Survival Gear

Traveling for a longer period of time to an exotic place like Costa Rica requires some special preparation. 

You must know that due to its geographical location close to the equator the sun rises at 6 am and consequently sets twelve hours later again. There are no seasons as we know them in Europe. In Costa Rica the climate is tropical. The so-called wet season lasts from May to Octobre and the dry season from Novembre to April.

During the rainy months it will drizzle or rain harder frequently (usually in the afternoon). However the good thing is that the showers are more or less predictable and that the rain will pass off again soon after it has started.

Therefore an umbrella is a must - if you´re out and about in the city or in the country side. Alas, if you happen to be somwhere deep in the rainforest an umbrella will not shield you enough. But there is a remedy: a rain jacket! So I will avoid getting soaking wet by taking one with me wherever I go. I have read recommendations that suggest to do so as you will have your hands free to capture your stunning surroundings on camera.

A tropical climate means that Costa Rica is also home to wicked tiny biting and blood-sucking insects such as ticks and mosquitos. The latter can even carry diseases like malaria or the dengue fever. For this reason prevention is key. I have bought a special anti-insect spray (deet) to protect me when I´ll be making excursions to coastal areas. The central highlands are considered to be safe in terms of life-threatening diseases.

Moreover I will take with me a light-weight sleeping bag and towel which is also fast-drying. A Swiss knife, a miniature compass, LED flashlight and first-aid kit complete my survival equipment.

Costa Rica - quick facts

There are only 19 days left ... and then I´ll be finally able to say HELLO PARADISE, HELLO GARDEN EDEN or simply HELLO COSTA RICA!

Costa Rica is often referred to as Latin America´s Switzerland as it is firstly a stable democracy that is investing heavily in education, nature conservation and eco-tourism. Secondly it has no army but a special  police force dedicated to ensure safe travel for tourists. Thirdly it offers a truly unique and breathtaking landscape.

This tropical paradise on earth is located south of Nicaragua and north of Panama in Central America with access to two oceans (the Pacific and the Atlantic). At only 19,653 sq meters it is a really tiny piece of heaven which call an estimated 4.6 mio people home. The official language is Spanish since Spanish conqueror Christopher Columbus set foot on costa rican soil during his final voyage in 1502. Thus the country´s currency - the colón, is named after him.