Medical Tourism - Costa Rica

Costa Rica is Central America's jewel. It's an oasis of calm among its turbulent neighbors and an ecotourism heaven, making it one of the best places to experience the tropics with minimal impact. It's also mostly coastline, which means great surfing, beaches galore and a climate built for laziness.

Costa Rica's enlightened approach to conservation has ensured that lush jungles are home to playful monkeys, languid sloths, crocodiles, countless lizards, poison-dart frogs and a mind-boggling assortment of exotic birds, insects and butterflies. Meanwhile, endangered sea turtles nest on both coasts and cloud forests protect elusive birds and jungle cats.

Costa Rica is located in Central America and can be reached from most US cities within 7 to 10 hours.

MedRetreat offers service to San Jose

SAN JOSE

Hotel Accommodations

SAN JOSE

Clarion Amon Hotel (downtown San Jose)
Irazu Hotel & Casino (3 star)
Las Cumbres Inn (surgical retreat)
Real Intercontinental Hotel (5 star)
Tryp Corobici Hotel (4 star)

Traveler Support

Country Information

The Republic of Costa Rica is a country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south-southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Costa Rica was the first country in the world to constitutionally abolish its army.

Long controlled by Spain, Costa Rica gained its independence in 1821, and became a true Central America success story. Driven by agricultural products (especially coffee), and strong technology and tourism industries. Costa Rica has a high standard of living, especially when compared to other nearby countries.

Costa Rica has avoided the violence that has plagued Central America; it is seen as an example of political stability in the region, and is self-referred to as the "Switzerland of the Americas". Since the late 19th century only two brief periods of violence have marred its democratic development. Costa Rica has been one of the few countries to operate within the democratic system without the assistance of a military.

Costa Rica (Spanish for "Rich Coast"), although still a largely agricultural country, has achieved a relatively high standard of living. Land ownership is widespread and Electronics is a rapidly expanding industry.

Costa Rica is a stunning land, with much of it heavily forested. The coastal areas are ringed with mangrove swamps, and beautiful white, sand beaches.

Please be advised that the Costa Rican government charges a USD $26.00 fee to exit the country. This fee is payable in cash or by Visa credit card. [top]

Language

Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica. English is the second language. [top]

Religion

Roman Catholic 76.3%, Evangelical 13.7%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.3%, other Protestant 0.7%, other 4.8%, none 3.2%. [top]

Climate

Tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands. Costa Rica's weather is influenced by altitude. The Pacific coast is drier while the Atlantic coast has the most rainfall - about 300 days a year. The temperature in San Jose ranges from a high of 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit, to a low of 57-60 degrees Fahrenheit. The wet season is from May to October. The hottest months are March and April. [top]

Clothing

The first thing to consider when packing for your trip is climate. Remember that the seasons are opposite in Northern and Southern hemispheres. Brazilians tend to dress casually outside workplace. Most restaurants do not require a tie or sport jacket, however, a few fancy clubs and restaurants do. [top]

Mobile Phones

A Subscriber Identity Module Card (SIM Card) is now available for Costa Rica and foreign customers who are traveling around for work. The SIM Card must be used in conjunction with a Digital GSM mobile phone within the 900-MHz range or a Digital PCN mobile phone within the 1800-MHz range. [top]

Getting Online & Checking E-mail

All of Costa Rica's leading hotels offer facsimile (fax) and e-mail services. Numerous private businesses offer such facilities, most often in conjunction with translation services. Costa Rica has been expanding its information service for residents and tourists alike through the Internet system. Services are now available at Costa Rica's leading hotels and at the many "cyber cafés" that are cropping up in all major tourist destinations. [top]

Emergency Telephone Numbers

Emergency: 911
Ambulance: 128
Fire: 118
Police: 222-1365 or 221-5337
US Embassy: 519-2000, or 220-3127
Directory Assistance: 113
International Director Assistance: 124
Hospital CIMA: 208-1000 [top]

http://www.graylinecostarica.com/

http://www.fodors.com/miniguides/mgresults.cfm?destination=costa_rica@53&cur_section=ove

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