What’s the Big Deal?
Costa Rica is practically a paradise: lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and the laid-back vibe of pura vida. But if you’re a first-time visitor—especially from the U.S.—it’s easy to make rookie mistakes that locals see all the time. Some simply cause mild eye-rolls; others harm the environment or risk your safety.
Below are 7 ways travelers ruin their own Costa Rican adventure—and what locals wish you’d do instead. Adjust your approach, and you’ll find that the real pura vida spirit is about balance, respect, and a dash of common sense.
Hungry for More Travel Insights?
– 7 Ways You’re Insulting Europeans Without Even Realizing It
– 9 Euro Customs That Are Total Tourist Traps
1. Overloading Your Itinerary in One Week
Why It’s a Problem
Costa Rica looks small on the map—roughly the size of West Virginia—so many visitors cram five or six destinations into a single 7-day trip. They think, “I can do San José, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, Guanacaste beaches, Manuel Antonio, and maybe Corcovado too!” On paper it’s doable, but in practice, you’ll spend more hours driving bumpy roads (or waiting on local buses) than actually enjoying the sites. Locals watch travelers arrive exhausted, snapping quick photos before rushing on.
Why Locals Beg You to Stop
For Ticos (Costa Ricans), pura vida means slowing down and savoring each environment. Zipping from volcanic hot springs to cloud forests in a single day robs you of time to relish the wildlife, the fresh air, the subtle wonders of each microclimate. Plus, Costa Rica’s mountainous terrain can turn a 50-mile journey into several hours of winding roads.
Better Way
- Pick 2–3 main areas max. For instance, do Arenal (for volcano/hot springs) plus Monteverde (for cloud forest) and Tamarindo (for beach). That’s plenty for a week.
- Allow 2–3 nights each to soak up local tours (like canopy zip lines or night walks) instead of drive-by visits.
- Don’t fear a slower itinerary. Locals do less, see more.
2. Treating “Pura Vida” as a Tourist Slogan
Why It’s a Problem
“Pura vida” translates literally to “pure life,” but it’s become a catch-all phrase—“Hello!”, “How are you?”, “All good!”—and a symbol of Tico positivity. Some tourists misuse it as a marketing slogan, plastering “pura vida” on T-shirts or shouting it incessantly at bartenders or random passersby. While locals smile, they can see it as superficial or forced if you wield it every five seconds without context.
Why Locals Beg You to Stop
The phrase is genuine, an everyday expression of gratitude or “no worries.” Overusing it like a cheesy tagline makes it feel commercialized, like you’re ignoring real cultural nuances in favor of a one-liner. Locals might politely grin, but they know the difference between heartfelt usage and a gimmick.
Better Way
- Use “pura vida” organically: if someone helps you out or does something kind, or at the end of a friendly conversation.
- If you want to greet, a simple “Hola, ¿cómo está?” can be more genuine.
- Understand the spirit behind it: being thankful, positive, and present—not just repeating a catchy phrase for show.
3. Ignoring Sustainable Tourism Guidelines
Why It’s a Problem
Costa Rica is revered as an eco-tourism pioneer—nearly a quarter of its land is protected. Some travelers, however, toss trash on trails, feed wild animals, or stay in big resorts with questionable waste practices. This contradicts the country’s conservation efforts, harming wildlife or polluting rivers.
Why Locals Beg You to Stop
Ticos invest in sustainability for future generations. Careless acts by travelers can undermine decades of progress. For instance, feeding monkeys disrupts their natural foraging habits. Single-use plastic bottles left in forests degrade ecosystems.
Better Way
- Pack out your trash, or pick up extra if you see some on the trail.
- Opt for certified eco-lodges or tours with proven environmental standards—Costa Rica uses a “CST” (Certification for Sustainable Tourism).
- Don’t feed wildlife, even if it looks cute. Snap a photo from a respectful distance, but let them remain wild.
4. Fearing Street Food or Local Eateries
Why It’s a Problem
Some foreigners, terrified of digestive issues, stick only to upscale hotels or Western chain restaurants, missing out on local delicacies—like gallo pinto, casados with plantains, or street empanadas. While caution about hygiene is good, total avoidance means you’re missing the essence of Costa Rican cuisine.
Why Locals Beg You to Stop
Costa Rican food can be simple yet delicious—fresh produce, tropical fruits, mild spices, and hearty portions. By labeling all local stands as “risky,” you disregard the country’s food culture. Many small sodas (family-run cafes) serve well-cooked meals at half the cost of tourist restaurants.
Better Way
- Check if a place is busy: good turnover often means fresher food.
- Ask your hotel or a local friend which sodas or stands are popular—they know the safe spots.
- Start light with casados—a standard plate combining rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a protein. That’s the everyday Tico lunch, not some extreme “adventurous meal.”
5. Underestimating Microclimates and Weather Swings
Why It’s a Problem
Costa Rica’s mountainous terrain and diverse altitudes yield microclimates—sun at the beach, rain an hour inland, cooler temps near volcanoes. Americans might think “It’s tropical, I’ll bring just shorts and flip-flops.” Then they shiver in Monteverde’s misty forest or get drenched in an afternoon downpour.
Why Locals Beg You to Stop
Locals plan day trips around weather patterns—afternoon rains in certain valleys, cooler nights in mountainous zones. Tourists complaining about “constant rain” or “unbearable humidity” simply didn’t research the region’s climate cycles.
Better Way
- Check each region’s typical forecast—Pacific coast might be hot/dry, the Caribbean side can be wet year-round.
- Pack a light rain jacket or a sweater if visiting higher elevations (Arenal, Monteverde).
- Don’t freak out if it rains for 30 minutes daily—it’s normal in certain seasons, and usually passes quickly.
6. Being Paranoid About Safety (or the Opposite—Too Trusting)
Why It’s a Problem
Some travelers arrive assuming all of Central America is lawless, turning every local approach into a suspect situation. Or the opposite—overly friendly visitors trusting random strangers offering “special tours” on the street. Both extremes cause trouble.
Why Locals Beg You to Stop
Locals know petty theft or scams exist but also lament visitors who assume everyone’s a criminal. Meanwhile, naive foreigners who jump at shady deals can get robbed or scammed. Neither approach fosters a healthy dynamic with Ticos who genuinely want to help.
Better Way
- Use basic street smarts: keep valuables hidden, verify tours through official agencies or hotel recommendations.
- Accept that many Ticos are warm and helpful—not out to rip you off. Don’t assume the worst, but don’t hand your wallet to a random dude on the bus.
- If uncertain about an offer, politely decline or ask a second opinion from your lodging host.
7. Whirlwind “Volcano + Zipline + Beach” Day Trips
Why It’s a Problem
Costa Rica is known for adventure combos—volcano hiking at dawn, ziplining midday, then a beach sunset. Some travelers plan these all in one day. This leads to frantic scheduling, risking fatigue or missed connections. Also, last-minute changes (like a sudden downpour) can throw off your entire chain of events.
Why Locals Beg You to Stop
Ticos prefer a more pura vida pace—enjoy your zipline experience fully, savor the post-adrenaline calm with a scenic lunch, maybe soak in hot springs. Rushing to the next site kills the vibe. Plus, roads can be slow, so you might arrive at the beach after dark, missing the entire point.
Better Way
- Plan 1–2 big activities a day, max. If you do an early volcano hike or canopy tour, give yourself the afternoon for relaxation or short local explorations, not a 3-hour drive to the ocean.
- Check local weather and travel times—Monteverde to the nearest beach can take hours. You’ll be drained if you force too much in one go.
Conclusion: Relax, Respect, and Relish “Pura Vida”
Costa Rica invites visitors to unplug and soak up nature, but it’s easy to disrupt that harmony with these 7 traveler missteps. Whether it’s piling on activities, ignoring local mealtime rhythms, or skipping eco-friendly common sense, you risk missing the genuine essence Ticos cherish. The best approach?
- Slow down: Let each region impress you at its own pace—there’s no rush in the land of pura vida.
- Embrace local norms: That might mean adopting smaller meal portions at a soda, or taking a midday break if your adventure was intense.
- Treat nature gently: Pack out waste, respect wildlife, and choose responsible tour operators.
Costa Rica is more than an exotic backdrop for a quick adrenaline fix—it’s a place where environment and culture interlace daily life. If you skip these mistakes, you’ll find the locals greet you with genuine warmth, urging you to truly live the pura vida spirit rather than just chase an itinerary.
Pro Tip
- If in doubt, ask a Tico: they’re famously friendly, offering tips on hidden waterfalls, the best time to see wildlife, or which local bus to catch. Showing interest in their advice cements a positive traveler-local bond—and you’ll avoid looking like a clueless visitor. After all, the real pura vida experience starts when you stop trying to force everything at once and simply let Costa Rica charm you at its own mellow pace.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.