A typical first trip here runs about $650 to $875 per person for 7 days at a mid-range style, before flights. Get your own number from the Budget Calculator.
- Gallo pinto, rice and black beans stir-fried together; breakfast staple
- Casado, "married plate" of rice, beans, salad, plantains, and protein
- Arroz con leche and tres leches cake, beloved sweet traditions
- Frescos (fresh fruit drinks) and agua dulce (hot sugar cane water)
- Costa Rican coffee is among the world's finest, grown in volcanic soil
- Independence Day (September 15), torch parades the night before
- Boyeo y la Carreta (ox-cart parade), UNESCO-listed tradition
- Envision Festival (February), arts and music in the jungle
- La Negrita (August 2), pilgrimage to Cartago's Basílica; most important religious event
- Pura vida philosophy, "pure life" is not just a phrase but a way of being
Spanish is official. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
"Pura vida" means pure life and is used as hello, goodbye, thank you, and everything is great. Costa Ricans ("Ticos") are exceptionally friendly.
- Embrace the pura vida mindset, relax, don't stress, enjoy
- Ticos are punctual by Latin American standards, don't be excessively late
- Respect the extraordinary biodiversity, Costa Rica has 5% of world's species
- Tipping 10–15% is appreciated; sometimes included as service charge
Latest for Costa Rica
Updates for Costa Rica will appear here as they are published. Every update cites official sources, so you can plan on it.