Costa Rica tours & travel

Costa Rican culture is summed up in two words – ‘pura vida’, or the pure life. It’s often said as a greeting, farewell or to show appreciation. Just like any good life motto, pura vida is better experienced than explained; it’s both an attitude and a feeling. It means being friendly and polite, taking it easy, relaxing, and being thankful for what you have.

This unofficial motto helps explain many other facets of Costa Rican culture. Costa Ricans (or Ticos and Ticas) are known for their relaxed demeanour, happy outlook and conflict-averse nature. In fact, peace is so highly valued here that they have no standing army. It was abolished in 1949 with all funds reallocated to create an ‘army’ of teachers instead. It follows that education is also highly valued here. Primary and secondary school is mandatory and free for all, resulting in a 97% literacy rate.

You’ll find that people in Costa Rica are generally in less of a hurry than most North Americans or Europeans. This is particularly true on the east coast where a laidback Caribbean attitude has been adopted thanks to a large population of migrant workers from Jamaica. Following what is affectionately known as ‘Tico time’, people will often be fashionably late, except for things with schedules – Tico time does not apply at work, the movies or the train station.

The Caribbean coast has other differences from the rest of Costa Rica as well – the cuisine, the music and the language are all influenced by the Caribbean. You might hear a dialect of Jamaican Creole called Limonese Creole (also known as Mekatelyu or Patua) being spoken alongside Spanish.

Costa Ricans’ carefree way of life coupled with living in one of the most progressive and prosperous nations in Central America makes locals some of the happiest in the world.

Ancient history

Like most Central American countries, before Spanish colonisation, indigenous communities thrived for thousands of years as hunter-gatherers. Costa Rica was a transiting region between Mesoamerican and Andean cultures, with some notable periods of Aztec, Maya and Inca influence. It is thought that humans have lived in Costa Rica’s jungles and rainforest for as many as 10,000 years, however with no urbanised civilisation like the Aztecs or Mayas, and little to no cultural preservation during the time of Spanish colonisation, there is not much known about Costa Rica’s true indigenous populations.

Colonisation, independence and trade

At the time of Spanish colonisation, around 1502, it’s estimated that 400,000 people lived in what is now known as Costa Rica. Spanish explorer Christopher Columbus came across this region, and while exploring and interacting with local tribal groups he saw a great amount of gold, hence the name ‘la costa rica’ or the rich coast. It was, however, not as much as he once thought, so later settlement here was agriculture-focused. During the next century, different Spanish colonies were established on the coast to varying degrees of success. As settlements grew larger, indigenous populations dwindled due to disease and other factors. After around a century, the population had fallen to 20,000, and to 8000 a century later.

It wasn’t until 1821 that the Americas broke free of Spanish control, following the Mexican War of Independence. Costa Rica then became part of the Federal Republic of Central America in 1823, before gaining full independence in 1838. It was also in the 19th century that Costa Rica found its feet in the global coffee trade. Costa Rican coffee producers would originally export their crop to larger South American neighbours, who would, in turn, re-export to Europe. After catching on, they started to export the beans themselves and by the end of the century, coffee crops accounted for nearly 90% of Costa Rica’s exports and 80% of its foreign income. Not only was coffee production an indicator of wealth in Costa Rica, it was also a powerful political tool and prompted the emergence of other industries, including the banana trade, which surpassed coffee exports in the early 20th century.

After 1869, Costa Rica established a democratic government and has largely remained an effective social democracy without radical tendencies for many decades. One notable exception was a Civil War in 1948, prompted by business and military groups clashing with a movement by President Rafael Calderon to protect the rights of the working class and the poor. Peace was restored after only a couple of months, but not without casualties. In the aftermath, the Costa Rican government drafted a new constitution, in which one major move was to abolish the military forces of the country – an edict that remains to this day.

Today

Costa Rica’s economy relies on eco-tourism, and the country has championed the idea that ‘rich coast’ refers not to resources dug from the ground, but rather to the natural wonders above ground! Economic struggles still exist, with underemployment, poverty, foreign trade and debt ongoing issues for the government. However, the easygoing attitude of Ticans comes from a love of their country and history, and pride that their democracy has endured in a conflict-ridden region.

Costa Rican cuisine is, unsurprisingly, influenced by Spanish, South American, Caribbean and other Central American culinary traditions. The food, generally speaking, is wholesome and fresh, and on the Caribbean coast there’s an Afro-Caribbean flair, with specialities featuring coconut milk, more meat and more spices.

As well as establishing itself as the craft beer hub of Costa Rica, the capital – San Jose – also has an up-and-coming food scene; head to Barrio Escalante for the best gastropubs and hip restaurants.

Look out for these favourite dishes and drinks across Costa Rica:

What to eat in Costa Rica

1. Gallo pinto
   Gallo pinto, the most common side dish in Costa Rica and across the Americas is served alongside meals morning, noon and night. It’s made of rice, beans, onions, peppers and spices, and the name translates to ‘speckled rooster’ because of the pops of colour studding the rice.
2. Casado
   If you eat at a ‘soda’ – traditional Costa Rican restaurant – when travelling, chances are a casado will be on the menu. Although there are multiple variations of this tasting plate, you’ll likely get served up some gallo pinto, fried plantains and salad with either chicken, beef or fish, and a freshly squeezed juice. Covering off all your food groups in one!
3. Chifrijo
   Chifrijo is one of the most common bar snacks in Costa Rica. The word is a combination of its two main ingredients – chicharrones (fried pork rinds) and frijoles (beans). The chicharrones and beans are layered together and topped with guacamole and pico de gallo, and served with fresh tortilla or plantain chips for dipping.
4. Ceviche
   While ceviche is probably more often associated with Peru, the Tico version is a delicious variation. Made with raw fish cured in citrus juice, onions, coriander and peppers and served with tortilla chips or fried plantains, this dish is light, refreshing and a great start to a meal.
5. Patacones
   Another common element that pops up on a lot of Central American menus, these deep-fried green plantains are ideal for a snack or as a dipping device for chifrijo, guacamole or pico de gallo. Or just by themselves!
6. Sopa negra
   You might think that all of Costa Rica is hot and sunny year-round, but some parts of the country do get quite cool, especially in the evenings. That’s nothing a bowl of soup can’t fix. Sopa negra is a Costa Rican black bean soup, often flavoured with tomatoes and spices, and served with egg and coriander.
7. Rondon
   Imagine a Caribbean seafood chowder, and you’ve got rondon. This soup is traditionally Jamaican, but other Caribbean countries who’ve adopted the recipe have put their own spin on it with their choice of seafood – fish, crab, small lobster – as well as the coconut milk broth and spices. A hearty pick-me-up after a day of exploring.
8. Arroz con leche
   Sweet tooths can rejoice with this Central and South American dessert staple of arroz con leche – a spiced, sweet rice pudding made with cinnamon, cloves and raisins. Try it as a warming snack or a special dessert.
9. Pejibayes
   You probably haven’t heard of this one before! This unusual fruit comes from a type of palm known as the peach palm – the same tree that heart of palm comes from. After boiling for a few hours and discarding the inner seed and outer skin, the fruit is finished with a squeeze of lime or a dollop of mayonnaise to eat the local way. The taste has been likened to a mix between a squash, potato and cashew.

What to drink in Costa Rica

1. Coffee
   Costa Rica produces some of the best coffee in the world, so you’re set for your caffeine fix during your time in Costa Rica. It has both the ideal soil composition and the perfect elevation to grow the perfect coffee crop, so be sure to sample as many fresh local brews as you can.
2. Alcohol
   If you’re looking for drinks of the alcoholic variety, try guaro – a liquor made from sugar cane, best enjoyed in a guaro sour (with lime, simple syrup and soda). The craft beer scene is growing quickly here as well, so look for microbrews from a multitude of small local breweries. And if you’re wondering how to say cheers, just say ‘pura vida’ again!
3. Naturales
   Naturales – sometimes also called refrescos or batidos – are delicious fresh fruit juices blended with either milk or water. You can find them all over the country at small kiosks or booths, in a variety of flavours like mango, pineapple, guanabana and more.

Costa Rica is known for its incredible beaches and magical rainforests. But the beauty is not limited to golden beaches – the backbone of this coastal nation is truly stunning mountain ranges, many of which contain active and dormant volcanoes. You’ll also find heaps of waterfalls, lakes and rivers throughout the country. For this reason, adventure sports such as zip-lining, whitewater rafting and cycling are popular in inland destinations such as La Fortuna and Montverde, and adventures packed full of activities are a popular way to experience the country.

Costa Rica’s diverse topography also gives rise to many microclimates. The temperature and weather can vary dramatically depending on elevation and how close you are to the coast, so environments from rainforests to cloud forests, jungles to mountains exist side by side. The varied land and climate foster a huge amount of biodiversity – over 5% of the world’s total biodiversity, in fact.

Costa Rica is home to over 500,000 species of plants and animals. Those seeking to spot local wildlife will be enthralled by Costa Rica’s unique flora and fauna. And the spectacular variety of wildlife isn’t limited to the land – scuba diving is another popular activity, with Costa Rica boasting some of the most beautiful bays, beaches and reefs in the world.

4 of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica

1. Tortuguero National Park
   One of Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets, this national park is the unspoilt paradise you’ve been searching for. Will you take a dip into Tortuguero’s warm turquoise waters or just relax on the idyllic shores?
2. Manuel Antonio
   Leave the hassles of modern life behind and discover an eco-playground surrounded by coastal delights. Spend a day exploring misty rainforests before cooling off on one of the delightful beaches, or head into Manuel Antonio or Quepos town for some good food and fiery nightlife.
3. Jaco
   Once a sleepy beach town, Jaco’s proximity to San Jose has made it a one-stop shop for those seeking big waves and even bigger parties. The gateway to national parks and active adventures, there’s no denying Jaco’s uber-cool surf-town vibe.
4. Corcovado
   Well off the tourist trail, Corcovado isn’t your average beach experience. Boasting diversity of colour, landscape and wildlife, Corcovado is perfect for those seeking beaches with character and charm. Oh, and it’s got the largest primary forest in the American Pacific, if you needed another reason to visit.

Whether you’re buying souvenirs or groceries, your best bet in Costa Rica is to shop at local markets. Although there are large, American-style grocery stores, they can be a little pricey. The best deals on fresh produce can be found at a feria, or farmers market. Most towns have a weekly feria where you can buy tropical fruits and vegetables. And if you happen to miss the weekly market, you’ll often see street vendors selling select items like avocados and mangoes every day.

Head to the Mercado Calle Nacional de Artesania y Pintura (National Craft Market) in San Jose for the best selection of handmade goods and souvenirs. Here you can stroll through dozens of stalls selling handmade hammocks and painted oxcarts as well as t-shirts and shot glasses that say ‘pura vida’. Also in San Jose, the Mercado Central is a great place to grocery shop and pick up souvenirs. Vendors offer everything from fresh produce to coffee to leather goods.

You’ll often see carved wooden masks for sale but, while all of them are beautiful, for a truly authentic mask you can buy directly from indigenous communities who make them.

As in any destination, check that any souvenirs made from natural materials have been ethically sourced. Avoid buying products made from rainforest woods that were not sustainably harvested, sea turtle shells and other animal products. Before heading home, check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand, for example, have strict quarantine laws regarding some materials, such as food and wooden objects.

Costa Ricans definitely know how to throw a party, and place a lot of importance on food, family and community. Many Costa Rican festivals celebrate the country’s farming and ranch heritage, and a lot have a Catholic element. No matter which festival you’re celebrating, you’re pretty much guaranteed a deep dive into Tico culture. Here are a few of the biggest festivals in Costa Rica:

Las Fiestas de Zapote

This festival, celebrated from Christmas until New Year’s Eve every year in the town of Zapote, is a week-long fiesta. It’s home to the biggest rodeo in Costa Rica, many carnival games, as well as rides and food stalls.

Palmares Fiestas

After the festivities of Christmas, New Year’s and the Zapote festival have wound down, it’s time for the Palmares festival. In mid-January, more than one million Ticos and tourists head to the town of Palmares for one of the largest festivals in Costa Rica. Revellers drink beer, enjoy food, listen to international acts and watch traditional bullfighting and the ‘tope’ – a horse parade through the streets.

Fiesta de los Diablitos

The ‘Festival of the Little Devils’ is celebrated twice each year (in December and February) in the indigenous communities of Boruca and Rey Curre. The festival celebrates the triumph of the original inhabitants over the Spanish conquistadors, with dancing and performances featuring costumes and painted masks.

Limon Carnival

If you’re travelling to Costa Rica in October, you’ll probably find yourself in the festive spirit as you touch down, as this is the month of Carnival. Notably, it’s when the Caribbean town of Puerto Limon celebrates this annual festival, with elaborate costumes, floats, parades and food stalls aplenty, spread across two weekends.

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously, and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to smarttraveller.gov.au

From Canada?

Go to travel.gc.ca

From the UK?

Go to fco.gov.uk

From New Zealand?

Go to safetravel.govt.nz

From the USA?

Go to travel.state.gov

From South Africa?

Go to gov.za

From China?

Go to 12301.cn

The World Health Organization also provides useful health information. Go to who.int for more details.

For inspiring stories to prepare you for your Costa Rica adventure, check out these books:

• Green Phoenix: Restoring the Tropical Forests of Guanacaste, Costa Rica – William Allen
• The Ticos: Culture and Social Change in Costa Rica – Mavis Hiltunen Biesanz
• Off the Map – Dorien Kelly
• The Costa Rica Reader: History, Culture, Politics – Steven Palmer and Ivan Molina
• Mamita Yunai – Carlos Luis Fallas
• Unica Looking at the Sea – Fernando Contreras Castro
• Monkeys are made of Chocolate: Exotic and Unseen Costa Rica – Jack Ewing