Mini Guía de Costa Rica
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Estadísticas
- Electricidad: 110 voltios, ciclo 60 poder AC
- Horario en la Zona: Equivalente a la hora Central (pero sin horario de verano o invierno)
- Idioma oficial: Español
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Estaciones del año
Como cualquier país tropical, Costa Rica tiene dos estaciones: La estación hpumeda que va desde Mayo hasta Noviembre y se llama invierno y el resto del año que se considera la temporada seca y se llama verano.
Las regiones de la selva tropical son lluviosas pero no hay temporadas prolongadas de días grises o nublados. Estas son las expectativas promedio:
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Región de Costa Rica
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Temporadas húmeda
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Temporada seca
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Tierras bajas del noreste del Caribe
(Albergue Selva Verde)
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Lluvioso todo el año aún más de Julio a Diciembre
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Menos días lluviosos pero llueve casi todos los días.
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Costa del Caribe
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Lluvioso durante todo el año y aún más de Julio a Diciembre
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Menos días lluviosos pero llueve casi todos los días.
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Tierras altas
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Hasta 20 días lluviosos al mes, de Abril a Noviembre
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Uno o dos días lluviosos al mes, de Diciembre a Marzo
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Costa del norte del Pacifico
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Hasta 20 días lluviosos al mes. La temporada más húmeda es en Junio, Sept y Oct.
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Uno o dos días lluviosos al mes, de Diciembre a Marzo
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Costa del Pacífico central
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Hasta 20 días lluviosos al mes, de Abril a Diciembre
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Uno o dos días lluviosos al mes, de Enero a Marzo
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Costa del sur del Pacífico
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Lluvioso durante todo el año, aún más de Mayo aNov
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Menos días lluviosos pero llueve casi todos los días.; La temporada más seca es de Diciembre a Abril
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Temperatura
Las condiciones subtropicales permanecen estables durante todo el año en Costa Rica. La temperatura varía más con la altitud que con el cambio de estación. Aquí presentamos algunos promedios aproximados para ayudar a planear su viaje.
Región de Costa Rica |
Altas de día
promedio aprox. |
Bajas de día
promedio aprox. |
Tierras bajas del noreste del Caribe
(Albergue Selva Verde) |
31ºC (88°F) |
19ºC (66°F) |
Costa del Caribe |
31ºC (88°F) |
25ºC (77°F) |
Tierras altas |
15ºC (59°F) |
12ºC (53°F) |
Costa del norte del Pacifico |
36ºC (96°F) |
17ºC (63°F) |
Costa del sur del Pacífico |
35ºC (95°F) |
30ºC (86°F) |
Costa del Pacífico central |
27ºC (81°F) |
25ºC (77°F) |
Cocina
La comida de Costa Rica es deliciosa y los alimentos como el arroz, frijoles, pan, tortillas y fruta son una parte básica de la dieta costarricense. Un desayuno típico es el “gallo pinto,” una mezcla de frijoles negros y arroz. Los plátanos verdes o maduros cocidos o fritos, son básicos también. Otros platillos comunes son las empanadas, pollo con arroz y los gallos, tortillas rellenas de carne con verduras. En muchos lugares también se pueden encontrar restaurantes especializados en pizzas hechas en horno de ladrillo que son una de las delicias favoritas tanto de los turistas como de los locales. La cerveza nacional de Costa Rica es la Imperial y hay muchos tipos de ron local. Los costarricenses también tomas muchos café ya que es uno de los principales cultivos de Costa Rica.
Customs
Common greetings include buenos días, buenas tardes, or buenas noches
depending on whether it is morning, afternoon, or night. Among younger people,
the more informal greeting hola is popular, but some may consider it to be
disrespectful. To address someone formally, use titles such as señor and
señorita. Use Don and Doña to address an older person with familiarity and
respect.
Unlike some Latin American countries, Costa Ricans do not generally drop by
someone's home to visit unannounced unless they are good friends. Costa Ricans
are reasonably punctual. If you are an invited guest it is proper to bring a
small gift and show up on time.
To be polite, Costa Ricans sometimes invite a visitor to come and stay but do
not expect them to accept the invitation or to show up.
To counter this, many locals will decline an invitation initially in order to
determine if it is sincere.
Public Holidays
- January 1st: New Year's Day
- March/April: Holy Thursday and Good Friday
- April 11th: Juan Santamaría Day
- May 1st: Labor Day
- July 25th: Dia de Guanacaste
- August 2nd: Virgen de Los Angeles
- August 15th: Mother's Day
- September 15th: Independence Day
- October 12th: Dia de la Raza (Columbus Day)
- December 25th: Christmas Day
Most shops and businesses are closed in San José during Easter week and the
week between Christmas and New Year's Day.
Money Matters
The monetary unit is the colón. although US dollars can be used as widely as the colon. (Taxis, shops, etc) At Selva Verde we gladly accept the colon, US dollars, credit cards, or travelers checks.
(Subject to change at any time.)
Cash
US dollars are widely accepted, however you will probably get colones as change.
Bring small denominations.
Credit Cards
The majority of hotels and businesses will accept US dollars and major credit
cards, such as VISA, Master Card, and American Express. VISA is the most widely
accepted card.
Travelers Checks
Travelers' checks are safer, but generally not accepted in the villages. Buy
fairly large denominations since overseas banks charge a commission on each
check you cash regardless of the denomination. Try to cash your checks at banks
or change windows - hotels and airports tend to charge higher commissions.
Changing Back Into Dollars
The exchange rate back to dollars is not as favorable, so avoid having to
exchange a large amount of money.
Tipping
Guides and Drivers
It is customary to tip your guide and tour bus driver for good service. We
expect it will be since Selva Verde only uses the best! For daylong tours, we
recommend a minimum of $5 per person for your guide and $3 for your driver. For
shorter tours, we recommend a $1 per person tip.
Maid Service
It is appropriate to tip 50¢ - $1 per day for maid-service. It is customary to
leave a tip on the desk in your room at Selva Verde Lodge. At other lodges, you
may find an envelope in your room on your last nights stay.
Taxi Drivers
Prices are generally bargained beforehand. Tips are not expected but small
change left from the fare is appreciated.
Restaurants
If your meals are pre-paid, you may consider $1 for breakfast or $2-$3 for
lunch and dinner. A 10-15% tip is already included in Costa Rican restaurant
invoices.
Porters
Porters at the airport appreciate $1 per bag. At hotels, it is reasonable to
offer your porter $1.50 for each trip to the room.
Communications
Phones
We have telephones in each room and a phone system which allows for credit card or calling card calls at specified rates. Additionally, pre-paid international calling cards, which may be purchased at established businesses throughout Costa Rica can be used at reception.
Mail
Hotels often provide stamps for letters and postcards, otherwise purchase them
at the town's main post office. Stamps are available at the Selva Verde Giftshop.
Email
Internet service is spotty in Costa Rica. Selva Verde Lodge offers internet
access on an availability basis.
Conservation Organizations with a Costa Rica Focus
(A few of our favorites.)
Aviarios del Caribe Rehabilitation Center
Dedicated rainforest conservation as well as sloth and wildlife rehabilitation.
Caribbean Conservation Corporation
Dedicated to sea turtle conservation, marine and coastal wildlife education.
INBioparque
Dedicated to biodiversity education and environmental research.
More Conservation Organizations with a Costa Rica Focus
Lapas Verdes - The Great Green Macaw Research and
Conservation Project
Dedicated to macaw conservation and biodiversity education.
The Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center
Dedicated to conservation education, art as communication,
responsible tourism.
Organization for Tropical Studies
Dedicated to protect tropical forest conservation through environmental
education and research.
Caño Palma Biological Station
Provides leadership in education, research and conservation, and
sustainability.
Canadian Organization for Tropical Education and Rainforest Conservation
PO Box 335 Pickering
Ontario L1V2R6 Canada
info@coterc.org
www.coterc.org
The Monteverde Conservation League
An organization dedicated to the conservation of the tropical forest.
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
One of the first community managed reserves in the country.
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