Things No One Tells You About Costa Rica — From a Tica Who Still Loves It

Let me just say this upfront: I love Costa Rica. It’s my home. But let’s not pretend it’s perfect. I know the secrets behind the sunsets. And I’m here to spill the café.

Los Yoses, San Jose.

1. The City is Not the Vibe — and That’s Fine

If you’re flying in thinking San José is a little slice of Latin urban chic... adjust your expectations. I say this with love.

San José is in the middle of a major identity crisis. We’re pushing for urban progress — building vertical, densifying, trying to evolve — and that’s amazing. More walkable neighborhoods? Great. A bit of structure and urban planning? Finally.

But the culture hasn’t fully caught up. We’ve replaced green parks with crowded malls, filled with the same brands you can find anywhere. Fast food is king, coffee is often terrible (yes, in the land of world-class beans — I’m as offended as you are), and local designers and artists? They exist, but you’ll have to dig through a cluttered collective to find them.

It’s not that San José is hopeless — it’s just not it when compared to what the rest of the country offers. My advice? Use the city to land, and then get out. The good stuff is waiting for you elsewhere.

2. The “Pura Vida” You’ve Heard About? It’s Complicated Now.

We used to be known as the happiest country on Earth. And while the slogan is still printed on every t-shirt, the spirit isn’t what it used to be.

If you’re in a coastal area and tipping well? You’ll probably get great service. But between locals, that warmth and generosity? It’s rare. Most interactions now are driven by incentive — give me a reason, or don’t expect magic. Hospitality has become transactional. Emotional intelligence? Optional.

I’m not saying we’ve lost our soul — I’m saying we’re a little tired. The cost of living is high, wages are low, and kindness has become a luxury few can afford to give away for free.

But hey — when you do meet a local who’s genuinely kind, who smiles with their eyes and makes you feel at home? Treasure that person. That’s the real Costa Rica. You just have to dig for it.

3. Everything’s Overpriced — and Not Always Worth It

Let’s talk money.

Costa Rica is expensive. Sometimes absurdly so. You’ll pay $12 for a smoothie, $250 for a basic hotel room, and get charged tourist prices for things that should be free — like walking in nature (no joke).

The worst part? Many locals are operating from a scarcity mindset — the belief that giving more will leave them with less. So they charge more and deliver less. The logic is backwards, but it’s real. It’s part of why our economy feels stagnant, even with tourism booming. 90% of Costa Ricans live with a lack-based mentality. We have resources, but fear keeps us from using them wisely. Generosity is seen as a risk. Innovation is slow. And that mindset trickles into service, pricing, and trust.

BUT — and this is a big but — Costa Rica still remains one of the safest, most stable countries to invest in Latin America:

• No army since 1948

• Ranked high in political stability by the World Bank

• Renewable energy powers 98% of the country

• A strong democracy

• Strong property rights and clear foreign investment laws

• A growing market in luxury travel and wellness

• High return potential on vacation rentals and real estate

  

  El Anexo de la Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social. Arq. Alberto Linner.

  
  

Final Thought: Come With Eyes Wide Open

Costa Rica is a land of magic, contrast, truth, and opportunity. Come with awareness. Travel with depth. Invest with intention.

It’s not a postcard — it’s a living, breathing place with complexity and charm. And if you know how to move through it, Costa Rica gives back. Tenfold.