ABOUT COSTA RICA
Costa Rica is a democratic, free, and independent nation. It does not have an army. Its most important resources are education, tourism, gastronomy, and economic development among others. The country’s fundamental bases are forged in the social rights of each citizen, based on the principle of “Peace” in the existing social law, within the legal framework that protects social plurality and the rights of coexistence.
Its technological interest and development are recognized as having global potential, as it contributes with new trends, discoveries, and scientific contributions that have transformed the planet. We must point out that the greatest treasure that Costa Rica has, is our people. We are called “ticos” (originated from the suffix for “small” that we add to almost every noun), we are “Pura Vida” (tico’s life motto, meaning everything from “ok”, “good morning”, “goodbye”, “great”, etc.), and we are eager to please our visitors and give them the best “gallo pinto” (our very local breakfast dish) with a smile and a “Buenos días”. In addition, our population has international recognition as the happiest in Latin America.
Costa Rica has a protected natural area covering approximately 26% of its territory and bravely defends the care of wild flora and fauna, fighting for the preservation of aquifers, care of forests, and has countless beaches with the Ecological “Blue Flag” Certificate. The Costa Rica Tourism Institute (ICT) offers many other programs such as the Code of Conduct, and is responsible for the WTTC’s (World Travel and Tourism Council) Safe Travels Seal recognition for the whole country, among many others, for the enjoyment and well-being of our guests and the protection of the planet’s exhaustible resources.
Our small Central American country has a prodigious geography, which provides it with an ideal climate, since the year-round average temperature of 25–27-degree Celsius (77-80°F) favors visiting Costa Rica at any time. It is also characterized by multiple areas of diverse microclimates, resulting in a biodiversity of wildlife hosting a plurality of diverse endemic species (birds, serpents, fish, insects, monkeys, mammals, vertebrates, and invertebrates, etc.) as well as the glorious migration of various marine species and exotic birds.
Costa Rica also boasts great natural wealth, with a major part of it on the leaves of a precious plant, called “the grain of gold”: Coffee, which is grown and exported worldwide, where lovers of this beverage recognize and appreciate its extraordinary aromas and flavors.
GAY COSTA RICA
Costa Rica was, in 2020, the first Central American and one of the first Latin American countries to recognize and accept same-sex marriage. It has adapted quite well for queer social life, making it safe and fun for all tourists from our LGBTQ community to travel anywhere within this exotic and true tropical paradise. Our small Central American country is considered, by Wanderlust Magazine, as the 3rd best place to visit on the planet and one of the best for LGBTQ tourists.
With a hospitality tradition that dates back centuries, San José, Costa Rica’s capital city, offers a range of gay and gay-friendly hotels, restaurants, adventure tours, nightclubs, bars, and shopping centers to enjoy life without inconveniences.
Manuel Antonio, a small town in our Central Pacific Coast just 3.5 hours away from the city center is famous for its LGBTQ tolerance, exhibiting a string of gay-friendly hotels on its beaches, encouraging new friendships, meeting places, exotic fantasy fulfillments of couples and singles looking for unforgettable adventures and experiences that will make them smile or perhaps even sigh once back home. You may also find at least one gay bar in every other province. So don’t be surprised, you may find your Mr. Right (or Mrs.) during breakfast, at the beach or in a jungle walk! Costa Rica is the place of all your fantasies and desires, so just dare and book your trip now!
SAFE COSTA RICA
Although Costa Rica does not have an army, it is considered one of the nations with the highest rates of security, both for citizens and tourists. At the airport, everything is watched by airport surveillance cameras and security guards. It is easy for tourists to identify police officers as they are properly uniformed.
As in all major cities, San Jose also has a display of security cameras in extended public areas. You should always watch over your belongings, cameras, cell phones and avoid wearing flashy jewelry, as petty thieves may want to get a hold of them. Although it is pretty safe to walk in the streets in cities or towns at any hour, it is better to avoid walking alone in certain areas, nor at certain times of the night or early mornings. Official taxi cabs are red and must always turn on the meter for a correct taxi fare. The best places to exchange currency are banks (we STRONGLY suggest not to change money at the airport). Your passport is an essential requirement to exchange currency.
On the beaches, you must be more careful of the monkeys and the birds, since they are a bit daring, especially at breakfast time. With a little carelessness on your behalf, you could lose your sugar snacks, car keys, wallet, or your most precious glasses, as they will grab anything on your table.
Most hotels have surveillance cameras and there is a lot of police control on the beach, so a random search of your bag from them at any time is normal. Police officers are very considerate of gay tourists and are always willing to help and give directions if you get lost. You might be surprised with their English skills!
All hotels in our programs have “in room” safe deposit boxes, most of them big enough for your laptop. It is a good idea to carry just a little cash, almost every business will accept your VISA, MASTERCARD or AMEX cards. Do not to count your money in public and beware of people who approach you in a very affectionate way.
And regarding your health, you can relax as your chance of contracting any serious illness in Costa Rica is very slim. Like in any other tropical country, you must carry insect repellent for all outdoor activities, and have your vaccinations taken before coming, as prevention. Always wear sunscreen! Tap water is safe to drink all throughout our territory (bottled water is also available). Our wide variety of fruits and vegetables are especially fresh and most of the time organic, so go ahead and indulge yourself with our culinary delicacies.