COSTA RICA

MEETINGS

M I C EINCENTIVES CONFERENCES EXHIBITIONS

O F F I C I A L C O S TA R I C A G U I D E O F M E E T I N G S A N D I N C E N T I V E T R AV E L

you deserve it!

I N D I C E

COSTA RICA CONVENTION BUREAUCalle 38 y 40 , av. 2, Paseo ColónEdificio ASG, II piso, oficina 18San José, San José, Hospital 10103Costa RicaPh: (506) 2221-3753P.O. Box 15-1002 San José, Costa Ricainfo@costaricacvb.comwww.costaricacvb.com

COSTA RICA TOURIST BOARD Costado este del Puente Juan Pablo II, Autopista General CañasSan José, San José, Uruca, 10107Costa Rica

Ph. (506) 2299-5800Fax (506) 2291-4645P.O. Box 777-1000 San José, Costa Rica

Tourist Information in USA and Canada800-TURISMOwww.visitcostarica.com

I N D E X

Costa Rica3

AirAccess18

Costa Rica in Brief19

Gratifying Regions

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CentralValley

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Guanacaste24-25

NorthernPlains

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Monteverde29

Caribbean30

SupportingServices

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CorcovadoGolfito31

CentralPacific 26-27

Destination4-17

Special thanks to the following companies that supported the making of this guide by providing us their photographs.

Aeris Holding Costa Rica | ATMAN - Terapeuta Hugo Fonseca | Cactus Tour DMC | Costa Rica DMC | CRT Escapes VIP | Eventos Pedregal | Four Seasons ICT | Premio DMC | Rain Forest Adventures | Real InterContinental San José, Costa Rica | Reserva Conchal | The Westin Resort Golf Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal | Wyndham San José HerraduraAnd photographers: Andrés Madrigal, Kattia Leandro & María Fe Alpízar

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Costa Rica has optimal conditions for the MICE market segmentCosta Rica is a country rich in flora and fauna, with warm hospitable people highly accustomed to welcoming travelers from around the world who want to enjoy its nature and tourist attractions.

From the beginning, the country opted for sustainable management to meet the needs of its tourists and regions, while maintaining our cultural integrity, customs and the quality of essential ecological processes and biological diversity.

With less than one percent of the planet’s surface area - 51,100 square kilometers - Costa Rica is home to 5 percent of the world’s biodiversity and 3.5 percent of its marine life, and we have 26 percent of the nation protected in a conservation area system.

The decision to protect nature has positioned the country as a global leader in building a real concept of sustainability, with a product that offers an authentic and unforgettable travel experience for tourists.

As Minister of Tourism and President of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute, I feel very proud to work for a country that annually hosts more than two million tourists, who we receive with a fraternal embrace in a climate of peace and democracy.

We are enthusiastically participating in the internationally competitive business of destinations for meeting and incentive travel, by offering a wide variety of natural attractions, high quality hotel infrastructure, air travel services and highly professional personnel, enhanced with cutting edge technological support and social security.

In the framework of our National Tourism Plan, we are exploring new niches and as an outcome of Costa Rica’s strength as a consolidated tourist destination, the administration of President Laura Chinchilla has taken on the challenge of building a National Convention Center as a means of diversifying tourism.

This project will give the country the momentum needed to increase domestic tourism growth and compete for a share of the world’s profitable conference, convention and trade fair market. Undoubtedly this is an important market niche that will bring tourists in all year-round, high season or low.

With the development of a first-class Convention Center, we will reinforce the goals set by the tourism sector to ensure that tourism remains one of the main driving forces of the nation’s economy, generating direct and indirect benefits for human development.

The culmination of this major work is an integral part of the country’s sustainable tourism approach that has all the conditions for growth in the niche market known as MICE (for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibits). This new market fosters tourism throughout the year and it will also be a catalyst for repeat visits to the country, since tourists from this niche will have an opportunity to get acquainted with our product and return in the future on a family trip.

Costa Rica is eager to offer you its nature, its peace, and above all, the friendship of its people. We are an excellent sustainable destination accustomed to receiving people from around the world to share unique and wonderful experiences.

Sr. Allan Flores Moya Minister of Tourism ofCosta Rica

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A naturally protected destination

Costa Rica has higher species diversity than Europe and North America combined and it is ranked among the 20 most biodiverse countries in the world. Its different climates and habitats range from lowland tropical rainforest to mountaintop cloud forests, lakes and rivers, which are the foundation of the nation’s diverse life zones.

Come and rejuvenate yourself in this tropical paradise blessed by Mother Nature. The country’s geographical position, two coasts and three mountain systems have endowed it with numerous and varied microclimates. This natural wealth in terms of species and ecosystems represents about 6% of the biodiversity described worldwide.

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Experience the charm of Costa Rica and why its nature is greener!

Give your customers a great opportunity to:• Watch amazing birds in unique natural settings• Choose from the wide range of activities at our destination: from seeing plants and animals in a rainforest cable car to the unparalleled excitement of running the rapids of our magnificent rivers, or participating in corporate social responsibility programs• Learn about the crater of a volcano• Witness the amazing experience of nesting sea turtles• Hike the nature trails in our national parks• Ride horses on the beach

33 National Parks

8 Biological Reserves

61 Wildlife Refuges

11 Conservation Areas

14 Wetlands

Source: SINAC – The National Conservation Area System

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Our professional and experienced DMCs offer you multiple alternatives for the development of teamwork activities ... remember, a team that works together gets better results...

We can supply attractive itineraries tailored for your employees’ incentive travel program, extraordinary events to celebrate company achievements or to boost morale during challenging times. Costa Rica is the ideal place to harmoniously combine learning with the enjoyment of the attractions at an extraordinary destination.

Beach games

Treasure hunts

Rallies

Activities to help

communities

Cruises

Cooking lessons

Coffee, banana,

pineapple and

other tours

Jeep safaris

Teamwork

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Wide variety of beaches and water activities within reachCosta Rica has 763 miles (1,228 km) of coast-line with a huge variety of beaches waiting to be discovered. There are beaches for every taste: rocky or sandy; white, gray, blue-black, cinnamon or pink sand; lined with palm trees and tropical vegetation. There you will find high quality, independent and international chain hotels, with nightlife, dining and music options.

Sailing

Diving

Snorkeling

Jet skiing

Water skiing

Surfing

Windsurfing

Paragliding

Cruises

Sea kayaking

Canoeing

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Costa Rica is now an internationally renowned destination sought out by visitors from North America and Europe, seeking the personalized service that meets the needs and demands of their customers. Consider Costa Rica for your next meeting!

We offer a good combination of comfort and efficiency coupled with Costa Rican charm. We have more than 20 years of experience in serving motivational groups and meetings. We recognize comfort as an essential ingredient for the enjoyment of your stay: non-smoking rooms, with comfortable beds and exquisite decor, maid service twice daily, executive floors, room service, pay-per-view movies, national and international television channels, direct internet connection, and more.

Excellent quality services

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For your meetings, you will find all the facilities necessary for conveniently holding your meetings: reception rooms, exhibit space, translation services, audio-visual equipment, meals made to order, business centers, very original souvenirs, Internet access, and all this:

Five-star hotels

Unique boutique hotels

Gourmet dinners

Vibrant Latin nightlife

Qualified providers of

modern audio, video and

telecommunications

technology systems

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Breathtaking adventure activities Adventure involves very particular, challenging situations with some amount of uncertainty, depending on who is doing it. Costa Rica tops the list of adventure destinations for everyone, and you can find the best activities and the best sports. Your definition of adventure, whatever this might be, is well within reach: visit the dense tropical rainforest, relax by the sea, enjoy contact with nature, explore the forest canopy, climb rocks and waterfalls, or go sport fishing... All you have to do is choose!

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River rapids

Diving

Deep sea fishing

Excursion through the

treetops (canopy tour)

Rock climbing

Canoeing

Tubing the river rapids

ATV tours

Beach or mountain

horseback riding

Bungee jumping

Bicycle tours

Motorcycle tours

Hanging bridges

Elmundoviajes.com: The best destination for adventure and sports worldwide.

Pacific Business News: Costa Rica is named as the best adventure destination in the world among high level tourists.

The U.S. magazine International Business Times places Costa Rica at the top of the annual rankings for “Most Popular” adventure tourism destinations.

Breathtaking adventure activities

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Peaceful and ideal for relaxation

When work, the daily grind and your many responsibilities leave you tired and unenthusiastic, you must rejuvenate your mental, physical and spiritual state with forgotten pleasures. We invite you to enjoy the refreshing misty air on a tour the cloud forest, listen to bird songs while hiking around the crater of a volcano, and feel the sea breeze while the sun caresses your skin.

Spas | Yoga Centers | Meditation Centers | Hot Springs

Release the tension in your body with a massage by magical hands, one of the countless delicious sensations that Costa Rica has in store for you.

Soothe your body and bring peace to your spirit...

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• Body treatments: exfoliation with herbs, minerals and other products. Herbal wraps, mud masks, body exfoliation with papaya, mineral salt masks or a relaxing bath with coconut.• Manicure• Pedicure

Massages Hot Stone, shiatsu zen (deep tissue massage), aromatherapy, Swedish massage, traditional massage, reflexology.

Facials | Manicure | Pedicure

Spas

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Make your Costa Rican experience unique! Tee off to the rhythms of the chirping birds, crashing ocean waves and lapping sea foam in near-perfect weather. Crowd-free golf courses at coastal retreats in luxury resorts have been designed by experts such as George Fazio, Ron Garl, Tracy May, Greg Norman, Arnold Palmer, Ted Robinson, Jr., Robert Trent-Jones II and Mike Young, boosting Costa Rica’s reputation as an excellent golf destination.

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Golf in a tropical setting

Some luxury golf courses

Cariari Country Club - Central ValleySun Valley - Central ValleyLos Sueños - Central PacificThe Westin Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal North Pacific Hacienda Pinilla, North PacificFour Seasons - North Pacific Los Delfines - Nicoya Peninsula

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Buenos Aires

Río de Janeiro

Sau Paulo

Asunción

GuayaquilQuito

BogotáCaracas

Medellín

Calí

BarranquillaCartagena

Lima

PanamáGuanacaste

El Salvador

COSTA RICA

Guatemala

Ciudad de México Merida

Cancún

Dallas Houston

Toronto

Amsterdam

Londres

Frankfurt

Madrid

Duesseldorf

Münich

San Francisco

ChicagoLos Angeles

AtlantaCharlotte

Washington D.C.

Nueva York

OrlandoMiami

República Dominicana

Puerto Rico JamaicaCuracao

San Andrés Belize

Cuba

Santiago

PacificOcean

AtlanticOcean

New Orleans

San José

HondurasNicaragua

Estimated time to Costa Rica

Amsterdam* 13:00 hrsAtlanta 4:00 hrsBogotá 2:10 hrsBuenos Aires* 8:50 hrsCharlotte 4:00 hrsChicago 5:15 hrsDallas 4:15 hrsHouston 3:40 hrsLima 3:45 hrsLos Angeles 6:00 hrs Madrid 10:00 hrsCiudad de México2:40 hrsMiami 2:40 hrs Nueva York 5:00 hrsSan Francisco 7:30 hrsSantiago* 8:00 hrsSau Paulo* 9:15 hrsToronto 5:15 hrsWashington D.C 4:55 hrs

* One stop flights

AIR ACCESS Two International Airports

Travel to Costa Rica is now extremely easy, since major airlines such as American, United, Delta, US Airways, Air Canada, Avianca/Taca, Copa, Interjet, and others offer daily flights from the nerve centers of the United States and Canada to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), ranked as one of the best according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in its annual passenger survey report.

Other international airlines such as Iberia and Condor offer direct flights from Madrid and Frankfurt. And major European airlines offer connecting service from Europe via Atlanta, Houston, Miami and New York.Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR) is located on the outskirts of Liberia, the capital of the province of Guanacaste. It receives regular international flights served by American, Copa, Delta, United, Avianca/Taca and JetairFly, with nonstop flights from Miami, Atlanta, Houston and Toronto. Additionally, this airport is conveniently located near beach resorts that continually receive groups.

National airlines with domestic service are SANSA and Nature Air. SANSA operates at both international airports and other smaller airstrips in country. Nature Air has its base of operations in the Tobias Bolanos International Airport, very near the city center of San Jose.

“Costa Rica was named the best Central/South American destination for the eighth year.”Travel Weekly, January 17, 2012

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NameRepublic of Costa Rica

LocationOn the Central American isthmus, with Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean coasts, between Nicaragua and Panama, at 10° North latitude

Capital citySan José

ProvincesAlajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limón, Puntarenas, San José

Population4,615,518 inhabitants (as of June 2011) Size51,100 square kilometers (19,652 square miles

Official LanguageSpanish (an increasing percentage of the population speaks English)

Education expenditures: 6.3% of GDP (2011)

Labor force: Total 2,170,000 million

Economically active population 42.3%

In competitiveness, Costa Rica is ranked third in Latin America and 57th in the world, out of a total of 144 countries, according to the Global Competitiveness Index 2012-2013, prepared by the World Economic Forum.

Another report of this entity highlights the country’s natural resources, which place it in 6th place globally. These are complemented by several declared World Heritage Sites, a high percentage of protected areas and diverse plants and animals. *Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2011-2012 by the World Economic Forum.

ClimateTourists can enjoy the country all year-round, but most prefer the dry season from November to April. However, many travel during the rainy low season from May to October, when the greenery is lusher. The average temperature is 21º C (70º F) in the highlands, and 28º C (82º F) in the lowlands near the coasts. Because the climate is mild throughout the year, it is said that Costa Rica is the land of eternal spring. Even in the rainy season, the mornings are sunny and clear.

“Costa Rica named world’s Most Popular Destination”Trip Advisor Eco-Friendly Travel Survey

COSTA RICA IN BRIEF

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MAJOR EXPORTSTourism, electronics, textiles, bananas, coffee, sugar, medical equipment, pineapples, ornamental plants and foliage, processed foods from fish and seafood.

Life expectancy79.1 years

Literacy rate95% (January 2011)

Youth Literacy98.4%

Public Health Services Coverage90.4 % of the total population

Health Care Expenditures27.8% of the State budget

Telephone services access92% of the total population

National Parks and Protected AreasIn 1970 occurred a growing acknowledgment that something unique and lovely was vanishing, and a systematic effort was begun to save what was left of the wilderness. That year, the Costa Ricans formed a national park system that has won worldwide admiration. The National Conservation Areas System (SINAC) protects more than 186

areas, including national parks, biological reserves, forest reserves, and wildlife refuges.Now, more than 25.6% of the territory is under the protection of the State and about 3% is in private reserves.

OFFICIAL HOLIDAYS January 1stNew Year’s Day

EasterHoly Week (Semana Santa)

April 11thJuan Santamaria Day National Hero

May 1stLabor Day

July 25thGuanacaste Day Annexation of Guanacaste in 1824

August 2ndVirgin of the Angels Day: Patron saint of Costa Rica

Mother’s DayAugust 15th

September 15th Independence Day

October 12thColumbus Day

December 25thChristmas Day

Recent acknowledgements for Costa RicaTripAdvisor 2011 Travelers’ Choice Beaches Award, for top beach in Central and South America

Apple Vacations 2011 Crystal Apple Award for Best DestinationCondé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award 2010 for best resort in the Americas and best hotel in Central America

Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Award 2010 for the seventh consecutive year for best destination in the Americas

COSTA RICA IN BRIEF

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Each tourism region of Costa Rica offers its own natural setting, microclimate, vegetation and culture; it is the combination of these factors that gives the country a wide range of attractions. Discover the many and varied alternatives in each one and be enthralled by them all!

1. Central Valley2. Guanacaste North3. Guanacaste South4. Central Pacific 5. Puntarenas and Gulf Islands 6. Monteverde7. Northern Plains8. North Caribbean9. South Caribbean10. South Pacific, Corcovado and Golfito

Gratifying Regions

TOURIST UNITS OF COSTA RICA

1

23

5

67

8

9

10

4

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Costa Rica receives you in its newly refurbished Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and welcomes you to the capital city of San José, located in the Central Valley. The country is proud to present a selection of art exhibitions in several museums and theaters, as well as musical performances. In addition, its rich architectural styles invite you to discover their beauty on entertaining

Central Valley

A wide variety of boutique and luxury hotels await you to provide comfort and amenities that meet international standards and to assist you with the logistics for your meetings, incentive groups or large conventions, with exhibition area options for trade shows.

TOURIST UNITS OF COSTA RICA

Valle Central

GRATIFYING REGIONS

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Central Valley

Hike some of the national parks and explore active volcanoes nearby, visit coffee plantations, see the world’s largest butterfly farm, admire impressive waterfalls. Adventure can be a remedy for stress and the Central Valley also provides this. Feel the power of nature as you enjoy the rapids in our rivers or glide past the treetops in a cable car through the rainforest.

GRATIFYING REGIONS

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Guanacaste

AREA POPULATION CLIMATE TEMPERATURE AVERAGE

10,140 km2 264.474 Mild | Dry 28ºC | 85ºF

Sunny and breezy for most of the year, it is a land of volcanic peaks, wooded valleys, beautiful waterfalls and hot springs, and national parks and wildlife refuges rich in flora and fauna, where you can enjoy beaches, bird watching, horseback riding and admire the Guanacaste and Tilarán mountain ranges.Whether you visit during the dry or the rainy season, both provide great advantages.

AttractionLa Casona History Museum, Santa RosaSanta Rosa National ParkRincón de la Vieja Volcano National ParkGuanacaste National ParkTenorio Volcano National ParkRío Celeste Miravalles Volcano Protected AreaIsla Bolaños National Wildlife Refuge

TOURIST UNITS OF COSTA RICA

North Guanacaste

GRATIFYING REGIONS

Its name comes from the Indian word quahnacaztlan, meaning “place near trees with ears.” It is the largest and least populated province, with the driest climate year-round. It is also known for its cattle production and spectacular Pacific Ocean beaches. It has mildly active volcanoes, lakes, and it also conserves one of the few tropical dry forests remaining in Central America. Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR) provides convenient air service.

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Guanacaste

Nicoya, a city to the south, was a vibrant pre-Columbian cultural center for the Chorotegas, a people who were descended from the Olmecs of Mexico. The coastline is irregular with bays, peninsulas and miles of sandy beaches that are the most beautiful in the country. You will also find fascinating natural history, historic sites and picturesque villages. The beaches are lapped by the warm, crystalline waters of the Pacific and several offer protection to marvelous nesting sea turtles. Ostional Beach is a nesting aggregation site for olive ridley sea turtles from July to December each year.

You can also enjoy the best hotels and five-star beach resorts with luxury golf courses designed by golf celebrities such as Robert Trent-Jones II and Arnold Palmer.

AttractionsPalo Verde National ParkBarra Honda National ParkGuaitil (a community where they make pottery using Chorotegan techniques)Bahía Junquillal National Wildlife RefugeLas Baulas National Marine ParkTamarindo National Wildlife RefugeLomas de Barbudal Biological ReserveOstional National Wildlife Refuge

TOURIST UNITS OF COSTA RICA

South Guanacaste

GRATIFYING REGIONS

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Central Pacific

In the Central Pacific region, the ocean rules! This region is in the province of Puntarenas. Surfing, kayaking, running the rapids, canopy tours and hiking are some of the activities that visitors can choose from. Come swim at some of the most beautiful and pristine palm tree-lined beaches o just relax in a hammock enjoying the ocean breeze. Set your sail for a tropical island or take a sunset cruise.

Marvel at the clear blue waters while snorkeling, windsurfing or sea kayaking; let your adrenaline surge while whitewater rafting a swollen river, or feel the intense energy of catching a blue marlin on a deep sea fishing expedition.

TOURIST UNITS OF COSTA RICA

Central Pacific

GRATIFYING REGIONS

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Currently, the port of Puntarenas receives cruise ships at its terminal. It is very near the island of San Lucas and other beach-fringed islands suitable for swimming such as Gitana, Jesucita, Cedros, Tortuga, Guayabo and the Negritos y Pájaros Biological Reserve.

Other areas such as Tambor, Mal País and the Curú Wildlife Refuge have beaches that are striking and splendid.

AttractionsCrocodile safariHanging bridgesIsla Guayabo, Islas Negritos & Isla Pájaros Biological ReservesIsla Tortuga Biological ReserveIsla Cedros, Isla Jesusita Carara National ParkCorcovado National ParkManuel Antonio National ParkGolfito National Wildlife RefugePunta Leona Protected AreaManglares de Damas Cavernas de Damas QueposCavernas de Damas Quepos

Central Pacific

The Central Pacific, with its internationally acclaimed resorts and specialty hotels, gourmet restaurants and world-class golf courses, offers ideal entertainment opportunities in any kind of event for the most select group.

GRATIFYING REGIONS

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The mountains to the north offer visitors a haven for relaxation, whether in the misty mountains with cabin retreats in the forest, or spas with mineral hot springs and spectacular views of an active volcano’s nocturnal explosions. Many facilities are fully equipped to handle small groups for seminars, workshops, training sessions and executive meetings.

AttractionsWind energy fields in TilaránLago Coter Arenal ReserveArenal Volcano National ParkLa Fortuna waterfallMaleku Indigenous ReserveCavernas de VenadoLos ChilesCaño Negro National Wildlife RefugeRío Tabacón

Northern Plains

TOURIST UNITS OF COSTA RICA

Northern Plains

GRATIFYING REGIONS

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The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and the Santa Elena area span the Continental Divide at 1,440 meters (4662 feet) above sea level, offering one of the most interesting places to visit. This area is acclaimed as one of the most outstanding wildlife refuges in the New World tropics. The cloud forest here has more than 100 species of mammals including 5 species of wild cats, more than 400 species of birds including 30 kinds of hummingbirds, dozens of thousands of insect species (more 5,000 species of moths) and 2,500 plant species (with 430 kinds of orchids).

AttractionsMonteverde Cloud Forest Biological ReserveSanta Elena Cloud Forest ReserveChildren’s Eternal Rainforest ReserveEcological FarmInternational Music FestivalButterfly GardenHorseback ridingCanopy toursHanging bridges among the treetops

Monteverde

TOURIST UNITS OF COSTA RICA

Monteverde

GRATIFYING REGIONS

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Under Afro-Caribbean influence, the Caribbean region is like another country unto itself. The characteristic culture and unique rhythm of life mean that this region offers an extraordinary experience for your visitors. Its coastline extends for 124 miles (200 km) and it is one of the most diverse regions of Costa Rica. Most hotels, lodges and cabins are small, intimate and situated in lush tropical gardens or in the jungle. It is a perfect alternative for activities related to meeting programs, since the area offers great adventure and incentive travel options with a cultural orientation.

North

In the northern region, the lodges can only access the jungle by boat on the canals of Tortuguero, which feature endemic species. This coastal area is considered a prime destination for Caribbean cruise ship travelers who enjoy shore excursions such as canal boat tours, macadamia plantation tours, river rafting trips or even a classic train

ride. This area also has one of the most important green turtle nesting sites and is home to 50 species of fish, countless species of birds and 160 species of mammals. You can see the turtles make their way up the beach to lay and bury their eggs in the sand (June to October).

Attractions Tortuguero National ParkBarra del Colorado National Wildlife RefugeBarbilla National Park

South

This coastal area contains the most diverse and colorful marine life, submerged on the country’s largest living coral reefs. Its exquisite forests have high biodiversity and the Talamanca mountain peaks project above the clouds. You can walk along a flat path between the beach and the jungle where howler monkeys and white-faced capuchins frolic in the trees, and blue-metallic butterflies flutter along the way. The reefs consist of species such as brain coral, elkhorn coral and sea fans. Sponges, sea urchins and lobsters inhabit the reef along with more than 100 species of fish, including puffers, angelfish, porcupinefish and parrotfish.

AttractionsCahuita National ParkGandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife RefugeHitoy Cerere Biological Reserve

Caribbean

AREA POPULATIOI CLIMATE TEMPERATURE AVERAGE

9,188 KM2 432.923 Warm | Humid 29ºC | 88ºF

TOURIST UNITS OF COSTA RICA

North Caribbean

South Caribbean

GRATIFYING REGIONS

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Corcovado | Golfito

The Osa Peninsula is located on the Pacific coast, in the southwestern part of the country and it is the second largest peninsula of Costa Rica. Corcovado National Park is home to the largest population of scarlet macaws and the best tropical rainforest on the Pacific coast of Central America. Its extensive biodiversity includes more than 400 species of birds (20 of which are endemic), 139 mammals and 116 reptiles and amphibians.

On the opposite side is Golfito, which was once the most important port in the southern end of Costa Rica; today it is a wildlife refuge. Since the 1990s, the free zone and the newly developed ecotourism industry have been reviving the region because of the tourists visiting the protected areas and the nearby botanical gardens.

AttractionsCorcovado National ParkIsla del Caño Biological ReserveGolfito National Wildlife RefugeCarateDos BrasosDrake BayPlaya JosecitoPuerto Jiménez

TOURIST UNITS OF COSTA RICA

CorcovadoGolfito

GRATIFYING REGIONS

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COSTA RICAEmerging meeting destinatios

Due to its geographical, political and social characteristics, as well as the wide variety of natural attractions, its

hotels and meeting support services for conferences, conventions, product launch events or exhibitions, make Costa Rica a convenient option to consider since it combines highly professional personnel with infrastructure facilities and convenient air access.

Deductions for U.S. taxpayers

Costa Rica holds a privileged status for meetings organized by U.S. companies. Under section 274(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States and Internal Revenue Service decision 94-56, section 274 (h)(6), Costa Rica is considered to be part of the “North American Area” and individuals attending conventions, seminars or conferences and the like in Costa Rica can claim deductions for expenses incurred at those events. They receive the same consideration for deductions as if the event were held in the United States.

For more information, consult your local Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or visit www.irs.gov/irb/2003-42_IRB/ar06.html#d0e152.com

Banquet services, theme parties and special events

Indulge yourself and test the taste of the best culinary connoisseur with unimaginable food combinations. New dishes to provoke the palate, with crisp heart of palm salad, a peach palm (pejibaye) cream or mousse and cassava cake, as well as other daily dishes such as rice, beans and ripe plantains, perfectly blended to form the delights of the new Costa Rican cuisine.If you are planning a formal dinner or a buffet as part of your meeting, we

offer a range of colors, textures and tropical aromas that will surprise the participants: with the fruit and vegetable decorations, new fusion cuisine dishes or the happy spirit of our culture reflected in a barbecue around the pool, to make your event a unique happening.

Make your event even more spectacular by adding groups of folk dancers or modern Latin rhythm bands, or fantasy figures on stilts, or even a traditional musical ensemble called a cimarrona. Costa Rica has hundreds of artists, actors as well as musicians, and dramatic and musical performances can easily be staged, with pop music, salsa or merengue groups, jazz combos, big bands and even the National Philharmonic Orchestra.

The treasures of the country offer abundant inspiration for the development of theme parties: volcanoes, coral reefs and cloud forests can be used in endless ways to create an ideal arrangement for a wonderful event. Historical and cultural aspects create a pretext for a theme celebration: the mystery of buried pirate treasure on Cocos Island, or for a cultural heritage point of view, the Chorotega indigenous people or the Afro-Caribbean people.

Meeting sites outside the event venue

Restaurants, theaters and specialized cultural and historical sites will turn your event into a memorable occasion. Imagine a gala event at the Children’s Museum, housed in a former prison. Enjoy a Costa Rican-style rodeo or

folkloric dance performances during dinner in a traditional setting. Enjoy sumptuous food aboard a cruise ship as it heads toward an island retreat or a sunset in an amphitheater.

A variety of alternative locations are available, such as a butterfly garden, a colonial village, a coffee plantation or

a typical and traditional Costa Rican restaurant. Private, prestigious clubs like the Union Club and the Costa Rica Country Club are available, along with the National Museum, the Gold Museum and the Museum of Costa Rican Art. You can also use the conference rooms and meeting halls at any of the hotels affiliated with the Costa Rica Convention Bureau.

Dining optionsDine al fresco or enjoy a great selection of restaurants in the city center or near a mountain, a river or in the sophisticated suburbs, offering local and/or international cuisine.Ready for that perfect tropical drink? With an assortment of bars and lounges, you will find staff at the ready with friendly smiles to fix it for you.

Support services

Gifts: We offer conventional handicrafts made of precious wood, banana paper or clay and replicas of pre-Columbian art, and those indispensable details for your conference or convention: umbrellas and ponchos with the company logo for your trip to the rainforest, briefcases made of natural fiber, and adventure equipment that includes tee-shirt, insect repellent, bandana, suntan lotion and more.

Consumer products are another great complement: Costa Rica’s globally recognized coffee, liqueurs made from sugarcane and coffee, or a wide variety of handmade chocolates and dried tropical fruits.

Simultaneous interpretation and audiovisual equipment: Recognized suppliers provide all the ingredients for a successful event, including modern translation equipment, flat screens and lighting, sophisticated devices for sound amplification, projection and high definition video. Most hotels offer internet access, the latest in audiovisual technology, sound systems, lighting and modern projection equipment, plus satellite videoconferencing.

Communication and Technology

Costa Rica ranks 35th in innovation, thanks to its ability to receive international technology and to export goods with technological components,

as well as its degree of assimilation of telecommunications information technology.

Thanks to the high quality of its educational system (ranked 21st in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report 2012-2013), Costa Rica has one of the highest potentials for innovation in the region; this, along with its acceptable use of information and communication technologies (58th place), ability to innovate (ranked above average) and the use of available technology (39th place), make it an attractive destination for investment.Costa Rica stands out globally as the fourth largest exporter of high technology, surpassed only by three Asian countries: the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore. This ranking was done by CINDE -- a private non-profit organization -- based on the World Development Indicators 2009 report from the World Bank (WB).

Costa Rica has positioned itself as one of the countries with the most advanced telecommunications technology systems in the Latin American region. This positioning is no coincidence, since advanced telecommunication policies have set the standard and attracted significant investment from major corporations like Intel.

Transport

Costa Rica offers an extensive range of modern vehicles, luxury buses and minibuses to suit any travel need. To ensure a comfortable journey, all vehicles are air-conditioned and the largest buses are equipped with video monitors and restrooms. While most of these fleets are operated by independent trucking companies, some DMCs have their own fleets. In either case, you can be sure that experienced drivers will safely carry your passengers to any part of the 22,000 miles (35,000 km) of roadways in Costa Rica. For very important persons (VIPs), there is limousine service, which should be booked in advance.

Two local airlines and companies offering various charter services, including helicopters, operate here. Thus, visitors can save time with quick, in-country flights. This makes it possible to offer any itinerary, even if your visitors have a short stay, due to the reasonable prices and the large number of airstrips in many parts of the nation.

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Pura vida or “pure life” is a phrase you’ll hear Costa Ricans use daily. This expression is a greeting that denotes a state of happiness. It is a gesture of appreciation for the peace and tranquility that political stability and freedom give Costa Ricans.

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OUR PRIDEART and CULTURE

International Festival of the Arts

Since 1989, the biennial International Festival of the Arts has been held in Costa Rica, an artistic-cultural festival that takes to the streets, avenues, theaters and open stages of the Costa Rican capital for 10 days in March.

Credomatic International Music Festival

This event was created in 1991 by a group of Costa Rican musicians, whose simple yet novel proposal was to organize an international music festival for Costa Rica, inspired by the European festivals. However, instead of having medieval castles or Roman ruins in the background, the activity is carried out on the beaches and other sites of incomparable natural charm in our country. The festival is held every year in August.

Throughout these years, the event has attracted more than 1,000 musicians from 50 countries, who have presented about 750 concerts in the most beautiful natural landscapes of Costa Rica.

Íride Martínez: Costa Rican soprano of great renown. She appears regularly at festivals in Salzburg and Bregenz

(Austria), Glyndebourne (UK), and the major theaters of Europe, namely: La Scala of Milán and the opera houses of Vienna, Dresden, Munich, Paris, Riga, Berlin, Leipzig, Cologne, and others.

Jorge Jiménez Deredia: His art has traveled the world through the most renowned museums and art galleries. One of his recent works includes a statue on the exterior facade of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, a structure designed by the Renaissance genius Michelangelo Buonarroti.

Editus: This trio has a musical concept that knows no boundaries while retaining its Latin flavor. The group won a Grammy Award in 2000 with Ruben Blades for their performance on his album Tiempos and then it won two Grammys in 2003, again with Rubén Blades for his album

Mundo.

Manuel Obregón: Recognized as one of the finest pianists of classical music and jazz in Central America, he has performed all over the continent and also in Spain, France, Switzerland and the United States.

La Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional, fundada The National Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1940, is one of the best classical music options in the country and it is highly regarded throughout Latin America. It has participated in many major concerts and tournées around the world, mainly in Europe, North America and South America.

SPORTS

Nery BrenesHe has received the following awards:2012 World Indoor Championships - Istanbul, TurkeyFirst Place (400m)2011 Pan American Games - Guadalajara, Mexico, First Place2008 South American Grand Prix, Medellin, Colombia, First Place2008 LAC Dessau, Germany, First Place.

Hanna GabrielWorld Welterweight Champion 2008 and since 2010 she holds the world boxing

title in the junior middleweight category of the WBO.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Franklin Chang DíazThe first Costa Rican astronaut and one of the world’s most prominent scientists, Chang is a veteran of seven space flights. Since 2005, he has been working on the development of a plasma engine.

“Franklin Chang is my hero, he’s brilliant. He is one of the world’s most recognized scientists in plasma research,” said Charles Bolden, head of NASA.

Oscar Arias Sánchez Born in 1941, Arias is a former president of the Republic (1986-1990 and 2006-2010). In 1987 he received the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his dedication to achieving peace between the Central American countries.

Protected areas such as World Heritage Sites designated by UNESCO

Three areas have been declared: La Amistad International Park, Cocos Island National Park and the Guanacaste Conservation Area, recently expanded to include the national parks Rincon de la Vieja, Santa Rosa, Guanacaste and Junquillal Wildlife Refuge.

Costa Rica is a pioneer in the implementation of the Certification Program for Sustainable Tourism of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT). Its purpose is to differentiate the tourism business sector based on the degree to which its operations comply with a model of sustainability for the management of natural, cultural and social resources.

According to the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) in 2010, Costa Rica is in third place in the world and it is in first place in Latin America.

Ecological Blue Flag Program This initiative is promoted by various This initiative is promoted by various

government institutions to find solutions to the pollution of beaches and communities nationwide. Sponsored by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute and the Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers, this program addresses the issue of litter on beaches and in communities and it minimizes the negative impacts that tourism can have. Today, 67 beaches boast the Blue Flag.

INBIO - National Biodiversity Institute

Considered a leader in the conservation of biodiversity, this Institute is a non-profit organization that promotes the value of biodiversity and its conservation and sustainable use. It has also received awards both nationally and internationally, in recognition of its important mission.

The Institute received the “Augusto González de Linares” environmental award in 2004 from Spain’s University of Cantabria and the Ministry of Environment of the autonomous government. It has also received awards including the Prince of Asturias Award for Technical and Scientific Research (1995) and a Conservation Biology Award from the Society for Conservation Biology in the United States (1994).

Costa Rica Convention Bureau

The Costa Rica Convention Bureau is made up of more than forty of the most important hotels, destination specialists (DMCs), attractions and other tourism supplier companies. All these members are the best in their category and they have extensive experience and backing in the management, planning and execution of meetings, conferences and programs for incentive groups.

For more information, we provide a list of associates below.

You can also contact them through our website: www.costaricacvb.com

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