Get creative
Get ready to dance! Punto Guanacasteco is the most popular traditional dance of Costa Rican culture. Learn more about dancing like a true Tico here.
Pick a film
Watch a movie that relates to your destination. With its luscious and diverse natural landscape, many modern movies have been filmed in Costa Rica:
- Jurassic Park (1993)
- After Earth (2013)
- The Blue Butterfly (2004)
Study some history
Dive deep into the history of specific regions you’ll visit on tour. Did you know Costa Rica permanently abolished its army in 1949 (after a brief civil war), becoming one of only a few sovereign nations without a standing army?
Choose a book
Read and discuss a book that takes place in your destination or describes the local culture. Pick from titles like:
- Monkeys Are Made of Chocolate: Exotic and Unseen Costa Rica by Jack Ewing
- Green Phoenix: Restoring the Tropical Forests of Guanacaste, Costa Rica by William Allen
- The Scarlet Macaw Scandal by Carolyn Keene
Fill up your plate
Gallo pinto (consisting of rice and beans) is the national dish of both Costa Rica and Nicaragua — both countries claim to be the origin of the internationally popular dish! Call up a local chef or try to make it yourself, but don’t just stop there. Costa Rican coffee is some of the best in the world, so learn what makes it unique before brewing a cup of your own.
Learn the language
Pura vida is the unofficial motto of the Costa Rican people! Call up a friend or set up a group video chat and practice your language skills. It helps to make flashcards with common sayings to use on the phone or throughout your travels (think about ordering at restaurants, buying souvenirs, and chatting with locals).
Did you know?
In November 2017, National Geographic named Costa Rica the happiest country in the world!
Meet Your Partner in Travel
Sarah visited Costa Rica with Explorica in Summer 2019. Though her previous travel experiences had been more traditional sightseeing through Europe and North America, she was excited for the adventures throughout this one-of-a-kind country. Sarah ziplined over the canopies, met sloths, and tried her hardest at surfing (though not very good on her first lesson, she has enjoyed bringing her new hobby back to life in the U.S.). She cannot wait to explore more of what Costa Rica has to offer!