Considered the “Switzerland” of Central America, Costa Rica is an oasis of calm among its turbulent neighbors and an ecotourism haven, making it one of the best places to experience the tropics with minimal impact. It's also mostly coastline, which means great surfing and beautiful beaches. There are also many primary tourist areas outside of the coast, and much to see such as volcanoes, museums, national parks, and coffee plantations. You will be amazed to discover that the scenery here does not change from day to day. It changes hour to hour, moment to moment - dramatically taking you from the beaches to mountain passes, from grasslands to rain forest, from white-water rivers to rivers of lava, pouring from volcanoes, painting the jungle with columns of fire.

Costa Rica's enlightened approach to conservation has ensured that lush jungles preserve its wide array of animal species such as 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.

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. On the map, the country stretches majestically from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea with only 200 miles from one end to the other.

The country's stability, prosperity and self-confidence pay unexpected dividends. Not the least of these: in 1948 Costa Ricans proved their confidence in the stability of their nation by abolishing their army. Instead of hiring Regiments of Infantry, they hire Platoons of Forest Rangers to preserve all the natural beauty that identifies Costa Rica.

Currency

Name: Costa Rican Colon (Colón)
Exchange rate: Go to www.gocurrency.com

San José

San José is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica. San José is located in the center of the country on a mountain plateau at an elevation of about 1,170 meters (3,839 feet) above sea level.

According to the 2000 census, the city had a population of 309,672 people. The latter half   of the 20th century was a period of rapid growth for the city, considering that in 1950 its population was a mere 86,900. The metropolitan area of San José exceeds the canton limits and surpasses 2.5 million inhabitants.

San José was a small village of little significance until 1824. In that year, Costa Rica's first elected head of state, libera Juan Mora Fernandez, decided to move the government of Costa Rica from the old Spanish colonial capital of Cartago and make a fresh start with a new city. This was a time of much optimism in the newly independent nation of Central America, of which Costa Rica was at that time a state. The new capital of San José grew rapidly, extending into the Central Valley. Because of its late 18th Century origin, San José has little of the Spanish colonial architecture common in most other Latin American capitals. On August 9, 1884, San Jose became the first city in Latin America illuminated by electric energy.

The city is served by the Juan Santamaria International Airport, approximately 15 minutes west (without traffic) of downtown, near Alajuela.

More information when visiting San Jose…

Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica. English is the second language.
 
The temperatures 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. Tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands. 
 
Passport is required for entrance from the US and the Costa Rican government charges a USD $26.00 fee to exit the country, payable at the San Jose (Juan Santa Maria) Airport. This fee is payable in cash or by Visa credit card.

Premier MedEscape On-Site Representative: Carlos Salas

Hometown: SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA Education: Juris Doctor in Costa Rican Law and Notary Public Languages: Spanish and English My background and experience: Customer Service, Operations Manager, Attorney at Law and Notary Public

My goals:
Provide you the quality service, experience and hassle free visit you deserve while you relax and recuperate in Costa Rica.  We will coordinate a variety of activities to make your stay very pleasant.  Let us make your visit more fun without any of the stress and hassles.  We can provide everything from dinner reservations, travel arrangements, fishing tours, golf clubs to real estate and more.  We will work closely with you to customize the perfect experience while keeping in mind your special needs, interests and budget.

Why I love Costa Rica:
Because the people from this small country have a great heart, and the best part of it is that we want to share with the visitors this warmth and the natural beauties we can offer.   It is the ideal place to feel at home and relaxed, two very important elements of your recuperation after medical treatment.  Costa Rica has more than five percent of the world’s known species of plant and animal life.  The reason for this diversity definitely is the landscape itself.  In our country you will find twelve distinctly different ecological zones.  This offers travelers an unparalleled opportunity to experience a wider variety of ecosystems and natural treasures than can be found anywhere.

I am looking forward to meeting you in San Jose and guiding you through your visit.  See you soon!

Hotel Real Intercontinental

The Real InterContinental Costa Rica Hotel is ideally located in San Jose, Costa Rica, within the exclusive area of Escazu, across from the Multi Plaza Shopping and Entertainment Center. San José is a fun place where every modern luxury is delivered in a tropical environment. The Real InterContinental Costa Rica Hotel offers 261 elegantly appointed rooms and suites and 20 meeting rooms which make this property the ideal location for the most important corporate, government and social events. To enhance guests' comfort we have non smoking rooms in each floor.   All our rooms offer an excellent view to the gardens, surrounded by tropical atmosphere. Fulfilling the highest standards of amenities, the Real InterContinental Costa Rica  Hotel's guest rooms offer air conditioning, color TV with cable, radio, two telephones with dual lines and international dialing, voicemail, minibar, hairdryer and vanity mirrors. Additionally, the hotel offers a variety of leisure facilities, these are: spa features a well-equipped Fitness Center,  outside tennis court, beauty salon and hairdresser and concierge services. At Real Intercontinental Costa Rica you can taste delicious food with the multiple varieties of gastronomical choices we offer at Azulejos Restaurant, an elegant and cozy place where you can indulge yourself with the best international cuisine.  You can also enjoy great Italian gastronomy at Alfredo Restaurant, The Emperor of Fettuccine accompanied by our great selection of wines.  We invite you to Factory Steak & Lobster, where you can taste the best imported beef cuts and lobster in a very casual and elegant ambience.   At Nau Bar you can enjoy our menu of sake cocktails, while tasting our Sushi selection in a very modern ambience with lounge music.  And for those moments to share with friends in a pleasant and trendy atmosphere the perfect place is Zambra Bar, ideal for conversing and enjoying national and imported drinks accompanied by live music and exquisite hors d'oeuvres. Near San José you can find numerous touristic places like Valle de Orosí, active volcanoes Irazú and Poás, or if you like the adventure, try canopy or river rafting. Other attractions to visit include the Manuel Antonio National Park, with a wide variety of fauna.

Hotel Quality Real

Quality Hotel Real San Jose is conveniently located in the heart of the new business district of San José, in front of the Business Center Forum, and within 15 minutes of Juan Santa María International Airport - SJO. The Multiplaza Mall, the biggest mall in Costa Rica, is just five minutes away, while one of the finest golf course, Valle del Sol, is three minutes away. The hotel's 154 guest rooms, including 16 extended-stay rooms, are all thoughtfully appointed and feature an array of modern amenities which include air conditioning, color TV with cable, dual-line telephones with international dialing, voicemail, smoke detectors, sprinkler system, vanity mirrors and soundproof windows . There are 3 rooms with facilities for the disabled and two non-smoking floors. Guests of the Quality Real San Jose Hotel can start the day with a complimentary full American buffet breakfast. Our restaurant is open from 10:00 am until 10:00 pm, and our Room Service department will be ready to serve you at any time, 24 hours a day. Four function rooms at the hotel can accommodate business and social events for up to 80 guests in a reception setting, while a special outdoor area is the ideal venue for cocktails or special dinners. The hotel offers a comprehensive range of audio-visual equipment. The Business center is equipped with the latest technology. A well-equipped Fitness Center and an outdoor swimming pool take care of fitness needs. The Quality Real San Jose Hotel provides free parking for 100 vehicles.

Paradise Cosmetic Inn

Located in San Jose, Costa Rica, the Paradise Cosmetic Inn is just a few minutes away from all major hospitals and clinics. Our unique inn was built especially for patients looking for the best in cosmetic and dental surgical aftercare. Enjoy the best views of Central Valley on top of a breathtaking mountain. We offer a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere in our brand new accommodations. Our professional staff is waiting to pamper and indulge you! Come and recover in the serene ambience of Costa Rica’s natural beauty! Our professional staff will pamper your every need.Paradise Cosmetic Inn offers the best in after surgery care to our guests in a brand new facility for a reasonable rate.

Hospital CIMA

The Center for International Medicine (CIMA) Hospital in Escazú, a western San José suburb, is the first hospital in Costa Rica to receive the ministry's seal of approval through a lengthy certification process established in 1999. While all hospitals must receive a basic license from the ministry to operate, the quality accreditation “goes above and beyond.” It boasts Costa Rica's only licensed helipad, which receives 8-9 landings per year. CIMA has the doctors, nurses, and state-of-the-art medical equipment to provide the care and comfort you are looking for. There are 170 physicians within 60 specialties, a comprehensive imaging department, a high-end laboratory, and a 24-hour pharmacy. The hospital is operated by the International Hospital Corporation (IHC), headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and affiliated with the Baylor University Medical Center.

Hospital Clinica Biblica

Clínica Bíblica Hospital is the largest and most prestigious private hospital in Costa Rica. For the last 77 years, the Hospital has centered its mission and vision on the health of its patients, offering them professional services, tranquility and wellness during their stay at the hospital.

You will enjoy the peace of mind and tranquility that comes with knowing that you are in an experienced world-class medical institution (founded in 1929) with state-of-the-art facilities and medical services.

The hospital boasts a 50 million dollar infrastructure (and new 35 million dollar hospital building) and can handle anything from life-threatening emergencies and leading-edge procedures, to medical checkups or a facelift.

Additionally, and in order to assure you that the care and treatment you receive is on par with prestigious North American and European Hospitals, Clinica Biblica Hospital was recently awarded accreditation from the Joint Commission International, which makes us the first hospital in the region with this prestigious certification.

The Joint Commission has been accrediting hospitals for more than 50 years. Its accreditation is a nationwide seal of approval that indicates a hospital meets high performance standards. This accreditation helps hospitals improve their performance, raise the level of patient care, and demonstrate accountability in the rapidly changing health care marketplace.

With 200 skilled physicians performing a wide variety medical procedures daily, you can be sure that the health care and guidance you receive are backed by years of experience, training and knowledge.

You will also find:

• Highly specialized dedicated attention
• Immediate information about our services and benefits
• English – speaking coordinator and staff
• Same day appointments
• All specialized services under one roof

Main Services

• Emergency Room
• Intensive Care Unit
• Medical / Surgical Services
• Laboratory
• Blood Bank
• Radiology Department
• Physical Therapy
• Cardiology
• Maternity
• Dermatology
• 24 hour pharmacy & express service

International Hospital Affiliations

• Mount Sinai, Florida, USA
• Tulane Medical Center, New Orleans, USA
• Oschner Clinic, New Orleans, USA