Located on the Central American Isthmus between the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea lies Costa Rica, a nation which proudly boasts about its Pura Vida (happy) way of living. Growing tourists visit the cheerful country annually to seek some of the happiness that glows up the locals’ lives, but what exactly is Costa Rica famous for?
A Costa Rica bucket list trip consists of many different elements, but I have chosen four important aspects to discuss before you visit.
One of the main highlights in Costa Rica is the cuisine on offer throughout the country. A mixture of local Tico food still stands out, despite an influx of international taste sensations, which have created a unique cosmopolitan feel to the nation’s hotspots.
Another highlight which will leave you in awe during your trip to Costa Rica is the abundance of beautiful nature. Volcanoes, waterfalls, rainforests, and of course, the Pacific Ocean, all take you into a different world. The powerful waves crashing against the shore, alongside the vast array of wildlife noises echoing around the towns creates a sense of calm for visitors.
While Costa Rica is ideal for silent retreats, it is also full of adventure, and offers an artistic side to match any other global destination.
This blog will give you an insight into the food, nature, art, and adventure, which all combine to create the Pura Vida lifestyle that Costa Rica is famous for.
Table of Contents
To begin, here’s a short overview of the food culture in Costa Rica.
Sodas vs Restaurants
When you arrive in Costa Rica you will notice that culinary traditions are still in place throughout the country, despite growing international influence on the cuisine, as tourism reaches record levels.
Sodas are family-owned restaurants which sell home cooked Tico style food at a cheaper rate, usually to locals, although tourists do use them for a more budget friendly option, compared to international restaurants. They also offer visitors a taste of Costa Rica, with many of the dishes served being traditional to the Central American country.
You will find sodas in every city and town across Costa Rica, and you will notice that there is less focus on the decor and branding of the establishments, but more on the quality and portion size of the meals.
Soda owners go above and beyond to offer a pleasant experience through polite social interactions, generous portions, and a smile to every customer.
A day spent in the capital should include a soda visit!
Gallo Pinto
One common dish which you will see in both sodas and restaurants is the national dish – Gallo Pinto.
Gallo Pinto is a combination of rice, black beans , and other spices fried together, which are then served up with an egg and some toast on the side. It is a simple but very tasty and filling meal, so it is no surprise that the locals usually choose their national dish for breakfast.
There is still a debate on whether Gallo Pinto originated in Costa Rica or Nicaragua with both countries choosing it as their national dish. It tastes very similar to Mexican cuisine, which is no surprise considering the proximity of both countries.
Casado is another popular dish in the Central American country and usually consists of a source of protein, rice, beans, fried plantains, and vegetables. Chicken and beef are the most popular meats.
Other Costa Rican cuisine highlights:
- Olla de Carne (beef stew)
- Sopa Negra (black bean soup)
- Patacones (green plantains)
Costa Rican Street Food
There is a vibrant street food scene across Costa Rica, as vendors serve hot and cold snacks to customers.
Empanadas are one of the most popular snacks, coming in an array of flavours, both savoury and sweet. Chicken, beef, and beans are available as a savoury option, with pineapple and banana being popular for dessert.
You will also find BBQ chicken, tacos, and chorreadas in most of the towns in Costa Rica, with Vigorón (boiled yucca) being unique to the Caribbean coast.
International Influence
With tourism growing in Costa Rica, especially those from the USA, the variety of restaurants now cater for every type of visitor. In the capital, you will find many American branded restaurants in the malls and main squares.
If you venture into the smaller towns, there are less recognised brands, however, the competition is fierce with Mexican, South American, and Asian restaurants popping up. Themed food establishments are usually filled in the evening, especially in La Fortuna.
The Pura Vida Way
One thing that you will notice as you explore Costa Rica is the growing number of ‘healthy’ food options.
The sunshine, nature and general happy vibe has influenced locals to live a healthier lifestyle, so you will notice many juice bars & vegan restaurants popping up in places such as Tamarindo, Montezuma, and La Fortuna.
One of the most popular breakfasts are acai bowls, which offer a balanced option for energy levels before adventures on the beaches and in the rainforests.
Smoothies, pancakes, and quesadillas are also a staple part of Costa Rican breakfast. The health kick across the country comes at a cost though, as the hipster cafes and restaurants charge a premium, especially in La Fortuna and Tamarindo.
Some Awesome Spots for Beautiful Nature in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is famous for its biodiversity and lush rainforests, and with half of its landmass protected, it is no surprise that the small nation is a very popular choice in Central America.
Although you could enjoy some picturesque nature wherever you visit in Costa Rica, there are several destinations which are extra special. Here are three for you to consider adding to your travel itinerary.
La Fortuna
A jungle town overlooked by the Arenal Volcano, what is not to love about La Fortuna!
What La Fortuna lacks in size, it makes up for in adventure. You are spoiled for choice for activities in this small town. If you are looking for a free activity, you should head to El Salto Swimming hole, where you will find locals and tourists chilling together in the hidden spot by some waterfalls. There is a rope swing which provides some adrenaline and entertainment.
The regulars are full of tricks!
The rainforests truly capture the essence of La Fortuna though, and can be enjoyed from the ground, water, or air. Hiking is the best way to spot some of the inhabitants of the forest at a slower pace. If you prefer a faster and more adventurous way of enjoying the local nature, you can choose between white water rafting or ziplining!
At night, the small town centre comes alive as the themed restaurants and bars fill up with tourists looking to cool down and relax after a day full of fun in the baking La Fortuna climate.
Monteverde
Although Costa Rica boasts several cloud rainforests, Monteverde is by the far the most popular one. Tourists flock to the small town from all over the world to experience the mist-covered trees, along with the biodiversity.
If you are looking for a sustainable travel destination, this is a great option for you, with the eco-friendly practices in place throughout the rainforests have created a friendly habitat for the wildlife.
To enjoy the full experience, you should stay in one of the beautiful accommodation options inside the forest.
Montezuma
One unique aspect of Montezuma is that its green nature meets the Pacific Ocean. As you wander along the beach the vastness of the rainforest becomes apparent as it overhangs the miles of sand.
There are established hiking routes all the way along the coastline in Montezuma, so you can enjoy a short walk, or an all day adventure!
If you want to enjoy more chilled vibes on your trip though, Montezuma can also provide you with the perfect setting. The small downtown area offers hippie vibes and a tight knit feeling with several bars open to relax and unwind, while listening to the Pacific waves crashing against the shore. There is also live music on most days in the garden of Chico’s Bar.
How about a beach destination to consider?
Tamarindo
The first thing which will come to your mind as you wander the Tamarindo streets is Hawaii. The surfing town resembles Hawaii, with the culture, and prices catching it up. `
Tsunami warning signs line the streets, and surf shops are popping up all along the coast, as locals and tourists make the most of the beautiful Pacific surf.
The International influence has created a unique vibe in the coastal Costa Rican town, as a blend of South American, Mexican, American and local restaurants battle it out to secure your business every evening as the sun sets. Happy hour is popular throughout Tamarindo, so you can make the most of some cheaper drinks and food, in an otherwise expensive destination.
Some Adventurous Activities to consider in Costa Rica
- Hanging bridges in the rainforests
- Volcano hikes
- Natural hot springs
- Enjoy a surf lesson
- Find some beautiful waterfalls
- Explore on ATV’s
- Search for wildlife in the national parks
Walk high above the Rainforests
Any trail through the rainforests offers a unique experience for visitors, however, walking the hanging bridges trail high above the rainforest offers you a perspective like no other.
Mistico Park in La Fortuna is one of the most popular parks, with its beauty being exemplified by the lush Arenal Volcano backdrop.
At your peak, you will be around 50 metres above ground level, and as you wander along the bridge you can see across the treetops for miles. It really showcases the extent of the natural beauty in and around the Arenal Volcano.
In total there is a network of 16 bridges, at various heights and difficulties, offering some different perspectives.
A tour guide is recommended if you are planning this one!
Hike in the Arenal Volcano Park.
Arenal Volcano Park spans over 45 square kilometres, with both untouched nature, and developed areas for tourism.
A great way to immerse in the nature of the area is to hike along one of the walking trails. There are plenty of options, from beginner trails to advanced routes, all of which offer breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano.
Other interesting sights which you can spot during your hike are rare wildlife and flowers, lava fields, and La Fortuna waterfall if you head that way.
Relax in the Natural Hot Springs
With many volcanoes dotted around the country, you will find beautiful natural hot springs nearby. There is a mixture of free hidden spots, and expensive resorts built around the relaxing thermal springs.
The two main regions in Costa Rica which have awesome geothermal activity are Guanacaste Province, and the Arenal Volcano area. Some resorts are popular near La Fortuna, as a result of offering on site thermal springs, usually with some amazing views of the Arenal Volcano.
The best time to visit the springs is after the sun sets and the temperatures drop down.
Enjoy a Surf Lesson with a Local
Stretching over 1000 kilometres in length, the Pacific coastline is abundant with quirky surf destinations and beautiful waves which are ideal for any level.
Taking a surfing lesson from a local is a great way to add some unique adventure into your Costa Rica trip. The daily high tide and beautiful sunshine provides the perfect opportunity to ride some waves and have fun with a new friend.
Although the Pacific Ocean is the highlight of any surfing adventure, the Caribbean coastline should also get a mention with 200 kilometres of beautiful beaches.
Whichever Costa Rican coastline you choose, you will be living the pura vida life!
Find the Most Beautiful Waterfalls
There are beautiful waterfalls throughout Costa Rica, with many still undiscovered within the rainforests.
Some tourists prefer to search for undiscovered gems and hidden spots in the national parks, however, on a shorter trip, you should head to the most famous nature spots.
La Fortuna waterfall is a favourite for International visitors as you are allowed to swim at the base of the natural wonder. The refreshing swim doesn’t come for free though, as it requires a steep descent down over 500 steps to reach the waterfall. You best believe you have to climb back up them afterwards as well!
For some more stunning scenery, you should head to the Tenorio Volcano National Park to complete the Rio Celeste waterfall hike. An optical illusion is created by a fascinating light scattering phenomenon to display sky blue water for the Rio Celeste waterfall and surrounding rivers. Although you can’t swim at this waterfall, the picture-perfect scenery is well worth the hike.
Explore on ATV’s
ATV and quad bike hire is available throughout Costa Rica, so you can head off road and immerse in nature. Day rentals are the popular options for tourists wanting to visit seral attractions, and to find some of the many hidden spots. Average prices for day hire are around $100.
Search for Wildlife in the National Parks
An interesting fact about Costa Rica is that there are over 500,000 species of wildlife across the Central American country, making up over 5% of the estimated global species.
A day trip to one of the country’s 29 national parks is guaranteed to reveal a surprise round every corner for you, as you explore the life of the rainforests. Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, and La Fortuna are great parks to spot sloths in their natural habitats – a highlight for any visitor!
An artistic feel to Costa Rica
Along with beautiful nature and laidback vibes, most of the popular spots also offer tourists an abundance of art. Graffiti murals, quirky statues, and themed bars and restaurants brighten the capital up, which is otherwise gritty and dull.
The most famous area for graffiti is the ‘City of Colors Murals’ in San Jose, which is a dedicated district for local artists to showcase their skills. You will find a range of themes from cartoons to political symbolism.
Some insider accommodation recommendations:
Here are some awesome accommodation options to consider.
San Jose – Costa Rica Backpackers
A budget option if you are only briefly passing through the Costa Rican capital. The hostel offers relaxing vibes for co-working, a private pool, and a restaurant serving home cooked local dishes. An ideal choice if you are solo travelling and want to socialise with like minded travellers.
La Fortuna – Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails
A great option if you are looking for a room with a view! The iconic Arenal Volcano can be spotted from inside some of the rooms, creating a surreal experience as you wind down surrounded by private tropical rainforest. This mid-range option also includes a pool, International restaurant and many hiking trails on site.
Monteverde – Es Establo Mountain Hotel
A great place to enjoy the tranquillity of nature in Monteverde, along with offering the opportunity to spot some rare wildlife from the comfort of the hotel grounds. You will also meet travellers from all over the world, as it is one of the biggest hotels in Monteverde and caters for official tours.
Montezuma – Hotel El Jardin
Offering private bungalows with air conditioning, Hotel El Jardin is located centrally in downtown Montezuma. While relaxing around the private pool, you may see some howler monkeys swinging from the trees in the garden area. Be warned though, sunrise brings the echoing monkey howls, which can become your alarm clock!
Is Costa Rica expensive?
If you are visiting Costa Rica looking for a budget holiday you will be surprised. The country has increased its prices in line with rising tourism, especially American visitors. It is much more expensive than all of its surrounding neighbours, with excursions and transport between different destinations being big contributors towards it. Staying in hostels, dining in Soda restaurants, and choosing free or cheaper activities will help you to control your costs.
A beautiful walk in nature is free!
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has a tropical climate, therefore, if you visit in the rainy season your plans may be disrupted. With many of the fun adventures in Costa Rica being outside in nature, you are guaranteed some dry and sunny weather if you visit in the dry season between the months of December-April.
The perks of cheaper accommodation and excursions in low season is tempting for some travellers, however, if you visit in the shoulder season in May or October, you will benefit from a quieter crowd and slightly reduced costs, with minimal rain.
How long is needed in Costa Rica?
The answer to this question is how long is a piece of string?
You could fill an itinerary for 6 months in Costa Rica, and still not get bored of its beauty, however, most peoples budgets wouldn’t stretch that far, so, A realistic timeframe to feel the Pura Vida vibes, and see some of Costa Rica’s beauty is 10 days.
10 Days will allow you to travel between 3-4 different destinations, meaning you can enjoy both jungle and beach vibes in the same trip.
The travel time between some of the popular destinations is on the longer side, due to the landscape, and poor infrastructure, therefore, adequate planning is necessary to make your trip as efficient as possible.
More time exploring, and less time travelling!
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There are 2 comments
Interesting to hear about sodas, I wish to see more photos of the natural attractions
in your posts. I would love to visit Costa Rica…
I love the rain forest! And food!