Costa Rica`s South Pacific Area Information

The South Pacific region of Costa Rica is known for its biological diversity, natural beauty and intensely complex ecosystems. National Geographic magazine has called the area "the most biologically intense place on earth". This southern region offers dramatic scenery unforgettable adventures and a time to remember.

The South Pacific region (is) exuberant nature. Large masses of humid tropical forest that harbor unique species of the planet, an abundant marine diversity, the highest peak in the country, an indigenous legacy that holds mysteries as captivating as the Pre-Colombian stone spheres and ancient cultures that still today conserve its traditions, are all part of what Costa Rica's South Pacific can offer. Its distance from the Central Valley makes of this area one of the country's last frontiers of development.

Geography

The Pacific coast is rugged and mildly rocky. The coastline is 1016 km's long with its gulf and peninsula. In the north it is bordered by tropical dry forests, which receive almost no rain for several months each year, as well as by mangroves, swamps and beaches. Tidal variation is quite large and there are many offshore islands.

From the air, Costa Rica South Pacific is like a sea of green and blue with a border of white sand between. The Rio Sierpe snakes through this imposing expanse, creating the sensation of a mini-Amazon.

To the north the region is bordered by Cerro Chirripo, and as the highest peak in southern Central America at 12,603 feet, it's a formidable border indeed. La Amistad flows southward to Panama and the land falls eastward to the sea and coastal regions such as Dominical, Playa Ballena, Playa Uvita and beyond.

The Peninsula de Osa is one of the most remote areas in Costa Rica . The area is host to an incredibly rich array of wildlife and virgin rainforest, with nearly half of the Peninsula comprising either national park or other forms of protected land.It is also important to note that the region is also home to one of the largest concentrations of indigenous peoples, making it culturally rich as well .

Resources

Many people consider the quality of life in Costa Rica among the highest in the hemisphere. It is quite possibly one of the easiest places in the world for foreigners to settle. More than 40,000 U.S. citizens have decided to do so taking in the carefree lifestyle.

Many resident associations serve the interests of foreign residents as well as those considering living in Costa Rica . They act as an advocacy forum and provide a panoply of services to members, including AAA-type road service and legal and insurance services, as well as hosting social events and providing publications of interest.

Also in the south pacific area of Costa Rica you will find: Quality Financial and medical assistance, banks, supermarkets, drugstores, hotels, restaurants rent-a-cars and much more facilities to make your staying much comfortable.

Flora & Fauna

Costa Rica is known for its wildlife and diversity.There are more than 6% of all known species in this small but extremely diverse country and Costa Rica covers only 0.03% of the world's surface, according the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT). This is one of the major reasons why Costa Rica , located in Central America , was put on the travelers map. It is truly a nature lovers paradise.

The National Park and Reserve system is also a working model for the rest of the world, making up over 25% of the total land mass. There are approximately 32 national parks, 51 wildlife refuges, 13 forest reserves and 8 biological reserves in total. Many of these reserves are exclusively for the wildlife and some research. However most every national park does let visitors in certain areas to view the beautiful flora and fauna. For this reason Costa Ricans have developed the appreciation their flora and fauna, unlike many other Latin American countries where the people abuse their land and forests.

The South Pacific of Costa Rica provides visitors with an extensive range of nature related activities. Here you can hike through some of Costa Rica 's richest and most untouched landscapes. Nearly every indigenous species of large mammal makes its home within the large tracts of protected land, and sometimes people are lucky enough to see them. For many, just knowing that these beautiful creatures continue to thrive is satisfaction enough. This, combined with opportunities to explore marine life both above and below the water's surface, makes a visit to the region an unforgettable one.

Tourism

Length of time from the capital (San José) to the South Pacific region Apr.5 hours ( by road) and 45 mins- 1hour (airplane)

Local Flights

Through Sansa airlines or Travelair airlines (Note: Once you get to the region you will need local transportation to get to specific areas which can be rented such as cars, boats or buses for large groups).

Main Attractions :

• Corcovado National Park
• Isla del Caño Wildlife refugee
• Península de Osa conservation area

Main Activities :

• Diving
• Snorkeling
• Hiking
• Bird watching
• Surfing
• Fishing
• Horseback riding

HOW TO GET HERE

Travel tips

You may wish to brave the lengthy roads by taking the Pan American highway down toward the South Pacific in order to visit the mountainous regions of Cerro de la Muerte and Chirripo National Park . Buses go through the San Isidro de El General. But if you wish to arrive further south fresh and energized for your travels, take one of the many daily flights that will take you into the heart of the region.

CLIMATE

A truly tropical climate awaits visitors to this region. High humidity and dense vegetation form lush landscapes. Rains are frequent year round, but shouldn't keep travelers off the trails, as they tend to be brief.

WHAT TO BRING

Insect repellent and rain gear are necessary when traveling in this region, although the rains are often more refreshing than disturbing. Keep clothing light and airy, bring appropriate shoes sun blockers, sun glasses and a lot of energy.

Main Beaches and Villages

Dominical Hermosa Ballena Uvita Piñuela Tortuga Bahía Drake Matapalo Zancudo Pavónes Main Rivers General Grande de Térraba Coto Brus

San Isidro Buenos Aires Coto Brus San Vito Ciudad Neilly Golfito Jiménez Palmar Norte Palmar Sur Cortés Sierpe

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Costa Rica's facts

Costa Rica is a Central American success story: since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred its democratic development. Although still a largely agricultural country, it has expanded its economy to include strong technology and tourism sectors. The standard of living is relatively high. Land ownership is widespread.

Location

Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama.

Climate

Tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands.

Environment international agreements

party to: Bio diversity Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Population

4,016,173 (July 2005 est.)

Ethnic Groups

White (including mestizo) 94%, black 3%, Amerindian 1%, Chinese 1%, other 1%

Religion

Roman Catholic 76.3%, Evangelical 13.7%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.3%, other Protestant 0.7%, other 4.8%, none 3.2%

Languages

Spanish (official), English

Literacy

One of the highest From age 15 and over can read and write total population: 96% male: 95.9% female: 96.1% (2003 est.)

Geopolitical Facts

Country name

Republic of Costa Rica

Government type

Democratic republic

Capital

San José

Administrative divisions

7 provinces ; Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, San José

Legal system

Based on Spanish civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Economy overview

Costa Rica's basically stable economy depends on tourism, agriculture, and electronics exports. Poverty has been substantially reduced over the past 15 years, and a strong social safety net has been put into place.

Foreign investors remain attracted by the country's political stability and high education levels, and tourism continues to bring in foreign exchange. Low prices for coffee and bananas have hurt the agricultural sector.

The government continues to grapple with its large deficit and massive internal debt. The reduction of inflation remains a difficult problem because of rises in the price of imports, labor market rigidities, and fiscal deficits.

The country also needs to reform its tax system and its pattern of public expenditure. Costa Rica recently voted a referendum accepting to participate in the US-Central American Free Trade Agreement, which, once implemented by the Costa Rican Legislature, would result in economic reforms and an improved investment climate.

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