Costa Rica is one of the most popular travel destinations in Central America . The country has a lot of great nature and many different animals, which you are able to see. There are good and usually cheap flights too, compared to some others in the region and there are many tourists going too. That all sounds quite decent, but that is not all, so I am going to explain why to consider not traveling there. After being there twice and visiting all other countries on mainland Central America.
Where is Costa Rica located?
Costa Rica is located in Central America and has borders with Panama and Nicaragua. The climate is always warm and is also part of the raining season in the region.
“Pura Vida ” is important for the locals, meaning basically to enjoy life under whatever circumstances and to live in harmony with nature. This is something you can tell many people, that nature is important for them and that they try to be as positive as possible.
In Costa Rica, you are able to find many national parks and also both the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean are possible to visit. Besides the capital San Jose, there are Puerto Limon and Liberia there for being a bit bigger cities, but the country is not about it.
What was positive for me?
To be honest, Costa Rica is from all Central American countries I visited my least favorite. Still it is possible to say positive things, because every country has something positive.
The nature, which is found all over the country is breathtaking and just nice to be in. This is also the only reason why I would recommend it.
Due to the fact that I was Couchsurfing during my time there, I was able to meet many great people, who were really welcoming and gave me good memories of the places. The problem was that Couchsurfing is working basically just in the cities, because the people are living there.
In Costa Rica it is possible to drink tap water, which is really great and the bus system is also decent, you can get everywhere and that every day. When not having an issue with getting up early, even crossing borders is no problem.
The sim card you can buy there, is also possible to use in neighboring countries, which makes traveling a bit easier and is not super expensive. I usually don’t like to promote businesses, but Claro is the only one, from which I know, that it is possible. When only wanting to stay in Costa Rica, then you can take every other company as well.
Why not to travel there?
Why not travel to Costa Rica will be easier to fill, because there were many things which I didn’t like a lot. I am still going to break it down to the most important.
When you are in cities, you most likely won’t enjoy it. They are super dirty, nothing really to see and a high rate of homeless people, who want your money. It is a country for nature not for cities.
- The prices for food are unbelievably high! When comparing it to Germany, then Germany would be way cheaper to visit. The prices are so high, because people will buy it anyway, especially the tourists. Also locals are struggling with it, at least the ones I was talking to. It also doesn’t matter where you are going, even the local places I would not consider cheap.
- Another price topic, but all the touristic attractions are just super expensive too, there are some local places, which were to be honest not easy to find, but they exist.
- You get seen as an ATM, when walking through the cities, which is most of the time really annoying.
- Nature, like I said, is nice, but when being 100% honest, then you will find it in the neighboring countries and especially Nicaragua in a cheaper and more authentic way.
- This point is for most of the Latin American countries, when wanting to travel a bit outside the touristic sections. You need to be able to speak Spanish, because English will in most cases not help you. Of course with a translation application it should be working too.
- It is all crowded with tourists, at least the famous things, that is up to everyone. Some like it, so I would say it is for sure a negative point for me.
Summary
Costa Rica is a country with high potential, but the storm of tourists is kind of ruining the paradise which is sad to see. I was there twice now and one of the times was due to cheaper traveling to Nicaragua. For the transportation the country is in general good. Just need to be on time.
Also it is not that much of a cash country as for example Nicaragua, but still it is always good to have cash on you.
When really wanting to travel there, then do it, but just don’t stay in the cities, you are not going to have a good time. Especially San Jose, the capital, is just a bad place to be in. The people I know there are great, but it would be a lie, when I say the city is good.
I would love to hear your experiences about this place, or questions. Share it with me in the comments.
Costa Rica Stories: Why to consider not to travel to Costa RicaClick on the text for more Central and North America stories.
Leave a Reply