6 Interesting Facts About Costa Rica
Key Takeaways
- Understanding the Pura Vida is essential to understanding Costa Rica, which has resulted in Costa Ricans living better and living longer
- Learn some fun Costa Rican Spanish words!
- Delve into interesting facts about Costa Rica’s role in luxury ecotourism
Whether you’re an adventurous, avid jet-setter or someone long overdue for some pampering, Costa Rica is a genuine bucket-list destination for all kinds of travelers.
Nothing compares to the feeling of the warm sand in your toes, the first bite of tropical fruit on a cocktail rim, the unearthly beauty of snorkeling in the tide pools, or the refreshing mist of the jungle waterfalls, but facts can still be persuasive.
Here are six interesting facts about Costa Rica that show why you must visit this heaven on earth.
1. La Pura Vida is Everything
La Pura Vida literally means “The pure life,” but one interesting fact about Costa Rica’s most popular catchphrase is how all-encompassing it truly is.
Pura Vida is a greeting for just about anything, and its deeper meaning is about a way of life that emphasizes getting the most out of life by enjoying the goodness that already exists in the moment.
Consider this mindset an anecdote to a fast-paced, chronically online world: why always be on the grind, if you don’t ever take a moment to savor the freshly-ground coffee?
Costa Rica’s warm hospitality welcomes you to sit back, sip slowly, watch the waves, and know it can’t get much better than this.
2. Simplicity is a Delicacy in Costa Rica
Costa Rica, or “The Rich Coast,” is aptly named when it comes to its harvests alone, from the farms and fields to the bounty of the sea on both sides.
The result is a food tradition that’s as deeply rooted as the tallest trees in the jungle, making simple staples another celebration of simplicity. The indigenous “three sisters” of beans, corn, and squash reign supreme to this day. Afro-Caribbean and Spanish influences are also strong, and both fried plantains and custard desserts are excellent treats for your sweet tooth.
Ready to learn the secrets and interesting facts about Costa Rica’s food culture? Add a private chef to your next vacation to explore this country’s palate.
3. Costa Rica is a Blue Zone Haven
Wishing you could stay longer in Costa Rica? So do the locals!
Costa Rica, and the Nicoya Peninsula in particular, is a blue zone haven. “Blue zones” refer to the phenomenon of places in the world renowned for longevity, including the number of people 100 or older.
What’s interesting is the fact that Costa Rica is an epicenter of centenarians not because of huge wealth, but because of a lifestyle that focuses on quality of life.
4. Costa Rica is a Nature Lover’s Haven
One of the most well-known interesting facts about Costa Rica is it is a treasure trove of rare wildlife. It’s home to colorful tide pools, delicate coral reefs, and vibrant rainforests, mountains, beaches, and wetlands, all of which boast some of the best biodiversity of anywhere on earth.
In fact, Costa Rica is only .03% of the earth’s total land surface, yet has at least 5% of Earth’s known species! Those unique species also include an exquisite array of tropical flowers and iconic toucans.
However, it’s one thing to read it: it’s another to go out and see it for yourself.
5. Costa Rican Spanish is Tuanis (Cool)!
One important and interesting fact about Costa Rica is that it’s relatively easy to get around as an English speaker, especially in Santa Teresa. Even more, when you’re staying at Casa Teresa with full concierge service in your corner, Spanish is not as necessary to get the local scoop.
While you may not need Spanish to enjoy your visit, learning these fun Ticos Dichos can reveal interesting facts about Costa Rica:
- Tico/Tica: Costa Rican word for Costa Rican person
- Que Dicha/Por Dicho: “Dicho” normally means “phrase” in Spanish. In Costa Rica “Que Dicha” and “Por Dicha” are both ways to express that you had some good luck.
- ¿Al chile?: Are you serious?” Costa Rican foodies take note: literally, this means “with chilies?”
- Pachanga: Party, including the exciting ones in the jungle!
- Mae: Costa Rica is laid back, and “Mae” is similar to “Dude” or “Bro”
- Idiay/Diay: A filler word like “um,” and it’s a shortened version of the Spanish phrase de ahí, or “over there”.
- Gallo pinto: Literally “spotted rooster,” and the name for Costa Rica’s national dish of rice and beans
6. Costa Rica is Forward-Thinking about the Environment
Here, people know that where they live is something worth cherishing, and they take conservation very seriously.
Interestingly, the fact that over one quarter of Costa Rica’s land is protected is proof that ecotourism is beyond a fleeting trend: it’s a movement that began here.
Visiting Costa Rica means living by the timeless, environmentally conscious travel phrase, “leave nothing but footprints.” After all, what better location to leave that footprint than along a pristine, sandy beach?
With Casa Teresa’s concierge services, you can easily arrange for the most exclusive excursions into those highly coveted national parks and preserves, all the while enjoying activities like:
- Horseback riding
- Boat and ATV rentals
- Zipline canopy tours
- Hiking for all levels
- Surfing classes
- Shopping excursion for locally produced craftmanship
- Opportunities for private helicopter experiences
Come see why Costa Rica, in all its wild and natural beauty, remains the world’s premiere destination for luxury travel.
Learn More About Costa Rica at Casa Teresa
Calling adventurers of all kinds: Costa Rica invites you to play, discover, rejuvenate, and reconnect. No matter how many interesting facts we could share about Costa Rica, none will compare with the experience for yourself.
Reserve your exclusive stay at Casa Teresa Luxury Villas.
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