Costa Rica has become one the top countries backpackers and eco-tourists love to visit. It’s no surprise that this country’s natural diversity has made it one of the world’s most popular destinations to have active adventures like whitewater rafting, hiking, canyoning, caving, and other activities. Even though Costa Rica is one of the most popular and visited countries in Central America, there are a few things many travelers aren’t aware but that they should know beforehand to help them understand and be aware of this country’s characteristics and customs.
1. Street food is the best food and tap water is safe to drink.
Street food it the best food in Costa Rica… period! Costa Rican cuisine is delicious and some of the best eating spots are little roadside local restaurants and ‘sodas’. Not only is street food good, but they also tend to be cheaper than restaurants. Don’t forget to ask to try their typical meals -comida típica- which will certainly be made of black beans and rice, mixed with a combination of some meat.
Tap water is safe to drink in most districts in the country. Although San Jose’s tap water is safe, I don’t recommend it for the high chlorine content.
2. The greenest place in the world can also be ridiculously hot.
Costa Rica is considered the “greenest” country in the world and it ranked first in the Happy Planet Index. As an initiative to protect this title –as well as their country’s ecosystem– the Costa Rican government plans to turn Costa Rica into the first carbon neutral country by 2021.
But, even being the greenest place in the world, Costa Rica is not spared of the intense heat. The mid-day sun can be a “killer”, giving you an instant tan and making you sweat even when standing still. The combination of the intense tropical sun with the heat of many active volcanoes and the humidity; can raise the temperatures to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Always wear sun protector and stay hydrated.
On the other hand, it’s pretty cool that these days some hotels are taking the initiative to promote environmental awareness to mitigate the current environmental effects. For example, you can plant a Tonka Bean tree and participate in a turtle release when you stay at certain hotels like Los Sueños – both are environmental initiatives to re-instate the indigenous plants and animals to the area, and both go along to make Costa Rica an even greener and environmentally friendly country. Kudos to you guys!
3. You need “cojones” to drive there
Costa Ricans are very, um, “creative” when it comes to driving. They usually pay no attention to traffic laws and drive like they are “kings of the road”.
If you rent a car, you should know there are few or no street signs in most parts of the country, so getting around will be a bit of a challenge. The highways are clearly marked, but as soon as you get off them, it’s time to ask for directions. There are also no street addresses in many areas. I wonder, how do they get their mail?!
Always plan for more driving time than the usual. Even though the distance might look short on the map, most roads aren’t in good condition or are rural roads that go up and down the mountain, requiring you to drive with more caution and less speed – especially during the rainy season.
4. “White” crimes are common in San Jose
Although violent crimes are not commonly experienced among tourist, be very careful of petty theft like pickpockets, grab and run, and scamming. These do happen very often, especially in San Jose. Never leave your stuff unattended and when in the bus, always have a grip of your backpack.
If possible, try not to carry your passport. If you can’t leave it in a safe place, try hiding it in a “safe” pocket of your backpack or somewhere in your clothing where you know is difficult to get. Try to have a copy of the front page and entry stamp of your passport. If police are in the mood, they might consider it as a valid ID.
5. Pura Vida has many meanings
Pura Vida literally means “pure life”, but Costa Ricans give many meanings to this phrase like: full of life, purified life, this is living, going great, doing good, or cool.
Costa Ricans love to use it both as a greeting and a farewell, to express satisfaction, to say thank you, or to express acknowledgement of something. They also love when tourists respond back with this phrase. It’s a polite gesture.
In a way, this expression reflects the friendliness of Costa Ricans and the leisure lifestyle associated with this country.
So, Pura Vida!
What other interesting fact do you know about Costa Rica?
All great points. Especially appreciated the food point. Many people can go to Costa Rica, and since there are so many expats there, they can have at least a food experience that isn’t much different than being at home. However, I didn’t like the meat there, and so I often ate seafood and the local stuff. Head for the sodas. The food is so much cheaper and typically tastes a lot better. You just might not want to eat rice and beans for a while after you return.
Thanks Spencer! The meat to me was fine. I didn’t try the seafood since I don’t like it. Oh yes, the sodas are the places to eat while in Costa Rica. Cheaper food and usually better tasting! Ha, it’s true that after a while you get tripod of the rice and beans.
I’ve never been to Costa Rica, but it’s on the top of my list for when we head that direction. Good to know about the tap water being safe to drink – I’ve been in too many countries where that isn’t the case, and now when I get to a new place I never know if I should be drinking the water or not!
Christy, I think you will like Costa Rica. Yes, the tap water is safe to drink, but of course, it’s always safer to buy bottled water. Still, I was surprised to see how well it tasted and how drinkable it is.
I know how hot is there.Believe it is like the hell.But it is really green and extremely beautiful.That place can ensure you Pura vida for sure(in non literal meaning).
Paul, you’re right, it can feel like hell when it gets really hot during the summer. Still, it’s hard not to enjoy all the natural beauty. Hey, with those temperatures the first thing that comes to mind is to jump into a river and relax all afternoon there… and there are a lot of rivers to do that!
I’m going to get here one day! But drinking the tap water…really?
haha! Yup, you can drink it! But of course, if you want to stay in the safe side, buy bottled water.
I went to Costa Rica on my honeymoon in 2005. What a country! Good points covered in this post, but for me the wildlife was the most imteresting part. Every footstep and you were confronted with a Morpho butterfly, a colourful snake of some other amazing creature. Costa Rica is a must see location.
Love the blog, regards
Si
Wow Si, what a great place to go on your honeymoon! You’re right, there should be a point about the wildlife. I was pretty impressed to since I saw a few animals I had never seen before and it was so easy to spot wildlife all around you since most of their natural habitats have been kept untouched.
Thanks!
Never met someone who had been there that didn’t love it. Great tips.
Thanks Jim! It’s hard not to love Costa Rica.
I spent most of my time in Costa Rica just in a small village, but I found the people a lot less to try to scam you than in SE Asia… It’s actually a very relaxing destination after the bustle of Asia
Oh yes, SE Asia is more brutal when it comes to petty theft. In Costa Rica you wont encounter it too much, except in San Jose. Oh, I agree… Costa Rica is very relaxing!