The small town of Quepos is quickly becoming one of the most popular fishing destinations in the world. Between the months of December and April, Quepos is protected from the winter winds typical of northern Costa Rica, and is blessed with some of the best fishing in the world. It is not uncommon to hear tales from tired fishermen of ten to fifteen sailfish being released in a single day, along with blue, black and striped marlin, tuna, dorado, wahoo, red snapper, rooster fish and the list goes on. During the rest of the year there is still good fishing in Quepos.  The little town of QUEPOS, once active as the CENTRAL PACIFIC banana port, is now a very much alive tourism port, with great food, fun people, terrific shopping and exciting tours. However the area of QUEPOS/MANUEL ANTONIO has been growing the last few years, it is still considered as a little bit of heaven on earth. SURFACE AREA: The territory covers 52,000 square kilometers, divided by mountain ranges running from the northwest to south.  CURRENCY: The Coltn (Approximate exchange rate as of January 2000 is ¢300 per US$) POPULATION: Three to three and a half million. ECOTOURISM: In 1992 Costa Rica was officially given the "Consejo de la Tierra" award for its work in the field of conservation of its natural resources. Fully 21% of its total surface area is devoted to protected areas and reserves.  TIME ZONE: Costa Rica is in the Central Standard Time Zone. Daylight Savings Time is not observed.  POLITICAL & OTHER: Costa Rica is a neutral country (armed forces abolished constitutionally in 1948), with a democratic tradition spanning more than 100 years. The World Health Organization rates Costa Rican health services as some of the best in the world. The official religion is Catholic, but freedom of practice is constitutionally guaranteed. Literacy rates are among the highest in Latin America and rival those of industrialized, developed countries.  CLIMATE: Because of its topography and isthmus conditions, Costa Rica has only two seasons per year, called the dry (December through April), and rainy (May through November), seasons. Temperate climate is the norm year round, with highs in the low 30¼C during the day and lows of around 20¼C at night. Coastal areas tend to be slightly warmer, while mountainous areas tend to be cooler.  CLOTHING: Comfortable, lightweight clothing that can be layered is best. A jacket or sweater is necessary for visits to higher altitudes.  WEATHER INFORMATION Quepos  Month Average Highs Average Lows Average  Rainfall Humidity  F C F C in. mm % January 87 31 69 21 2.83 72 83 February 87 31 69 21 1.42 36 81 March 89 32 71 22 2.36 60 80 April 89 32 71 22 6.57 167 84 May 89 32 71 22 15.43 392 87 June 87 31 71 22 17.05 433 88 July 87 31 69 21 18.16 461 88 August 86 30 69 21 18.82 479 89 September 86 30 71 22 20.79 528 90 October 86 30 71 22 25.35 644 89 November 86 30 71 22 15.28 388 89 December 86 30 69 21 6.65 169 86