A Glimpse of Costa Rica

Roses and margaritas.

Did you know...

In Costa Rica, voting age is 18. It is universal and compulsory.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

Old Spanish Mission church at Ujarras. Originally built around 1693.

Did you know...

In Costa Rica, the legal system is based on the Spanish civil law system.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

Near the town of Cervantes.

Did you know...

Costa Rica’s present constitution was ratified on November 7, 1949.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

This is one of the inactive craters of Irazu Volcano. It is called the playa hermosa (the beautiful beach).

Did you know...

Costa Rica’s Independence Day is September 15, 1821.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

La Paz Waterfall near Poas Volcano. Falls were damaged during the last major earthquake.

Did you know...

Costa Rica is made up of seven administrative provinces: Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, and San Jose.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

Newly cultivated fields on the slopes of Irazu Volcano. Anvil shaped thunderhead over the central valley.

Did you know...

Costa Rica is located in the UTC-6 time zone meaning it is one hour behind Washington, D.C. during Standard Time.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

Wildflowers growing on the inner crater wall of Irazu Volcano.

Consider this...

He who is a good ruler must first have been ruled.

Did you know...

The capital of Costa Rica is San Jose which has the geographical coordinates of 9.56N; 84.05 W.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

A very common butterfly in Costa Rica.

Consider this...

Life just doesn’t hand you things. You have to get out there and make things happen.

Did you know...

Costa Rica is a democratic republic.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

Coffee beans almost ready to pick. Photo taken near Cachi in the Orosi Valley.

Consider this...

A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

Did you know...

In Costa Rica the literacy rate at age 15 is 94.7%.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

On the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.

Consider this...

Never reach out your hand unless you are willing to extend an arm.

Did you know...

Costa Rica’s official language is Spanish but English is widely spoken as a second language.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

A caiman (cayman). Not an alligator although many people think they are the same.

Consider this...

He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life. Courage is grace under pressure.

Did you know...

Religions within the country are 76.3% Roman Catholic; 13.7% evangelical; 1.3% Jehovah’s Witnesses; 4.8% others; and 3.2% have no religious beliefs.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

A tree sloth. Photo was taken near Poas Volcano.

Consider this...

Don’t bother people for help without first trying to solve the problem yourself.

Did you know...

In Costa Rica the ethnic groups making up the population are 94% white; 3% black; 1% Amerindian; 1% Chinese; and 1% others.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

Late evening near Irazu Volcano.

Consider this...

The most rewarding things you do in life are often the ones that look like they cannot be done.

Did you know...

Costa Rica has an intermediate risk of major infectious diseases. Disease that are food or water- borne is bacterial diarrhea, and vector-borne is dengue fever.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

A fence row along the road up to Irazu Volcano.

Consider this...

A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.

Did you know...

In Costa Rica, adult prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS is .4% with some 9,700 cases known in the country.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

Moss and some type of bracket fungi. Photo taken in the cloud forest on Poas Volcano.

Consider this...

We can’t become what we need to be by remaining what we are.

Did you know...

The life expectancy in Costa Rica is 77 years.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

I just love taking photos of flowers and Costa Rica has such an abundance of them.

Consider this...

Quality is not an act, it is a habit.

Did you know...

Costa Rica has an infant mortality rate of 8.77 deaths/1000 live births.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

Barnacles on driftwood along a beach on the Caribbean.

Consider this...

In order for you to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.

Did you know...

Costa Rica has a population growth rate of 1.356%.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

Step waterfall seen from Ujarras Mirador above the Orosi Valley.

Consider this...

As I grow older, I pay less attention to what people say. I just watch what they do.

Did you know...

In Costa Rica, the average age of the population is 28 years.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

Flower of the Bottle Brush tree.

Consider this...

A compromise is an agreement whereby both parties get what neither of them wanted.

Did you know...

In Costa Rica, 67.1% of the population is between the ages of 15 – 64 years of age.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

Bouganvilla is very common in Costa Rica and comes in a variety of colors.

GOD's Little Ones

My name is Alessandro. I am four years old. I live with my mother and my grandmother. My favorite color is red and I like dogs. My favoirte food is soup. I like to ride my tricycle and I like to watch bicycle races. My favorite song is La Cancion de los Monos (The Monkey Song). I don't like it when people shout. I like to play and I like having someone read to me. I don't know what I want to do when I grow up.

Consider this...

Be as smart as you can, but always remember that it is always better to be wise than smart.

Did you know...

As of July 2009, Costa Rica has a population of 4,253,877.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

Photo near the town of Cervantes.

GOD's Little Ones

Hi there! My name is Wesly and I am 7 months old. I don't do much talking for myself so my mom is going to tell you all about me. My mom likes for me to wear pink and my favorite animal right now is my teddy bear. I like milk, and I like being in my house. My favorite pasttimes are eating and sleeping. My favorite song is a lullaby my mom sings to me called Duerte Mi Nina (Sleep My Baby). I don't like having my hair combed or brushed, but I do seem to like most everything else. My mom wants me to be a lawyer when I grow up.

Consider this...

You aren’t wealthy until you have something money can’t buy.

Did you know...

Costa Rica has several natural hazards which include frequent earthquakes, hurricanes along the Caribbean coast, frequent flooding of the lowlands during the rainy season, landslides, and active volcanoes.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

This plant is one of a large variety of helicones that grow everywhere in Costa Rica.

GOD's Little Ones

My name is Yeilin (pronounced Jay-lynn). I am 11 years old. There are 7 people in my family. My favorite color is purple and I love puppies. My favorite food is hamburgers and my favorite place to be is home. My favorite pasttime is riding bicycles. My favorite sport is swimming. I don't like being away from home and I love being with my family. When I grow up I would like to be either a police woman or a fireman (fire woman).

Consider this...

Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossible before they were done.

Did you know...

Costa Rica’s principle natural resource is hydropower.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

The Orosi Valley from the Ujarras Mirador.

GOD's Little Ones

My name is Anbrey. I am 14 years old and there are 7 people living at my house. My favorite colors are blue and black. My favorite animal is the iguana. I love Chinese food. My favorite place to visit is Pacayas which is a small town up in the mountains. I like to rollerblade. When I grow up I would like to be an auto mechanic.

Consider this...

Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn’t.

Did you know...

Costa Rica’s highest point is Cerro Chirripo at 3810 meters above sea level.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

This photo was taken near Cachi in the Orosi Valley. The hanging nest are of a bird called the oropendala

GOD's Little Ones

Hi! I am Brendaly and I am 14 years old. I live with my family. My favorite color is red and I like rabbits. I like Chinese food. I like to listen to music and I like to ride bicycles. I don't like being noisey or rude. I want to be happy and friendly with other people. I would like to be either a doctor or a police woman when I grow up.

Consider this...

Before trying to keep up with the Joneses, be sure they are not trying to keep up with you.

Did you know...

In Costa Rica, coastal plains are separated by rugged mountains that include over 100 volcanic cones, of which several are major, active volcanoes.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

Locally called a margarita. Grows wild.

GOD's Little Ones

My name is Brayan (pronounced Bryan). I am ten years old and I live with my family. My sisters are Yoselin and Araceli. My favorite color is blue and I like lions. My favorite food is arroz con pollo (rice with chicken). My favorite place to visit is San Jose. That is the capital city of Costa Rica. My favorite pasttime is soccer and it is also my favorite sport. My favorite song is the Costa Rican National Anthem. Something I like to do is write at school. When I grow up I would like to be a pilot.

Consider this...

The art of leadership is saying no, not yes. It is very easy to say yes.

Did you know...

Costa Rica has a dry season (December through April) and a rainy season (May through November).

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

This is locally called hortensia. It is hydrangea and grows well all over Costa Rica

GOD's Little Ones

My name is Araceli. I am 15 years old. I live with my family. Yoselin is my sister. My favorite color is pink and I like puppies. I like food and my favorite place to be is at my high school. I like to listen to music and jump rope. I don't like to study. Maybe when I grow up I will be a teacher.

Consider this...

No matter how busy you are you must take time to make the other person feel important.

Did you know...

Costa Rica has a tropical and subtropical climate with cooler temperatures in the highlands.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

This photo was taken at Ujarras Mirador above the Orosi Valley. I have been told that this is wisteria, but am not sure.

GOD's Little Ones

Hi! I'm Yoselin (pronounced Joselin). I am 16 years old. I live with my parents and with my brother and sister. I have two favorite colors: purple and sky blue. I like dogs. I like every kind of food. My favorite place to be is my high school, and I like to listen to music. I don't like being alone. I like being with people who are happy and like to have fun. I would like to be a doctor or a pathologist.

Consider this...

It’s easy to make a buck. It’s a lot tougher to make a difference.

Did you know...

Costa Rica has 1290 km of coastline.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

A flowering vine growing at Ujarras Mirador (overlook) above Orosi Valley.

GOD's Little Ones

My name is Candida and I am 12 years old. There are 8 people living at my house. My favorite color is green and I like dogs. My favorite food is arroz con pollo (rice with chicken). My favorite place to visit is the beach and I love to swim. I like to play Hide-n-Seek with my friends and my brothers and sisters. I don't like it when people tell me I am ugly. I would like to be a doctor when I grow up.

Consider this...

Courage is the first of human qualities because it is the quality that guarantees the others.

Did you know...

Costa Rica has 309 km of border with Nicaragua and 330 km of border with Panama.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

A rose on one of my bushes in our front yard in San Francisco de Dos Rios.

GOD's Little Ones

I'm Allison. I am 10 years old and there are 5 people in my family. My favorite color is pink and I like cats. My favorite thing to eat is an apple. My favorite place to visit is San Jose which is the capital of my country. My favorite pasttime is playing with my doll. My favorite song is Hogar Dulce Hogar (Home Sweet Home). My favorite sport is swimming. When I grow up I would like to be a teacher.

Consider this...

One of the nice things about problems is that a good many of them do not exist.

Did you know...

Costa Rica is slightly smaller than the state of West Virginia.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

This is a coati. In some parts of Central America it is called a pisoti. He is rather like a raccoon. This one came out to see us while we were stopped along the road near Arenal Volcano.

GOD's Little Ones

I am Andres and I am 8 years old. Eight people live in my house. My favorite color is purple and my favorite animal is the tiger. My favorite food is hamburgers. My favorite place to spend time is Limon which is a city on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. I like to run. I don't like television. When I grow up I want to be a policeman.

Consider this...

The small act of paying attention can take you a long way.

Did you know...

Costa Rica has a total area of 51,100 sq. km. This includes the Isla de Coco.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

Waterfall seen while hiking in Tapanti Park in the Orosi Valley.

GOD's Little Ones

Hola! My name is Dayner (pronounced Die-ner). There are 5 of us living at my house. I am 10 years old. My favorite color is purple and my favorite animal is a dog. I love pizza. My favorite place to be is the park. My favorite song is Salto Hacia Adelante (Jump Forward). I don't like to play soccer, but I love to travel to new places and see new things. When I grow up I want to be a teacher.

Consider this...

A dream doesn’t become a reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.

Did you know...

Costa Rica’s geographical coordinates are 10.00N; 84.00W.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

This is the Basilica in Cartago. A pilgrimage is held each year on August 2nd. Some 1.5 million Costa Rican walk from all over the country to worship a small idol of black stone they call the Negrita. Many walk on their knees once they are actually inside the Basilica.

GOD's Little Ones

Hi! My name is Luisito and I am 8 years old. There are 6 people living at my house. My favoirte color is purple and I like snakes. My favorite food is arroz con pollo (rice with chicken). My favorite place to be is church. My favorite activity is playing soccer. My favorite song is Salto Hacia Adelante (Jump Forward). I don't like to fight. I love soccer. When I grow up I want to be a fireman.

Consider this...

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.

Did you know...

Costa Rica has coasts on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

A poison dart frog. Isn't he cute.

GOD's Little Ones

My name is Hillary. I am 11 years old and I live with my family. My favorite color is sky blue and I love cats and dogs. I like to eat fruit. My favorite place to be is Guanacaste which is one of Costa Rica's provinces on the Pacific coast. I like to paint. My favorite song is Hogar Dulce Hogar (Home Sweet Home). I like to play games that involve jumping. I love to study, but don't really like reading. When I grow up I want to be a doctor.

Consider this...

There is danger in changing too much in search of perfection.

Did you know...

Costa Rica is located in Central America between Nicaragua and Panama.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

Costa Rica has many such slum areas. Nearly a quarter of the population live in these conditions, surviving on approximately $2 per day per person.

GOD's Little Ones

My name is Cesar. I am 11 years old. I live with my parents and 4 brothers and sisters. My favoirte colr is purple and my favorite animal is a hamster. I love to eat fish. I like the village I live in. I love to draw. My favorite song is Mi Familia ( My Family). One of my favoite things to do is play with my dog. When I grow up I want to work in a hardware store.

Consider this...

One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.

Did you know...

Costa Rica is largely an agricultural country but its economy is expanding to include technology and tourism industries.

A Glimpse of Costa Rica

An average sized tarantula.