The fifth annual Latin American Index of Budget Transparency (ILTP), which revealed yesterday in Mexico Found D. F., records that our country received a score of 69 out of 100.

This is the third consecutive year in which Costa Rica is in first place. The study is conducted every two years since 2001. In 2003, the country was 60 and in 2005, 67.

The document, available at www.iltpweb.org – indicates that the country went well evaluated in three categories: body’s ability to control external (Comptroller General of the Republic), information on macroeconomic criteria (Central Bank) and control Budget (Comptroller and the Legislative Assembly, at its policy).

The study found some weaknesses or opportunities for improvement in the following variables: citizen participation in the budget, budget allocation and accountability.

Found in the study included Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Dominican Republic and Venezuela.

The three countries are worst placed Ecuador (43), Bolivia (42) and Venezuela (23).

Found is an independent institution dedicated to research and teaching on topics related to democracy and citizen participation.

On the ILTP, this measures the level of budgetary transparency, defined as the existence of a clear regulatory framework and practices in the budget process, public access to information and formal mechanisms of participation in the process.

When you arrive in Costa Rica, the first thing you may notice is its lush scenery and beautiful landscape. If you have been to this country but have experienced it only from the ground, you haven’t really experienced Costa Rica.  Supporting these strengths with abundant, high quality services such as hotels, car rental Costa Rica firms and high quality transport infrastructure, means that the country has been able to reinforce its position as a leading vacation destination in the Americas, and throughout the world. Vacation travel takes on a whole new meaning when you arrive, because once the transportation logistics is over, the real fun can begin. How many different ways can you enjoy a vacation? As many as you like: on dry land, in the water, on air or a little of them all.

Many of the sites of Costa Rica are best seen while hiking through the complex system of trails guiding hikers through extensive ecosystems. Because many of the animals and special details of these intricate ecosystems can often go unnoticed to the untrained eye, it is recommended that a guide is hired for the tours. This will help you get the most out of the natural habitats of Costa Rica. The trails travel through wetlands, up and around mountains, in and out of trees and everywhere in between. The guide will also make sure you don’t get lost in all of this.

Experience Costa Rica on Horseback

There are many places in Costa Rica that should be experienced on horseback. It is one of Costa Rica’s most popular activities for tourists and can be found in nearly every single town. The Northern Pacific area, also known as Sabanero Country (cowboy country) is home to horse and cattle ranches that would make a Texan jealous. If a romantic gallop along the beach at sunset is your fantasy, the Central Pacific area is the one for you. You can also ride in and around waterfalls and rainforests. Monteverde and Arenal include a great deal of mountainous terrain and also pass through a few coffee plantations along the way.

It’s hard to think of Costa Rica and not imagine the beautiful ocean waters that rise to the sandy beaches. These waters are full of fun activities like dolphin and whale watching. Canoeing is a good workout and also a fun way to see the sights from the water. Explore the underworld beneath the surface of the ocean with scuba diving and snorkeling. You will be amazed at the colors the ocean hides beneath the waves. Many different species of fish, crustaceans and coral live here and are all intricately decorated by nature. At the end of your long day of hiking and climbing, relax in the natural hot springs heated by the active volcanoes around Costa Rica.

See Costa Rica on a Hot Air Balloon

The luscious greens and crystal blues of the Costa Rican landscape and water is often best seen from above. Float over the rainforests, ocean waters, mountains, volcanic rock and picturesque coffee plantations from the comfort of a hot air balloon. Not to worry, you don’t have to know how to work one. An experienced professional will pilot the craft while you and your companions relax and enjoy the scenery. Parasailing is another amazing adventure in the air that flies you far above the water. It’s incredible how much sea life you can actually see from hundreds of feet above.

For a true nature lover, and certainly not for the faint of heart, a canopy tour is an absolute must-do. They provide an interesting look into the delicate ecosystem of the rainforests from zip-lines and aerial trams. No matter what method you choose to experience your full Costa Rica vacation travel, remember that it doesn’t stop when you reach your destination. If it does you are missing out. See Costa Rica the way it was intended, from all perspectives.

You will find Costa Ricas amazing eco-system as well as its wonderful beaches along the mountain ranges between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. In Northern Costa Rica, in Guanacaste, there encompasses both interior and coastal areas, lush forests, arid plains, golden beaches, estuaries and rich mountains teeming with life. In fact, several of the most beautiful and largest nature reserves are situated here. This is along with spectacular beachfront resorts that provide scuba diving, fishing, golfing and windsurfing activities.

The wonderful Tabacon Hot Springs and active arenal volcano are also in close proximity to the coast. San Jose, its busy capital, is just three hours away to all these fascinating sites. In fact, about half of the entire population resides in San Jose, offering famous beach destinations like Jaco Beach and Puntarenas. You will also find oriented hotels and thrilling activities like golf, horseback riding and surfing among others. Costa Rica really has everything going for both its residents and guests.

Costa Rica is a haven to tourists on spring breaks, but also visited in other seasons. Going here can provide you with more excitement and culture as compared to a trip to Key West or Cancun. Whatever it is you are looking for, from natural landscapes to surfing activities, pristine beaches, throbbing nightlife and flavorful local culture, the country has it all.

Airline packages are more affordable in spring also. Airfare only costs about $350 to $550. Your expenses during your stay can only be as low as $25 per day. It is really a worthwhile dream vacation.

Costa Rica showcases the best of Latin America, offering a rich history, culture and food combined with the comforts of home. Not only is this place gaining praises for its thriving eco-tourism industry and stunning natural attractions, it is also highly regarded for being one of the most highly developed as well as safest nations in the continent. Contrary to speculations, the roads here are well-traveled and safe. With tourism as their biggest industry, their educational levels are quite high.

A Trip to San Jose
As Costa Ricas capital city, it is considered as the vibrant heart of the country. It offers world class museums, beautiful architecture and the finest nightlife Costa Rica can offer. Hotels near Park Central have quality, convenient and valued services. The sightseeing in San José to the bus tour through Costa Rica, here are some of the most popular tours to enjoy by car rental Costa Rica.

More Facts about Costa Rica
The capital and largest city of Costa Rica is San Jose.

Costa Rica is noted as the only country without an army. This is because it was abolished in the year 1949.

Christopher Columbus and Columbus discovered Costa Rica during his 4th as well as final voyage towards the New World.

Nicaragua borders Costa Rica to the north while Panama borders it to the south.

Although they were not able to subdue its natives, Costa Rica was discovered last September 18, 1502.

In English, Costa Rica means rich coast. This is because the Spaniards became impressed with the gold ornaments that were displayed by the natives, claiming that it was the richest coast they have ever encountered.

Spanish is the main language of the locals. This is because it evolved from the Spaniards.

In the year 1821, Costa Rica was declared an independent nation. In fact, its separation with Spain was very peaceful.

The design of the redevelopment of the Apple store in Multiplaza iCon Escazú, opened Oct. 30, was held by the same Apple Inc.

The idea is to have an identical store of this firm in the United States (USA.) According to their standards of space, lighting, product placement and demand generation.

Therefore, the color changed from black to white, expanded space for the movement of public and moved some furniture called islands, for you to try players and computers iMac iPod or MacBook.

The refurbishment cost $ 75,000, allowed him to achieve certification as Apple Premium Reseller and was made a client thinking of living in the area west of San Jose with high purchasing power. This client has continued to buy more technology and has increased its consumption.

“We are at the right time to show signs of innovation,” said Carla Estrada, director of National Computer Industry S. A. (iCon).
Just think of Sellers Play, Sony, and HP Store Neotech that retail outlets will have new high-tech in Escazú.

“We have absolute confidence in the success of the new store, especially by the type of clientele there,” said Carlos Monge, president of Grupo M, whose store Play opens on November 11, adjacent to EPA.

Furthermore, B-Mart and Hewlett Packard will open the HP Experience Store in the coming week, the Sony Center will become the Sony Style store from next November 19 and Neotech devices will have a booth, all on the new stage of Multiplaza Escazú .

High traffic, high consumption

They are betting on high consumer traffic (700,000 monthly Multiplaza Escazú) and consumption 40% higher than elsewhere, according to a market study.

$ 6 million investment added new high-tech centers. Of that, $ 5 million is in play.

“It’s a customer buying and not just windowing,” said Federico Hernandez, manager of B-Mart Stores, the first HP Store operation since last April in the mall Paseo de las Flores.

To boost sales, thus ensuring the return on investment-estimated at between one and five years-will be introduced mechanisms for customers to try products such as islands Store icon.

So be on the HP Experience Store, which cost over $ 1 million and will include more product lines and fittings.

Shops for Play, where investment was $ 5 million, will incorporate “the latest interactive exhibit.

In addition, attention will have two bars in technology (called Innobase) and wedding lists (WeddingBar), while rank the products according to customer needs instead of marks, following the trends in use in the USA.

The Sony Style, wider than the old Sony Center, and now moved to the new stage of Multiplaza Escazú, Costa Rica includes areas, corners and ports for the PlayStation, Bravia screens and home theaters, Cybershot cameras and Vaio laptops.

The signatures accompanying the openings with innovative ways of marketing.

B-Mart had a stand expectation to announce the HP Experience Store shop.

Also, the remodeling of the Apple store icon in the same mall, “undertaken in three days was followed by a campaign that used social networking sites like YouTube, Facebook and Twitter for a contest ending on November 13th.

The contest is giving away $ 2,009 (in allusion to the year) for products that each person included in a list drawn up by Internet.
The same was done when the Apple store was renovated in Multiplaza del Este in Curridabat, which involved more than 10,000 fans of these products.

Monteverde Costa Rica is a small place in Puntarenas. Monteverde in English means ‘green mountains’. It is a tourist destination in Costa Rica and this place mostly attracts tourists who love greenery. This place was established by the Americans to set up reserves to conserve water and environment. The population of this place is around 7500 from which 6500 are Costa Rican farmers who sold their land to the Quakers and established a new town called Santa Elena Costa Rica.

Tourists not only visit this place to enjoy its beauty but also visit here to have an adventurous experience. There are various activities indulged in by the tourist during the Monteverde tour such as:

Canopy tour-
This is the most thrilling activity. It is a complete blend of beauty and adventure. Before the tourist starts with this tour, the tour guide informs them about the equipment that will be used. Then the adventure starts by sliding through the zip line above the tree tops. Half way through the tour tourist reaches the ‘rappel’ section. Before the end of this tour, the tourist also gets to do the ‘Tarzan Swing’ where the guide lifts tourist to the height of 30 meters. This is the best tour to see the flora and fauna from close.

Coffee tour:
This tour starts from the coffee shop present in the farm itself and it lasts for 2 hours. Here the guide explains to the tourist about the manufacturing process of coffee. The tourist also gets chance to collect ripe coffee beans but it depends on the season and he can also taste a cup of coffee with the snacks.

Monteverde Cloud Forest tour:
In this tour the tourist gets to see the wildlife of the forest. Tourists get to see Jaguar, Ocelat, hummingbirds, quetzal and thousand types of insects. The guide also explains to the tourist about the plants and animals. The guide takes the tourists to the ‘la ventana’ to have a feel of the wind blowing from the northern coastal plain.

There many other activities but it depends on the tourist which one to select according to his budget.

There are few other sights which are visited by the tourist at Santa Elena Costa Rica such as insect museums, butterfly gardens, frog ponds, zoos etc. Horseback riding and mountain biking has also attracted many tourists. The economy of Monteverde Costa Rica depends on agriculture and tourism and the tourism sector is growing rapidly.

Nowadays it has become very easy to book a tour online. There are varieties of packages available for a Monteverde tour with varied costs and a person can also book the Monteverde hotel rooms as per their budget and the preferred location, from sightseeing in San José to the bus tour through Puntarenas, here are some of the most popular tours to enjoy by car rental Costa Rica.

The problem continued for three months but then began a rebound, albeit slowly, managed to recover 25% of those projects stranded. The remaining 50% is up with other new contracts.

While Ortiz managed to keep their staff, being a small business, other architects were not so lucky.

EF learned that large firms like Zurcher Architects; Meltzer; Ossenbach Banners, & Bonilla, apparently due to dispense with a group of specialists.

Although consultations were sent to their representatives none responded. Ronald Zurcher was out of the country.

Yorl Calvo, graduate professional eight years ago, worked in the firm Meltzer. She knows that because of the decreased amount of work the company was forced to fire her.

For Calvo, who is also a technical illustrator, this is a new situation in her life since has been active in the labor market since 1990.

Other architects, who preferred that his name not be published, admitted to having been dismissed by large companies due to the fall in the volume of projects.

In free fall

These examples show how the economic situation has affected the field of architecture: it is estimated that the activity has fallen about 55%, according to calculations by the Chamber of Architects based on the behavior of building permits.

According to data from the Federal College of Engineers and Architects (CFIA) from January to September 2009, total building permits (measured by square feet) opened, fell by 42% over the same period last year.

However, Carlos Alvarez, vice president of the College of Architects, believes that reality is even more acute. Estimated that this figure could rise 10 points or more because they have permits and carry out construction are different things.

“The data are obtained by comparing the permits issued this year over last, but this does not include projects that are stranded and have permission,” said Alvarez.

He agrees with the majority of professionals surveyed by EF. These Alvaro Porras, whose company bears his name, who characterizes this year as “difficult and too little work”, which has forced them to reduce staff.

For him, economic conditions affecting the construction industry and architecture is the first to suffer because it is the link of the construction process responsible for the preliminary or preliminary studies.

The area where the problem is most visible of these professionals is the housing. While last year (to September) had been processed nearly four million square meters for housing this year, barely exceeds two million.

Alvarez explains: a house of 200 square meters will cost only $ 158,000 in construction; it is added to the permits and professional fees, which raises the cost to $ 200,000.

This means, he added that a family should generate about ¢ 2.5 million salary to pay the rent, but in a situation like the current one is out of all ranks for most middle class families.

For this reason and because the banks stopped credits, which reduced paperwork for both housing and jobs for interdisciplinary teams (engineers, architects).

“It is estimated that each architect generates around 50 jobs directly and indirectly. With a slump like this, increasing employment is informal, “Alvarez said.

On this issue, Meibel Quesada, an official of the Architects Association, found that the Employment Exchange Service of the organization is now more than before consulted by professionals, but not by requiring firms to hire.

“In the two years preceding the crisis, four architects were incorporated to bag a month, now the figure has doubled,” he said.

Public works: salvation?

The CFIA has insisted that to achieve an upturn in building activity, as well as flexibility of bank loans (that is the opinion of respondents the cause that stopped most projects), should give impetus to public works.

For Carlos Alvarez, this has its limitations. Most engineers and architects can not compete because the guarantees required are high, capital is required and bidders are asked to have previously worked for the state requirement that many firms can not meet.

“The state pays very late and then it should work with their own money,” he said.

Learning the lesson

While the crisis suddenly fell to the architects of the country, some believe there are lessons to learn from this situation.

Mario Duran owns Architecture Line One, small firm that has chosen to reduce costs and diversify.

Duran designed a cost-cutting plan: decreased working hours; eliminated training, forcing workers to turn off computers when not in the office rescheduled tour route and uses existing technology to save fuel and paper costs.

“You have to get used to review customer drawings into digital images, resolving doubts over the phone and talk for videoconferencing,” he said.

Duran also outsources some services that previously had in return, and their inspection work, added another as budgeting, renovations and investment monitoring.

A similar strategy has followed Samuel Bermudez, a young architect and manager of the foreign firm Gensler, the architecture, design and planning in 25 countries.

For him, the crisis is a lesson to learn, as the construction sector and real estate speculation without worrying about the results in a situation like the present.

As a manager, took a more conservative approach to spending. He decided to market its services more and guided efforts to seek new services and markets. From here, Gensler serves the U.S. market
At the beginning of the crisis, Gensler Costa Rica fired nearly 40% of its workforce but less than a year has recovered.

Learning the lesson is not easy, experts say, but measures are needed to survive with the current workload. It’s that or close doors, they insist, because the hope that the situation improves next year is remote.

Figures depressed

In one year, the construction sector has hit the sense of crisis:
1
Procedures: The processed square meters increased from 7,152,207 to 4,166,077 between 2008 and 2009.
2
County: San Jose leads in processing permits and last, Cartago and Limón.
3
Housing: The housing transactions fell 51%, the commercial sector 48% and industrial 38%.
4
Costs: Guanacaste and Puntarenas have been the most affected areas, the construction boom is behind us.
5
Status: The institutional sector is the one who shows positive figures for a year grew 35%.

San Jose is the seat of the Costa Rican political government. It is also the center of the country’s commercial and cultural life. It is located at the heart of the Gran Area Metropolitana (or GAM) in the highland of the Central Valley of Costa Rica. Around it are magnificent green mountains and valleys.

The city has a relatively warm climate with temperatures that usually stay from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, at certain times of the year, some tourists appreciate the respite it offers from the cold climate of the temperate countries. The southern parts of San Jose extend into rural areas and rain forests that Costa Rica is well-known for. These are the Talamanca Mountain Ranges.

You can find the airport, embassies of other countries, museums, hotels, restaurants, big and small business establishments and the Universidad de Costa Rica in the City of San Jose.

San Jose has some of the more scenic and magnificent sties and attractions around. For one, the very interesting Museo Oro Precolombino (Gold Museum) holds more than 1,600 parts of gold artifacts that date back from around 500 AD to 1500 AD.

The Poas Volcano and the Botos Lagoon, part of the National Park, is very near San Jose, you can find this place by car rental Costa Rica. It is an active volcano with dense forests around the crater, making the area one of the most visited places in the country.

The Insect Museum inside the Universidad de Costa Rica contains an extensive collection of exotic bugs and insects. The guided tour here will prove to be a short but fruitful learning trip.

Theater lovers would find the Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica (National Theater of Costa Rica), the Cathedral and the Melico Salazar Theatre very interesting. These are the regular venues of cultural presentations, depicting both the old and modern cultures of Costa Rica. Various presentations such as concerts, operas, cultural presentations and the like are being held here all year round.

Nature lovers can look forward to going to Lankester Botanical Gardens which can be found at the outskirts of San José. Bring your family to Pueblo Antigo, the famous theme park in town. There are also other museums modeled after 19th century San José and the ones located inside a massive complex called Parque de Diversiones de Costa Rica. Likewise, in the north of the city is a community called Barrio Amon which is the location of old and historic buildings having architectural importance to the country.

Tourists who love the night life will also enjoy the numerous bars, clubs and restaurants that line El Pueblo’s picturesque cobblestone streets. These are also within walking distances from hotels and resorts. Nightlife can last from 9 o’clock in the evening until the wee hours of dawn.

Foreigners should never miss the local coffee which is served in a typical Costa Rican way. This can be bought in some coffee shops along the downtown area.

A vacation is a time to rest, refocus, and enjoy, there is no better way to do all three than on a Costa Rica yoga vacation. A Costa Rica yoga holiday is more than just a trip away from home, it is a way to experience the practice of yoga in the peaceful, serene natural beauty of the rainforest. Take your yoga skills to the next level as you breathe the ocean air deeply and enjoy the sounds of the rainforest. While you’re at it, meet some of the inhabitants of the rainforest, your Costa Rica Yoga vacation will be an opportunity to reach within and embrace your true self while at the same time reaching out to embrace the iguana that’s sauntering by.

When you’ve achieved a peaceful state of enlightenment, trade your mat for a board and hit the waves because with more than eight hundred miles of shoreline, your Costa Rica yoga experience is just getting started! After some serious surf time use what you’ve learned during your Costa Rica yoga training to conquer your fears and head out to enjoy one of the many adventure activities. Kick your journey of self-discovery into high gear with the white water rafting, snorkeling, horseback riding, canopy tours, zip-lining, mountain biking, and even bungee jumping that makes Costa Rica synonymous with adventure travel, so car rental Costa Rica and visit this peaceful country. If your Costa Rica yoga journey requires quieter pursuits, the jungle offers amazing opportunities for bird watching and hiking as you search for monkeys, toucans, parrots, and the reclusive rainforest sloth. A great yoga session will prepare your mind to concentrate on your swing as Costa Rica boasts world class golf courses and day spas. Of course the best way to cap off a perfect day of yoga is to take a dip in one of Cost Rica’s famed natural waterfalls. End your day of yoga and adventure by strolling on the beach at sunset, you’re at peace, you’re enlightened, you’re on a Costa Rica yoga holiday!!

Promote business climate in Costa Rica investment in telecommunications is the purpose of a trade mission that takes place today in New York.

The Costa Rican delegation of seven companies participate in the event Costa Rica IT & Telecom’s Network Organized by the Foreign Trade Corporation (Procomer).

The mission is aimed at potential investors, chambers, businesses and associations related to the field of telecommunications and information technologies.

“We think this is an opportunity for our entrepreneurs achieve greater market diversification and acquire contacts to promote consultancy services and outsourcing “Said Emmanuel Hess, general manager of Procomer.

Since the majority of Costa Ricans are not indigenous to the region, Costa Rica has less cultural flair than other Latin American Countries such as Mexico or Guatemala. Only one percent of the Costa Rican population is considered to be Indian, and there is a small Latin population who identify as Ticos, but a whopping 98 percent of the population is white. Now get off the traditional shuttle bus and get on a car rental Costa Rica and enjoyment this beautiful country.

While this has an affect on the “Latin” feel of Costa Rica, Costa Rica still resembles most other Latin counties as it is conservative, traditional, and predominately Catholic. Gender roles are extremely traditional with men and women respecting their roles within the family. Most Costa Ricans also live at home until they are married and going away to college or to find independence from one’s family is rare.

The backbone of Costa Rican culture is the family. Family ties are of the utmost importance and some of the most important Costa Rican traditions revolve around the family: baptisms, engagement parties, weddings, first communions and funerals.

Religion also plays an important role in Costa Rican culture but takes a back burner to family. Many religious celebrations are more about spending time with family and partying than they are about the religious significance of the holiday. Religious parades and processions occur here just as they do in other Latin American countries but lack the colorful flair that is seen elsewhere. This is because the Indian and Latin populations are so small that they don’t offer a mix of cultural religious practices.

Costa Rica experiences two major economic shutdowns that revolve around the Easter and Christmas holidays. During this time, Businesses can be closed for up to five days, transportation services cease, and families use this time to spend time together and worship.

Another integral part of Costa Rican tradition is the pilgrimage to Basilica de los Angeles. This pilgrimage takes place each year and is in honor of the Virgin of the Angels.

Even though religion has taken on less significance than it has in the past and families often vacation rather than observe religious customs, families continue to come together often. Large gatherings that include extended family are common and are perhaps the molding ground of Costa Rican culture.