tico culture
We are the land of pura vida – a friendly, multicultural and multilingual people descended from a fusion of immigrants, including Africans, Chinese, Jews, Lebanese and Italians, and the Indigenous people of the Bribrí, Cabécar, Maleku, Teribe, Bruca, Ngäbe, Huetar and Chorotega groups.
Costa Ricans have more than a century of democratic traditions. We abolished our military in 1948 and instead invested in improving citizens’ standards of living. This people-first policy speaks directly to pura vida and helps maintain Costa Rica’s social peace.
expressions of our culture
Visitors can experience the Costa Rican soul – and sometimes even take a bit home with them. We invite you to enjoy the music, dance, theater and cinema, and shop for unique art and handicrafts. Explore community-based rural tourism while you’re here to experience local farms and remote communities. Immerse yourself in the culture, and you’ll see just how wonderful and welcoming Ticos are.
National Symphony Orchestra 2026 Season
The National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica has announced its 2026 Official Season and a 12-concert series inspired by the country’s most iconic beaches.
Ticket prices have been reduced by more than 50%, starting at ₡2,200, with expanded discount programs and free access for IMAS beneficiaries.
Beyond the National Theatre season (Feb–Nov), the Orchestra will present 83 concerts nationwide in 2026, approximately half of them free, reinforcing its commitment to cultural access and decentralization.
The series marks a strong example of how public arts institutions can combine artistic excellence with equitable access.
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News, events and places to discover all in one spot.
10 awesome ways to experience the true culture of Costa Rica
You may have heard travelers you know refer to Costa Rica as their little “corner of Eden.” If you’ve been here before, you get it, and if you haven’t, you will. This place is 100% real and as fresh as as it gets.
Ruins surrounded by culture!
A site with a rich history, Ujarrás is a town in the Cachí District of Paraíso Canton in Cartago, which in addition to its privileged setting in the Orosi Valley, holds a wealth of history from our ancestors.FAQs and tips
No, with a legal driver’s license you can drive for three months in Costa Rica.
Yes, the water is potable in most of the country. We would only recommend bottled water in a few rural areas. Bring your reusable water bottle to decrease your footprint while you’re here. When starting your adventure for the day, fill up your bottle before you leave because refill stations may be a long trek to locate.
The colón is Costa Rica’s currency. U.S. dollars are also widely accepted.
All major credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are located throughout the country.
Travelers from the following countries must have received a yellow fever vaccination certificate: Angola, Benin, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and the Republic of Guyana.
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No two trips to Costa Rica are the same. Share your beautiful moments with us and with everyone who connects with pura vida.
