The amount of misinformation that continues to surface about Costa Rica never ceases to amaze me. A lot of people have real, honest to good questions about Costa Rica. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of bad information (and common mistakes) floating around out there. I’d like to share my favorites.
Let’s get right to it.
Here, in no particular order, are the Top Ten Bonehead Things I’ve heard about Costa Rica.
- Costa Rica is Costa Rico. Or, even worse, Costo Rico. No, no folks. You’re thinking of Puerto Rico. Or Costco, I’m not sure which. Both words in Costa Rica end in “a”; both words are feminine gender. It means Rich Coast in English.
- Costa Rica is an island in the Caribbean. Again, people are mistaking Costa Rica for Puerto Rico. And hey–we love Puerto Rico. They’re just two separate places. And though Costa Rica does have a Caribbean coastline, it’s not in the middle of the sea. The ongoing confusion between Costa Rica and Puerto Rico has led more bonehead beliefs, as you’ll see in 3 & 4.
- You cannot drive to Costa Rica. (from the Continental USA). Um, yes you can. Costa Rica is in Central America. The last time I looked, it was connected to the States via Mexico and the rest of Central America. People seem to get funny when they realize you’re serious about being able to drive there. Like you’re trying to pull the wool over their eyes for simply no reason at all. Now, please note that I didn’t say you should drive to Costa Rica. That would be a time consuming and precarious proposition. But, it’s possible and has been done by people braver than I.
- Costa Rica’s capital is San Juan. Close, but no cigar. Puerto Rico’s capital is San Juan. Costa Rica’s capital is San Jose. And, despite what you saw in the original Jurassic Park movie, San Jose is not on the beach. It’s in the Cordillera Central mountain range with less than tropical temps. Bringing us to bonehead belief #5.
- All of Costa Rica is a beach. Hey, who doesn’t love the beach, right? But every single time I go to Costa Rica, well-wishers tell me to have a great time sprawled out on the beach sipping margaritas. While nobody is opposed to that idea, that’s hardly where I’m headed! Costa Rica’s beaches are some of the best in the world, but there’s so much more! Rainforests, volcanoes, cloud forests and chilly wonderful cities like Cartago.
- Costa Rican food is tacos, burritos and hot as hell. Since I’ve been traveling over half my life to Costa Rica, people seem to think I’m an expert on tacos and tabasco. Costa Rican food is not the same as Mexican. In truth, Costa Rican food is more on the mild side. However, it’s certainly not boring! With endless fruits and vegetables, Costa Rican cuisine is loaded with tangy fresh salads, tropical drinks and desserts, savory bean dishes, tantalizing rice concoctions, ceviche, and an unbelievable selection of breads and pastries.
- Costa Rican is not modern. I find this bonehead belief to be particularly irritating. And I’m not exactly sure where it came from. There’s nothing that I have here in NY that I couldn’t find in Costa Rica. And in so many ways, they’ve already surpassed us, especially when it comes to eco-friendly practices. When I first traveled to Costa Rica in 1984, they were already selling paper goods made from unbleached natural fiber. Milk and other liquids were sold in bags, eliminating excess waste. Everyday table sugar was unbleached, you know like our “gourmet” organic sugar. Their medical and dental care is unsurpassed. Costa Rica has beautiful supermarkets, theaters and shopping centers. Education is top-notch. University is accessible to all. Need I go on?
- The water in Costa Rica is unsafe to drink. I’m not going to spend much time on this one. Plain and simple, the water is fine to drink. I’ve been traveling to Costa Rica since 1984 and have never had a problem with tap water. And if I can’t convince you of that, by all means buy bottled water. It’s sold all over the place. Lots of people buy it, just like I do here in Upstate NY. Even though our water is fine, we’ve all become water toters. It’s just convenient to carry around.
- Costa Rica is a tiny country, so cram as many activities as you can into your itinerary. This is such a bad idea on so many levels. Costa Rica is a very small country, but—and you need to trust me on this one—getting from one spot to another is not as easy as you think. While most of Costa Rica’s roads are fine, these fine roads twist through mountains and rain forests. During the rainy season, they’re also apt to have landslides, washouts and any number of things going wrong. Coupled with crippling traffic at certain hours, your drive time can triple. You’re better off sticking with just a couple of the activities that are most important to you or you’ll end up spending most of your time in transit.
- If malaria doesn’t get me, surely I’ll be abducted by some “band on the run”, OR I’ll succumb to a horrible natural disaster like a massive earthquake or a sinkhole like that terrifying one from Guatemala, OR I’ll be burnt to a crisp by hot lava coming from that crazy pointed volcano!! Hey…what’s life without a little adventure? All kidding aside, of course any one of these situations isn’t a laughing matter. People worry that Costa Rica isn’t safe. And yes, terrible things do happen sometimes. They happen everywhere. Costa Rica is safe, and Costa Ricans are some of the best people on the planet. They love visitors and they’re proud to show their country off. And when you’re on your own time, you need to make good decisions. Don’t wander off alone in unfamiliar areas and especially late at night. Don’t leave valuable possessions strewn about. Stay smart about your surroundings. If something feels off, trust your instincts. Petty theft is a reality in Costa Rica, and not just for tourists. As far as earthquakes go, I’ve heard it said that it quakes each day in Costa Rica, but they’re undetectable. On one of my recent trips, we had a 4.8 in the middle of the night. It wasn’t much more than a rumbling. Sinkholes are rare, and as far as getting mowed down by a tidal wave of lava? I think I’ll take my chances.
What bonehead beliefs have you heard about Costa Rica that made you laugh? Do you have any questions or concerns? Let me know in the comments below.
Hi Sue,
I am traveling to Costa Rica soon with kids and I am feeling uneasy about recent murders of Americans. Any areas you deem dangerous or that should be avoided?
Hi Denise, first of all congrats on your decision to travel to Costa Rica! Great choice, I hope you have some fun activities set up. Honestly, the biggest danger you’ll probably face in Costa Rica is a good sunburn, so don’t forget the sunblock, especially for the kids. I can understand how uneasy people feel after reading about any murder that has happened in Costa Rica, especially the last one involving the young woman in San Jose. I’ve traveled all over the country and have yet to have a bad experience. In truth, crimes are more likely to happen in the some of port areas, many on the Caribbean side such as around Limon or Puerto Viejo. But remember, many crimes happen when people are careless about their surroundings, have gotten themselves into a bad situation or are drug-related. There are certain areas of San Jose that are a little sketchier than others as well. As long as you use common sense, don’t go wandering around alone at night or in unfamiliar areas, you should have a wonderful time! Research the specific area you’re traveling to before you you arrive. Have a great time, I’d love to hear about your trip!
Hi!
I enjoy reading your blog and the information you provide
My family will be coming to C.R. In June… what immunization should I get?
We will be primarily in The Arena area at the Parrot House
Hi there, I’m so glad you’re enjoying the blog, thanks for writing. At this time, there are no vaccination “requirements”. The only exception would be proof of yellow fever vaccination ONLY if you are coming from a country that’s a yellow fever risk. The “recommended” vaccinations are hepatitis A and B and typhoid. It really depends on what you feel comfortable with. If you were staying in a very swampy rural area and were unsure about your food or water source (not the case in Arenal) I would be more apt to consider getting it. I do not get additional vaccines when I travel to Costa Rica. I have all my regular vaccines and as of this writing, no one has ever asked for proof. Dengue has been a concern in swampy areas, and as of late measles is a big concern, but if you have all your normal vaccinations you should be fine. If you are concerned, there’s no harm in getting additional vaccines if it gives you peace of mind. I hope you have a wonderful time, Arenal is beautiful.