Local tourism and travel information for Costa Rica

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Costa Rica Travel Tips

Costa Rica is a country that is known by many as the “Switzerland of Central America”. It has also been praised far and wide as an ideal place to spend your dream vacation. It offers among other things abundant vegetation as far as the eye can see, parks, beaches left, right and center, great biodiversity, crazy nightlife, volcanic mountains with spectacular views of the world from above and very friendly natives for the most part.

However if you are traveling here for the first time there are some Do’s and Don’ts that you should keep in mind. These tips relate mostly to the capital of the country, San Jose. The outer lying areas are much more secure and you can travel around them in relative ease. Still it is better as the saying goes, to be safe than sorry. 

DON’T carry large amounts of money around in plain sight. There are unseeing eyes that prey on pale skin and light eyes ergo: Foreigners. Remember that they are better at finding their way around the city than you. Once they snatch and run it’s gone… for good. 

DON’T put your passport in your back jeans pocket or in your front one. It will grow wings and fly away. 

DON’T under any circumstances wear flashy or gold earrings in downtown San Jose. There is a nasty habit of ripping them off which can be quite frightening. That goes the same for necklaces and bracelets. 

DON’T leave your belongings unattended. Even if the company says it’s ok just keep an eye on it. 

BEWARE of guides and “helpers” who offer their “assistance” to help you, the poor lost soul, find your way through the unending maze of San Jose. Remember that appearances can be deceiving and isn’t there a saying about a “wolf in sheep’s clothing”? 

DON’T EVER take a taxi “pirata” (Unregistered taxi’s) because they are cheaper than registered taxi’s. Although it is customary for Costa Ricans to use their services remember that they live here. You do not. Take the official taxi’s. You will recognize them for their red color with yellow triangles on the sides. They also have a meter with a starting fee of just under a dollar. Make sure that it is turned on. 

DO eat at the local SODA’S. They are cheaper than the fast food places/restaurants and the food is generally very good. They offer for breakfast “Gallo Pinto” which is a mixture of beans and rice and one of Costa Rica’s traditional meals.

Lunch is “Casados” which is a serving of rice, beans, salad, fried plantains or ripe ones, a slice of avocado (depending on the season) and a choice of chicken, fish, beef, pork, etc. The “Casados” are usually served with a natural drink. Cas (Cousin to the guava), passion fruit, tamarind, etc. Or you can buy a Soda if that is your choice. Since the water in the country is considered safe you should be able to drink the natural juices with no problems. If you are worried just buy bottled water. 

DO ask for directions. Avoid the mistake of wandering around with a vague, unfocused look that practically yells…LOST. Predators can sniff out a lost soul with relative ease. Even if you don’t know where you are going…look like it! And then ask for directions. There are several centers in downtown San Jose which say something like “Free Tourist information center” and such. Go there and get back on track! 

DO buy a travel guide book. Although sometimes they are not much use it never hurts to have some kind of background information and a general scope of the territory itself before your arrival. 

DO take a crash course in Spanish so as to have an idea of what these Ticos (Local name for Costa Ricans) are talking about. Simple things like saying your name, asking for the restrooms and directions, what time the bus leaves, where you can get the bus, how much does something costs, I have lost this and can’t find that, you know, along those lines. 

DO bargain for a better price when buying souvenirs. It is expected and what is more it can be great fun! 

And last but definitely not least … 

DO have a wonderful time. After all what else is vacation for?

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