Costa Rica is the most developed of all the Central American countries with the safest and best tourism infrastructure.  Health services are excellent and the literacy rate is one of the highest in the world. The country is very beautiful - it is a narrow isthmus about 70 miles wide with the Atlantic (Caribbean) on one side and the Pacific on the other.  A mountain range reaching up to 14 thousand feet runs through the middle; this results in many eco-climates and tremendous diversity over short distances.  The roads are generally not good and it takes a long time to cover a short distance - when making a journey the time between destinations is important, not the distance!

The dry season is December to the end of April with the wet season being May to the end of November. During the rainy season it is usually sunny until early afternoon, occasionally it rains all day.

WILDLIFE

Over 850 species - North American migrants are there between December and mid March.  Turtles come to Costa Rica to nest - January, February and March are best for Leatherbacks while August is best for Hawksbills and Loggerheads.  August to November is best for Greens.  It is possible to view Hawksbills, Loggerheads and Greens in August in Tortuguero.  Other wildlife includes 4 species of monkeys, sloths, kinkajou, coati, armadillo, agouti, several species of squirrels, alligators and anteaters.

FLORA

The orchid is the national flower, best blooming months are March and April. Small numbers bloom year round.  The country boasts one of the richest and most diverse flora eco systems on earth.