What Surprises Most People About Their Trip to Costa Rica

Even with all the research in the world, some places still have a way of catching you off guard. That’s exactly what happened during my first trip to Costa Rica. I arrived expecting beaches and monkeys. I left with stories, warmth, and an entirely new appreciation for how magical a destination can be.

If you’re planning your first visit or just curious, here’s what most people, including myself, didn’t see coming.

The people are even warmer than the sun

Everyone talks about the natural beauty of Costa Rica, but it’s the people who truly stand out. Costa Ricans, or Ticos, are some of the kindest and most relaxed individuals you’ll ever meet. The famous phrase pura vida isn’t just a tourist slogan. It’s how they live and connect.

You’ll feel it when someone greets you like an old friend, helps you without being asked, or shares a local story just to make your experience better. I quickly learned that in Costa Rica, kindness is the standard.

The country is small but packed with experiences

Costa Rica may look small on the map, but don’t be fooled. It’s one of the most geographically and environmentally diverse countries I’ve visited. Within hours, you can go from volcanoes and waterfalls to cloud forests and tropical beaches.

And that variety isn’t just in landscapes. You’ll find adventure, relaxation, history, and wildlife all within close proximity. If you love switching gears on your travels, Costa Rica will keep you pleasantly busy.

For a deeper dive before you visit, take a look at these interesting facts about Costa Rica to learn what makes the country so unique even before your trip begins.

The food is unexpectedly fresh and addictive

I didn’t expect to fall in love with the food here, but I did. Meals in Costa Rica are simple, hearty, and incredibly fresh. You won’t find fancy sauces or complicated presentations, but every bite is satisfying.

Expect plenty of rice, beans, tropical fruits, grilled fish, and vegetables. The typical dish, casado, combines all of those things on one plate and somehow never gets old. Add in local coffee or a fresh fruit smoothie and you’ve got a perfect meal almost anywhere you go.

Nature is part of everyday life

I thought I’d need to go deep into a jungle to see animals. Instead, I spotted sloths while walking down the road, heard howler monkeys while eating breakfast, and saw toucans from the hotel balcony.

Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, with over 25 percent of the land protected as parks and reserves. According to the U.S. Forest Service, it’s also one of the few countries actively reversing deforestation. That level of protection is something you feel the moment you arrive.

You’ll end up doing more than you planned

Before my trip, I promised myself I’d relax. But once I got to Costa Rica, the list of must-do experiences kept growing. Whether it was hiking to a waterfall, sailing at sunset, or taking a wildlife tour, there was always something calling.

Some unforgettable experiences you might want to try

• Catamaran sailing with snorkeling includedNatural hot springs near Arenal Volcano
• Ziplining through Monteverde’s cloud forests
• Sea turtle nesting tours
• Kayaking along the mangroves

And the best part? Most activities are easy to book, beginner friendly, and led by passionate locals who love what they do.

A quote that captures it best

As Pico Iyer once said, "We travel, initially, to lose ourselves and we travel, next, to find ourselves." Costa Rica offers both. You can escape the stress of your everyday life and reconnect with something deeper, something peaceful.

Final thoughts

What surprises most people about Costa Rica isn’t just the beauty or the wildlife. It’s how it makes you feel. It slows you down in the best way. It teaches you to appreciate the little things, whether that’s a quiet beach morning or a smile from a stranger.

If you’re still planning or even just daydreaming, these interesting facts about Costa Rica are a great place to start. You’ll learn more about the culture, environment, and everything that makes Costa Rica unforgettable.

And trust me, once you visit, you’ll be planning your return before your trip even ends.