Especially around Quepos and Manuel Antonio, embracing the local culture can enrich your travel experience in ways that go beyond sightseeing. Here are some lesser-known tips to help you connect with the Tico way of life and get an authentic taste of the local culture…
Engage with the “Pura Vida” Mindset
The phrase “Pura Vida” (meaning “pure life”) is more than just a saying; it’s a way of life in Costa Rica. Locals use it to express happiness, gratitude, or simply as a casual greeting. Here are a few tips: embrace this positive, laid-back mindset, and connect with the locals and the place. Whether you’re greeting someone, acknowledging a small favor, or enjoying a moment of peace, just say “Pura Vida.” This attitude will help you feel more at home in Costa Rica.
Join in Local Celebrations and Festivals
Costa Ricans love to celebrate! If you’re here during any national or local festivals, don’t miss out! Whether it’s El Día de Las Madres, El Día de la Independencia, or Christmas, experience it like a Tico. These celebrations offer unique opportunities to immerse yourself in the joyful, community-oriented spirit of Costa Rica. Locals (both Ticos and foreign residents) are incredibly welcoming, and even if you’re not fluent in Spanish, you’ll be embraced into the festivities.
Visit a “Soda” and Lunch like a Tico
A soda is a traditional, small restaurant that serves authentic Costa Rican food. These are the go-to spots for working-class Ticos to enjoy breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon break. Skip the touristy places and head to a soda for an affordable yet delicious meal. Start your day with a hearty “Gallo Pinto con salchichón y queso frito,” or enjoy lunch with a flavorful “Casado con carne o pollo en salsa.” Pair your meal with one (or two…) of their unique natural juices, like soursop, sour guava, or tamarind. It’s the perfect way to savor local flavors while soaking in the unpretentious, homey atmosphere.
Appreciate a Coffee (and an “empanada” …)
To fully immerse yourself, take the time to visit a soda in the afternoon, hopefully in the Quepos market, and order a coffee and an empanada. For the Ticos, it’s a break—a pause to recharge or simply a moment to chat and share. For you, it’s an unmissable way to feel the Costa Rican vibe and see how Ticos connect with each other. Coffee, empanada, and socializing… the core of Tico culture. It’s a simple yet fantastic memory to take home, one that stays with you long after your visit.
Engage in Local Sports
Soccer (fútbol) is the national sport in Costa Rica, and in Quepos, it’s all about la Mejenga. These pick-up soccer games are the essence of informal, non-competitive play, where people gather casually, often without formal teams or referees. To dive deep into Costa Rican social life, watch a Mejenga at night at the Rancho Grande soccer field (downtown Quepos) or check out a fútbol 5 game on the synthetic turf field. The focus here is on fun, exercise, and socializing, not on winning or strict rules. Want to truly engage with the community? This is it! Playing or simply attending a Mejenga isn’t just about the game—it’s about connecting with friends, family, and locals.
By embracing these cultural practices and interacting with locals in a respectful and authentic way, you’ll deepen your connection to Quepos’ heart and soul, experiencing it through the eyes of those who call it home.