Traditional Cuisine
Costa Rican cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors influenced by indigenous, Spanish, and African cultures. Don't miss trying dishes like "Gallo Pinto" (a rice and beans dish), "Casado" (a hearty meal with rice, beans, meat, and plantains), and "Ceviche" (a dish made with seafood, lime juice, and spices).
Local Markets & Handicrafts
Visit bustling local markets like Mercado Central in San José to explore colorful handicrafts, traditional textiles, pottery, and unique souvenirs. Interact with local artisans and take home special handmade treasures.
Music and Dance
Experience Costa Rica’s lively music and dance scenes. Salsa, Merengue, and Cumbia are popular dance styles, often featuring live music performances in local restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and cultural festivals.
Traditional Festivals
Costa Ricans love to celebrate their culture through festivals. Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Independence Day on September 15th are two major national celebrations. Parades, music, dance, and traditional costumes are common during these events.
Indigenous Communities
Explore indigenous communities like the Bribri and Cabécar in the Talamanca Mountains. Learn about their traditional way of life, including their customs, language, and crafts.
Language and Education
Spanish is Costa Rica’s official language, with English widely spoken in tourist areas. Indigenous languages like Bribri and Cabécar are spoken by native communities. The country boasts a strong education system with a literacy rate over 96%. Education is free and mandatory up to secondary level, with major institutions like the University of Costa Rica (UCR) and Costa Rican Institute of Technology (TEC).
Museums and Art Galleries
Visit museums like the National Museum in San Jose to explore Costa Rica's history, archaeology, and art. Admire the works of local artists in galleries across the country.
Eco-Tourism & Sustainability
Focuses on responsible travel to natural areas, emphasizing conservation, education, and sustainability. Activities include nature hikes and wildlife viewing. Practices that meet current needs without compromising future generations. Involves reducing environmental impact, promoting social equity, and ensuring economic viability.
Traditional Healing Practices
Discover traditional healing practices like herbal medicine and natural remedies that have been passed down through generations in indigenous communities.
Coffee Culture
Costa Rica is renowned for its high-quality coffee. Explore coffee plantations to learn about the coffee-making process, from bean to cup. You can also enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Costa Rican coffee at local cafes.
