Costa Rica is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the entire world. Whether you are looking for five star luxury, epic waves, jungle immersion, or your own private paradise, you will find it here.

In short: GO!

For those planning a trip, here is a list of some useful and lesser-known facts about this small but dense Central American gem.

Photo Credit: Halle

1. It Is Possible to Spot Animals Virtually Anywhere

Costa Rica is home to over 150 national parks filled with rare and endangered flora and fauna. It’s well worth a trip into some of the less trodden regions, namely Manzanillo on the South Caribbean and the Osa Peninsula on the South Pacific, but it is possible to find animals virtually anywhere.

In the small surf town of Pavones don’t be surprised to look up from your surfboard and see ten Scarlet Maccaws soaring over your head.

In Puerto Viejo Talamanca traffic jams are often caused by three toed sloths crossing the road.

In the town of Manuel Antonio be careful that a monkey doesn’t steal your lunch or your passport!

Look around and you will be amazed at what you see.

Photo Credit: F. Sosa

2. The Caribbean Coast Is Worlds Away from the Pacific

Though it’s only a four hour ride from the major airport terminal in San Jose to the South Caribbean Coast, it may feel like you’ve entered a different continent.

Homes are painted bright Caribbean colors, reggae music plays in the streets from sarong shops, rastas sell lobster stew and coconut rice on every corner, and Jamaican Creole mingles with heavily accented Spanish. The ocean is turquoise and covered in coral reef.

Costa Ricans in the rest of the country may tell you not to go. “It’s too dangerous.” Ignore them. It’s one of the best parts of the entire country.

3. Always Use the Pronoun “Usted”

In many Latin American countries, including Mexico, it is absolutely appropriate to use the pronoun “tu” when referring to “you”.

“Tu tienes un novio?”
(Do you have a boyfriend?)

Well, in Costa Rica it is incredibly impolite to use the “tu” form. Generally they understand that you are a foreigner and will not take offense, but blend in better and show some respect by using “usted.”

“Usted quiere una novia?”
(Do you want a girlfriend?)

4. It Is Expensive

Costa Rica has a reputation for being expensive. That reputation is well deserved. Plan to budget around double what you would spend in other Central American countries like Guatemala and Nicaragua.

You can strike deals on hotels and housing rentals in the low season, but food and restaurants tend to consistently be the same price as Western countries like the United States. Certain items, like cheese, are imported and cost nearly double what they do in the U.S.

5. You Can Drink the Water

In most of the country it is absolutely safe to drink water from the tap. In Pavones and Corcovado National Park the water comes from mountain springs and actually tastes better than bottled. The water is also safe to drink on the entire Nicoya Peninsula.

With water costing around $1 a liter in grocery stores, much more in restaurants, this is a huge money saver. Besides, do you want to put more plastic into the Earth?

Keep in mind this is not true everywhere. Some locals drink the water on the South Caribbean but I have heard horror stories from tourists who have done the same.

6. The Rip Currents Are Relentless

The surf in Costa Rica is world class, which can make for extremely dangerous swimming. Always check with locals before jumping in and never swim alone.

Photo Credit: Kate

7. Learn the Meaning of Pura Vida

Don’t be surprised when you hear locals say “pura vida” in response to virtually anything.
“How are you?”
“Pura vida.”

“Oh, excuse me.”
“Pura vida.”

“The whole town is flooded and the roads are closed for the next week?!!!”
“Ah, pura vida.”

This phrase, which directly translates to “pure life”, encompasses an entire way of life in Costa Rica.

It means letting go of what you can’t control. It means accepting what life hands you and making the most of it. It means finding happiness wherever you are, whatever your situation.

I suggest you learn it quickly and use it as often as possible.