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Nov. 15-Nov. 15 Coffee Picking Contest
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Eating Alone in Costa Rica
Nosara Yoga: Switching the Channel
Riding a bus to Sierpe in Costa Rica
High speeds, high waves, high in the air over Manuel Antonio
In-shore fishing off the coast of Manuel Antonio
Enjoying Puerto Viejo on $28 a day
How conservation saved Tortuguero
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Protecting the kinkajous in Manuel Antonio
Learning Spanish at Rancho Margot
Backyard Surf Series on Hermosa Beach
Life in the Monteverde Countryside
Border Crossing: Nicaragua by Boat
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A Look Back: Tamarindo, Six Months Later
Fruit of the Month: Cas
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Naturalized Costa Rican Citizenship by Marriage
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10 Advantages of Green Season Travel
Experience fewer crowds, lower rates and verdant landscapes when you visit Costa Rica between May-November.
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10 Interesting Facts
Learn more about Costa Rica with these ten fascinating facts.
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10 Wildlife Photography Tips
Follow these simple tips to turn an average shot into a spectacular photograph.
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5 things to see at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a majestic, ancient forest draped in green moss, hanging vines, bromeliads and ...
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5 Travel Mistakes
Set yourself up for a stress-free holiday by steering clear of these travel mistakes.
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Airlines Serving Costa Rica
Many major airlines serve Costa Rica’s two international airports in San Jose and Liberia.
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Alcoholic Beverages
Adults may bring up to five liters of alcoholic beverages duty free.
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All-inclusive Resorts
For a stress-free vacation, book a stay at one of Costa Rica's all-inclusive resorts.
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Arenal Adventure Vacation
Arenal is home to many exhilarating tours like waterfall rappelling and cave spelunking.
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Arenal vs. Monteverde
How can you compare the mists of the Monteverde cloud forest to the cooled magma of the Arenal Volcano? Arenal and ...
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Authentication Rate Chart
A breakdown of fees charged to authenticate certain documents.
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Backpacking Tips
Backpacking can be both enjoyable and easy on the wallet if you follow a few basic tips.
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Banking & Currency
The local currency is the colon, though U.S. dollars are accepted in most tourist areas.
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Best Family Vacations
Costa Rica's wild wonders and exciting activities naturally cater to children's interests.
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Best Places for Solo Travel
Discover some of Costa Rica's most beautiful destinations for independent travelers.
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Best Trips for Every Traveler
Discover amazing wildlife, seaside relaxation or the adventure of a lifetime in Costa Rica.
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Bus Schedules
Bus schedules to popular tourist destinations throughout Costa Rica.
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Business Hours
Many businesses close from 12-1 p.m., for the traditional Latin America siesta.
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Caribbean Beaches & Surf Region
Lovely beaches, surf and living coral reefs are just part of this region’s tropical allure.
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Central Pacific Golf Courses
An overview of the central Pacific's premier golfing destination, La Iguana Golf Course.
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Certification Procedures
An overview of the procedures required to authenticate documents.
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Choosing the place for you: Jaco, Herradura, Hermosa, Esterillos, or Bejuco
Jaco's popularity may dwarf some that of the surrounding area, but it's only one popular beachside town surrounded by ...
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Climate
Tropical sunshine, Pacific trade wind breezes and cool misty mountains are just a part of Costa Rica's temperate ...
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Cloud Forest Highlands Region
The scenic Cloud Forest Highlands Region encompasses Monteverde and surrounding towns.
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Coffee Culture in Costa Rica
The history and tradition of Costa Rica's golden bean, which helped transform the country.
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Cosmetic Surgery in Costa Rica
More than 30,000 medical tourists choose Costa Rica every year for plastic surgery and dental procedures.
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Costa Rica Destination Wedding
Costa Rica's beautiful landscapes create the perfect backdrop for your dream wedding.
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Costa Rica Highlights for a Short Vacation
Make the most of your one-week Costa Rica vacation with our suggested itinerary.
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Costa Rica To Be Carbon Neutral
A model of success for ecotourism, Costa Rica plans to be carbon neutral by 2021.
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Costa Rica's Best Wellness Retreats
Embrace a new paradigm of wellness in Costa Rica, home to many rejuvenating health retreats.
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Costa Rica's Blue Zones
The Nicoya Peninsula is one of the world's blue zones, where people live longer, happier lives.
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Costa Rica's Caribbean Charm
Costa Rica's Caribbean coast offers travelers a distinct multiculturalism that's unique to the region.
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Costa Rica's Local Flavor
Satisfy your inner foodie on a gastronomic tour through Costa Rica's varied cuisine.
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Costa Rica's most famous beaches, rainforests and volcanoes
Costa Rica looks so small on a map. You can actually see both coastlines while flying into the airport in San Jose, and...
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Costa Rican Jatropha as Biofuel
Jatropha is a biofuel wonder plant, and a major player in the world's switch to green diesel.
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Country Overview
Details on the climate, language, transportation, holidays and communication system.
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Disabled Travel
An assortment of diverse destinations and activities cater to travelers in wheelchairs.
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Driving in Costa Rica
Renting your own set of wheels can be one of the most rewarding ways to explore Costa Rica.
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Driving to Costa Rica
Tips and advice for driving to Costa Rica from the United States.
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Dry Season vs. Green Season
The pros and cons of visiting Costa Rica during the dry and green seasons.
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Duty Free Articles
At Customs, items for your own personal use are free of duty.
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Exiting Costa Rica
Be prepared to pay a departure tax of $28 USD when leaving Costa Rica by airplane.
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Family Friendly Monteverde
Children stare wide-eyed in Monteverde, a cloud forest wonderland of engaging sights.
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Firearms & Ammunition
Firearms and ammunition are subject to restrictions and import permits.
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Flights & Travel Times
Average air travel time and distance from Costa Rica to major world cities.
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Flying into San Jose vs. Liberia Airport
Decide which airport best suits your needs depending on your travel plans.
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Fun Activities Without A Guide
Ten fun and cheap activities you can do in Costa Rica without a guide.
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Fun Facts
Fifteen interesting facts about Costa Rica, from local slang to the most active volcanoes.
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Gay Travel
Costa Rica is one of Latin America’s top destinations for gay travel.
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Geography of Costa Rica
Costa Rica's geographical diversity enables adventures through several ecosystems.
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Getting Around
Whether you're looking to spend your vacation in a hammock on a quiet beach or you want to see all the country's ...
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Going Green in Luxury
Be a true eco-traveler at some of the country's finest hotels that practice what they preach.
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Golden Beaches & Tropical Dry Forest Region
This diverse region encompasses the northwestern part of Costa Rica.
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GPS in Costa Rica
A GPS is invaluable for navigating Costa Rica's city and backcountry roads.
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Green Sea Turtle Season in Tortuguero
Every year thousands of sea turtles crawl ashore in the moonlight to nest on the shores of Tortuguero. Local legend says...
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History of Costa Rica
A brief history of Costa Rica, from Christopher Columbus through modern times.
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Holidays
An overview of Costa Rica's main holidays, locally known as feriados.
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Hotels & Resorts
From cheap hostels to luxe resorts, Costa Rica has accommodations for all budgets.
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How Costa Rica is Going Green
A pioneer of ecotourism in Latin America, Costa Rica’s green reputation is well deserved.
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How much time do you need to see Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has nearly 20,000 miles filled with fabled rich coastlines, rainforests, cities, volcanoes, mountains and ...
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Insurance
Seasoned travelers know that it pays to have good insurance when traveling abroad.
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International Phone Calls
How to make international phone calls from and to Costa Rica.
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Island Escapes in Costa Rica
Discover four amazingly diverse islands off Costa Rica's Pacific coast.
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Liberia International Airport
Liberia's Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport serves the Guanacaste region.
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Manuel Antonio Girls' Getaway
Enjoy white-sand beaches and a soothing ambiance on your next girls' getaway.
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Manuel Antonio's Tropical Romance
Discover romance in this enchanting destination, brimming with outdoor adventures that will captivate your senses.
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Mass Turtle Nesting at Ostional
Tens of thousands of Olive Ridley sea turtles nest along Ostional's beaches every year.
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Medicines & Narcotics
Some medicines must meet certain requirements to clear Costa Rica Customs.
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Monteverde Night Hikes
A thousand eyes stare back reflecting in the glow of our flashlights. The sun has set and the only remaining light ...
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Mountain Peaks Region
High-altitude rivers and cool mountains define Costa Rica’s Mountain Peaks Region.
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Navigating the Airport
The Juan Santamaria International Airport receives most of the country's tourist traffic.
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New Vineyard: Costa Rica Uncorked
Famed Napa winemaker plants four varieties of grapes in Costa Rica, launching the country's largest vineyard.
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North Pacific Golf Courses
An overview of the north Pacific's major golf courses, including course slopes and par.
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Overlooked Travel Destinations
These overlooked destinations deliver on all fronts: adventure, natural beauty, and local charm.
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Pacific Beaches & Rainforest Region
Gorgeous beaches and seaside villages are hallmarks of this region.
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Packing List
Be prepared with our ultimate packing list of tried and tested travel items.
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People of Costa Rica
Learn more about Ticos, a term Costa Ricans affectionately call themselves.
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Phones & Internet
Cell phone service and Internet are widespread throughout the country.
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Planning a Trip to Osa - Things you need to know
The Osa Peninsula isn’t like a zoo or a circus where you see trained animals locked in confinement in unnatural ...
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Planning a Volunteer Vacation
Ten important considerations when planning your Costa Rica volunteer vacation.
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Poas, Irazu or Arenal: Which Volcano Suits You
Use our quick overview to determine which volcano suits your travel style and wish list.
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Postal Services
You'll find post offices in nearly every city and town in Costa Rica.
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Practical Info
Helpful trip planning information for your Costa Rica vacation.
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Prices for dining out in Costa Rica
You'll find food for every price in Costa Rica. There's the family-owned corner restaurant that sells hot, fresh ...
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Provinces of Costa Rica
Costa Rica's almost 20,000 square miles are divided into seven provinces.
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Renting a Car
Discover the pros, cons and costs of renting a car in Costa Rica.
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Riding the Bus
Public buses are inexpensive and convenient for travel throughout the country.
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Safe Travel Tips
Costa Rica is a very safe country to travel in, but it never hurts to take a few precautions to ensure an enjoyable ...
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San Jose & Coffee Towns Region
This region offers perpetual spring-like weather and an exciting array of day trips.
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San Jose Golf Courses
An overview of San Jose area golf courses with info on course ratings, slope and yardage.
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Saving Sea Turtles in Tortuguero
Observe nesting sea turtles and learn about local conservation efforts.
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Secrets to Great Coffee
Someone once told me you can taste the world in a great cup of coffee. I never really thought much about it until I was ...
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Senior Travel
Practical information and suggestions for senior travelers to Costa Rica.
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Showers in Costa Rica
During your stay in Costa Rica, you may encounter the country's famous electric shower heads.
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Slang & Idioms
Costa Rica is home to a rich variety of expressions, street slang and unique vocabulary.
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Something for Everyone in Monteverde
Monteverde’s main attractions center around its stunning scenery and outdoor adventures.
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Spanish Phrases
Useful Spanish phrases for your travels through Costa Rica.
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Taking Taxis
Taxis are inexpensive and convenient, and may be less costly than renting a car.
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Ten Reasons to Visit Tortuguero
View sea turtles nesting at night and delight in local Afro-Caribbean culture and cuisine.
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The best of Jaco, Manuel Antonio and Dominical
Part of the beauty of the central Pacific lies in its diversity, like drawing a card from a tarot deck, each beachside ...
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The World's Only Edible Orchid
Vanilla is considered the world's only edible, fruit-bearing orchid – and the planet's second-most expensive spice.
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Tipping in Costa Rica
A suggested tipping guide for travelers in Costa Rica.
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Tips for Responsible Travel
Help the environment by having as little impact as possible when you travel.
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Tips for Safe and Fun Zip Lining/Canopy Tours
Practical information and tips for safe and fun zip lining/Canopy Tours in Costa Rica
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Tips for Shoestring Travel
Follow our wallet-friendly tips to save money on your next shoestring trip to Costa Rica.
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Tips, tricks and cheats for traveling in Costa Rica
Essential tips, tricks and cheats for traveling in Costa Rica
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Top 3 things to do in Jaco
Jaco's sun-drenched days will satisfy any visitor looking for their vacation-sanctioned beach time, but in-between those...
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Top 5 best Beaches of 2013
Costa Rica's beaches come in every color and while some are only good for sunbathing, others offer world-class surfing ...
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Tortuguero for the Eco Traveler
Your tourism dollar supports local communities and protects threatened species in this unique eco-destination.
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Travel Advisories
Compared to many major cities around the world, San Jose’s streets are quite safe.
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Traveling to Costa Rica During COVID-19 Pandemic
As the number of covid-19 cases soars to new highest, Costa Rica lifts its travel restrictions and opens its ...
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Traveling with Costa Rica Disaster and Emergency Color Coded Alerts
Mother nature seldom wows your vacation in Costa Rica with earthquakes, flooding, wildfires, volcano eruptions, storms ...
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Traveling with Costa Rica Health Alerts
Stay safe and healthy while traveling in Costa Rica understanding the level of risk of contracting a disease and the ...
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Traveling with Kids
A family-friendly destination, Costa Rica makes it easy to travel with children.
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Turtle Nesting & Jungle Canals Region
Freshwater canals dot this region, best known for its nesting sea turtles.
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U.S. Authentication Authorities
Select the state of document issuance to determine the governing authentication authority.
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Volcano Country Region
Enjoy adventure activities, volcano-fed hot springs and wildlife watching.
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Which Coast to Visit
An overview of Costa Rica's Caribbean and Pacific coast beaches and tourist towns.
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Why Visit Costa Rica?
Traveling is less a hobby than a lifestyle. When vacations come only once a year, you've got to fall in love with the ...
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Wild for Wildlife in Drake Bay
Drake Bay is a convenient base for exploring the Osa Peninsula’s many highlights.
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Wilderness Frontier Region
The Wilderness Frontier is one of Costa Rica’s least explored and most beautiful areas.
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Women Traveling Alone
Costa Rica is safe for solo female travelers; follow these tips for a stress-free trip.
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