If you are planning to visit or relocate to Costa Rica, you might be wondering what to expect. What are the people like? What are their customs? Costa Rica culture is easy to adjust to as they are a relaxed, friendly people. In fact in a study done in 2009 by the New Economics Foundation, Costa Rica was named the happiest country in the planet. The study used life expectancy, life satisfaction and ecological footprint to measure countries overall happiness. Their culture reflects that happiness. Here are several things to keep in mind about Costa Rica culture.
Costa Rican culture, like many Latin American cultures reflects their Spanish Heritage. There are also large Jamaican and Chinese populations in Read more
La Fortuna de San Carlos in Alajuela is a beautiful town and a very popular tourist destination. The reason? Volcán Arenal, the country’s most active volcano is a must see. Every night the sky is painted with red sparks and lava spewing out the top of the volcano. A visit to this area of the country deserves a couple of days, so where should you stay? Here are two great places to consider.
Hotel La Pradera is a family owned and operated bussines. They offer two kinds of small villas, Standard room and Mountain Cabin. All rooms have hot water, A/C, cable TV and a gorgeous view of the volcano. If you want to get to know Read more
While you are here you may find that want to bring part of Costa Rica back with you. How can you do that without breaking the bank? Where should you go to find the highest quality of souvenirs from local artisans and painters? The are two places in Costa Rica that are perfect to find anything from trinkets for your friends or the perfect art piece to bring part of Costa Rica into your home.
The Mercado Central (Central Market) is literally at the heart of San Jose and it’s a perfect place to observe daily Costa Rican life. It’s located at between avenues central and 1 and Calles 6 and 8, occupying a whole block. Inside Read more
Costa Rica is famous for its beaches, volcanoes, rain forests, etc. However, if there is one place you should definitely visit in Costa Rica, it is the Central Avenue in San Jose. The Central Avenue is a pedestrian walkway that stretches through all downtown San Jose. Walking down the Central Avenue you will find many historic buildings reflecting the architecture of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.
One of the main attractions sits across from the Central Plaza, where artists gather to sell their work, and people sit on benches to feed the many kinds of birds as the day goes by. This building is The National Theater of Costa Rica. This ornate opera Read more
San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica, a modern city, center of all political and commercial activity in Costa Rica. The city is painted with culture, art and architecture. However there is something else that makes this city special. At night, its people come to life and spend their time dancing or enjoying a drink with friends at one of its many lively venues.
The Jazz Cafe offers quite an experience. There are live shows every night featuring national and several international musicians. The food is great and the display of various sculptures and art pieces by local artist gives this place a wonderful ambiance. There are now two venues, the original one sits over Read more
Where should I eat in Costa Rica? The simple answer is go where the locals go. In any country a restaurant’s mark of excellence is how busy they are. You will probably find that there are an incredible array of options when it comes to food: European, Mediterranean, Asian, American, and local. How can you choose? Here are two local favorites that are sure to impress:
Restaurant Las Delicias del Maiz is famous for their delicious corn dishes and pork BBQ. They are located in La Garita de Alajuela on the road to Jaco beach. This open air log cabin is decorated by typical Costa Rican ox carts, and wood sculptures. The atmosphere is relaxed and Read more
The options on where to stay in Costa Rica are nearly endless. You can stay in a bed and breakfast in the capital close to the museums, theatres and historic district. You could also stay in a quiet hotel in the mountains or a luxurious all-inclusive resort by the beach. Everyone can find what they are looking for in Costa Rica!
The town of Monteverde is home to the famous cloud forest. The downtown area has a lovely down-to-earth, laid back atmosphere. So does the Hotel Fonda Vela located a few kilometers outside of downtown Monteverde. From its luxurious rooms with large windows you can enjoy the magnificent view of the lush cloud forest and also the rest Read more
Real estate investment in Costa Rica is quite a project, but by keeping a couple of helpful tips in mind you can successfully venture jump through all the hoops and end up purchasing your own little plot of land in paradise.
In recent years more and more fradulent real estate dealings and investment scams. Therefore, it is important to keep your wits about you and don’t give anyone the benefit of the doubt. Many foreigners come to Costa Rica expecting things to run just as smoothly as they do in the States when it comes to business dealings, and sadly, that’s just not they way it is down here.
So, how can you protect yourself from being subject to Read more
If you are white, and especially if you have blond hair, there is very little you can do to not stand out as a foreigner in Costa Rica. However, there are a number of things you can do that will make you seem more Costa Rican and not call attention to the already obvious fact that you aren’t a Tico.
When you greet a person, touch your cheek to theirs and kiss the air. Main mistake made by foreigners: actually kissing the cheek. To remember:Men kiss women, women kiss women, but men do not kiss men.
At smaller parties and gatherings greet everyone this way and do the same when saying goodbye. Main mistake made by foreigners: Only greeting
The amount of time I could spend talking about the things you should or shouldn’t do when thinking of relocating are endless. I have been trying to shorten my list to include a few essential do’s and don’t’s for those considering making the move to Costa Rica. Here is what I have come up with.
DO take your time in deciding where you want your home in Costa Rica to be. (Or if you want to stay here permanently at all… this is not something to rush into.)
DON’T buy the first piece of land or first house you see.
DO Rent a place in that area before you buy!
DON’T expect things to be the same as they
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