Let’s just get straight to it. Costa Rica is a beautiful country. I’ve never heard someone say the opposite. My boyfriend and I have traveled here twice already, and he loves it! I was so excited on our first visit together to show him around the country I was born in. * (Left CR at 2, moved back at 15, moved back to GA at 26) *. Honestly, every time we go, I just become his personal tour guide and I love it!

So now I’m here to share with you guys what we do, what we eat, and other helpful information.

What did we eat:

• Gallo Pinto: This is breakfast food but can be eaten anytime! It’s a mixture of black beans and rice with our special salsa Lizano sauce (something every Costa Rican home has, because duh). During our stay in CR I usually would make our own Gallo Pinto, but you can buy it almost anywhere; even Mcdonald’s sells it!
• Casados: People eat this for lunch\dinner. The Casado is probably the most traditional dish in Costa Rican cuisine. It is not a single dish, but a dish of many foods. When you order, you can expect to be served a plate that contains the following: rice, beans, salad, tortillas, fried platano maduro, and meat (beef, pork, Chicken or fish).
• Patacones (also known as Tostones): I consider these a good appetizer or snacky snack. You can eat them with beans, cheese, or even guac. Patacones are made from green plantains and later smashed into circles and fried.
• Ceviche: Ceviche is a favorite dish throughout Latin America, and Costa Rica is no exception! I usually order fish Ceviche, Green Mango, or Green Plantain. They make it with different proteins like shrimp and octopus, but I don’t care for those [not a huge fan of seafood]. Also, don’t be afraid to add a bit of ketchup and mayo to the fish ceviche. It really does elevate it. Hot sauce works too! Don’t knock it, until you try it!
• Rice N Beans: If you travel to Limon, the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Don’t leave without eating a Rice N Beans served with Chicken, salad and sweet plantains. For the full experience, ask for Flor de Jamaica or Agua de sapo juice. Both are great!
• Chifrijo: I love this stuff. Chifrijo is made of rice, kidney beans, Chicharrones (pork belly), and topped with pico de gallo. When you order this, they also serve it with crunchy chips. I also ask for more limes and add them so the dish tastes extra limey.
• Arroz con Leche: This is considered a desert. I’ve been eating this since I was a child. I loveeee it. I prefer to eat it warm, but you can also eat it cold.

I didn’t want to end this list because I could go on forever, but for now, we will leave it here. I consider my boyfriend and I picky eaters, but we both enjoy the food in Costa Rica. You will always find something that will make your taste buds dance! Also, remember to eat all the fruit you can. On your way to the beach, you can come across fruit stands. I highly recommend you make the stop!

Where do we stay:

• Airbnb: 90% of the time we personally opt for Airbnb when traveling to Costa Rica. Its more coinvent for us.
• Resorts: Costa Rica has a lot of beautiful Hotels and Resorts. Many of them offer all-inclusive packages. You can find beach resorts or if you’re looking for a more relaxing vibe you can always enjoy hot springs as well. Below I mentioned a few of my favs.

Beach Resorts

Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica

The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa

Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica

Hot Springs Resorts

The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal

Hotel Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa

Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa

Nayara Gardens

Transportation:

• Rent A Car: We will always rent a car when going to Costa Rica. My boyfriend is the designated driver. When driving, remember it’s a 3rd world country, roads are narrow, space is limited, and motorcycles are at your every corner. You must be ready for chaos, lol. When I asked the boo, what his statement was on the experience, he said, “It’s crazy, and stay ready,” lol. We usually rent from Sixt or Enterprise. No specific reason, just what’s been available when we go. The airport has shuttle buses that will drop you near all the car rental places, depending on the company you go with.
• Uber: You can always get an uber. I recommend that before one of the taxi drivers at the front that are ready to put your bag in their car lol.

Must See:

Manuel Antonio: Located in Quepos this is my favorite national park. From rainforest, white-sand beaches, and coral reefs. This place is beautiful. You must walk to get to the different beaches within the park, come prepared, it gets hot! Non-Costa Ricans pay around $18 per adult/$6 for kids per ticket (that’s a rough estimate). Also, when parking, don’t listen to the guys that will try to stop you and say “there’s no parking ahead. They fibbinn! There is parking right next to the park entrance. You will have to pay for parking just make sure to carry some cash with you. It should be around $5-$20. Don’t feed the monkeys and watch your bags because they will steal them lol.

Volcan Arenal: Located in San Carlos Costa Rica. It is a cooler area and better to visit during the summer season to avoid rain. Around the area you will find different things you can do such as hot springs, ATV riding, Hiking, and even horseback riding. This is a place to relax and reconnect with nature around you. This volcano really looks like the ones you would build for school projects. Lol. And no, it’s not an active volcano, at least not right now. It’s been quiet since 2010.

Rio Celeste: This place is one of a kind. I’m sure you’ve never seen anything like it. Rio Celeste is a river in Tenorio Volcano National Park. BOOK this tour! It probably takes about an hour to get to this beautiful turquoise waterfall but it’s worth every step. Rio Celeste borders several hot springs and has one large waterfall. You can really enjoy a lot in one day.

Every corner of this country is beautiful in its own way. I hope you can see it for yourself, you will not be disappointed.

Quick Tips:

• Costa Ricans will greet you with “Pura Vida” which means pure life. People usually are very friendly, and you will find plenty of English-speaking Ticos, especially in the more populated areas.
• The best time to visit Costa Rica would be anywhere between mid-November to February. Just keep in mind the rainiest months are September and October BUTTTT it’s not horrible, the rain comes and goes.
• Gas stations have employees that pump your gas, which I think is AAHHHmazinggg!