Ticos

Costa Ricans call themselves Ticos and they are proud of it. Tico for men and Tica for women- Ticos for men and women combined. The day starts early, preferably before sunrise- and sunrise is before six. Make sure you get in the tico rhythm. They life here so they know. They all use the same roads but have different ways of transportation. Many walk, others have the luxury of owning a bicycle or even better, a horse. Public transportation is reliable and cheap, so the majority travels by bus.

San Jose aka Chepe

Life in the city (San Jose) is quite different. Here you find a more nine to five mentality and people are generally wealthier than in the country side. This results in the amount of cars that makes centre city one big traffic jam. Many people love the city, others not so much. There is lots to do and lots to see and many people to meet. If your vacation design will include San Jose, you will find out yourself whether you love it or not.

Cuisine

The basics of the Tico Cuisine are rice, black beans and cilantro. What comes with that depends on what part of the country you find yourself in. Throughout whole Costa Rica the typical Tico dish served is called ‘Casado’ which is a combination of rice, beans, vegetables, meat or fish or chicken and occasionally a fried egg, patate frite or some salad.

Inland the menu states different kind of soups, chicken dishes, meat dishes and a lot of vegetable variations. On the coasts you’ll be overwhelmed by the variation of seafood. When relaxing on the east coast, don’t leave without having tried ‘Rice & Beans’, the coconut flavoured, extremely favourite Caribbean dish.

The Tico breakfast is called ‘Gallo Pinto’ and exists of rice, beans and eggs prepared to your liking. The main meal is lunch and is served at noon. Diner could be a warm dish again, but many prefer a lighter variation in the form of a salad, sandwich or a few bocas (tapa style tasty snacks).

NOTE: Visiting Costa Rica does not mean rice and black beans for breakfast, lunch and diner every day, although it’s not as boring as it sounds. Reasonably sized and tourism related towns have a more international orientated menu.

Ticos & Tourists

Ticos are generally extremely friendly and laugh all day long. At first they seem shy, but if you show them a laugh and a smile yourself, they become open and welcoming. Everyone (definitely in the country side) is helpful and willing to share, even if they can’t afford it.

The more they are used to tourist, the more likely they speak English. Don’t expect a farmer to speak anything else than Spanish, which doesn’t mean he is not willing to understand you.

Pura Vida

The Tico culture is a reason by itself to visit Costa Rica. It’s not one typical culture; it’s as diverse as the geological diversity. A few common characteristics are friendliness, happiness and respect. If you respect the ticos and their land, they in turn will respect you.

“Pura Vida” is a phrase Ticos use to either say “goodmorning”, “hello”, “you’re welcome”, “I’m fine”, “thank you” and many more. We believe an average Tico uses the two word phrase at least thirty times a day.