Different Types Of People You Will Meet In Costa Rica

Here's a light-hearted, satirical take on the various personalities you might  encounter in Costa Rica. Enjoy the humour with a splash of Pura Vida…

 

The Hardcore Surfer Philosopher 

This person swears that every wave carries the secret of the universe.  They’ll drop deep lines like, “Life is  just a barrel, bro, and you gotta ride  it.” They’ve been living in Costa Rica for years, but don’t own a pair of shoes or a watch. Time is an illusion when you're one with the ocean.

The Pura Vida Preacher 

You’ll recognize him by his constant use of “pura vida,” the Costa Rican  catchphrase that can mean anything from “hello” to “it’s all good.” He’s embraced the Costa Rican lifestyle with zeal, probably more than some Ticos.  He’ll remind you that you’re in paradise every chance he gets as if you hadn’t noticed the palm trees and monkeys. He may even give unsolicited advice on how to “slow down and enjoy life”. 

The Reformed Expat Know-It-All 

They moved to Costa Rica “years before it was cool” and they’ll remind you of that constantly. Nothing impresses them anymore. They’ll explain, with a sigh,  that they've seen Guanacaste change from a "hidden paradise" to "just another  tourist trap." They miss the old days but are still hanging out at the same beach bar every afternoon, offering unsolicited advice. 

The Reformed Backpacker 

Once upon a time, this individual was a budget traveler, backpacking through  Central America with nothing and they discovered Costa Rica, and suddenly,  hostels didn’t cut it anymore. Now they’re settled in a cozy rental, working remotely for a tech company and extolling the virtues of high-speed internet in the cloud forest. They’ll reminisce about their “roughing it” days but quickly add that they could never go back.

The Eternal Yoga Guru 

Wearing flowy pants and sporting a permanent sun-kissed glow, this person  claims to be "at one with the jungle." They’ll offer to guide you on an impromptu sunrise meditation that will "unlock your chakras," all while subtly  bragging about their latest ayahuasca  retreat in the rainforest. Namaste, but  with a heavy Instagram presence.

The Biodiversity Evangelist 

This person won’t rest until you’ve memorized the Latin names of every species in the country. "That’s not just  

a toucan," they’ll say. "That’s  *Ramphastos sulfuratus*." Their wardrobe consists entirely of eco-friendly fabrics, and they will spontaneously launch into a lecture on how they’re "single-handedly saving the rainforest" by switching to bamboo toothbrushes. 

The Seasonal Escapee 

Every year like clockwork, this snowbird arrives from the cold North to bask in  Costa Rica’s warmth. They know the best spots for sunset dinners, where to get  the freshest fish, and how to avoid the tourist traps because after all, they’re not  tourists, they’re “seasoned regulars.” They’ll tell you that Costa Rica is their  second home and that one day, they’ll make the move permanent. Until then,  they’re content living in their ocean-view condo for six months out of the year. 

The Adventure Junkie 

Zip-lining through cloud forests? Check. White-water rafting down the Pacuare  River? Double check. This thrill-seeker moved to Costa Rica for the adrenaline rush and never looked back. They’ve done every extreme sport you can think of  and are always on the hunt for the next big adventure. They’ll drag you along on  their escapades and will be genuinely confused if you say no. After all, who  wouldn’t want to jump off a waterfall or go volcano boarding? 

The Wannabe Tico 

This person has fully assimilated into Costa Rican life—or at least, they like to  think so. They’ve adopted every local custom, learned to dance salsa (poorly),  and celebrate every holiday with more enthusiasm than the locals. They use  slang like “mae” and “tuanis” at every opportunity, much to the amusement of 

actual Ticos. Despite their efforts, their foreign accent gives them away every  time, but they’re convinced that one day, they’ll be mistaken for a local. 

Moving to Costa Rica guarantees you'll meet a colourful cast of characters.  Whether you’re planning a short visit or a permanent move, be prepared to  encounter these personalities and perhaps even become one yourself. Just  remember, it's all part of the *pura vida* experience!