Ever since moving to Costa Rica in 2012, I’ve heard my fair share of wrong facts, impressions and ideas of Costa Rica. As an advocate for responsible travel, I always recommend researching at least the basics about the country you’re going to visit.
So before you come, make sure you read up on these common misconceptions about Costa Rica!
This post has affiliate links which we may earn a small commission from if you choose to purchase, at no extra cost to you. Any prices listed may not reflect current pricing. It is the readers responsibility to research current pricing. Prices are quoted in USD. More info: Disclosure
Common Misconceptions about Costa Rica
These are a collection of misunderstood thoughts about Costa Rica we have heard.
Related: Learn some facts about Costa Rica (history, culture, etc.)
Costa Rica is an island
This is the biggest common misconception about Costa Rica. So many people confuse Costa Rica for Puerto Rico and think it’s an island!
I’ve even had many people ask me “How is Costo Rico” or “how island life is.”
So just to make it clear, Costa Rica is not an island, it’s a small country in Central America. Nicaragua neighbors the country to the north, Panama neighbors the country to the South.
Costa Rica is part of the USA
Nope to this one too.
Since many people mix up Costa Rica with Puerto Rico, they think Costa Rica is a US territory or owned by the US. Costa Rica is not owned by the US, they are their own independent country.
They were under Spain’s rule many years ago but gained their independence on September 15, 1821. Costa Rica is a free, democratic independent republic.
Costa Rica is cheap
This is one of the most common misconceptions about Costa Rica. People think that since Costa Rica is in Central America or think that Costa Rica is a third world country, that it is cheap. Unfortunately it is not so.
Taxes, insurance, gas and other things are expensive in Costa Rica which drives up the cost of food, hotels, transportation and tours.
You can still travel on a budget in Costa Rica but be conscious of where you go, where you eat and what you do. Read how much it costs to travel in Costa Rica in this article.
You will get malaria in Costa Rica
Actually, the worst disease from mosquitoes you can get in Costa Rica is dengue. Costa Rica has done a great job with malaria as there were only 67 cases in 2019. There were 8179 cases of dengue in 2019.
Make sure to bring plenty of mosquito repellent and after bite care.
Do not forget your sunscreen either as Costa Rica is just 8-12 degrees from the equator!
Costa Rica has a lot of shark attacks
Shark attacks are not common in Costa Rica like they are in Hawaii or Florida. It is extremely rare to hear of a shark attack here. In fact, it’s actually more normal for us to hear about crocodile attacks (not that common but happens more than sharks).
You can’t eat the raw vegetables or fruit in Costa Rica
I was told to not eat any raw veggies or fruit the first time I came to Costa Rica because it all has E.Coli. But you can in fact, eat the fresh produce. Restaurants and supermarkets have fairly high standards and if you buy your own food, always make sure to wash them.
You can also drink the orange juice at restaurants here. Most of it comes from the supermarket anyways!
Do be careful if you have food allergies though. It is best to either write down how to stay what you’re allergic to in Spanish and choose restaurants in more touristic areas with staff that speak English if you have severe food allergies.
You can’t drink the water in Costa Rica
Actually, Costa Rica has fairly high standards for water and most places have drinkable tap water. The cities like San Jose, particularly has good tap water.
However, there are some places in Costa Rica where you shouldn’t drink the tap water and that’s in more the more remote areas like Osa Peninsula, Tortuguero, Golfito and Nicoya Peninsula. You can read more about drinking tap water in Costa Rica in this article.
Costa Rica doesn’t have paved roads
Costa Rica does have paved roads including highways. In fact, the InterAmericana highway by Liberia is very nice (it even has 3 lanes!)
Some smaller roads through local towns or undeveloped areas may have some unpaved roads (or roads in bad condition) as they are more rural and remote.
Make sure to check your destinations because you may need a high clearance car or a 4wd. Some places are Monteverde, Osa Peninsula and the Nicoya Peninsula.
It’s never cold in Costa Rica
There are actually 26 micro-climates in Costa Rica and it is a very mountainous country. Due to all the valleys, some places can be more than 1500 meters (5000 feet) in elevation and though it doesn’t get cold, it can get chilly.
Monteverde, Poas, San Isidro de Perez Zeledon, San Gerardo de Dota, Vara Blanca and San Vito are some places that are high in elevation.
The average temperature is around high 70°s F (25° C) and goes down to mid 50°s F – low 60°s F (12°-15° C) during dry season.
In rainy season, it can get even colder if its windy so make sure to bring a jacket since it’s also usually very windy.
You can read more about Costa Rica weather in this post. Also read our Costa Rica packing list so you come prepared!
Mexican and Costa Rican culture are the same
A lot of visitors think Mexican and Costa Rican cultures are the same which is absolutely not true. The two countries actually don’t have that many similarities.
Mexican Spanish and Costa Rican Spanish are completely different (they don’t say “andale” in Costa Rica) and the food is different. Let me tell you that Mexican tacos are nothing like Costa Rican tacos!
All Costa Ricans are farmers
Although 10% of the country’s land is devoted to agriculture and farming, not all Costa Ricans are farmers. In fact, the biggest GDP factor of the country is technology services (around 75%). Agriculture is only 5.5% now. Tourism is also a big part of their economy, representing about 8%.
Many Costa Ricans in San Jose work in services because many big companies like Amazon, Dell and HP have customer service headquarters there.
City Costa Ricans generally speak a high degree of English (the literary rate is nearly 98%). Furthermore, gambling is legal in Costa Rica so there are a lot of sportsbooks here.
All Costa Ricans speak English
On the other hand, many people assume all Costa Ricans speak English. If you go to touristic places, many Costa Ricans do speak good English because they work in tourism and customer service. But not all of them do!
Remember, Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica. (Learn basic Spanish in our guide here).
Costa Rica is a dangerous country
Although crime does happen here, Costa Rica is a relatively safe country. The biggest crime is petty theft and it is difficult to legally get a gun in Costa Rica. Their government is stable and they haven’t had an army since 1954.
In fact, it is one of 23 countries in the world that do not have an active army. Instead, they spend their money on healthcare and education.
Costa Rica is a popular family and solo traveler destination due to its reputation as one of the safest countries in Latin America.
Costa Rica doesn’t have “first world amenities”
Actually, Costa Rica does. Costa Rica does indeed have malls, electricity, Wi-Fi, highways, movie theaters, cars, iPhones and all the like. They have Uber and Uber Eats in San Jose.
You can have a little bit of everything in Costa Rica. In San Jose, you have all the city amenities and services and once you get out of the city, you can find completely undeveloped and rural places like Osa Peninsula or Tortuguero.
Most Information about Costa Rica
It’s important to be at least a bit educated on the countries we visit so we don’t go there with only the stereotype in our head. And that’s one of the best things about travel – you learn so much about other cultures and the world!
Learn some facts about Costa Rica or read our Costa Rica survival guide for more tips.
Costa Rica Vacation Checklist
- First time to Costa Rica? Read our First Time in Costa Rica guide.
- Not sure how to move around Costa Rica? Read our How to Get Around Costa Rica guide to find the best transportation method for you.
- Click the link to get our detailed Costa Rica Packing List so you know what essential items to bring.
- Check our Costa Rica destinations map and Costa Rica restaurant map
- Do not forget to purchase Travel Insurance for your trip to Costa Rica.
- Stay connected by purchasing a prepaid SIM Card in Costa Rica.
- Save money with Mytanfeet Deals for tours and hotels and our Costa Rica Car Rental Discount.
Julie says
My boyfriend and I will be visiting in February 2018, the Caribbean side….suggestions are appreciated on what NOT to miss and where to stay. No concrete plans other than the dates. Thanks Everyone!!!!
Rodney says
I will be visiting Jaco 12-2-2016 for 9 days . Do not speak any Spanish. by myself male 66 yrs old. Hopefully everthing will go as planned. Staying at the Buddah Hostel for the first few days and the Croc for the rest. Didn’t make any adventure plans,but would like to try some deep sea fishing. Thank You
Sammi says
Hi Rodney, that area has great fishing, there is a marina called Los Suenos where you can go deep sea fishing. Have fun in Jaco!
Gin says
Stayed in Los suenos . Awesome fishing.
Kavin says
Good post!
I actually here now! I’m visiting arenal (no sun!) And next limon. Do you have any suggestions on where to go to get some good costa rica food that’s not costly.
Sammi says
Hi Kavin, for traditional food look for a “soda” which is Costa Rica restaurant. The name is always something like “soda tico” or something like that. Soda casa de Las hormigas in La fortuna is pretty good and cheap
Betsie Rosa says
thanks a lot for all the insight and advise! We are planning to go to Costa Rica this August, so in my search for more information about the country I came across with you, lucky me, lol!
Sammi says
Hi Betsia, glad we could help! Have a great time here!
Terrablee says
Great article! I was surprised that for the most part it’s OK to drink the tap water. I know one of the houses we’re going to rent had stated that their tap water is safe to drink.
And thank you guys for helping me to learn about Costa Rica! My sisters and I are coming for our first visit in August and we’re sure it will be the first of many!
We will spend a day in San Jose, then head over to Paos, then spend a night at the Toucan Rescue Ranch. Then heading up to Monteverde for 4 days in a rented house on a coffee plantation. Then will move down to Quepos for another 4 days in a rental. In addition to all the wildlife in Manuel Antonio, we hope to see some whales , and if we’re really lucky an arribada. No matter what it will be a fun adventure we’re certain!
Again, your information and advise on your website was immensely helpful planning this trip of a lifetime. Thanks!
Sammi says
Hi Terrablee! Yes the tap water in most places is safe to drink and hotels will tell you if it is OK or not. Usually cities and touristic areas have safe tap water. Your itinerary sounds really fun! Those are all great places and I’m sure you and your sisters will have an amazing time. Thanks for reading 🙂
Sammi says
Hi Kai, every Central American country is very different from the accent, Spanish slang, food and customs. They are all separate countries after all and then within the country, you have differences between the provinces and areas.
If you plan to rent a car, then definitely read our tips for renting a car post, we put valuable information in there: Costa Rica car rental tips
and of course, don’t forget to take advantage of our discount 🙂 Costa Rica car rental discount
As for PV – definitely visit Cahuita National Park and bring a rain jacket. The Caribbean side rains more than the rest of the country throughout the year, they don’t have a straight dry-rainy season schedule.
Kai says
This was a very interesting post! Thank you so much! We’ve been to Mexico and El Salvador and I was honestly wondering what the differences and similarities would be. I guess it also depends on which area is visited, as with any country. We are planning our first trip to CR for July. I have read many of your posts and they’re all very fun and informative. My husband wants to rent a car for our week there, so I’m hoping he will agree to read your post on car rentals. 😉
We’ll be staying at Hotel Banana Azul in Puerta Viejo – any suggestions for that area?
YOUNG NGUYEN says
I also have some of this idea about Costa Rica. Thanks for sharing this post. What is their funeral system. I also heard that they even don’t know how to take bath and cook the food. They just burn the vegetables and then eat it. Now I guess from your writing that it is also wrong. Isn’t it??
Sammi says
They use graveyards but mostly bury their dead above ground, not below. I don’t know who told you they don’t know how to bathe or cook food… even countries less developed know how to bathe and cook food. They must be joking because that’s one of the most absurd things I’ve ever heard!
Glenn robinson says
Re: Puerto Rico – I am embarrassed to say that on one of our trips here I had mistakenly reserved a car at SJU, not SJO. We had to make do with a rent-a-dent (which worked out fine). I am continually amazed at how genuinely helpful people in Costa Rica have been to us. Thanks for a neat blog!
yeison says
Hi Glenn, SJU to SJO is very close and I bet anyone can make that mistake, airport codes can get confuse. I am glad to heard that ticos have been nice with you 🙂
Edith Rodriguez says
I thought these were funny! Glad to read and know you have toilet paper 🙂 Hope to visit Costa Rica someday, thanks for the useful information.