If you go....

Language and government:
Often described as the "Switzerland of the Americas," Costa Rica boasts a stable democratic government largely devoid of the turmoil present in other parts of the region.

At one time, Costa Rica served as a meeting place for major indigenous cultures, a port where traders could exchange goods, their cultures and languages. Modern Costa Rica is a highly developed, somewhat cosmopolitan country, with Spanish as the state language.

English is spoken in San Jose, the capital, as well as touristy areas, but don't count on fluency. Visitors should memorize a few key phrases in Spanish, or becomes experts at charades in taxi cabs and stores.

Weather:
Temperatures range from the mild 70s in Costa Rica's major cities to the scorching 90s on the coast. On the coast during the summer wet season, the heat will hit you like a furnace blast, so keep plenty of bottled water nearby.

• Check the latest CNN Weather Forecast for San Jose, Costa Rica.

Currency:
The Costa Rican currency is the Colon, with a current exchange rate of almost 260 Colon to US$1.

• For the latest rate, check CNN TravelGuide's Currency Converter.

What to bring:
Sun-lovers, beware. Even those hungry for a tan should slather on gobs of sunscreen.

Tourists should also bring plenty of bug repellant, or be prepared to sacrifice exposed body parts to an insect feeding frenzy.

For detailed health and consular information:

• U.S. Consular Information Sheet: Costa Rica
• CDC Travelers' Health: Central America
  • Food and water precautions

Related Resources: Weather:San Jose, Costa Rica World Maps and Guides:Costa Rica Currency Converter Related stories: Destinations: Cocos Island, Costa Rica - February 1998 Destinations: Argentina outdoors - May 1997 Destinations: Guatemala - April 1997 Destinations: Roatan, Honduras - October 1996

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Related sites: Note: Pages will open in a new browser window Costa Net travel guide Lonely Planet: Costa Rica The National Parks of Costa Rica Manuel Antonio National Park Costa Rica general information External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.