TRAVEL TIPS
Visitor Information
The official tourism board, the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT), has an office on Avenida Central in San José and a small desk in the baggage claim area at Juan Santamaría airport. The airport counter contains a few brochures but is staffed only sporadically. Visitor information is provided by the Costa Rica Tourist Board in the United States.
Contacts
Instituto Costarricense de Turismo. 2299–5800; 866/267–8274; www.visitcostarica.com.
Online Travel Tools
The REAL Costa Rica slips in a bit of attitude with its information, and is a bit lax on updating, but scores high marks for overall accuracy. Scope out detailed maps, driving distances, and pictorial guides to the locations of hotels and businesses in some communities at CostaRicaMap.com. The Association of Residents of Costa Rica online forums are some of the region's most active and informed, with topics ranging from business and pleasure trips to the real-estate market, with loads of information if you're interested in moving to the country. The Tico Times publishes news about Costa Rica, much of it of interest to visitors.
Contacts
Association of Residents of Costa Rica. www.arcr.net.
CostaRicaMap.com. www.costaricamap.com.
The REAL Costa Rica. www.therealcostarica.com.
The Tico Times. www.ticotimes.net.
