Costa Rica is a land of extreme beauty. With a rich indigenous history, the name Costa Rica meaning "Rich Coast" in Spanish, was given by Christopher Columbus in 1502 when he claimed the region for Spain. Costa Rica is one of the most biologically diverse, breathtakingly beautiful and warmly welcoming countries in the world. It is located between Nicaragua and Panama on an isthmus between North and South America, and bordered by the Pacific and Caribbean oceans, It is at about 9 degrees north latitude - roughly the same as southern Thailand. Costa Rica is a small, mountainous country characterized by amazing ecological systems, excellent climate, and unusually friendly people. Costa Rica is known as a land of peace. The Dalai Lama has commended the Country for having no army.
With a popualtion of 3.8 million people Costa Rica is one of the most stable countries in Central America. It has no army! It has an educated and literate population, national health care, and a tradition of ecologically aware development policies. Costa Rica is a unique land of biological diversity, with a proud nation of people with great environmental awareness. The Costa Rican government is democratically elected and regardless of which party is in office, the top priorities are invariably education, healthcare, tourism, and ecological and environmental preservation. This philosophy produces a very affluent population, with low crime, clean air, fine drinking water, and a high standard of living compared to the rest of Central America. It is a kind of cultural crossroads, and an easy place for many people to visit.
COSTA RICA FACTS - ANIMALS
130 species of freshwater fish
160 species of amphibians
208 species of mammals
220 species of reptiles
850 species of birds
1,000 species of butterflies
34,000 species of insects
COSTA RICA FACTS - THE LANDSCAPE
28% of the country is national park and wildlife / forest preserve.
Cloud forests
Deciduous forests
Rain forests
Tropical dry forests
Mangrove swamps
Canal networks through jungles
Extensive networks of rivers
Elevations from sea level to 12,529 feet
Volcanoes (112 craters)
Coral reefs
White, black, and pink shell beaches on Atlantic and Pacific coasts
1,200 varieties of orchids
9,000 species of plants
SAN JUANILLIO
Located in Costa Rica's beautiful Guanacaste province, on the Nicoya Peninsula, the quaint village of San Juanillo sits on a bay with white cove beaches. It is approximately 100 miles west of San Jose, midway on the coastal road that connects Tamarindo to Samara. San Juanillo is a quiet fishing village on the north-west coast of Costa Rica.
Guanacaste is famous for its clear skies, beautiful weather and spectacular Pacific Coast beaches, which go on for over one hundred miles. The beaches of Guanacaste are blessed with blissful sunny days and warm crystalline waters. The swimming, fishing, boating, snorkeling, sunbathing and surfing are all excellent.
WEATHER
The "Dry Season" is from early December through April, and perfect sunny days and starlit nights are virtually guaranteed. May through November is "the Green Season", which is when we receives most of its rainfall. Late afternoon shower is not uncommon, typically clearing quickly to give way to beautiful sunsets.
There is low humidity, and the average temperature of 83 degrees.
AIRLINE INFORMATION
International flights come into the capital city, San Jose, with connecting flights to Nosara,. From Nosara, it's a 30 minute drive to San Juanillo.
For domestic flights within Costa Rica:
Sansa - www.flysansa.com
Nature Air - www.natureair.com
DRIVING INFORMATION
San Jose International Airport is approximately a 4.5 hour drive, and the new Liberia International Airport is a 2.5 hour drive. Car rental companies are located at the airport, or you can take a Taxi pick you up at the airport.
The roads along the coast are dirt, but not a problem if you take your time.
