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5 Things You Need to Know Before You Arrive in Costa Rica
1. How to surrender to the flow of things
The town of Puerto Viejo, the home of AmaSer, is located on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica near Panama. Here in Costa Rica, things flow a bit more loosely than you may be accustomed to. Picture it like a bottle of honey: in warmer climates, things flow a bit more freely! Plans often rely on the presence of sunshine, and as Costa Rica is a tropical country, the rainfall comes down quickly and heavily on the turn of a dime. It usually doesn't last long, but you may find yourself needing to take shelter in a cafe, restaurant, or store for some time which may change your outdoor plans for the day. Costa Rica wouldn't be nearly as lush and gorgeous without the rain nourishing all of the greenery, so try to be patient and accepting when those moments do arrive.
2. How to say some basic sentences in Spanish
Most areas of Costa Rica have an amazing mix of people from all over the world, including other parts of Central America. During your stay, you're likely to meet people from Australia, North America, Brazil, Europe - and more. It is easy to assume that everyone here speaks English, as tourism is so common here. Though many Costa Ricans know a degree of English, not all of them do. Having a few phrases in your back pocket will definitely help you out along the way - things like 'thank you, 'please', and a few sentences to order food or grab a taxi.
3. The meaning of 'Pura Vida'
While we're on the subject of learning a few words before you arrive - there is one common phrase you're bound to hear that you should know. 'Pura Vida' is a phrase you'll get to know quite quickly during your stay in paradise. It's a phrase often used in a myriad of sentences - as a greeting, while clinking glasses, when someone is wishing you well, and as a kind way to say goodbye. "Pura Vida" is an expression of happiness, optimism, and living life to the fullest. This attitude is apparent in everyone who lives and breathes in Costa Rica.
4. Your sleep-wake schedule may shift in Costa Rica
As Costa Rica is only 8-12 degrees from the equator, it gets dark by 6 PM. You'll find that people usually make plans to go out for dinner or drinks around 5, and don't often stay out much later than 1. The sun rises around 6 AM e, so you may also find yourself naturally adjusting to waking up earlier than you're used to. I personally love this schedule and find it much more rejuvenating!
5. You are bound to meet amazing people in Costa Rica
Whether you are for a week, or a year...whether you are traveling solo, or with friends/family...whether you came to relax on the beach and do yoga, or if you prefer to jam pack your schedule with adventures - you are sure to meet wonderful people alike. Costa Rica is a vortex for open-minded people to come and enjoy its abundant magic. People are kind, laid-back, and ready to experience all the fun that CR offers, just like you.
