Situated between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, Costa Rica differs significantly from other Central American countries in terms of its wealth, land and power, which are far more equally distributed. It has also established social welfare and parliamentary democratic systems. From a holiday maker’s perspective, all of this makes the country far more visitor-friendly. As a consequence of this and factors such as the country’s extensive natural attractions, Costa Rica’s tourist industry is a thriving one.
 Most visitors fly into the country’s capital San José, which is in itself a popular tourist area but also provides easy access to other visitor centres such as Corcovado Area, Monteverde Area, the Papagayo Gulf, Quepos & Manuel Antonio and Guanacaste Beach. From the capital, it’s possible to reach many of the country’s most popular natural sites such as the various national parks that make up the rainforest, as well as the famous volcanoes.
 The country’s most reputable hotels are located in San José and include the Hampton Inn, the Clarion Hotel Amòn Plaza, the Best Western Irazu, the Holiday Inn Aurola and the Costa Rica Marriott. Standards of service and guest facilities at all of these establishments are exceptionally high and in keeping with the international reputations associated with the parent companies. It’s possible to find cheaper, but still respectable hotels elsewhere in the capital with many of the independently owned establishments capable of offering equally high standards. Outside of San José in Monteverdo, Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero and other popular areas you’ll find a mix of accommodations; however the big international names are predominantly located in the capital.
Being so close to the United States, Costa Rica sees a lot of American visitors; however, it’s fair to say that visitors from all over the world come to experience the warm climate, the natural beauty and the hospitality and friendliness offered by the locals.
Weather
 Costa Rica experiences both tropical and subtropical weather systems which provide a climate in which temperature extremes are non existent and patterns of rainfall are fairly predictable. This makes planning for a holiday an easy affair. The country only has two seasons, which are known respectively as the dry season (December to April) and the wet season (May to November). Either season is good for visiting as temperatures are fairly constant throughout. The dry season is perhaps better if you aren’t especially fond of heavy rainfall. The rainy season has its own appeal as it’s during this time of year that much of country’s plant and tree life flourishes and if you are a nature lover and like to experience lush green forests and landscapes, then this is the time to visit. The rain generally falls in the afternoon so it’s possible to get out and about in the morning without getting wet. Lowland temperatures during both seasons average between 25 and 30°C while in the higher mountain areas they can drop into the 50s and lower sometimes.
History
 Historians know only minor details of Costa Rica’s early days with the belief that prior to the arrival of Columbus, the country saw some sparse settlements of indigenous inhabitants but the details of their culture and development remain something of a mystery.
 The country’s first significant historical period began in 1502 when Christopher Columbus arrived at Cariay and took a distinct interest in the area that subsequently led to its conquest and colonisation. The indigenous tribes fought fiercely against their invaders but their numbers were too small and were rapidly diminished by the might of the Spanish forces. Hard times were felt by those attempting to colonise the land; the lack of abundant mineral resources and fertile land made things even more difficult. It was only through hard work and sheer perseverance that the provincial capital of Cartago was established.
As independence came to Mexico and the United States, Central America also established its own freedom with news of the declaration reaching Costa Rica from Guatemala on October 13th 1821. In the early days following its newly found independent status, Costa Rica joined with other provinces of the Captaincy in becoming part of the Mexican Empire of Agustín de Iturbide; however, various issues caused the breakdown of this relationship and Costa Rica subsequently became a federal state of the United Provinces of Central America in the period from 1823 to 1838, with the capital moving to San José in 1824. The country declared itself a sovereign and independent nation in 1838 under the government of Braulio Carrillo Colina.
 The country continued to develop unhindered until the 20th century and was free of the violence that plagued many other Central American countries. In 1949 José Figueres Ferrer abolished the army, an act which worried many as it rendered Costa Rica the first democratic country to operate without military assistance. It was, however, to prove insignificant in terms of the effect on the country’s stability.
 Although traditionally an agricultural country, Costa Rica has seen rapid growth in its electronics industry as well as its tourist industry. While in some respects it is still something of developing country, it now offers its residents a relatively high standard of living.
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