I can’t believe that in just a few short weeks I’ll be going to Costa Rica! One of the most popular travel destinations in the world, Costa Rica is renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty and breathtaking scenery. Tucked between Nicaragua and Panama on the Central American isthmus, Costa Rica also enjoys two scenic coastlines with the Pacific Ocean to the west and Caribbean Sea to the east.
Many visitors are drawn to the small country for eco-tourism, that is; responsible travel that promotes the conservation of the environment and the wellbeing of the local people. In fact, Costa Rica is so dedicated to the environment that it plans on being the world’s first carbon-neutral country by 2021.
In preparation for my upcoming trip I did a bit of research into the country and was surprised at some of the interesting facts I discovered. Below are a few of the ones that impressed me most:
1) Peaceful Costa Rica is one of the few nations that does not have an army. Abolished in 1949 by then-president José Figueres Ferrer, the country only maintains a Fuerza Pública (Public Force) for ground security, law enforcement, and border patrol functions. Should anything major occur, however, the United States is committed to protecting the country.
2) Nearly all Catholic churches in Costa Rica face west. This is so that people attending Mass face east, toward Jerusalem and where Jesus was crucified. This fact could be helpful to lost tourists, since you’d be able to figure out north by the position of the town’s church.
Arenal Volcano
3) Costa Ricans pay a whopping 100% tax on imported goods. So, a $100 stereo would cost someone $200 and a $20,000 car would cost $40,000. ¡Qué loco!
4) Surprisingly, the national animal of Costa Rica is not something “tropical” like a jaguar or monkey. It’s actually the white-tailed deer. (I didn’t even know they had deer in the jungle.)
5) There are many volcanoes in Costa Rica, five of which are classified as active. They include Arenal (which I’ll be visiting); Poás, a popular day trip from San José; and Irazú, the tallest volcano in the country at 11,260 feet (3,432 meters). There are at least 60 dormant volcanoes and upwards of 200 extinct ones too.
Have you ever been to Costa Rica before? What were your impressions? What travel advice would you recommend? Feel free to comment in the section below!
For more fascinating facts, check out the other articles in this series — 5 Fascinating Facts about the Bahamas and 8 Fascinating Facts about Peru!
El Parque Nacional Corcovado
I spent two weeks in Costa Rica a few years ago and certainly knew the volcano facts but not the others. I’m heading again to the Liberia area in November for 10 days as my son is getting married there. I want to see some new territory in the northern part of the country. Have a great trip – and don’t forget your binoculars id you hav ethe slightest interest in birds.
Thanks Leigh! Yeah, I won’t forget my binoculars for the wildlife and to see the volcano close-up too.
That’s interesting about the churches – I never knew that about Costa Rica.
A friend of mine went there for dental surgery last year.
Yeah, I thought the fact about the churches was really interesting too.
I’d love to go to Costa Rica some day, so I’m really looking forward to reading about your adventures there!
Thanks Sofie! I’m sure I’ll have lots of stories to share. 🙂
Very pretty Costa Rica. I enjoyed visiting a coffee plantation the most, and my kids adored zip lining in the jungle 🙂
I’m really looking forward to ziplining and seeing the volcano erupting.
How cool that you’re going to Costa Rica. I haven’t been there, but it’s on the list! Interesting facts in your post. I’ve never before heard of Catholic churches facing toward Jerusalem — anywhere.
Thanks!
Sounds like a great trip is on the way. I hadn’t heard this about the churches either…
Yep, I can’t wait!
Lucky you to be going there soon! Costa Rica has been on my travel list for awhile now so I’m looking forward to reading your posts and seeing your pictures. My brother was there last year and enjoyed river rafting, zip lining and visiting a sloth sanctuary. How interesting about the Catholic churches facing west and their national animal. Have a wonderful time, Michael!
What a thrill. I understand your excitement.
Thanks Mette!
Awesome round up of fun facts on Costa Rica. I think you’ll discover many more during your trip to the country.
I don’t think I knew any of these! 100% TAX?! Holy cow! Que loco indeed. Fun fact about the deer too. Thanks for sharing!
All of the churches face west? Really interesting facts, thanks for sharing!