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!

CHE TICA

Located in the mountains Northeast of San Jose and 2 miles from the entrance to Braulio Carrillo’s national park and rainforest, this beautiful medical recovery center and ranch maintains a commitment to excellence in surgical post-op care. Although you are amongst the beauty and nature of the best of Costa Rica s eco-tourism, you are also 15 minutes from one of the major JCI accredited hospitals of San Jose. The medical recovery center and it s English speaking staff provides warm hospitality in a home setting complete with distinctive architecture and country décor. Each room is individually a unique themed cottage that includes cable TV/DVD, fireplace, refrigerator/microwave and music system/DVD. Internet and International phone calls are also available.There is also the “Buena Vista Social Club” which is a place you are welcomed to be in the company of the other guests. Outstanding world-wide cuisines are made at the ranch and 24-hour nurse care is available throughout your stay and recovery.

EL RODEO COUNTRY INN

El Rodeo is a 4-star Costa Rica country inn, located only 10 minutes from the Juan Santamaría Internacional Airport, and in the heart of the lastet, bustling business and commercial district, Santa Ana/San Antonio de Belen, and only 15 minutes away from downtown San José.El Rodeo seeks to replace the cold, impersonal ambiance that usually characterizes larger hotel chains, with Costa Rican charming warmth, plus exceptional service in a natural and peaceful environment. Our hotel offers 29 luxurious rooms, each with beautiful hardwood floors and furnishings (7 elegant Suites and 22 spacious Superior Rooms). All of them are equipped with cable TV, air conditioning, direct telephone, alarm clock, ample bathrooms with hot water and bathtub, hair dryer, coffee maker and safe deposit box. Suites additionally have a small living room, mini-bar, iron and ironing board. Our facilities are set in tropical gardens and include a swimming pool and Jacuzzi, with views of the spectacular Poás and Barva volcanoes. Our Tennis court is complimentary for our guests, and additionally we have events facilities for up to 400 people, a charming cafeteria and the renown restaurant “El Rodeo Steakhouse”, a Costa Rican favorite and without a doubt the best in its class for over 25 years. Room Service, airport transfers, tour desk services, money exchange, laundry service and free wireless Internet connection are also available. A full Costa Rican breakfast buffet is served every day at the Grand Café.

VILLA LE MAS

Located amongst the most prestigious properties of the multi-cultural city of Escazu, Costa Rica - less than 10 minutes to fine American and other international
restaurants also museums, galleries, malls, embassies, hospitals and your chosen clinic and doctor. LeMas maintains it's high standards by accepting only a limited number of patients to avoid a commercial atmosphere. Our suites include their own private entry, as well as a fully equipped bath to ensure your healing time to be the most comfortable and personalized. All units are equipped with mini-kitchens,TV,DVD and your own private telephone line; plus wireless Internet service in your room and common areas.Hundreds of acres of protected rain forest grace the estate. The Mountain of Pico Blanco and the evenings dazzling showcase of city lights awaits your private peaceful viewing.. The beautiful Spa area with the solar heated swimming pool, where our professional massage Therapist may give you soothing and relaxing massages as well as any massage required by your surgery. You may get a pedicure or manicure or even your hair done; Pampering therapy. Our English speaking Registered head nurse has specialized over the years in post cosmetic surgical care. She personally will oversee that you get the best out of your recovery period.

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