These Costa Rica facts introduce the country’s language, currency, geography and natural landscapes before your trip. Start with the essentials below, then explore Uvita and the South Pacific with Coral Expeditions Costa Rica.
Costa Rica at a Glance
- Official name: Republic of Costa Rica
- Capital: San José
- Location: Central America, between Nicaragua and Panama
- Coastlines: Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea
- Area: Approximately 51,100 square kilometers
- Official language: Spanish
- Currency: Costa Rican colón (CRC)
- Telephone country code: +506
- Time zone: UTC−6
What Does Pura Vida Mean?
Literally meaning “pure life,” Pura Vida is a familiar Costa Rican expression associated with enjoying life and appreciating simple moments. You may hear it as a greeting, a thank-you, or an expression of well-being.
A Country of Natural Contrasts
Costa Rica brings together rainforests, cloud forests, volcanoes, rivers, beaches, and mangroves within a relatively small country. Its national parks and reserves protect habitats that support a remarkable variety of wildlife.
Discover Costa Rica’s South Pacific
From our base in Uvita, Coral Expeditions Costa Rica helps visitors explore marine, rainforest, and mangrove environments. Learn about the destinations before choosing your adventure:
- Marino Ballena National Park: coastal landscapes and seasonal whale watching.
- Caño Island Biological Reserve: coral habitats and snorkeling.
- Corcovado National Park: rainforest and wildlife on the Osa Peninsula.
- Térraba-Sierpe Wetlands: mangrove channels, birdwatching, and wildlife tours.
Travel with Respect for Nature
Observe wildlife without disturbing it, leave natural objects where you find them, and follow your guide’s instructions. Discover our responsible tourism practices and find more stories and travel information on our blog.
Choose Your Nature Experience
For an ocean adventure, compare our whale and dolphin watching tour with Caño Island snorkeling. To explore forest wildlife, consider a Corcovado day tour or the Sierpe Mangrove Wildlife Boat Tour.
Each experience has its own meeting point, schedule and preparation requirements. Browse our full tour collection for itineraries and inclusions, and contact us to check availability for your travel dates. Wildlife sightings and activities depend on natural conditions.
Plan Your Adventure in Uvita
Contact our local team for help choosing a tour for your travel dates and interests.