23 Fascinating Costa Rica Facts You Didn’t Know

Costa Rica is a dream destination for many travelers. With its mystical cloud forest, active volcanoes, abundance of jungle, and diverse wildlife, it is the perfect spot for adventure seekers. We had the pleasure of visiting Costa Rica for the first time last year, and we thought it would be enlightening to share some fascinating facts about this beautiful country that we discovered during our journey.

Fun Facts About Costa Rica

Costa Rica is renowned for its volcanoes, cloud forests, and pristine sandy beaches. Located in Central America between Nicaragua and Panama, this small country is bordered by the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

However, don’t let its size fool you. Costa Rica offers delicious cuisine, exceptional coffee, and countless adventures for the perfect getaway. Traveling to and from Costa Rica is relatively easy from other countries in the Americas. Therefore, before you embark on your journey, here are some intriguing facts to help familiarize you with this amazing destination!

1. Watch the Sunrise and Sunset in One Day

Your beach vacation just got better! With the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, you can enjoy both sunrise and sunset in a single day. Start your morning on the Caribbean coast to witness a stunning sunrise and then travel across to the Pacific coast for a breathtaking sunset. Just be sure to allocate ample time for transportation as navigating Costa Rican roads can be quite the adventure.

2. Enjoy Renewable Energy

For eco-conscious travelers, Costa Rica’s commitment to renewable energy is commendable. The country currently operates on 98% renewable energy. Through a mix of hydropower, wind, geothermal sources, and solar energy, Costa Rica powers over a million homes and numerous businesses, which significantly contributes to its green reputation.

3. Catch Plenty of Monkey Antics

No jungle vacation is complete without spotting some monkeys. Costa Rica is home to several species of monkeys, including howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, Central American squirrel monkeys, and Geoffrey’s spider monkeys. To encounter a variety of these species, visit Costa Rica’s National Parks, particularly Corcovado National Park, where you can see all four species in one location!

4. See Plenty of Smiles

Costa Rica is often recognized for its happy citizens. The combination of long life expectancy and government investment in education and healthcare fosters an environment full of joy and health. Although Bhutan currently ranks highest on the happiness index, Costa Rica holds a prestigious position just behind.

5. The Cuisine is Simple and Delicious

Costa Ricans typically enjoy a staple breakfast of rice and beans, known locally as “gallo pinto.” You’ll also find delightful offerings of black bean soup and other rice and bean dishes. If you want a break from the usual, don’t miss trying Costa Rican ceviche, which features tilapia paired with fresh vegetables. Additionally, fried plantains are a must-try side dish during your stay.

6. Art is Everywhere, Including the Money

Art lovers will find a vibrant array of colorful art in Costa Rica. Though the US dollar is often accepted, the colón is the local currency, and each bill showcases colorful scenes representative of Costa Rica’s natural habitats and wildlife. While visiting, don’t miss the opportunity to visit museums such as:

• The Museo Nacional de Costa Rica (National Museum of Costa Rica)
• The Museo de Arte Costarricense (Museum of Art)
• The Museo de Jade Costa Rica (Museum of Jade), featuring exquisite jade artifacts

Even if museum visits aren’t feasible, take note of public sculptures in city streets as government organizations actively promote the preservation of art from prominent local artists.

7. Hummingbirds are Plentiful

Birdwatchers will be thrilled, as Costa Rica boasts an impressive diversity of hummingbirds, with around 50 distinct species present. Among these species, two are unique to Costa Rica:

• The mangrove hummingbird, found only in mangrove forests along the Pacific coast
• The coppery-headed emerald hummingbird, native to the Pacific and Caribbean highlands

La Paz Gardens is an excellent spot to observe around 26 species of hummingbirds all in one picturesque location!

8. Enjoy Rich Coffee

Costa Rica is one of the leading coffee exporters globally. Whether enjoying complimentary hotel coffee or visiting a local café, you are sure to savor quality coffee without overspending. The high standard of coffee is enforced by law as only 100% Arabica beans can be produced in the country.

9. Find Plenty of Beaches

With approximately 800 miles of coastline, choosing a perfect beach spot in Costa Rica will be a breeze. Many of the finest beaches are nestled in secluded locations away from the crowd. Collaborate with a travel guide to select a beautiful beach that suits your desires.

10. Costa Ricans Have Long Lives

Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica is recognized as one of the world’s blue zones, where inhabitants frequently live past 100. The secret to their longevity lies in their strong family connections, active lifestyle among elders, and solid sense of purpose, alongside their nutritious diet and calcium-rich water.

11. Costa Rica contains 6% of the World’s Biodiversity

According to ecologists, Costa Rica is incredibly proud of its biodiversity, housing over 5% of the world’s species while accounting for merely 0.3% of the Earth’s landmass. Thanks to its geographical location between North and South America, it features an abundance of flora and fauna unique to the region.

12. Costa Rican Nicknames

You’ll often hear Costa Ricans adding “tico” to many words, which conveys cuteness or smallness. This endearing term has become a nickname for the citizens of Costa Rica, who affectionately refer to themselves as “Ticos” (for men) and “Ticas” (for women).

13. Pura Vida

During our travels, the phrase “Pura vida” resonated throughout our experience. This ubiquitous expression embodies the Costa Rican philosophy of living a pure and simple life, contributing to their status as one of the happiest countries on Earth.

The Switzerland of Central America

Interestingly, Costa Rica is notable for its lack of an army, which was abolished in 1949. Former president Oscar Arias Sanchez eloquently stated, “Military solutions to conflicts should be the last resort; here, conflicts are resolved at a negotiating table.” Despite this, a police force exists for domestic security, complemented by protections from the United States.

14. Costa Rica Had A Gold Rush

While many associate gold with North America’s Klondike and Yukon, Costa Rica experienced its own gold rush in the 1930s when miners flocked to Corcovado National Park seeking fortune after discovering high-quality gold reserves.

15. Costa Rica is one of the Greenest Countries in the World

Approximately 25% of Costa Rica’s land is designated as protected areas or national parks, establishing the country as a leader in conservation efforts aimed at preserving nature’s beauty.

16. Costa Rica Flag Facts

The Costa Rican flag features red, white, and blue horizontal stripes, inspired by the French flag design from 1848. The color meanings include:

• Blue represents the sky.
• White signifies peace.
• Red symbolizes the blood of the people and their strength.

Fast Costa Rican Facts and Stats

17. The capital city of Costa Rica is San José, with a population of 2 million.

18. The total population of Costa Rica is approximately 4.9 million.

19. 94% of the population has European ancestry.

20. Costa Rica boasts a literacy rate of 97.8%.

21. Gallo Pinto, a combination of rice and black beans, is the staple food.

22. The national symbol is the yigüirro, a clay-colored thrush. In August, the Two-Toed Sloth and Three-Toed Brown Sloth both became national symbols of Costa Rica.

23. The highest mountain in Costa Rica is Cerro Chirripó, standing at 3,810 meters above sea level.

These Costa Rica Country Facts Are Just the Beginning!

For such a small country, Costa Rica has an abundance to explore! These intriguing facts are just the start of your journey into this tropical paradise.

When you’re ready to plan your trip, check out our Costa Rica Travel Guide for the ultimate resources to make your adventure memorable, safe, and enjoyable.