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Costa Rica -- Local Guide

Tourist Information: 800-343-6332 or www.tourism-costarica.com .

Location: Costa Rica lies in the center of Central America, between Nicaragua and Panama. Tortuguero sits on the Caribbean coast north of the major port city of Limón.

Topography: Costa Rica is a study in biodiversity with rain forests, hot coastal plains, jungles, mountains, volcanoes, numerous rivers and fertile valleys. A ridge of volcanic mountains runs north-to-south; Chirripó Grande is the highest point at 12,533 feet. The lowlands are marked by mangroves, rain forests and sandy coastlines.

Climate: Coastal temperatures range from the low 70s to the high 90s; inland, they can dip into the low 60s, though temperatures rarely leave the 70s. The dry season (late December-April) is a good time to visit, even though it's high season. The rainy season (May-November), also the low season, is beautiful and lush.

Currency: The currency is the colón (¢). The exchange rate at press time was US$1=312¢.

Language: Spanish is the official language, however, English is spoken widely.

Time: Central Time (Greenwich Mean Time minus six hours).

Area Code: To call Costa Rica, dial the international calling code (011), plus the country code (506) and the seven-digit local number.

Electricity: 120 volts/60 cycles (the same as the United States).

Documents: U.S., Canadian and British citizens must have a valid passport to enter Costa Rica. A return airline ticket is also required.

Taxes and Tipping: There is a US$17 departure tax. Restaurants and hotels normally add a 10-percent tip (plus 13-percent tax) to the bill. Bellhops, housekeeping staff and porters are tipped about US$1 per person, per day; tip tour guides US$1-$5 per person, per day.

Getting Around: If your trip takes you outside the capital of San Jose, renting a car is a good idea. Rates are high compared to the U.S. Make reservations in advance (passport, driver's license and a major credit card are required). Options include: Dollar (506-222-8920); Prego (506-257-1158) and Elegante (506-221-0066). If the taxi lacks a meter, establish the price before departure. Licensed taxis are red or have a "taxi" sign on top.

Airlines: Juan Santamaria Airport in San Jose is served by American Airlines (800-433-7300), Continental Airlines (800-525-0280), Delta (800-221-1212) and the Central American Grupo TACA (800-358-8222); Iberia (800-772-4642) and Martinair (800-366-4655) fly out of Europe (Martinair also flies out of Miami and Orlando, Fla.). For flights to Tortuguero and other spots within the country, SANSA (506-221-9414) and Travel Air (506-220-3054) have daily flights from San Jose. For travel arrangements, call New World Travel at 800-308-SURF.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Jungle Lodge (506-233-0155) features 16 rustic cabanas, all linked with covered walkways (all the better in the rainy season). The lodge offers trips on its two large, canopied tour boats; canoes are available for rent.

Mawamba Lodge (506-233-9964) is a 12-room lodge north of town. It features its own restaurant and swimming pool. Double rooms start at US$29 per person, per day; the full meal plan is an additional US$25 per person.

Tatane Lodge (506-225-6220) is a modest collection of A-frame huts on the bank of the canal. There's a restaurant on site. Nightly rates begin at US$75 and include water transportation to and from Tortuguero, along with two guided excursions.

Posted online 12/01/00.

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