Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about visiting Costa Rica, one of the most popular destinations in Central America. We loved Costa Rica and had a great time. However, as with any destination, we like to share the good and the bad, so today we’re sharing the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate when you visit Costa Rica.
Love #1: Pura Vida
Pura Vida means “pure life” in Spanish, and it’s a way of life in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is all about the natural life surrounding you; whether it’s hiking a volcano or surfing the beaches. It’s all about a lifestyle that is relaxed and surrounded by nature. You’ll love it!
Hate #1: Driving in Costa Rica
When you visit Costa Rica, you definitely want to get out and explore outside of your resort area. But the roads in Costa Rica are not great. They can be very bumpy and very windy and curvy, so if anyone in your family tends to get carsick, it’s something to plan for. The local drivers can also seem a bit crazy, too, so driving in Costa Rica can be unnerving, but it’s totally worth it.
Ten Things That Will Shock You in Costa Rica
Love #2: The Ticos
Costa Ricans are known as Ticos, and they are what makes Costa Rica so special. They are so friendly, so helpful, and so warm and welcoming. With a thriving tourism industry, you’ll find many locals who speak English, but it always helps to know a bit of Spanish.
Hate #2: The Resort-ification
As Costa Rica tourism grows, it does seem to be becoming much more commercialized. If you’ve visited Costa Rica in the past, you will notice this more than a first-time visitor. With the proliferation of resorts, you start to be more removed from the culture of Costa Rica and become more insulated in the resort communities. You can also expect to pay more for everything if you stay at a resort. Just keep this in mind when choosing where to stay in Costa Rica; if you choose a resort, you’ll have to make more of an effort to get to know the locals.
The Official Website of Costa Rica Tourism: CLICK HERE
Love #3: Tourism Infrastructure
Costa Rica has made great strides in improving the tourism infrastructure for everyone. It’s great for surfers, nature lovers, and families. It’s also very safe here, so travelers can feel safe visiting Costa Rica. If you don’t want to drive on the Costa Rica roads, it’s pretty easy to hire a turismo bus to drive you around.
Hate #3: Lack of Historic or Cultural Attractions
Costa Rica is all about eco-tourism, so if you love outdoor adventure travel, you will love Costa Rica. If you don’t love the outdoors and nature, you may not love Costa Rica. There aren’t many other attractions like historic cities or museums to explore; it truly is an outdoor destination. This can also present accessibility issues for many travelers, so before you book your Costa Rica trip, make sure that you are able to enjoy the excursions in Costa Rica.
US State Department Website on International Travel & Travel Advisories: CLICK HERE
Love #4: Costa Rica Prices
Now, Costa Rica is not a dirt-cheap vacation like other countries in Central America. But it can be a very affordable vacation if you plan ahead and do some research. You can save a lot of money by renting your own car and staying in bed-and-breakfast places instead of resorts. Eating out in Costa Rica can also be very cheap if you frequent the sodas, or the mom-and-pop places rather than the resorts and restaurants. The bulk of your Costa Rica travel budget will be spent on excursions.
Hate #4: Seasonality
Seasonality means a lot of things in Costa Rica. The literal aspect is that there are two seasons: dry season and wet season. Regardless of when you visit, it’s tropical, so there’s always a chance of rain…even in the dry season.
Seasonality also applies to the tourist seasons. The high season for tourism is December through April; it’s when you can expect to have the most tourists and pay high season prices. The mid-season is April through July, while the low season coincides with the rainy season, which is August through November. Christmas and New Year’s are the busiest, so if you’re planning your Costa Rica trip around the holidays, you need to make reservations well in advance.
Love #5: Costa Rica Tours and Adventures
Besides the friendly locals and the laidback lifestyle, you will love the ecotourism in Costa Rica. From ziplining to hiking volcanoes to surfing, there’s always a way to be active in Costa Rica. If you prefer to study the flora and fauna, you’ll see all kinds of tropical plants and wildlife. There are excursions in Costa Rica for every kind of traveler.
Hate #5: Rice and Beans
Even if you love rice and beans, you will probably be tired of it by the end of your Costa Rica trip. Rice and beans, or beans and rice, find their way into every meal in Costa Rica. If there’s one thing most tourists complain about, it’s the plethora of rice and beans at every meal. On the plus side, it’s a cheap way to feed a big family, which is why it’s so popular to begin with. However, the fresh fruit and seafood are so amazing, they make up for all of the rice and beans!
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We loved Costa Rica as a family adventure destination. It’s affordable, safe, and fun! Our kids had a great time, and we did as well. Of course, these “hates” aren’t a reason not to visit Costa Rica, just something to have a head’s up for. Our Costa Rica family vacations have been some of our favorite trips ever. Interested in more Central America family travel destinations? Check out these blog posts!