What language is spoken in Costa Rica?
The official national language of Costa Rica is Spanish and has been since the Spanish colonisation of the country in the 16th century, however, there are also five indigenous languages spoken in Costa Rica as part of the Chibcha language family; Cabecar language, Bribri language, Maleku language, Buglere language, and Guaymi language.
As with other countries, Costa Rica has also become home to many immigrants over the years with each new language introduced only contributing to the country's rich and diverse identity and culture. This has seen the English language, as well as the French, Portuguese, and German languages, also being spoken by a percentage of the population.
The indigenous population in Costa Rica
Sadly, there used to be more indigenous languages spoken in Costa Rica but they have slowly disappeared over the years with fears that more could be nearing the same fate. In order to combat this and protect the country's indigenous diversity, the Costa Rican government, along with various world organisations such as UNESCO, have put policies and promises in place to help the promotion of indigenous languages. The Costa Rican government also continues to work with the indigenous population surrounding traditional ownership of land and the legal recognition of their rights and significant cultural artifacts.
However, there is still a lot to be done to help out the indigenous community with many problems still facing the population today such as lack of access to basic healthcare, the standard of education compared to non-indigenous Costa Ricans, and several land disputes that may see indigenous farmers and ranchers lose their land due to oil and mining work.
What are some Spanish phrases I should know before my trip?
Travelling internationally might seem a little daunting when you don't speak the language of the country you're visiting but simply learning a few common phrases or words is enough to give you some confidence when communicating with the locals. It'll also show your appreciation and respect for the country's culture and customs and will only add to your overall trip experience.
We're not saying you have to spend hours and hours trying to learn Spanish but knowing how to say the below phrases/words will go a long way in helping you communicate effectively:
- Good morning - Buenos días
- Good afternoon - Buenas tardes
- How are you? - ¿Cómo está usted? (formal)
- What are you doing? - ¿Qué haces?
- Thank you - ¡Gracias!
- Please - Por favor
If you can only manage to get the basics learnt before your trip - don't worry. Costa Ricans are known to be friendly and welcoming people that will help you out with a translation or two if you're having trouble figuring out the language. They're also a proud community that's willing to share their country and culture with those who come to see it.
Read more about Central America
Nov 08, 2018
How to have the ultimate family...
If you’re after a family adventure beyond the gated mega-resorts, here are 5...
Jun 16, 2023
Machu Picchu or Chichen Itza? Which...
So little time and so many ancient ruins to discover...
Sep 02, 2022
The top 8 destinations for travel in...
Whether you’ve always wanted to get off the beaten track in Romania, watch the...
Sep 25, 2018
10 facts you might not know about...
Honduras is one cool country. Here are 10 reasons why.
Jun 05, 2015
“We’re going deep into the jungle...
How to get off the beaten track, off the beaten track. (That's not a typo).
Sep 11, 2014
Move over Mexico: 7 awesome foods...
Move over Mexico, your neighbours have some pretty sensational tastebud pleasers...
Jul 24, 2018
30 photos that will inspire you to...
Starting in Antigua, Guatemala and finishing in San Jose, Costa Rica, the trip...
May 01, 2018
How to have a perfect day in...
Laid-back, friendly and beautiful, it’s no surprise that this delightful little...
Nov 28, 2017
12 facts you probably don’t know...
Surprising and curiosity-inducing, these Guatemala facts prove the country is...
May 31, 2018
6 essential spots you don’t want to...
From vintage cars to hand-rolled cigars, Cuba is a country with many facets to...
Apr 13, 2017
Why Granada is Central America’s must...
Quite possibly the most laid-back and accessible city in Central America, Granada...
May 19, 2023
The best thing about a family tour?...
'On the first day, the eight children pronounced themselves best friends and...
Jul 12, 2023
The top 8 destinations for travel in...
From sipping schnapps in Sweden to tracking endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda...
Sep 08, 2022
The top 7 destinations for travel in...
From the jungles of Central America to the beaches of South East Asia, here's...
Jun 22, 2023
Costa Rica or Mexico: Which country...
So you've settled on Central America...now what?
Aug 29, 2022
Finding Mexico’s hidden gems on a...
Writer, activist, founder of Fat Girls Traveling and friend of Intrepid Annette...
Sep 07, 2022
Travel is back and we just dropped 10...
After two-and-a-bit years of lockdowns, border closures and travel plans being put...
Feb 16, 2023
How to connect with Costa Rica’s...
Terraba elder Eulalia shares her experiences of living in one of Costa Rica's...
Dec 31, 2022
23 new travel experiences for 2023
It’s a new year, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time for another adventure!
Feb 28, 2018
7 unmissable experiences to have in...
With beaches, jungle and wildlife galore, Costa Rica is full of beautiful things...
Aug 29, 2018
Active adventurer? Here’s why you...
Love any al fresco adventure that really gets your heart thumping? Then it's time...
Oct 08, 2022
Costa Rica or Guatemala? The Central...
Eenie, meenie, miny, mo, where in Central America should go?
Feb 23, 2017
Meet the Leaders: Judy, Bahamas...
This week we're proud to introduce our very first female sailing skipper, Judy....