Costa Rica Local Tips

To get from A to B cheaply, quickly, and safely, opt for one of Costa Rica’s two private bus lines, Interbus (011-506-2283-5573; www.interbusonline.com) or Gray Line Tours’ Fantasy Bus (011-506-2220-2126; www.graylinecostarica.com). The adult fare for most routes on both lines, which shuttle visitors from San Jose to resorts, and between towns and cities, nationwide, ranges between $25-45.

Please don’t feed the friendly, but fragile, monos titi (squirrel monkeys) that are unique to Manuel Antonio National Park. Approach Costa Rica’s endangered ecosystem with caution and respect.

While the subtropical humidity and heat might make shorts, T-shirts, and sandals seem the best attire options, you should also pack long-sleeve T’s, closed-toe shoes, and jeans or long pants for outdoor activities like horseback riding and hiking. And don’t forget to pack sunglasses, hats, and sunblock.

Costa Rica is infested with mosquito species that carry malaria (rare) and dengue fever (more common), particularly along the Caribbean coast. Although the risk of actually contracting the disease is low, precautionary measures like applying mosquito repellant are advisable.

Costa Rica has no army and is one of Central America’s most peaceful, stable, secure, and prosperous countries. However, robbery and violent crime are not unknown. Foreigners, particularly women, should not travel alone. Keep your eyes open, exercise caution and discretion, and do not carry large sums of cash or valuables.

Most Costa Ricans, largely of European descent, speak Spanish more like Argentines than Central Americans: Vos (familiar “you”) replaces tu, and adios serves as both “goodbye” and “hello.” Tourism industry workers generally speak English, but you may want to bring along a Latin American Spanish phrasebook for interaction with shopkeepers, taxi drivers, and other locals.

While hearty national dishes such as gallo pinto (beans and rice) are worth a try, it’s the fresh tropical fruits – banana, papaya, mango, and the anona (custard apple) – and locally grown coffee that tickle tourists’ taste buds in these parts. Also, tap water is potable in most of the country.

Ticos are notoriously aggressive drivers and roads are not up to U.S. standards, so most tourists wisely avoid driving. However, you’re slightly safer behind the wheel than on foot here as pedestrians account for around 55% of all annual road deaths.

Businesses are usually shut for all of Holy Week, the week preceding Easter. Other holidays of note include Juan Santamaria Day (April 11) which commemorates a young hero who helped defeat invading Yankee profiteer William Walker in 1856, as well as Christmas and the Feast of the Epiphany (known as Three Kings’ Day in Spanish-speaking countries).

Costa Rica is not Mexico, so don’t expect Puerto Vallarta prices, even in ramshackle Puerto Limon. Costa Rica is one of Central America’s most expensive destinations, and prices for goods and services (especially hotels) sometimes mirror those back in the U.S. ATMs are nearly as ubiquitous as they are in the U.S.; even the smallest town will have at least one.