Don’ts of Costa Rica: Travel Tips
Greetings from Costa Rica! Today we’re sharing Costa Rica travel tips. It’s a very popular destination for tourists from all over the world, and it’s a fantastic place to travel. However, there are a few things you should know before your Costa Rica vacation. Whether you are ziplining through the cloud forest, or hitting the beaches of Costa Rica, there are a few things you should not do in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Travel Tip #1: Don’t Expect a Cheap Vacation
Compared to other Central American countries, Costa Rica is expensive. Panama and Nicaragua are as much as 50% less expensive than Costa Rica. Prices in Costa Rica are more on par with the United States. There are some places to save money in Costa Rica, but be prepared for higher prices.
Costa Rica Travel Tip #2: Don’t Mess With the Monkeys (or Any Wildlife!)
Costa Rica is full of nature reserves, filled with exotic animals. Seeing wildlife is a main reason that people visit Costa Rica. However, some of the animals, including the monkeys, have become very habituated to tourists, and often expect to be fed. So, be cautious around them, and don’t feed them. In addition to solicitous monkeys, some of the snakes in Costa Rica can be very dangerous.
Costa Rica Travel Tip #3: Don’t Skip the National Parks
Many people visit Costa Rica and only see the resorts and the beaches. Costa Rica has a ton of great National Parks and natural wonders to see. Going for a walk in the cloud forest of the treetops is a Costa Rica must. Many hotels offer nature hikes, which is a great way to see what Costa Rica has to offer.
Costa Rica Travel Tip #4: Don’t Be Afraid
Costa Rica is actually a pretty safe destination. People are surprised at how safe Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua can be. The people in these countries are really nice and eager to help travelers on their journey. Costa Rica is also very family friendly; and we’ve seen many families traveling with kids in Costa Rica. The usual travel precautions always apply, but there’s no need to be scared of Costa Rica travel.
Costa Rica Travel Tip #5: Don’t Miss Out on Lizano Sauce
Most of the Costa Rica restaurants will have a bottle of Lizano salsa on the table. Costa Ricans put this sauce on everything, from eggs at breakfast to rice and meat at dinner. It’s really tasty, so try it out when you’re at a Costa Rica restaurant. Chances are, you’ll be looking to buy a few bottles to take home.
Costa Rica Travel Tip #6: Don’t Be Beans & Rice Intolerant
Beans and rice are a staple of Central American food. It’s served with eggs at breakfast, and again at lunch and dinner with whatever meat you are eating. It is pretty much served at every meal. After a couple of weeks in Costa Rica, travelers can grow weary of beans and rice. That’s when the Lizano sauce comes in handy!
Costa Rica Travel Tip #7: Don’t Miss Out on Tico Culture
In addition to the natural beauty of Costa Rica, there is also a very rich culture which is equally interesting for travelers. Costa Ricans are called “Tico’s” and they are wonderful people. If you have a chance to hang out with Ticos, don’t miss it. Participating in cultural activities is always a good idea while traveling. Costa Rica has many cooking classes, surfing lessons or guided tours led by locals. Pura Vida is alive and well in Costa Rica!
Costa Rica Travel Tip #8: Don’t Worry About the Water
In other parts of Latin America, it’s not safe for Americans to drink the tap water, however it’s perfectly safe to drink the water in Costa Rica. This goes for the ice in your drinks as well. On a related note, though, toilet paper should not be flushed in the toilet. It will go in a waste-bin next to the toilet.
Costa Rica Travel Tip #9: Don’t Be in a Hurry in Costa Rica
Again with the Pura Vida. Costa Rica has a very relaxed, chill vibe, which means some things can take longer than travelers are used to. This is Costa Rica is such a great travel destination for relaxation. However, if you are given a wait time, or ETA, plan on a little bit of extra time to wait. The best thing for travelers to do is just relax and go with the flow. Being in a hurry will only result in frustration.
Costa Rica Travel Tip #10: Don’t Mess Around With Sun or Bugs
The sun in Costa Rica is super strong and visitors are easily sunburned. Use a high SPF and reapply it frequently. (Sunscreen can be super expensive in Costa Rica, so if you have room, bring it from home!) Don’t forget the bug spray, too. The bugs in Costa Rica can be bad, especially if you are hiking in the rainforests.
With these ten Costa Rica travel tips, you are well on your way to a successful Costa Rica vacation! For more on Central America, check out these blog posts and videos: