Things To Do
in Costa Rica

The classic breakfast dish of rice and beans seasoned with bell pepper, onion and cilantro. Found at nearly every soda and hotel breakfast.

Must-Try!

A typical lunchtime plate with rice, beans, plantains, salad and a protein (chicken, beef, fish or eggs). Served widely at sodas and restaurants.

Fresh fish or seafood cured in lime juice with cilantro, onion and peppers—best at coastal towns and seafood-focused eateries.

A snack or appetizer layering rice, beans, fried pork (chicharrón) and pico de gallo; common at bars and casual restaurants.

A bustling indoor market full of fruit stalls, sodas and snack vendors—try empanadas, fresh fruit juices and small plates for low cost.

Small neighborhood sodas serve authentic home-cooked food at good prices; weekly farmers’ markets (ferias) near towns offer fresh produce, street snacks and regional treats.

The phrase 'Pura Vida' is used as hello, goodbye, thank you and to express that things are good—use it warmly and you'll be seen as friendly and respectful.

Use polite greetings (hola, buenos días) and 'usted' with older people or in formal contexts; handshakes are common when meeting someone new.

Costa Ricans take conservation seriously—follow park rules, don't disturb wildlife, and avoid littering or taking biological souvenirs.

Dress casually but modestly in towns; swimwear is for the beach only. Avoid loud or disrespectful behavior, especially in more traditional or rural communities.

Many restaurants add a 10% service charge; if not included, a 10% tip is appreciated. Tip guides, drivers and porters directly (5–10% or a few dollars per person depending on service and length of tour). Small tips for hotel staff and taxi drivers are welcome but not mandatory.

The Costa Rican colón (CRC) is the official currency, but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants in towns; carry cash for travel in rural areas and for local buses. ATMs are common in cities but limited in remote regions.

Primary international gateway near San José — well connected to North America, Europe and other regional destinations; 20–40 minutes to central San José depending on traffic.

Main airport for the Guanacaste region (Liberia), convenient for Pacific beaches in the northwest—short drives to many coastal resorts.

A smaller airport near San José handling private flights and some domestic services; useful for charter flights and small-plane transfers.

Serves Manuel Antonio and the central Pacific coast with short domestic flights from San José; convenient for travelers headed to that national park.

The majority of the population identifies as mestizo (mixed indigenous and European ancestry) or of European descent, concentrated across cities and towns.

A significant Afro-Caribbean population is centered on the Caribbean coast (Limón province), with distinct cultural traditions, music and cuisine.

Several indigenous groups such as the Bribri and Cabécar live in rural areas and reserves, preserving unique languages and cultural practices.

Growing communities of retirees, expats and digital nomads live in beaches and mountain towns, contributing to diverse international enclaves.

Vegetarian options are increasingly available in tourist areas (sodas, cafes and restaurants). Ask for 'sin carne' and specify no fish or chicken. Carry snacks for remote areas where options are limited.

Vegan choices are common in Monteverde, Santa Teresa and major beach towns; specify 'vegano' and ask about dairy in typical dishes like tamales or desserts.

Rice-based dishes are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination can occur—inform restaurants of needs and stick to fresh ingredients and grilled proteins.

Carry allergy cards in Spanish for critical allergies and confirm ingredients in sauces and marinades; medical care is good in cities but limited in remote areas.