Tico Culture & Customs

The Costa Rican people are affectionately known as "Ticos." Here are a couple of tips.

Language:

Spanish is the primary language of Costa Rica, but English is spoken in many areas, especially those visited by tourists.

Family:

Mothers are regarded as the leading family figures. Grandparents and the elderly are highly respected.

National Pastimes:

"Football" and politics. The Costa Rican people are quite proud of their democracy.

Food:

The main Costa Rican dish is rice and beans which can be eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Costa Ricans enjoy a lot of meat, mostly beef, chicken, and pork. Eating fish is considered a luxury although fish marinated in lemon juice and spices is a cheap delicacy. Vegetables and fruits are also popular and cheap. Imported apples and grapes are considered a special treat.

There are restaurants in all the major towns serving a variety of cuisines. Local food can be found in small 'sodas'. Popular restaurant dishes include: olla de carne (soup of beef, plantain, yuca, nampi and chayote), sopa negra (black beans and poached egg); and picadillo (meat and vegetable stew).

Dancing:

Costa Ricans love to dance! Males typically lead the dance...if you want to woo a native girl, you would be wise to take a couple of salsa lessons first.

Women:

Costa Ricans are unaccustomed to seeing women traveling alone. Males will see unaccompanied females as not spoken for and will traditionally "hiss" and express compliments...this is just a macho cultural thing and appropriate to ignore if unwelcome.

When a couple walks down the street, a woman should walk to the inside with the man next to the curb, otherwise the impression will be that the woman is "available."