10 Things That SHOCK Tourists When They Visit Costa Rica

Costa Rica Travel Tips and Ten Things That Will Shock You

Greeting from Costa Rica! Today we’re sharing some Costa Rica travel tips and the ten things that shock tourists when they visit Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Travel Tip #1 Natural Beauty is Everywhere

The first shock to Costa Rica visitors is the insane amount of natural beauty that surrounds you. You can go surfing or hiking in a cloud forests, or walk a hanging bridge to a volcano. Costa Rica has lots of natural parks with flora and fauna and macaws of every color. You can zipline right by monkeys! The nature in Costa Rica is phenomenal.

Costa Rica Travel Tip #2 Roads & Driving In Costa Rica

Driving in Costa Rica can be a shocking experience. The roads are actually improving in Costa Rica, and aren’t as bas as some websites may lead you to believe. Yes, they are bumpy, but more importantly, the roads in Costa Rica are very windy. Some of the curves can even be vomit-inducing. Driving in Costa Rica is not for the faint of heart! Signage is pretty poor, and many times, there are no addresses shown. Oftentimes, directions are given in relation to the nearest Catholic church.

Read: How to Save Money While You Travel so You Can Travel Longer

Costa Rica Travel Tip #3 Beans & Rice Are a Staple

You will be shocked at how much rice and beans you eat in Costa Rica. The cuisine in Costa Rica is actually pretty good, with really fresh seafood and fruits, but the staple of Costa Rican food is rice and beans. Or beans and rice, if you want to mix it up! At breakfast, you’ll have gallo pinto which is rice and beans mixed together. It’s actually really good, so even if you are “rice and bean’d” out, try it.

Costa Rica Travel Tip #4 Ticos Are Awesome

This is the name for Costa Rican people, and you’ll be shocked at how awesome they are. People in Costa Rica are so friendly, extremely helpful and very laid-back. (The laid-back part may irk you if you’re in a hurry, but you have to go with the flow and chill.) Most Costa Ricans working in the tourism industry will speak English, which is helpful. You will fall in love with the people of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Travel Tip #5 Costa Rican Drivers Are Crazy

While the ticos of Costa Rica are super nice and laid-back almost all of the time, watch out when they get behind the wheel! They become crazy drivers with no regards to speed limits or traffic rules. It is highly recommended that you do not drive in Costa Rica at night. In Costa Rica, if you have a car accident, it’s not handled like they do in the States. You can’t move your car and have to wait for police to arrive. Obviously, you want to avoid this at all costs.

Costa Rica Travel Tip #6 Costa Rica Is Very Safe

You hear a lot of murmurs about safety (or lack thereof) in Central America, but Costa Rica is shockingly safe. Of course, there is crime in certain areas, especially petty thefts, but overall Costa Rica is pretty safe. For family travelers looking to visit Central America for the first time, Costa Rica is the perfect destination.

The DON’Ts of Visiting Costa Rica

Costa Rica Travel Tip #7 U.S. Dollars Are Widely Accepted

You might be shocked to learn that you can pay for most things in Costa Rica with U.S. dollars. You’ll get your change back in colones, the local currency, but most places will accept dollars. Some smaller mom-and-pop places may not accept dollars, but you’ll be surprised at how many do. Credit cards are also pretty widely accepted in Costa Rica, and ATM’s are pretty easy to find if you do need colones.

Costa Rica Travel Tip #8 Be Prepared for Seasonality

The swing in seasonality can be shocking when you are planning your Costa Rica vacation. There’s rainy season and then tourist season. In September and October, it’s rainy, so don’t bother coming to Costa Rica. Towards the end of November, through April, is the best time to visit Costa Rica. That said, it can rain in the dry season and be dry in the rainy season. Make sure you bring rain gear no matter the season, because Costa Rica is a big rainforest!

On another seasonality note, high season can get crazy in Costa Rica, and things will sell out. If you want to visit between Christmas and New Years, you need to make your reservations at least six months in advance.

Costa Rica Travel Tip #9 Flora & Fauna Is Astounding

When you explore Costa Rica, you’ll be shocked at all of the amazing nature. You might have a macaw come take a dip in your pool, or seeing spider monkeys from a hanging bridges tour. They have coatis and sloths and iguanas, and all kinds of exotic animals. The plants and flowers in Costa Rica are incredible, too! There’s birds of paradise and dragon’s blood and so many cool plants.

Costa Rica Travel Tip #10 The Air Is So Fresh!

The air in Costa Rica is shockingly fresh! Ecotourism is big here, and many places even prohibit smoking. The fruit here is super fresh, especially the pineapple! Papaya and mangoes are also excellent and served in many ways.

While these shocks may not be super shocking, it’s hard to find anything bad to say about Costa Rica. These are just things you can know ahead of time to help you plan, or help you enjoy your Costa Rica vacation. If you want to learn more about Costa Rica, check out some of our other Costa Rica travel tips: