Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [481]
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River-Rafting Hazards
River-rafting expeditions may be particularly risky during periods of heavy rain – flash floods have been known to capsize rafts. Reputable tour operators will ensure conditions are safe before setting out; Click here for a list of operators.
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Thefts & Muggings
The biggest danger that most travelers face is theft, primarily from pickpockets. There is a lot of petty crime in Costa Rica so keep your wits about you at all times and don’t let your guard down.
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DISCOUNT CARDS
Students with an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) or a valid ID from a university are generally entitled to discounts on museum or guided-tour fees. Cards supplied by language schools are not accepted.
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EMBASSIES & CONSULATES
Mornings are the best time to go to embassies and consulates. Australia and New Zealand do not have consular representation in Costa Rica; their closest embassies are in Mexico City. For visa information Click here. All of the following are located in San José.
Canada (2242-4400; Oficentro Ejecutivo La Sabana, 3rd fl, Edificio 3, Sabana Sur) Behind La Contraloría.
El Salvador (2257-7855) Head 500m north and 25m west of the Toyota dealership on Paseo Colón.
France (off Map;2234-4167) On the road to Curridabat, 200m south and 50m west of the Indoor Club.
Germany (Map;2232-5533; 8th fl, Torre La Sabana, Sabana Norte) About 300m west of the ICE building.
Guatemala (off Map;2283-2555; Curridabat) Casa Izquierda, 500m south and 30m west of Pops.
Honduras (2291-5147; Urbanización Trejos Montealegre) About 100m west of Banca Promérica, Escazú.
Israel (Map;2221-6444; 11th fl, Edificio Centro Colón, Paseo Colón btwn Calles 38 & 40)
Italy (Map;2234-2326; cnr Av Central & Calle 41, Los Yoses)
Mexico (2257-0633) About 250m south of the Subaru dealership, Los Yoses.
Netherlands (2296-1490; Oficentro Ejecutivo La Sabana, 3rd fl, Edificio 3, Sabana Sur) Behind La Contraloría.
Nicaragua (2283-8222; Av Central 2540 btwn Calles 25 & 27, Barrio La California)
Panama (2281-2442) Head 200m south and 25m east from the antiguo higuerón (old fig tree), San Pedro.
Spain (Map;2222-1933; Calle 32 btwn Paseo Colón & Av 2)
Switzerland (Map;2221-3229; 10th fl, Edificio Centro Colón, Paseo Colón btwn Calles 38 & 40)
UK (Map;2258-2025; 11th fl, Edificio Centro Colón, Paseo Colón btwn Calles 38 & 40)
USA (2220-3939; Carretera a Pavas) Opposite Centro Commercial del Oeste.
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FESTIVALS & EVENTS
The following events are of national significance in Costa Rica:
JANUARY/FEBRUARY
Fiesta de Santa Cruz (mid-January) Held in Santa Cruz, there is a religious procession, rodeo, bullfight, music, dances and a beauty pageant.
Las Fiestas de Palmares (mid-January) Ten days of beer drinking, horse shows and other carnival events in the tiny town of Palmares.
Fiesta de los Diablitos (December 31 to January 2 in Boruca; February 5 to 8 in Curré) Men wear carved wooden devil masks and burlap masks to re-enact the fight between the indigenous people and the Spanish. In this one, the Spanish lose.
MARCH
Día del Boyero (second Sunday of the month) A parade is held in Escazú in honor of oxcart drivers.
Día de San José (St Joseph’s Day; March 19) This day honors the patron saint of the capital.
Feria de la Mascarada (dates vary) Residents of Barvia don massive colorful masks (many of which weigh up to 20kg), and gather to dance around the town square.
JUNE
Día de San Pedro & San Pablo (Sts Peter & Paul’s Day; June 29) Celebrations with religious processions held in villages of the same name.
JULY
Fiesta de La Virgen del Mar (Festival of the Virgin of the Sea; mid-July) Held in Puntarenas and Playa del Coco, it involves colorful regattas and boat parades.
Día de Guanacaste (July 25) Celebrates the annexation of Guanacaste from Nicaragua. There’s a rodeo in Santa Cruz on this day.
AUGUST
La Virgen