11 Things You Should Never Do While Visiting Costa Rica
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
Arenal Volcano National Park
Park
La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park
Park, Natural Feature
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
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
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.