August 21, 2019Costa Rica - a land flourishing with insurmountable signs of life. Pura Vida! As how the locals call it, meaning “pure life”. Lush greeneries, vibrant wildlife, breathtaking views, majestic mountains, pristine white sand beaches and picturesque volcanos; all culminated into this nature’s paradise inhabited by some of the friendliest people on Earth.
Much is to be explored in this terra firma of endless adventures, amazing geographical wonders and insanely photogenic landscapes. Are you ready to engage on your Costa Rican adventure? Here are some fun facts about Costa Rica you’ll want to know before you come and experience the Pura Vida lifestyle.
#1 Costa Rica is not cheap
You might want to try to stretch out your US dollars, but in reality, you’ll find that Costa Rican prices are at par with US prices, and at times even more. Excursions easily cost over $100, and two-way transportation from the airport easily costs you over $300. You’ll spend just as much in restaurants too. We thought maybe it’s because the area we were in is somewhat touristy, but apparently this is the way it is throughout the country. You can still have lots of fun indulging in what Costa Rica has to offer, just keep a budget to avoid surprises.
#2 Tap water is drinkable
Want to drink water out of the tap? Sure you can in Costa Rica. Tap water is perfectly safe to drink, and is a great way to stay hydrated in this tropical country. But if decide to still keep it safe, bottled water is also available at a cost.
#3 Currency
If you have US dollars, the currency exchange rate is roughly 550 colones (Costa Rican currency) to $1. You can always buy some colones for tips or make purchases. However, US dollars is perfectly acceptable at most businesses and you can definitely get by not buying any of the local currency. Also, be mindful that if you only have US dollars, you might get your change in colones.
#4 Unpredictable weather
Simply put, Costa Rican weather is unpredictable. While the climate is divided into dry or wet season, there’s always a chance of rain almost every day. Hence, always be ready with your umbrella or raincoat for those unpredictable rainfalls.
A little bit of knowledge from a local: best time to visit Costa Rica is during the month of December when dry season starts and air is less humid while temperatures stay in the mid 70’s.
#5 Culinary experiences
Costa Rican fare centers around staples of rice and beans, plantains and other fresh produce. You can click here to check out some of our favorite foods and drinks you need to try.
International cuisine is widely available around the towns we visited. Sushi restaurants, Italian fare, seafood specialty restaurants, pizza and steakhouses are some of myriad of gastronomic experiences available that will undoubtedly satiate your culinary yearnings.
#6 Transportation
Depending on where you’re staying, it might take 2-3 hours each way to get to your destination. Taxis are available if you prefer. (Note: Taxis are typically red in color. Orange taxis are the ones stationed at the airport)
You can always book private shuttles if you prefer. We booked ILT Costa Rica for our private transportation from San Jose Airport to Volcano Lodge. Cost is $150 each way and includes bottled water and free WiFi. Our driver was super friendly and was also an excellent tour guide. We made a couple stops along the way to taste some of the local treats.
Otherwise, you can always rent a car which is an economical solution if you don’t mind driving in a foreign country.
#7 WiFi is readily available
A lot of businesses offer free WiFi to the public. Most hotels, cafes and airports have a free connection as well. On the shuttle, our “free WiFi” was tethered from the driver’s cellphone. Although unimpressed with speeds especially on mountainous areas, it is still pretty decent closer to town. If being connected is your thing, you won’t be disappointed.
#8 Tipping isn’t mandatory
Whether or not you want to tip, it is totally up to you. When dining at restaurants, bars and cafes, a 10% service charge has already been added to your bill. If you feel the service is exceptional, you always choose to leave an extra tip for a job well done.
#9 Language
Even though Spanish is the most widely spoken dialect, most Costa Ricans understand some English and speak it as well. A translation app on your smartphone is always great if you want to immerse a bit. At hotels or resorts, you shouldn’t have any problem communicating with anyone in English.
#10 Fun and Activities
From adrenaline-pumping, spine tingling thrills to relaxing dips in natural hot springs or tubing down winding river trails, Costs Rica boasts of fun-filled activities for the entire family. Zip lining, ATV tours, horseback riding, hiking, swimming, diving, bird watching, and a whole lot more. A lot of different experiences that takes you to unparalleled wonders Costa Rica has to offer.
#11 Gorgeous landmarks and picturesque landscapes
Costa Rica is surrounded by breathtaking natural spectacles that you have to see to truly behold its wonder. Abundant rainfall has shaped Costa Rica into a thriving paradise with a glorious collection of vibrant flora and fauna across the land. From the undisputed tranquility of white sand beaches with a stunning turquoise backdrop, to the majestic natural wonders of mountains and volcanos, a scene so amazingly magical that it can only be described as Pura Vida!
#12 Bring bug spray or mosquito repellants
Just a precaution, any place you go where there’s a significant amount of rainfall, always bring some bug spray or mosquito repellant. Mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, can be acquired if you get bitten by a carrier mosquito. This is especially true in tropical rainforests.
It was during the month of August when we visited Costa Rica at the Arenal region. It is within the rainy season but there really isn’t a lot of mosquitos at the time. Still, we used bug spray on ourselves just to be on the safe side.
#13 Protect yourself with sunscreen
Sunscreen is vital in protecting yourself from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Hours of sunlight exposure can cause painful sunburns and some degree of radiation that can eventually lead to skin cancer. You really don’t want to come home from your vacation with your body covered in painful first degree sunburns.
#14 Credit Cards
If you are like us, we prefer to travel and use credit cards for most of our travel spending. It is safe, secure and most of all, convenient. You can click here to learn about the benefits of using credit cards when you travel.
Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Costa Rica. Even sodas (not a beverage, but a small eatery) accept credit cards. We did get charged 10% more for using our card at one of the massage spas in La Fortuna. Apart from that, feel free to use your debit or credit cards for your expenses.
#15 Costa Rica is relatively safe
Even though Costa Rica is pretty safe for visiting tourists and travelers, having a bit of common sense is essential to prevent bad things from happening. Most of the crimes here at Costa Rica involve thefts. With that in mind, avoid showing excessive wealth or wearing expensive jewelries in public. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid being “too trusting” to strangers. Leave your valuables in your hotel room safe if there’s one.
Conclusion:
Costa Rica is definitely one of our favorite travel destinations. The place is abounding in natural beauty and awe-inspiring sights that you have to see and experience for yourself. With so many fun things to do,delicious foods to try, and myriads of places to explore, Costa Rica is our go-to place when we crave adventures and thrills, or immersive discoveries in the midst of a nature’s paradise.
