It’s fun and helpful to try your hand at the local language, Spanish! Try out some of these popular words and phrases:

• Hello: Hola
• How are you? ¿Cómo estás?
• Goodbye: Adiós
• Thank you: Gracias
• Please: Por favor
• I’m (your name): Soy (your name)
• I’m from (your country of residence): Soy de (your country of residence)
• How much does this cost? Cuánto cuesta?
• Where is the...?: Dónde está...
  • bathroom: el baño
  • bus stop: la parada de autobús
  • pharmacy: la farmacia

Costa Rica is a country of waterfalls, jungle-lined beaches, and adventure. You won’t find big city experiences here. Instead, you’ll soar over the canopy of a rainforest, lounge on white-sand beaches, and encounter new wildlife at every corner. As you prepare to spend time in this new culture, here are some tips to help you understand the ins and outs of Costa Rica and help you live like a true Tico:

• Pura Vida! Pura vida – pure life – is more than just a phrase. It’s a mantra that defines the Costa Rican way of life. It’s something you live by, and you’ll hear it as a greeting, an acknowledgement, and more as you make your way through Costa Rica.
• Costa Rica is a democratic republic, with tourism as a major source of revenue for the country. Other major revenues come from the export of bananas, coffee, and pineapple. You’ll notice all of this as you journey through the country.
• Wear sunscreen. You are not stronger than the Latin American sun.
• Bugs. Are. Everywhere. Bring your bug spray!

You’ll sample a variety of local dishes on your trip, but read on for tips, tricks, and delicacies you must try.

• Rice and Beans: Commonly eaten for breakfast as gallo pinto, this combo is popular with scrambled eggs and fruit. For lunch, try Casado, which adds salad, plantains, and meat to the mix.
• Ceviche: A marinated raw fish dish served chill. Best alongside a cold beer.
• Plantains: They look like bananas, but plantains are starchier, savory, and served a variety of ways.
• Tamales: Squares of cornmeal stuffed with chicken, pork, or beans and vegetables, THEN wrapped in plantain leaves, THEN steamed over open fire, THEN devoured by everyone.
• Tres Leches Cake: This three-milk cake is a sweet ending to any traditional Costa Rican meal.
• Refrescos: In the land of fresh fruit, you must try the fresh fruit juices! Try cas (sour guava), maracuyá (passion fruit), tamarindo (tamarind), guanabana (soursop), piña (pineapple), sandia (watermelon), mora (blackberry), fresa (strawberry), and more!