8 Reasons to Make Costa Rica your Next Culinary Destination

Costa Rica is a country well known for its ecological tourism, but we are pleased to inform you that it makes for a delightfully rich culinary destination as well! The country offers a veritable melting pot of gastronomic traditions and contemporary dining experiences. Fresh local produce and regional spices are inherent to the typical Costa Rican diet, and you will learn how classic ingredients have influenced modern cuisine. 

Costa Rica was given its name, meaning “Rich Coast” by Spanish explorers in the 1500’s, who believed the lands were rich with gold and precious metals. Ironically, although the indigenous people of the region were frequently bedecked in gold jewelry, Costa Rica proved to be scarce in riches of this nature. Today, Costa Rica’s main exports are bananas and other tropical fruit, coffee, and medical supplies. 

Much of the country is made up of protected nature reserves and national parks, including both active and dormant volcanoes. Indigenous groups make up almost 3% of the population, with traditional settlements located throughout Costa Rica. Intangible cultural heritage practices are an important part of the conservation efforts by these groups, who still live authentically to their ancestral traditions. 

The contemporary, new wave food movement in Costa Rica is centered in its capital, San Jose, which has developed into a notable foodie destination. Up and coming chefs from around the world compete with one another to develop delicious new dishes comprised of local and once-forgotten ingredients, fusing traditionalism and modernism. Culinary staples and traditions vary by region, for instance, the food on the Caribbean coast will have a stronger Jamaican influence than that of more mountainous areas, where indigenous ingredients and cooking methods define  much of the local diet to this day.

Check out “Top Food and Drink Trends for Summer” to learn more about Fusion Foods! 

1. Coast to Coast

Costa Rica is framed by the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, with a coastline on each side, spanning around 800 miles total. Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast is significantly longer than its Caribbean side, but the coasts are only 200 miles apart. There are many stretches of picture-perfect white sand beaches surrounded by warm, crystal clear water.

The beaches in Costa Rica are all open to the public by law, so you cannot be  prevented from going to any beach. However, there are a couple of secluded beaches behind large hotels that are hard to access if you are not a guest. That said, if you do a little hiking, it’s usually easy to locate a beach that you can enjoy all by yourself.

2. Coffee with Sugar

Costa Rica is famous for its coffee and sugar plantations, and sugarcane is the main ingredient in Costa Rica’s favorite national beverage, Guaro. Guaro is a clear liquor made from fermented sugar cane and usually served straight. But don’t let the sweet aftertaste mislead you, Guaro is usually 60 proof, or 30% alcohol, and can come in 70 or 80 proof varieties as well. Guaro is often enjoyed straight up, but can be mixed with tomato juice or soda for other popular variations. 

3. National Parks and Wildlife

There is no shortage of natural wonders in Costa Rica, and an equal abundance of occasions for ecotourism. The country has set aside 25% of its land for national parks and wildlife refuge. The hundreds of miles of untouched jungle allows for plenty of biodiversity and research projects to be maintained without disruption.

The combination of ocean and jungle are also conducive to all manner of adventure tourism. For those interested in hiking, ziplining, horseback riding, scuba diving, and much more, Costa Rica will not disappoint. Compliment your next culinary adventure with the unique splendor of the tropical rainforest.

We also offer a number of Active Trips for our more adventurous travelers!

4. A Short Trip Away

Costa Rica is geographically more accessible than a trip to Europe, which means that jet lag will not interrupt your arrival or your return. This can also mean cheaper rates on flights and lower stress for you, as you plan for contingencies and choose your tour dates. 

Costa Rica is only a 3 hour flight from Miami and just over 5 hours on a direct flight from New York or Los Angeles. This is your opportunity to trade travel time for extra relaxation on your vacation. 

5. Unforgettable Food

It would be remiss not to highlight Costa Rica’s remarkable and unique cuisine. The fusion of old and new is a trademark of local gastronomy, but the staple ingredients remain the same. If Guaro is Costa Rica’s national beverage, then the casado is their national meal. A casado is a dish comprised of rice, beans, plantains, a salad, and an optional portion of protein, such as eggs, beef, chicken, or fish. The beauty of the casado is that it can take on an almost infinite amount of variations. 

The casado is traditionally the food of the working man, with the term “casado” translating literally to “marriage.” This is because the dish supposedly became popular in restaurants for its resemblance to the food one’s wife would make at home, which is what the hungry family man craves during his midday meal. 

Costa Rican “sodas,” are small, locally owned, open-air restaurants, where most Costa Ricans will go for a casual but hearty meal featuring the daily casado special. In order to keep the price of the food low, the soda will pre-make large portions of each necessary component, with the protein option generally changing from day to day. Most sodas can make a different kind of casado to order, but that will likely cost more than the locals’ fare.

6. A Leader in Luxury Travel

Costa Rica has long been a leader in the luxury travel market, with spacious, air-conditioned properties, eco lodges based between the jungle and the beach, and thousands of possibilities for wellness treatments and relaxation. A visit to the hot springs can be paired with dining at its finest or a private tour of the cloud forest. 

Few destinations can compare to the comfort and safety of Costa Rica, where tailor-made experiences are the pride of the travel industry. 

Whether you want a multi course, Michelin starred dinner or an all-day excursion on a private boat rental, our partners in Costa Rica will ensure that your every need is attended to.

Check out our favorite  destinations for Luxury Travel!

7. Almost Perfect Weather

The weather in Costa Rica is warm and arid for much of the year, with the dry season falling between December and April. The rainy season in Costa Rica goes from May to November, which may seem excessive until one considers that the rain is consistent but not continuous. Often there will be rain for only a few hours during the day, in the late morning or afternoon. The rain is usually light rather than tumultuous and should only disrupt pool time for a brief period. 

No matter what time of year it is in Costa Rica, the temperature tends to remain between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Whether you choose to spend the day hiking beneath the forest canopy or exploring the city, you will likely be comfortable and cool. 

8. Just Happy to Be Here

Costa Rica is frequently cited as one of the happiest countries in the world, and the health and well being of its citizens is ranked in the top global percentile. Costa Rica disbanded its armed forces in 1949, making it one of only 19 countries with no active military. Their health care system is excellent, which only makes sense when their top export to the United States is medical supplies. 

 Costa Rica is known for its laid back culture and easygoing attitudes, with the national motto “Pura Vida” meaning “Pure Life” as a guiding beacon for residents and tourists alike. Costa Rica is considered one of the safest countries to visit in Central America, with crime rates against tourists occurring at an exceptionally low rate. 

Tourism is the country’s most profitable industry, so visitors are made to feel welcome and cared for. Costa Rica is the perfect place to pursue pleasure in relative safety and security, surrounded by friendly faces and natural wonders.

Costa Rica is a popular vacation spot for many reasons, and the regional gastronomy is as excellent as its national parks and beaches. This is the kind of destination that one can travel to again and again, whether the goal is adventure or relaxation, or both. No matter your intent during your travels to Costa Rica, just remember; ¡Pura Vida!

by Chloe Dubisch

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