Costa Rica: Jungles, Beaches, Cloud Forests, Volcanos… but what don’t they tell you? 

Costa Rica is very much a bucket list destination, and this list won’t change that. Still, there are some things I’d have liked to know before. Luckily, now that I’ve been a guinea pig again (life with 14 younger siblings y’know), I feel I’m in a good position to make sure what we’re “Unexpecteds” for me, are “as expected” for you.

Here’s five for you:

1: It can get overwhelmingly touristy.

So I knew that some places would have lots of tourists, but I didn’t expect just how tourist oriented everything can get. It’s a bit of a pity how in places like Jaco and La Fortuna everything can feel like it’s only there for tourism. Monteverde was the exception because even though it was full of tourists it had a lot more genuity. Definitely my favourite place in the country.

2: Don’t flush toilet paper. 

Starting with a weird one but this really caught me off guard when I saw the signs saying not to flush the paper. Turns out the sewage system just can’t handle it so you need to throughit in the bins provided. Don’t worry though, they take out the toilet trash frequently so the smell is never too bad. Still kinda weird though.

3: The price:

This place isn’t just the most expensive country in the region, it even holds its own in expensivity (I don’t think that’s a word) with European countries. Especially with drinks. Imported stuff will be predictably extra costly.

4: The hospitality: 

As annoying as the touristy aspect of the country can be, with all the touts and such; it could be a lot worse. The people are so so friendly here. They’re always willing to hear you out in your broken Spanish and help with the language (I’m writing this whilst sitting at a kosher restaurant surrounded by Israelis who speak way to fast for me to understand and I’m really appreciating this part). Also they’re ways just a super happy people, which explains their slogan: “Pura Vida!” Which means “Pure Life”

5: Transport 

The Ticos (nickname for native Costa Ricans) are not as friendly on the road as they are on the pavement. Still, the transport system here is really easy to use and surprisingly comfortable. The public buses here are mostly coaches. With plush reclining seats, good leg room, and sometimes even WiFi. Plus the drivers are very helpful, which comes in handy when you have a lot of luggage. In fact, I’ll go as far as saying that the one time I took a shuttle it was far less comfortable than the buses. (Don’t use this advice in other Central American countries 😅)

I sincerely hope these present themselves as helpful tips and not just me ranting. What is something you didn’t expect of a country? Good or bad. Lemme know in the comments below