusing on education, healthcare, and conservation efforts.
- Costa Rica enjoys a tropical climate year-round, with two distinct seasons: the dry season (December to April) and the green season (May to November), offering different travel experiences.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Costa Rica Tourism Board (Instituto Costarricense de Turismo - ICT) develops strategic plans and initiatives to promote Costa Rica as a tourist destination which often focuses on sustainable tourism practices, ecotourism, adventure tourism, and cultural tourism.
- The ICT provides educational resources and training programs for tourism industry professionals, local communities, and businesses.
- The ICT also plays a role in assisting visitors to Costa Rica by providing information about attractions, accommodations, transportation options, and safety tips.
- They operate tourist information centers in key locations throughout the country to support travelers during their stay.
- The ICT conducts extensive marketing and promotional campaigns both domestically and internationally, including advertising, participating in travel fairs and exhibitions, hosting familiarization trips for travel agents and journalists, and leveraging digital platforms to reach potential visitors.
unique facts
Costa Rica offers unmatched access to nature with diverse ecosystems—rainforests, beaches, volcanoes, and mangroves—all within close reach. Home to 5% of the world’s biodiversity, including rare species like the quetzal and various monkeys and turtles, it’s a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050, Costa Rica is an ideal choice for eco-conscious travelers. The country’s volcanoes and hot springs provide serene spots to relax amid lush landscapes. For authentic cultural experiences, visitors can stay in rural "homestays," learning traditional farming, joining festivals, and connecting with locals.
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