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11 Things You Should Never Do While Visiting Costa Rica

The way
The way | © Marcus Grip/Shutterstock

A trip to Costa Rica can be the most magical experience of your life, or a living nightmare. What divides these two extremes is your ability to follow these do nots. Fret not though, they are quite simple and some even ride the border of common sense. Keep them in mind when you visit Costa Rica.

Leave valuables unattended

Unfortunately, one of the most common crimes in Costa Rica is theft. Expect that if you leave valuable items in plain sight and unattended, such as on the beach or in the car, that they will be taken. Passports, electronics, money, and even sunglasses and shoes are easy targets and highly sought after by thieves. There is an easy solution though. Be aware of your belongings at all times, put anything that you don’t immediately need in the safe or a safe place, make copies of your passport and credit cards, spread out your cash in various hiding spots, and always lock your car and accommodations.

Never trust a monkey

Go to the beach at night

Most beaches aren’t well lit and provide criminals with the perfect cover to rob or attack unaware nighttime beach goers. While this doesn’t happen all the time, robberies, rapes, and assaults have taken place on the beaches of Costa Rica at night. It is better that you just avoid dark and secluded parts of the beach, especially when you are alone.

Be extra careful at night

Buy drugs

Drugs are cheap and plentiful in Costa Rica, especially cocaine. And though possessing drugs for immediate personal use has been decriminalised, the drug laws here remain strict, and what constitutes personal use is not easily defined. Break the drug control laws and you could land yourself with a lengthy stint in a Costa Rican prison. Don’t risk it – avoid drugs here altogether. If you feel like getting wild, indulge in the local brews or Cacique Guaro (a sugar-based liquor) instead.

Drugs can be as deadly as a pit viper

Speed

If you are first time in Costa Rica, bare in mind that the country has a reputation as being a rather dangerous place to drive. Between the narrow roads, sharp curves, pot holes, unpaved areas, lack of guard rails, bike paths, sidewalks, and road signs, and perilously fast or mindlessly slow drivers, driving here is full of unexpected hazards. Not to mention, the dogs, iguanas, monkeys, sloths, cows, goats, chickens, and other animals that cross without notice or loiter in the middle of the road. Embrace the pura vida way and just take your time getting from point A to point B. You will surely arrive when you are supposed to arrive if you just adhere to the speed limit.

Slow down for the sloths

Swim in front of a surf break

There are swimming beaches and there are surfing beaches, but when the two mix there is a recipe for disaster. It is not unlikely to find a beach where you can surf and swim, but the specific areas for both differ from one another. This is a common sense do not. Do not swim directly in front of where you see a bunch of people surfing. Many of the surf breaks in Costa Rica can pack a powerful punch, host rip currents, and a mixed bag of surfing abilities. Avoid getting hit by an unexperienced surfer or unmanned board or getting sucked out to sea by choosing a swimming spot void of surfers.

Don’t swim here

Take a dip in the river

Crocodiles claim the rivers in all parts and both sides of the country. Bull sharks also love murky river mouths and have been known to swim upstream too. Sometimes raw sewage and other pollutants find their ways into the river systems, as well. It is best to just stick to cooling off in the ocean, swimming pools, or natural springs.

Croc territory

Think you can get a base tan

Costa Rica is very close to the equator and the strength of the sun is much higher here than places further away from this lateral belt. It is imperative that you wear sunscreen every time you go outdoors. Even if you wear SPF50, you will still get sun on your skin and leave Costa Rica more tanned than you came. Opting not to wear sunscreen one day can ruin the rest of your vacation. Make sure you also wear sunscreen that is earth and reef-friendly, as to not harm the environment or your body.

Ouch!

Skip out on mosquito repellent

While the rainy season is usually more mosquito-heavy than the dry, there are mosquitos present all year ’round in Costa Rica. Some mosquitos in Costa Rica carry dengue, chikungunya, and zika. Avoid getting incredibly sick and uncomfortably itchy by just making it part of your daily and nightly routine in Costa Rica to apply repellent. Many restaurants, bars, and hotels even have mosquito repellent available for their guests.

A natural born killer

Fail to hydrate

The heat and sun in Costa Rica zaps the liquid right out of you, especially when you are engaging in any of the amazing outdoor activities that are popular here. Staying hydrated is crucial to staying happy and healthy while on your vacation. It is a great idea to bring a useable water bottle from home or buy one at a store here and keep it filled and with you at all times. A good rule of thumb is to drink two litres of water a day and add an additional half litre for every hour of strenuous activity that you engage in. The consequences of dehydration can put you in the hospital, which is not where you want to be on your vacation.

Hydrate and hike on

Interfere with the wildlife

Costa Rica is blessed with an abundance of wildlife. Unfortunately, human interaction has had a devastating impact on certain animals and ecosystems. For example, one year in Playa Ostional, the famous Olive Ridley sea turtle nesting beach, many mother sea turtles turned around without laying a single egg because people where crowding their space and getting to close to the pregnant mothers to take photos and touch them. Or, in Playa Tamarindo, two crocodile attacks took place in one year because estuary boat tour captains started feeding the crocodiles to draw them in and they started to associate humans with food. Enjoy the wildlife of Costa Rica from a respectful distance; remember this is their home and you are a guest in it.

Look but don’t touch

Leave more than your footprint

You will find that Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. It is rich in wildlife, diverse landscapes, and vibrant ecosystems. Let’s keep it this way. Even better, let’s leave it better than we found it. Tread lightly, take a lot of photographs, and pick up a piece of trash if you see it. Don’t take shells, plants, or animals back with you. Avoid single-use plastics and choose eco-conscious accommodations and activities.

Things you should do in Costa Rica

San Jose Walking and Bus City Tour

Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark

Aerial views of San José, Costa Rica in the morning
César Badilla Miranda/unsplash

Explore San Jose with a mix of walking and bus experiences, offering a unique way to discover the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Stroll through charming neighborhoods, visit key landmarks, and learn about the city’s heritage. Enjoy the convenience of a bus ride to cover more ground while taking in scenic views. This combination provides a well-rounded introduction to San Jose’s diverse architecture, attractions, and hidden gems.

Jaco Beach Costa Rica Horseback Riding

Natural Feature

Jaco Beach, Costa Rica, tourist paradise.
Jorge A. Russell / Shutterstock

Experience the natural beauty of Jaco Beach, Costa Rica, through an exciting horseback riding adventure. Ride along pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and scenic trails while enjoying breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Perfect for riders of all levels, this journey offers a unique way to explore the area’s wildlife and tropical landscape. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, you’ll discover hidden gems and create unforgettable memories in Costa Rica’s stunning natural environment.

Guachipelin

Amusement Park

In the area of Hacienda Guachipelin, Costa Rica
Frank Eiffert / Shutterstock

Discover the wonders of Guachipelin, located in the heart of Costa Rica’s Rincon de la Vieja National Park. This adventure destination offers a variety of exciting activities like hiking, zip-lining, and horseback riding through stunning landscapes. Explore volcanic craters, refreshing waterfalls, and lush forests teeming with wildlife. Perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike, Guachipelin provides an unforgettable experience that combines outdoor adventure with the breathtaking beauty of Costa Rica’s natural environment.

Costa Rica's Caribbean coast

Natural Feature

Tamarindo, Costa Rica
pablorobles / unsplash

Explore Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, a region known for its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and lush rainforests. This tropical paradise offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences, from relaxing on pristine shores to exploring wildlife-rich national parks. Visit charming towns like Puerto Viejo, where Afro-Caribbean influences add flavor to the local cuisine, music, and lifestyle. With opportunities for snorkeling, hiking, and cultural exploration, Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast is perfect for adventurers and relaxation seekers alike.

Tortuguero National Park

Park

Yellow Crowned Night Heron at Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica
raymondo600 / Unsplash
Tortuguero National Park can only be reached by airplane or boat, but the effort is definitely worth it as it is an area of incredible biodiversity due to the existence of eleven different habitats here — rainforests, mangroves, swamps, beaches and lagoons, amongst many others. Once an archipelago of volcanic islands, the national park is also a prime nesting area for Green Sea Turtles, Leatherbacks and Hawksbill turtles. Going inland along the extensive network of freshwater creeks and lagoons, visitors may also spot one of the seven species of river turtles, or even the endangered West Indian Manatee. As there are no roads leading to Tortuguero, consider visiting with an organized tour for ease of access.

Arenal Volcano National Park

Park

Arenal Volcano View in Costa Rica
nisargptel / unsplash
The Arenal Volcano is a truly picturesque volcano. If you can imagine how you would have drawn a volcano when you were a kid, that is basically what it looks like: a perfect symmetrical cone. Surrounding the volcano are lush forests that are bursting with wildlife. There are beautiful waterfalls, hanging bridges, hiking and horseback riding trails, butterfly gardens, hot springs, and zip lines tours. The Arenal Volcano National Park pretty much has it all.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park

Park, Natural Feature

La Paz Waterfall, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
Christian Garcia / Unsplash

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park offers a stunning display of Costa Rica’s natural beauty with its breathtaking waterfalls, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can explore scenic trails that wind through the park, leading to five majestic waterfalls. The park also features a wildlife refuge, where you can see rescued animals like jaguars, toucans, and monkeys. Ideal for nature lovers, La Paz provides a peaceful escape while showcasing the country’s rich biodiversity and captivating landscapes.

Tabacon Hot Springs

Natural Feature

Tabacon Hot Springs, Alajuela Province, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
the_sweet_melody / unsplash

Tabacón Hot Springs, located near Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano, is a luxurious natural retreat where you can relax in thermal waters heated by volcanic activity. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the hot springs feature a series of cascading pools with varying temperatures, offering a tranquil and rejuvenating experience. With a blend of relaxation and natural beauty, Tabacón is perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure, while enjoying the serene ambiance of Costa Rica’s rich landscapes.

La Fortuna Waterfall

Natural Feature

La Fortuna Waterfall, La Fortuna , Costa Rica
travelingtallgirl / unsplash
La Fortuna Waterfall can be found in a rainforest near the edge of the majestic Arenal Volcano, which can be reached by an hour long walk from downtown Fortuna. Those determined enough to brave the hike down the canyon will be truly rewarded by one of the most stunning waterfalls in the country. Dropping a colossal 75 meters, the fall is fed by the Arenal River that meanders through the surrounding mountain range before plummeting into a pool of clear blue water. Once visitors pay the minor admission fee, they are encouraged to swim in the stream and the small rapids directly below the cascading torrent.

Venado Caves

Natural Feature

The Venado Caves in Costa Rica offer a thrilling underground adventure through a series of limestone caverns formed millions of years ago. Visitors can explore narrow passages, majestic stalactites, and underground waterfalls while wading through streams and discovering fascinating rock formations. Home to unique wildlife such as bats and cave-dwelling insects, the caves provide an unforgettable experience for explorers. Perfect for adventure seekers, Venado Caves reveal a hidden world beneath Costa Rica’s lush surface.

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