About Costa Rica

Costa Rica, the third smallest Central American country and the oldest democracy in Latin America, is one of the most popular locations for a Spanish course. No other country in Latin America offers such an abundance of natural beauty and of flora and fauna in such a small area.


27% of the land is protected as a nature reserve. It is always just a short distance to picturesque beaches on the Pacific or Caribbean coast, which often blend directly into national parks, such as in Manuel Antonio or in Cahuita. Over 1200 kilometers of beaches entice you to swim, surf, scuba dive, and relax. The cool, high mountain region is easily accessible. You can go all the way to the rim of active volcanoes such as Irazú or Poás, or you can visit Arenal, one of the most active volcanoes in the world.


Spectacular waterfalls, rain forests, cloud forests, mountain streams, and high mountain paths invite you to hike, mountain bike, fish, or go river rafting. Costa Rica enjoys the reputation of being the “Switzerland of Latin America”. The people here speak clearly enunciated Spanish, which makes Costa Rica the ideal place for a Spanish course – and for an unforgettable experience with nature.


Official Data

  • Official language: Spanish
  • Capital city: San José
  • President: Oscar Arias Sánchez
  • Area: 51,100 km²
  • Coastline: 1,290 km
  • Population: 4,159,757 as of 2004
  • Gross Domestic Product: $38 billion per year
  • Per capita income: $9,490 per year
  • Independence day (from Spain): September 15, 1821
  • Currency: colón CRC
  • Exchange rate: $1= around 560 colones
  • Country phone code: 506
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Associated to:

Asociación para la Difusión del Español y la Cultura Hispánica Cámara Nacional de Turismo de Costa Rica Costa Rican-German Chamber of Commerce Coronado Tourism Chamber Centro Virtual Cervantes Proud Sponsor of National Park Foundation of Costa Rica