The Pacific side and central parts of the country are driest from January through March. Nothing could be further from the truth. We can normally be assured of sunny mornings followed by some rain in the afternoons and evenings, and even plenty of days without rain. The ingredients used by Costa Rican cooks include simple native food, such as chayotes, avocados, and the ever present corn. Calorie counters may prefer a tropical fruit plate of papaya, watermelon, pineapple, banana, and in season mango or cantaloupe.
Hearty soups are a favorite for dinner.
It has both a Pacific and Atlantic Coast. Over half the population lives on this plain, which has fertile volcanic soils. The Caribbean coast is 132 miles long while the Pacific coast is 635 miles long. Although preferred, a valid passport is not required for U.S. citizens only proof of citizenship such as an original birth certificate. Citizens of all other countries require a valid passport to enter.