5 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the favorite countries I’ve had the privilege of visiting.  Known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including rainforests, waterfalls, volcanoes, and idyllic beaches, mostly everyone can find something they’ll love when visiting Costa Rica.  I’m not at all surprised that it has quickly become one of the most popular destinations for those looking to travel somewhere new.  

However, I always make sure my clients understand that what makes this country a perfect vacation destination for many might make it less than perfect for some.  Here are 5 tidbits of information you must know before heading to Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is known for ADVENTURE!

Costa Rica is a great destination for adventure seekers. Visitors can go zip-lining through the rainforest canopy, white-water rafting down the rapids, surfing, or hiking through the mountains.  One of my favorite all-time vacation memories was zip lining through the cloud forests of Monteverde when I was twenty years old.  There’s truly nothing like it.  

If you are someone who seeks relaxation on vacation, you can certainly still find it by visiting spas, hot springs, and the beaches.  Just know that adventure is a huge draw for most visitors to Costa Rica, and a significant portion of the available activities are going to be geared towards thrill-seekers which brings me to my next topic …

Costa Rica is known for WILDLIFE!

Costa Rica’s incredible wildlife is a major draw for nature lovers and eco-tourists. Visitors to the country’s national parks and reserves can see a stunning variety of animals in their natural habitats, including howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, jaguars and other wild cats, and colorful parrots.  Plus, don’t forget about the incredible variety of reptiles and amphibians, including over 135 species of snakes, iguanas, crocodiles, and frogs. (And, yes, the iguana and crab photos are from my trip … lol).

Encounters with dangerous animals are rare, but keep in mind that you very well might encounter an iguana getting a little too close to comfort while you’re on your patio, or perhaps enjoy the “songs” of howler monkeys (… and you might not exactly call them songs after hearing them for hours).  Costa Rica’s wildlife is a unique and amazing part of the country’s natural heritage, but you might need to be prepared for it. 

Costa Rica is known for ECO-TOURISM!

You can certainly find luxurious and high-quality accommodations in Costa Rica.  That being said, you will find that there is a bigger focus on eco-tourism and sustainability.  There are more eco-lodges and smaller “luxury” resorts that incorporate practices like using renewable energy, reducing water usage, and minimizing waste.  Of course, some resorts in Mexico and Hawaii have similar focuses, but you will not see as many large and elaborate resorts in Costa Rica as you see in those destinations.  

On a similar note, my experience is that a four-star resort in Costa Rica might not be as newly-updated or offer as many amenities as a four-star resort in Hawaii or Mexico.  I only mention this so you keep in mind that you can’t exactly compare apples to apples across various destinations.  

Costa Rica is known for its NATURAL BEAUTY!

Costa Rica is famous for its beautiful natural landscapes, which include lush rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls, active volcanoes, and idyllic beaches. There are plenty of national parks and reserves to explore, such as Manuel Antonio National Park, Corcovado National Park, and Tortuguero National Park.  

Remember, though, when I said NATURAL beauty?  As a result, you’re not going to have huge, smooth highways connecting all of these beautiful places.  Instead, the roads are often very curvy and not in the best of conditions. 

Whether you rent your own car or book guided transportation, you will likely spend hours in a car (which can be a huge detractor for those who get carsick).  

Costa Rica is known for its TICOS and PURA VIDA CULTURE!

Costa Rica is known for its friendly people, delicious food, and vibrant culture.  A “tico” is a term of endearment used by Costa Ricans to refer to themeslves, and tacos are known for their friendly and welcoming nature.  The term “pura vida” is often used to describe the laid-back and positive attitude of Costa Ricans.  

Keep in mind that visiting Costa Rica will be dissimilar to vacations with a more commercialized feel, like when you head to the Riviera Maya or Hawaii.  Visitors to Costa Rica will experience a more authentic and immersive cultural experience.  This is a huge perk that every single one of my clients have LOVED.  

I absolutely love Costa Rica, and I think it is a perfect vacation spot for so many families. However, I think it’s really important that visitors understand more about what to expect in this beautiful country. Don’t come here expecting Hawaii or Mexico. It’s Costa Rica! It’s beautiful and you just might find it’s the perfect destination for you, now that you know what to expect.