Costa Rica was one of the most talked about destinations in 2022. This could be because the country opened its doors to tourists in mid-2020 and has remained open ever since. A lush jungle paradise filled with wildlife, adventure activities and nature experiences, Costa Rica is a unique and diverse destination.
Here are some things you shouldn’t Do While Traveling in Costa Rica :
Don’t give food to monkeys.
Lovely monkeys are very attractive to tourists, but please do not feed them because you will make them expect human help, reducing their survival instinct. The monkeys usually roam 17km a day, but if they know people will feed them, they become lazy and do not exercise. Also, our food is not good for monkeys, even bananas are not ideal food choices for them (many are full of pesticides).
Do not go near snakes.
We certainly don’t want to scare you away from Costa Rica, but you should be aware that there are 22 species of venomous snakes crawling on every street across the country, including fer-de-lance and coral snakes. . Be alert, take the wide roads and follow the instructions of the guide.
Don’t expect good coffee.
Costa Rica grows some of the strongest and most coveted coffee beans in the world. However, much of the crop is for export, so the local coffees aren’t as impressive as expected.
Don’t go near ants.
Many species of ants in Costa Rica won’t kill you, but their stinging pain can make you want to die. The jungle is home to terrifying reptiles such as fire ants, leafcutter ants and bullet ants. This bullet ant has the most painful bite. The pain lasts about 24 hours and is likened to a gunshot wound, so it’s best not to go near them.
Don’t ignore the volcano warning.
Costa Rica has 67 volcanoes. Most of them are dormant, but there are some still active volcanoes that could blow you away at any moment. Smoldering volcanoes and flowing lava aren’t just fun subjects to photograph, so there are some advanced warnings if an explosion is expected and you should definitely pay attention to them.
Don’t forget to shake your shoes.
Be wary of knowing that the world’s most venomous spiders live here and can lurk in your shoes. The Brazilian spider is especially common in Corcovado National Park and it is a nightmare for those who are afraid of spiders. They rarely attack, but you should shake your shoes in the morning just to be on the safe side.
Don’t touch the little frogs.
Another type of creature to be careful of when you’re roaming the rainforest are cute and colorful frogs. They are about the size of a thumb and aptly named poison dart frogs. They are super cute and look like rubber toys, but some have deadly poison. Do not approach and tease these seemingly cute creatures, because they have enough venom to kill 10 adult men if the poison enters your bloodstream.
Don’t take a strange taxi.
You should only take an officially licensed red taxi by the government. The body of the car has a yellow triangle and emphasizes that you have to check if they use a cash register or not. At the airport, only orange taxis are allowed to pick you up. Avoid unregulated unofficial taxis, as they often trick gullible tourists.
Don’t forget insect repellent.
Like many other tropical regions, Costa Rica is full of insects. In particular, mosquitoes are a big problem because they can transmit diseases like dengue or chikungunya. In addition to the health risks, they also bring uncomfortable and persistent itching, so you need to have plenty of insect repellent on hand if you want a good night’s sleep.
Don’t expect to see a wildcat.
Most adventurous travelers want to see a jaguar, cougar or wild cat during their trip to Costa Rica. However, wildcats are nocturnal, they hide well and often avoid encounters with humans that they can smell from a distance. If you really want to see these beautiful creatures, visit the Las Pumas animal rescue center in Guanacaste.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen.
Costa Rica’s many pristine sandy beaches are amazing. However, here the sun is often very strong. Make sure you carry plenty of high-SPF sunscreen, especially if you’re prone to sunburn.
Tip money.
Unlike in western countries, tips in restaurants in Costa Rica are usually included in the 10% service charge. However, it is quite common to tip tour guides, waiters and drivers, as long as they provide excellent service.
Don’t underestimate nature.
Costa Rica is known for its rich natural wonders and endemic wildlife. Disrespecting nature by picking wild plants, putting seashells in bags, or damaging plants is taboo and can get you into trouble. Most wildlife species, especially in tropical forests, are strictly protected by the government. In short, enjoy the scenery, take pictures but leave no trace of your visit.
Don’t overlook beach safety.
Although Costa Rica is famous for its wonderful sandy beaches, it is essential to exercise common sense and understand basic safety rules. Many beaches have big waves or whirlpools, drowning locals and tourists alike and rarely any warning signs. Tides tend to be strongest from May to November.
Do not buy souvenirs at the airport.
It’s no surprise that San Jose and Liberia airport stores are incredibly expensive. For the best deals and quality items, shop for souvenirs at local markets.
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