ABOUT COSTA RICA
Costa Rica is a destination for many who are looking for opportunities to explore intense natural beauty and interact with extremely interesting and welcoming people.
Pura Vida
"Pura Vida" - the famous Costa Rican phrase used by all. It literally translates as "pure life." Contextually, it means "this is living," "going great!" The phras is used as a greeting, a farewell, and to express satisfaction. It is an appreciative acknowledgment to the Costa Rican attitude towards life.
Education
Education is highly regarded in Costa Rica. Six percent of the country's resources are dedicated to education and this investment has proven effective by a 95% literacy rate.
Weather
Summer - Dry Season is December - May with blue skies, warm temperatures and nice breezes; 75-80 degrees. Winter - Rainy Season is mid-May - November with blue, sunny skies in the mornings and showers/thunderstorms in the late afternoon. October has the most rain; 75-80 degrees
Currency in Costa Rica is known as the "colon." The exchange rate is set by thte Central Bank and varies daily by a few cents. There are four paper bills - ¢1000, ¢2000, ¢5000 and ¢10000. Smaller bills are preferred in grocery stores, post office, buses, etc. Coins are more commonly used and come in ¢5, ¢10, ¢25, ¢100 and ¢500. Coins are great for buses, taxis, and small things at the local pulperías.
Atenas
A stroll through the immaculate, palm-lined central park, or lunch at one of the many typical small cafes serving local food in town awaits visitors to Atenas. Located on the Central Valley’s western edge, Atenas is a slice of quintessential small town Costa Rican life. With just 25,000 inhabitants, Atenas is famous for having one of the best climates in the world, according to National Geographic. The words “El Mejor Clima del Mundo” are emblazoned on every Atenas bus; a valid claim as daily temperatures hover around 80 degrees and dip into the 60's at night.
Green and fertile with rolling hills, Atenas is a flourishing agricultural region known for its animal husbandry, coffee and sugar production, and fruit orchards. It is a typical blue-collar working town, where townspeople are on a first-name basis and jovially greet each other in passing. Daily life is focused on family and rooted in tradition, such as the Friday Farmers Market where fresh produce, flowers and meats can be purchased from local growers or Saturday Bingo games next to the church.
The heart of Atenas is its central park, a peaceful spot perfect for enjoying an ice cream or coffee or simply taking in the local life. In the late afternoon, flocks of green parrots and the occasional toucan make their presence known in the palm trees above. Several cafes and restaurants line the park and serve delicious and inexpensive Costa Rican cuisine. The central market, a block southwest of the park, is bustling with vendors selling everything from fresh fruits and cheeses to shoes and jewelry.
Atenas is the perfect place to learn Spanish and fully integrate into the Latin culture. We are confident you will fall in love with this town!