Costa Rican Pancakes Recipe

Ingredients: 

• 1.5 cup unbleached flour
• 1 cup milk (I use 2%)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp  granulated sugar*
• 1 tsp cooking oil or butter
• Sweetened condensed milk, honey and/or dulce de leche for topping

Instructions:

Mix together flour, milk, vanilla, and egg in a medium sized mixing bowl. (You can run the flour through a food processor to make it extra-fine, but I usually skip this step.) We usually mix with a large fork, or a whisk. Once the mixture is smooth, you will know that it is ready.

*You can add the granulated sugar if you want to achieve a sweet version of the arepa, but with the sweet toppings, we usually omit this ingredient.

Heat a large frying pan or griddle over medium to medium high heat. Spray with cooking spray or pour a bit of cooking oil into the pan to make sure the arepas don’t stick. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the batter in a circle on the frying pan, and cook until a pancake is formed.

When the arepa begins to firm up, flip it over and cook until golden brown. Remove from pan, and top with your desired topping. Enjoy with a hot cup of Costa Rican coffee!

About This Costa Rican Arepas Recipe

I think every expat goes through waves of homesickness- and it can be interesting to see what specific things we find ourselves missing about home. When I lived in San Ramon, Costa Rica, I would often miss Colorado-style Mexican food.

I remember one time finding jalapenos at an American-style grocery store, and making a spicy pork green chili. Not thinking about the fact that Costa Ricans typically do not eat much spicy food, I enthusiastically served it to my then-boyfriend now-husband.

He was so polite as he ate it, complementing me on the flavor as tears ran down his face while he tried to finish eating what I served him. Last Sunday morning, my husband woke up missing home and craving Costa Rican Pancakes, which we call arepas, and he made them for us. I had forgotten how good they are!

First- let me quell what could potentially be a bit of confusion. Arepas is a Latin dish that is very popular in Colombia and Venezuela. In Colombia, the arepas are prepared with cornmeal, are generally savory, and are usually served with meat and cheese on top. (A Colombian arepa is very similar to a Costa Rican chorreada).

For more information on Colombian arepas, please check out this great article from My Colombian Recipes. The Venezuelan arepas are made with a white cornmeal flour called PAN (affiliate), and are usually puffier and filled with amazing meats, vegetables, and cheese- similar to a Mexican torta.  Here’s a great recipe from Venezuelan Cooking.

Now for the Costa Rican arepas– we typically eat arepas during coffee hour. Arepas consist of a flat, dense, homemade batter that is dropped onto a hot skillet rubbed with oil, and cooked through.

A Costa Rican arepa is similar to an American-style pancake without the fluffiness. Arepas are traditionally drizzled with a sweet topping, such as honey, sweetened condensed milk, or dulce de leche. We will eat arepas at our house for breakfast, but they are traditionally eaten more during the afternoon coffee hour. Please note that the links included in this post are affiliate links.

Arepas are super easy to make and a definite crowd-pleaser- here is the recipe for arepas Costa Rica-style!

Related Recipes You’ll Love:

• Toasted Coconut Empanadas
• Tres leches cake
• Dulce de Leche Empanadas

Substitutions

In the absence of dulce de leche or honey, maple syrup and Nutella make for wonderful toppings as well!

Variations

For a Colombian- inspired rendition of this dish, add in 1/4 cup of cornmeal to the mix and omit the sugar. 

For a slightly puffier arepa, mix in 3/4 of a teaspoon of baking powder. (polvo de hornear)

Serving Suggestions

Arepas are wonderfully versatile, and lend themselves to many different toppings and sides! If you’ve got a sweet tooth, drizzle your arepas with sweetened condensed milk, dulce de leche, or honey. Nutella and strawberries are always a favorite pairing as well, and it never hurts to add a dusting of powdered sugar!

If you’re going for a more savory version of this recipe, prepare the arepas with cornmeal and skip the sugar. These delicious corn pancakes taste great alongside a bowl of traditional gallo pinto, and can be served with sour cream, fresh corn, and cheese on top.

FAQ

1. Are Arepas Healthy? – This usually depends on what arepas are topped with. Arepas are naturally low-sodium, and are healthier when served with fruit or honey.
2. What does an arepa taste like? – Arepas are great! They taste a bit like a cross between tortillas and pancakes.
3. What is the difference between arepas and pupusas? – Pupusas are another Latin American griddle cake and are generally stuffed with a filling before they are cooked. 

Printable Recipe

Yield: 8 bowls

Olla de Carne Recipe

3.7 Stars (3 Reviews)

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Olla de Carne is one of the most popular Costa Rican dishes I've encountered - and it's so easy to recreate at home with a few simple ingredients, including Costa Rican white rice. You'll love this olla de carne recipe for the whole family- even as a first food for the baby. Please enjoy this rendition of vegetable beef soup Costa Rica-style!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes

Ingredients

• For the beef stew/broth (slow cooker or pressure cooker)
• 1 tsp olive or vegetable oil
• ½ white onion, chopped
• ¼ red pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 lb beef stew meat and 2 lb beef short ribs (or 4 lbs beef stew meat)
• 1 Tbsp sea salt
• 8 cups of water
• ⅓ bunch cilantro
• 1 Tbsp chicken bouillon
• For the vegetables (large stockpot)
• 1 tsp olive or vegetable oil
• ½ white onion, finely chopped
• ⅓ red pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed
• 12 cups water
• 1 Tbsp sea salt
• 2 Tbsp chicken bouillon
• 3 red potatoes, quartered
• 3 sweet potatoes (or yams), quartered
• 2 chayote squash, quartered
• 4 carrots, cut into thirds
• 1–2 plantains (halfway between green and ripe), sliced
• 1 acorn squash, seeded and quartered
• ¼ bunch cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 yucca, peeled and cut into 3–4 large pieces
• 1 ear sweet corn, cut into thirds

Instructions

1. Cooking the meat- Heat oil in a slow cooker or pressure cooker (I use an Instant Pot).
2. Sauté the chopped vegetables until tender.
3. Add the meat and sear each side, cooking just until brown.
4. Sprinkle the meat with salt and pour water on top.
5. You should have about 6 inches of water above the meat- this soup needs a good amount of broth.
6. Cook in slow cooker on high for 4-6 hours, on low for 6-8 hours.
7. If using a pressure cooker (preferred method), cook for 20 minutes after the pressure starts to rise.
8. Cooking the vegetables: As with the meat, heat the oil in a large stockpot, and then sauté chopped vegetables until just tender.
9. Wash the vegetables, peeling if desired (vegetables are typically not peeled in Costa Rica).
10. Quarter the potatoes, yams, chayotes, and sweet corn.
11. Peel the yucca and cut into 3-4 large pieces (cortadas en trozos granted). Cut the carrots and sweet corn into thirds.
12. Slice the squash in half, remove the seeds, and then quarter each half into four large pieces.
13. Place all vegetables into the pot, and sprinkle with salt.
14. Cover with water and boil on medium heat (fuego lento) until all vegetables are tender- about 1 hour.

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Vegan Picadillo de Chayote Recipe

Ingredients: 

• 2 chayote squashes, cut into cubes
• 1/2 can sweet corn, drained
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp salt
• 1/8 cup yellow onion, finely diced
• 1/8 cup cilantro, finely diced
• 1/8 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tbsp vegetable bullion base

Instructions:

Drizzle the olive oil in a large saucepan on medium-high heat. Add onion, pepper, and garlic and saute until the onion is transparent. Add the chayote cubes and cook, covered, until just tender. Stir this mixture frequently, since the chayote has a tendency to burn on the bottom of the pan.

While chayote is cooking, stir the vegetable bullion base into the water until combined. Add the water and bouillon mixture to the pan and bring to a simmer. Add the corn and salt, heating thoroughly. The water-bouillion solution should gradually cook down and get absorbed by the vegetables. 

About 1 minute before the picadillo is done, stir in the cilantro. (This way, you will maintain the fresh flavor of raw cilantro.) Cool and serve your vegan picadillo as desired.

About This Costa Rican Vegan Picadillo de Chayote Recipe

A homemade picadillo is Costa Rican comfort food at its finest! Coming from the verb picar, to cut, a picadillo is a hearty diced vegetable hash and a restaurant menu staple. 

One of my favorite types of picadillo involves chayote, a green summer squash with a delicate flavor similar to cucumber. Chayote picadillos are often served with beef or in a light cream sauce, but can easily be made vegan by swapping out the meat and dairy elements. 

I love this vegan picadillo de chayote for its savory vegetable broth and abundance of fresh produce– it’s a really quick and healthful way to get some veggies into your diet, and is completely vegan and gluten-free!

Picadillos are traditionally served as part of a casado, a Costa Rican dish consisting of rice, black beans, plantains, and salad. In this case, with the addition of the picadillo de chayote, it could be a whole vegan meal!

Related Recipes You’ll Love:

Check out these other Costa Rica-inspired picadillos!

• Ground Beef Picadillo de Chayote
• Green Bean and Carrot Picadillo
• Picadillo de Papa

Substitutions

In place of the canned corn, you can use fresh corn on the cob– it requires a little more effort, but is super tasty!

Picadillo de chayote is typically made with a ground meat, like beef or turkey. These are great add-ins for any non-vegan friends that might be joining you for a meal. 

Variations

You can add boiled potatoes to this recipe for a little extra substance. Prepare the potatoes according to this recipe, omitting the chicken stock cubes, and then toss them into your vegan picadillo de chayote. 

Serving Suggestions

Serve the picadillo either warm or cooled with authentic Costa Rican white rice and Costa Rican black beans. Depending on your preference, it can either be a side dish or a main course.

You can also serve your vegan picadillo as a gallo by placing a bit of the picadillo in the middle of a homemade corn tortilla and eating it with a cup of coffee or agua dulce as a snack– perfectly Pura Vida!

FAQ

1.) What is chayote called in English? – Chayote is also known as Mirliton squash, and sometimes choko. The chayote squash itself comes from Latin America, but can usually be found in specialty grocery stores stateside.

2.) What are the health benefits of chayote? – Chayote is packed with vitamins and minerals, including potassium and magnesium. It’s also recognized for its antioxidant levels and is thought to have anti-cancer properties. 

3.) Can you eat chayote squash raw? – Yes! Chayote can be consumed raw, though it’s generally sauteed or steamed.

Printable Recipe

Yield: 6 servings

Costa Rican Estofado

5.0 Stars (1 Review)

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The traditional Costa Rican oxtail dish is braised and then bathed in a sauce of tomatoes, carrots, and onions for a savory and hearty stew. 

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 2-3 lbs Beef tail
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 14 oz cans diced tomato or the equivalent of fresh tomatoes
• 1/2 white onion, quartered
• 1/2 bunch cilantro
• 2 cloves garlic
• 4 TB ketchup
• 3 TB soy sauce
• 3 TB Salsa Lizano (optional)
• 1 TB sugar
• salt to taste

Instructions

1. Place the oxtail into a pressure cooker and add 2 cups water, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 large chunk each of yellow onion, garlic, cilantro, and red pepper. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
2. If you are using a crockpot you can cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.  For stovetop- bring to a boil and cook until very tender.
3. While the beef tail is cooking, combine tomato, onion, cilantro, garlic, ketchup, soy sauce, Lizano and sugar into the blender. Add 2 cups of beef broth from the cooked oxtail. Blend until smooth.
4. Meanwhile, remove oxtail from the pressure cooker and cut into 1 inch thick slices. Cover the meat in the sauce and heat thoroughly.
5. Serve with white rice or arroz arreglado. This dish is also sometimes part of a Costa Rican casado dish.  

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I’m positive I’m biased, but I think I learned Spanish in the best country in the whole world to do so! Costa Ricans are known throughout Latin America for their laid-back attitude and very clear pronunciation of Spanish. The combination of these two traits makes it the ideal place for anyone to practice their Spanish – from novice to fluent speakers.

Add in the fact that the tourism industry has been booming in Costa Rica for many years, so if you are visiting Costa Rica for the first time – especially visiting Costa Rica with kids- you will find many ticos (as Costa Ricans call themselves) speak excellent English. 

YOU HAVE TO READ: Costa Rica With Kids- The Complete Guide

Still, it’s important when you learn a language to have a few words and phrases handy that you know you’ll be using frequently. In Spanish-speaking countries, even trying to use just a few common Spanish phrases goes a long way to show respect to locals. 

Here are 15 simple and common Costa Rican Spanish travel phrases that any traveler to Costa Rica will find helpful as they explore one of the most beautiful countries on Earth.

I’ve also included a quick explanation of when and how to use each phrase so that you will be culturally appropriate when you practice your Spanish.  If you want to have all of these phrases in one place, I highly recommend my favorite Costa Rican Spanish book.

If you feel like you’ve got a good handle on basic Costa Rican Spanish, check out this great post on Costa Rican slang. I guarantee you will find a few hilarious phrases you’ll have a lot of fun trying out!

Also check out: 

• Spanish Phrases For Travel In Costa Rica With Young Children
• 5 Travel Tips For Visiting Costa Rica With Young Children
• What does Pura Vida mean?

List of 10 Common Costa Rican Spanish Phrases

1- Buenos días –  (bwe-nos dee-as)  – Good morning

It is customary in Costa Rica to greet everyone with this phrase, even if you do not know them.  It is especially common to say this when you are walking into a room where there are already people (such as at breakfast) and before starting a conversation or asking a question.

2- Buenas tardes – (bwe-nas tar-des) – Good afternoon

The same custom for use of buenos días is also used for buenas tardes, which is also used as a leave-taking phrase.  “Afternoon”  in Costa Rica is considered until 6 p.m.

3- Buenas noches (bwe-nas no-ches) – Good evening/good night

Again, the use of buenas noches when entering or exiting a room and before beginning a conversation is customary in Costa Rica.

4- Hola (oh-la) – Hello

Hola is used in the same way that hello is used in the United States- it’s a very conversational Spanish phrase.

5- Por favor (por-fa-vor) – Please

You can never use this phrase too often in Costa Rica, which values gratitude and politeness!

6- Gracias  (grah-si-ahs) – Thank you

Another phrase that you really can not overuse.  

7- ¿Cómo le va? (Koh-mo lay vah)  – How’s it going?

Costa Rican Spanish uses this question in all situations where Americans would use the phrase “How’s it going?”

8- Bien (bee-en) – fine, well

This is the most common response to the question how’s it going? Most Costa Ricans will not answer otherwise until they know you well.

9- ¡Pura Vida! -(pu-dah bi-dah) – Great, awesome, wonderful, no worries, good people

Pura Vida Costa Rican national phrase, it means anything positive. It’s the most important Costa Rican Spanish phrase. Use it liberally and watch others smile at you. 

10- Mucho gusto (moo-cho guhs-toh) – Nice to meet you,  you’re welcome

When you first meet someone new, you will simply respond mucho gusto.  Also, when someone tells you “gracias”  you can also respond by saying “mucho gusto.”  Costa Rica is one of the only countries that regularly uses “mucho gusto” as both “you’re welcome” and “nice to meet you.”  

YOU MIGHT LIKE: 7 Days in Costa Rica – With Kids!

Additional Basic Spanish Phrases for Travel

11- ¿Habla inglés? (ah-blah een-gles)   –  Do you speak English?

This is another one of those Spanish phrases for travelers that is especially helpful.

12- ¿Cuánto vale? (kwan-toh ba-leh)  –   How much is it?

It’s a good idea to ask how much things cost in advance or before you agree to pay for them. This phrase is the most common way to pose the question in Costa Rica. Costa Ricans generally do not use cuánto cuesta, which is more common in the rest of Latin America.

13 – ¿A qué hora es ….? (ah ke or-ah es)  What time does… start?

Time is relative in Costa Rica, and it is a good idea to ask what time things will begin, but also be flexible within a half-hour each way.

14 – ¿Dónde queda …? (dohn deh kay dah)  Where is…?

Distance can also be relative in Costa Rica, and it’s a good idea to ask about your mode of transportation too!

Read also: Driving In Costa Rica – Complete Guide

15- ¿Aceptan dólares? (Ah-sep-tahn doh-lah-rays)   Do you take dollars?

Many places will take, or even prefer dollars.  This doesn’t mean you will get your change back in dollars if you don’t have the exact change.

16 – ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? (Pwe-doh pa-gahr cohn tar-heh-tah)  Can I pay with a card?

Costa Rica is super modern in this respect, there are so many places that take cards.  Expect to show ID during the transaction and for Costa Rican merchants to pass along any transaction fees to you.

Read also: This Is Your Ultimate Costa Rica Packing List

Empanadas de Guayaba Recipe

Ingredients: 

• 1 box heavy whipping cream (about 8 ounces)
• 2 sticks margarine or butter
• 3 cups of unbleached white flour
• 1 jar of dulce de leche (storebought is fine)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tbsp guava paste or guava jelly
• 2-3 tablespoons flour for dusting

Kitchen Tools:

• Medium-sized mixing bowl
• Empanada or tortilla press
• Two pieces of plastic cut into the same size circle as the empanada press
• Baking sheet
• Small brush for egg wash (optional)
• Small spoon
• Fork

Instructions:

Combine the flour and margarine in a large bowl, mixing thoroughly with a stand mixer or with your hands. Add almost all of the cream and begin to mix until the empanada dough is sticky but not watery. 

On a floured surface, take chunks of the dough and roll them into balls that are about 1 1/2″ wide. 

Place the plastic sheets or bags into your empanada or tortilla press. This way, the dough won’t stick to the metal surface.

Place a dough ball in the middle of the press and press until a circle is formed. Move the flattened disc aside, and repeat the process until all of the dough has been made into circles.

At this point, you can go ahead and preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Lay out your dough circles, and place about one tablespoon of guava paste or jelly in the center of each circle. You want to be careful not to add too much guava paste, or it will melt and run out of the empanadas as it bakes. It makes a huge burned mess…. and unfortunately, I speak from experience! 

On a lightly floured surface, close the empanadas by folding them over the guava paste and then securing the seam by making marks around the edge with your fork. 

Lightly brush the empanadas with the egg wash and place them on a lightly floured baking sheet (or one covered with parchment paper). Bake for 25 minutes or until just golden brown. 

Some people sprinkle the empanadas with granulated sugar before serving, but that’s more common in Mexico.

About This Empanada de Guayaba Costa Rica Recipe

Let me introduce you to the Costa Rican culinary marvel that is the empanada! Crisp and buttery, empanadas are a sweet snack made from a homemade pastry dough that is similar to a pie crust recipe.

The dough is rolled into small balls and then pressed into discs. You place the filling of your choice in the middle of the circle, fold the circle into a crescent-moon shape, and bake it until golden. 

Empanadas are a culinary phenomenon throughout Latin America, with Argentina and Chile being especially renowned for their dessert empanadas. Costa Rica is no exception and has a wealth of traditional empanada recipes. Typically, Costa Rican empanadas are served at breakfast or during the coffee hour, a span of time from about 1-4 pm. 

Costa Rican empanadas have a special place in my heart because I make them every year with my best friends in Costa Rica at Easter time. Just a bite always brings back good memories! 

I love to fill my empanadas with all of the wonderful tropical fruits Costa Rica has to offer and had a difficult time trying to find these fruits when I returned to the US. Guavas in particular are hard to come by, and that’s a shame since they’re so tasty! The solution I found was to use guava paste or jelly in place of the whole fruits– it’s way easier to procure stateside, and you still get that signature tropical taste!

These Costa Rican guava empanadas are sweet, flaky dessert empanadas that pair perfectly with a cup of hot coffee (taza de café), hot chocolate, or a freshly made Costa Rican juice.

This recipe is the traditional Costa Rican 3-2-1 empanada.

Related Recipes You’ll Love:

If you enjoyed this guava empanada recipe, check out these other empanadas dulces (sweet empanadas)!

Costa Rican Baked Pineapple Empanadas 

Empanadas de Chiverre

Costa Rican Dulce de Leche Empanadas

Substitutions

Costa Ricans always use margarine for this recipe, but I also like to use butter. The butter will give the empanadas a lighter yellow color and a flakier crust. 

You could also use vegetable shortening or lard to achieve the same consistency of dough, but again, the color would be a bit different.

I have often used just 2 cups of white flour and one cup of wheat flour and they taste great. Finally, you can substitute almond flour for a gluten-free empanada recipe.

Variations

There are so many variations! Imagine just about any filling, and it has probably been stuffed into an empanada at some point. You can make these sweet empanadas with chiverre, coconut, guava, pineapple, dulce de leche, and chocolate. It’s even possible to make baked apple empanadas– just like those old McDonald’s turnover pies you used to be able to get for $1!

Savory empanadas are great, too– I especially like black beans and cheese for fillings. 

If you’d like to make a hybrid sweet and savory empanada, try adding cream cheese to your guava empanada for a spectacular empanada de guayaba y queso crema!

Also, you can make these empanadas much larger, or even bite-size. Playing with the size of the empanadas does not change the baking time, just the rapidity with which you can shove them in your mouth!

Serving Suggestions

These guava empanadas are best served right out of the oven. I just cool them for about 10 minutes because the inside gets so hot it can burn your mouth.

We eat these in the morning with eggs, or with a traditional Costa Rican gallo pinto breakfast. 

Costa Ricans typically eat empanadas as a morning or afternoon snack,  generally with hot coffee, agua dulce, hot chocolate or freshly made juice.

These are also really good with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream– delicious!

FAQ

1.) Is guava paste the same as guava jelly? – Guava paste is a little more traditional– it’s made with guava pulp and panela (unrefined cane sugar) and is thicker than jam. Guava jelly is smoother and more spreadable.

2.) What does guava taste like? – Guava fruit is aromatic, tropical, and sweet. Some say that it tastes like a cross between a strawberry and a passion fruit. 

3.) Is guava paste good for your health? – Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, Guava fruit is considered a tropical superfood! Though guava paste does contain a significant amount of sugar, the fruit by itself is rich in nutrients and natural sugars. 

Printable Recipe

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Costa Rica is an incredibly family-friendly destination, but it’s not the kind of place where everything is perfectly labeled and predictable. Roads change, plans shift, and things don’t always run on a tight schedule. That’s part of the charm, but it also means you need to be able to adjust in real time. When you’re connected, you can roll with it. When you’re not, even small things start to feel stressful.

Take a look at all of my travel deals!

Getting Around Safely with Real-Time Navigation

Driving in Costa Rica is one of the biggest concerns I hear from parents, and honestly, it’s valid. Roads can be winding, signage isn’t always clear, and Google Maps doesn’t always tell the full story. This is exactly why Waze is so important here.

But Waze only works the way it’s supposed to if you have data. When you’re connected, you’re getting real-time updates from other drivers about accidents, closures, and delays. I’ve avoided hours-long traffic backups just because Waze rerouted me early. Without data, you’re basically driving blind and hoping nothing changes along the way.

Here’s everything you need to know about driving in Costa Rica.

Staying in Touch When Plans Change

If there’s one thing you’ll notice quickly in Costa Rica, it’s that everything runs on WhatsApp. Your hotel, your driver, your tour guides, everyone uses it. And when you’re traveling with kids, plans change constantly.

Maybe you’re running late because you stopped for smoothies, or your kid needs a break and you need to shift your timing. When you have data, you just send a quick message and keep things moving. When you don’t, you’re hunting for WiFi and hoping it works, which is usually when things start to unravel.

Here’s my free guide to Costa Rica With Kids

Handling Emergencies Without the Panic

This is the part that matters most, especially as a parent. If something goes wrong, you want to know you can handle it quickly.

Costa Rica has a reliable 911 system with English-speaking operators, and pharmacies are incredibly helpful if someone gets sick. But none of that helps if you can’t reach anyone or figure out where to go.

When you have unlimited data, you can call, message, look up directions, or find help immediately. You’re not stuck trying to solve a problem without information, and that alone changes how you experience your trip.

Want all of my safety tips? Check out my Safety in Costa Rica ebook! It has literally everything you need to know about safety in a simple and easy-to-read format.

Avoiding Common Travel Mistakes

The biggest safety issue in Costa Rica isn’t violent crime, it’s petty theft. Things like leaving a phone out on a table, putting bags in plain sight, or looking distracted in a busy area.

Having data actually helps you avoid this more than people realize. You’re not standing on a corner trying to load a map or figure out where you are. You already know. You move with purpose, you stay aware, and you’re less likely to draw attention to yourself.

Why Unlimited Data Makes Such a Big Difference

Here’s where I see families try to cut corners, and it usually backfires. They rely on hotel WiFi, download maps ahead of time, or try to get by with limited data.

The problem is, travel doesn’t happen in neat, predictable chunks. You need connection while you’re driving, while you’re out exploring, and when plans change unexpectedly. Limited data makes you hesitate to use your phone when you actually need it most.

With unlimited data, you don’t think twice. You use Waze the entire drive, message when you need to, and look things up on the fly. It removes that constant mental calculation of “should I use data right now?” and just lets you focus on your trip.

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Why I Personally Use Holafly

After trying pretty much every option over the years, local SIM cards, spotty WiFi, even going without data, I’ve stopped messing around with it. I set up my eSIM before I leave, and my phone works the second I land.

Holafly is the one I use because it’s unlimited data, not a plan I have to manage or top up. There are no surprise charges, and I don’t have to worry about running out mid-trip. That alone makes it worth it, especially when you’re juggling kids, directions, and a full travel schedule.

It also takes about five minutes to set up, and you keep your regular number for things like iMessage and WhatsApp. It’s just easy, which is exactly what you want when you’re traveling.

Get a discount on Holafly for your trip!

The Bottom Line

Costa Rica is safe, especially for families, but the way you experience that safety comes down to how prepared you are. When you can navigate in real time, communicate easily, and handle problems as they come up, everything feels manageable.

For me, that starts with staying connected the entire time, not just when I can find WiFi. It’s the one thing I never skip anymore because I’ve seen firsthand how much smoother it makes every part of the trip.

If you want to feel confident, not stressed, on your Costa Rica vacation, set yourself up before you go. Grab your Holafly eSIM here, get it installed in minutes, and land ready for anything.

This post is sponsored by Holafly. As always, all opinions are my own.

So I open Google, look at nearby restaurants, and tap on their phone number. More often than not, that number connects directly to WhatsApp. I send a quick message asking for their menu.

Within a few minutes, menus start coming in. Sometimes it’s a PDF. Sometimes it’s photos. Occasionally, it’s a voice memo explaining the specials. We look through the options, decide what sounds good, confirm a reservation, and head out.

That’s just one of the many ways I use WhatsApp in Costa Rica when I’m traveling with my family. It’s practical, efficient, and removes a surprising amount of guesswork from the day.

One of the biggest pieces of advice I give my consult clients is to get comfortable with WhatsApp before they even leave for their trip. Once you start using it the way businesses in Costa Rica expect you to, communication becomes much easier and far more responsive.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how WhatsApp works, how to set it up properly, and how I use it alongside reliable mobile data so I’m not scrambling for Wi-Fi when plans shift.

Just starting to plan your trip? Check out my ultimate Costa Rica With Kids guide!

What Is WhatsApp and Why Does It Matter for Travel?

WhatsApp is a messaging app similar to regular text messaging, iMessage, or Signal. It’s owned by Meta, the same company behind Facebook and Instagram, and it uses end-to-end encryption. That level of security is one reason it’s trusted around the world for both personal communication and business.

In Costa Rica, WhatsApp is the primary way businesses communicate with travelers. Hotels, tour operators, rental car agencies, and restaurants use it for confirmations, menus, directions, and real-time updates. You need it if you want fast answers to questions, want to make dinner reservations, or anything, really. But you have to have data if you want to use it on the go.

The biggest advantage of WhatsApp when you’re traveling is that it stays connected to your existing phone number. You verify it once, and that number remains attached to your account no matter where you are. You don’t need to switch numbers when you cross a border, and you don’t need a local phone number to communicate with businesses.

In my own extended family, not everyone has an iPhone, and not everyone uses the same social media platforms. So when any of us travel internationally, we don’t rely on regular text messaging. We use WhatsApp. It keeps everyone connected without international texting charges.

WhatsApp works anywhere you have internet access, whether that’s hotel Wi-Fi or a mobile data plan. You can start conversations from home, continue them on arrival, and follow up after your trip without ever changing your number.

Need help planning your trip? Let’s chat!

How to Add Costa Rica WhatsApp Contacts Before You Leave

As you start researching hotels, tours, shuttles, and restaurants, you’ll notice many Costa Rican businesses prominently display a WhatsApp number.

On websites, you’ll often see:
• A green WhatsApp logo next to a phone number
• A “Contact Us” page with a phone number listed
• A floating green chat button

On Facebook and Instagram, tapping the phone icon often opens WhatsApp directly if it’s installed on your device.

This makes it super easy to get any travel questions answered before, during, or after your trip. But you have to know how to use it effectively before you go!

Did you know I have tons of deals on accommodations and tours throughout Costa Rica?

Step 1: Add the Contact Inside WhatsApp

Open WhatsApp. If you haven’t downloaded it, you can find it easily in the App Store on your phone. You will have to do an SMS authentication to get it up and running, so make sure you do this before you leave for Costa Rica.

In the Chats screen, tap the green plus icon in the upper-right corner and select New Contact.

This will come up with a place to put a first and last name.

Where it says “phone” make sure to change the country to Costa Rica. Then, enter the 8 digit phone number where it says Mobile.

There is a setting ot sync the contact to your phone- I don’t do this because I don’t need all the international phone numbers in my main phone contacts.

Save the contact.

Note: Sometimes you will see that the contact is a business profile. I love this feature because you can often look at a business’s products or a restaurant menu before you even start a chat.

Do keep in mind that many businesses (I’m guilty of this, too!) don’t always have all of their products updated in the business profile, so it is best to confirm via chat that they still have what you are looking for. Also, I don’t recommend paying for any tours or services via WhatsApp.

Need a rental car? Save 10% here.

Step 2: Start the Chat

Go back to Chats, tap the plus icon again, and select the contact you just created.

If the number is correct and the business uses WhatsApp, their profile will appear, and you can send a message.

I try to keep my messages simple in case the recipient’s English isn’t super strong. Something like: “Hi, I’m confirming our reservation for July 18 under the name Smith.” I also avoid voice memos at first, in case the person who is answering the messages is using a text translator.

Pro Tip: Plan From Your Laptop or Desktop?

WhatsApp also has a desktop version. You must install and verify WhatsApp on your phone first. Then you can access the desktop version here.

I LOVE this feature because I like to plan my trips on a bigger screen, and so I can reach out via WhatsApp via the feature on my business’s website. This eliminates the step of having to make a new contact in your phone.

The messages from your desktop will instantly sync with your mobile. You can also send screenshots you might have a question about from the website, which I find helpful. I also just prefer to type on my computer keyboard rather than on my phone.

A Quick Tip About Costa Rica Phone Numbers

Costa Rican mobile phone numbers typically start with 6 or 8, with 8 being very common. Those are usually WhatsApp-enabled mobile numbers.

If you see a number that starts with 2, that’s generally a landline. Landlines are usually not connected to WhatsApp.The country code for Costa Rica is +506, followed by an eight-digit number.

These are my favorite beaches on the Pacific Coast.

How to Use WhatsApp in Costa Rica While Traveling

Once you’re on the ground, WhatsApp becomes your real-time logistics tool. If you want to use WhatsApp off of WiFi you have to have a data plan, and I use unlimited data with Holafly.

Here are some of the practical ways I use WhatsApp during my trip:

• Request a live location pin – WhatsApp syncs with Waze and makes navigating SO EASY.
• Ask a restaurant for their menu and/or make a reservation
• Let a guide know you’re running late
• Confirm a tour pickup time
• Send and receive photos from your guides, or if you purchase the photo package from your tour.

Why Reliable Data Matters When You’re Using WhatsApp All Day

WhatsApp runs entirely on internet data. It does not function like traditional SMS texting.

If you are offline, messages will queue and be sent once you reconnect, but they will not go through without internet access.

This is the same reason real-time navigation tools like Waze are essential when driving in Costa Rica. Those tools only work if you’re connected.

For most families, activating a travel eSIM for Costa Rica before departure is the easiest way to ensure connectivity. That way, your phone connects immediately upon landing without needing a local SIM card or a new phone number.

I personally use a Holafly eSIM because it provides unlimited data and activates as soon as I arrive. You can learn more here.

Unlimited data means I’m not thinking about message limits or roaming charges from my home carrier. They also offer 24/7 customer support if you ever need help getting connected.

WhatsApp is a communication tool, but reliable data is what allows it to function smoothly.

Final Thoughts: Costa Rica Runs on WhatsApp

You do not need a local phone number in Costa Rica.

You do need WhatsApp set up properly and reliable internet access.

Once you understand how businesses communicate and you start using WhatsApp the way locals do, your trip becomes easier to manage.

If you decide to use Holafly for your travel eSIM, you can use my code PURAVIDAMOMS to save 5%.
Get your travel eSIM here.

So remember, before you leave, download WhatsApp, test it, save your key contacts, and make sure you have a data plan ready. It will make yourl trip 1,000% smoother!

This post is sponsored by Holafly. All opinions are my own.

Families usually aren’t asking about the internet because they want to scroll social media on the beach. What they really want to know is whether they can get by on WiFi alone, or if they would be better off having a data plan so they’re connected all the time. In my opinion, when you’re traveling with kids, reliable internet isn’t something extra. It’s something you actually need in order for the trip to run smoothly. Having Holafly in place before you land gives you that reliability without having to think about it — and you can save 5% with the code PURAVIDAMOMS.

Costa Rica is a very connected country. Most hotels, restaurants, and businesses offer WiFi, and in many places it works just fine. But you can’t always assume WiFi will be available, that it will be fast, or that it will work exactly when you need it. In this article, I’ll walk you through what internet access in Costa Rica is really like, and help you decide whether WiFi alone is enough or if having a data plan makes more sense for your trip. If you prefer not to depend on unpredictable WiFi, Holafly is the simplest way to guarantee you stay connected.

If you already know you’ll want to stay connected while you’re on the road, you can check out my recommended Costa Rica eSIM here and save with my exclusive Holafly discount.

What Internet Access Is Actually Like in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a strong infrastructure for a small country, especially in the places travelers spend the most time.

You’ll find WiFi in most hotels, Airbnbs, restaurants, and cafes. Cell coverage is solid in cities, towns, and along major highways, with 4G available throughout most of the country and some 5G coverage in the Central Valley near San José.

Where things change is once you start moving around. National parks, rural beaches, mountain roads, and more remote areas often have weak signal or no signal at all. WiFi can also be slow or unreliable, and during heavy rain or storms, it’s not unusual for internet to go down temporarily.

In general, there is usually a strong data signal in Costa Rica, but WiFi is not always reliable. This is where having Holafly makes a noticeable difference — you’re not relying on the luck of each individual WiFi network.

Is WiFi Enough for a Family Trip to Costa Rica?

For some trips, yes. For many family trips, not really.

We used to travel relying mostly on WiFi. We would stop at a restaurant, connect, reroute our drive, check messages, and then be offline again while driving or on tours. In theory, that works.

In practice, it often doesn’t.

Most WiFi networks in Costa Rica require a password, and because so many Costa Ricans have unlimited data, staff don’t always know it or think to offer it. Sometimes the WiFi technically exists, but no one can get you connected quickly. When you’re traveling with kids, hungry, tired, or trying to make a reservation, those delays add up fast.

WiFi works well when you’re sitting still. It’s much less helpful when you’re on the road and things change. Holafly keeps you connected during those in‑between moments — the exact times when WiFi tends to fail.

We’ve also had moments where having internet mattered for reasons beyond convenience. One time, we were driving through a very rural area and realized we were much lower on gas than we should have been. Because we had internet, we were able to quickly find the closest gas station, figure out the best route, and get there without panicking. That kind of flexibility is hard to replicate if you’re relying only on WiFi.

Do You Need a Data Plan in Costa Rica?

Whether or not you need a data plan in Costa Rica really comes down to how you’re traveling. If you’re staying in one place, relying on hotel shuttles, and don’t mind being offline between stops, you can probably get by on WiFi alone.

If you’re moving between destinations, driving a rental car, or traveling with kids, having a data plan makes a noticeable difference. It gives you consistent access to navigation, messaging, and location-based tools without having to hunt for a WiFi password or plan your day around internet access.

Holafly essentially removes the need to think about connectivity at all — it just works wherever you go.

For most families, the question isn’t whether Costa Rica has internet. It’s whether you want to depend on finding WiFi, or prefer being connected when you actually need it. 

What I Most Recommend

With the cost of eSIMs going down, and with how helpful they are for keeping trips moving and finding what you need in real time, I always recommend purchasing a Holafly data eSIM and installing it on your phone before you even leave. That way, you have data from the get go, instead of trying to figure things out after you arrive.

Holafly is the easiest, most reliable option for families who want stress‑free connectivity from the moment they land.

For families, this is often the simplest option. There’s no need to stop at a store, hand over passports, or troubleshoot setup while tired or jet-lagged. Once the Holafly eSIM is installed, everything is already in place.

Here’s why this works especially well for Costa Rica family travel:

• Unlimited data in 200+ destinations, including Costa Rica, so you’re not rationing navigation, messaging, or hotspot use
• Strong coverage across Costa Rica, including cities, towns, and major travel routes
• Customizable days so you only pay for what you need
• Installed before you leave, so you’re connected as soon as you land
• No physical SIM card to buy, swap, or keep track of
• Reliable for real-time tools like Waze, WhatsApp, and Google Maps
• Easy to hotspot kids’ devices when needed
• 24/7 customer support if something doesn’t work as expected

If staying connected on travel days feels important for your trip, you can visit the Holafly site here and use my exclusive discount to save on your Costa Rica eSIM.

Final Thoughts

So, is the internet good in Costa Rica? Yes, for most travelers it is. The bigger question is whether WiFi alone will be enough for your trip, or if having a data plan will make things easier.

For families, especially, being able to stay connected while moving between destinations can make a big difference in how smooth the trip feels. Reliable internet helps with navigation, communication, and handling small issues as they come up, instead of letting them snowball into stress.

And, pro tip: Setting it up before you leave is one of the simplest ways to make travel days easier from the moment you land.

Holafly gives you that steady, reliable connection so you can focus on the trip — not the WiFi. And don’t forget to use code PURAVIDAMOMS for 5% off.

If you decide a data plan makes sense for your trip, you can visit the Holafly website or download the app and use my exclusive discount to save on your Costa Rica eSIM! 

Now? I install my Holafly eSIM on my phone before we even leave the States. By the time the plane touches down in San José, I already have service. I can message our hotel, check the map, and let everyone know we’ve landed—without a single moment of stress. It’s the easiest way to start any Costa Rica adventure.

In this post, I’ll tell you exactly how I do this so you can do it too.

RELATED POST: Costa Rica With Kids- The Complete Guide

How I Prep My Phone Before Landing

Part of my packing routine for Costa Rica always includes getting my Holafly eSIM ready to go. I start by grabbing my reader discount link and opening the Holafly page—sometimes on my desktop, sometimes right from my phone. From there, I choose the plan for the number of days we’ll be in Costa Rica and finish the purchase. I love the customizable day plans where you only pay for what you need- and no extra.

Next, I download the Holafly mobile app and log in using the same email I used for the order. You’ll need your order ID to link the purchase in the app, so it’s easiest to copy and paste it straight from your email confirmation. Once you’re in, just follow the prompts to install the eSIM—it walks you through every step.
After that, there’s nothing left to do until we land. As soon as the plane touches down in San José, I open the Holafly app, switch off my regular data line, and turn on the Holafly line. Occasionally, I restart my phone, but usually it connects instantly—before we’ve even pulled up to the gate. It’s so easy, and it’s one less thing to think about after a long travel day. And if anything does go wrong? There’s 24/7 customer support.

RELATED POST: 7 Days in Costa Rica – With Kids!

Landing in Costa Rica and Getting Connected

The moment we touch down in Costa Rica—whether it’s San José or Liberia—I pull out my phone and get connected right away. I open my settings, turn off my U.S. phone line, and switch on the Holafly line. Depending on your phone, you might get a few quick prompts (especially on iPhones) asking where to route your iMessages or calls.

I always do this before we even start taxiing to the gate. That way, I avoid any international roaming charges from my U.S. carrier and know my Holafly eSIM is working perfectly before we even stand up to grab our bags. If the connection doesn’t kick in instantly, I’ll just toggle airplane mode off and on or restart the phone once—super easy.

Within minutes, I’m fully online, no stress, no hidden fees, and ready to start the trip. From that moment on, I don’t have to think about connectivity again.

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Road Trip Ready

Flights to Costa Rica arrive at all different times, but since we usually fly in from Denver, we tend to land in San José around eight o’clock at night. After we grab our bags, we do what has become our favorite routine—we take a quick taxi to Adventure Inn, spend the night there, and have our Adobe Rental Car delivered first thing in the morning. It’s such an easy system. We avoid driving in the dark, save half a day’s rental cost, and still start the trip rested and ready to go.

If you’re heading straight to your destination instead, you’ll likely go to the rental car area at the airport. Once you’re in the car, open Waze—it’s hands down the best way to navigate Costa Rica—and type in your next stop. With Holafly’s unlimited data, you’ll have real-time directions, so even if traffic shifts or you need to message your hotel through WhatsApp, you’re covered. Plus, you get -500MB/day of hotspot to share, so you don’t necessarily have to have an eSIM on all your devices.

And even if you’re not renting a car, having your own data plan makes a big difference. Shuttle Wi-Fi can be inconsistent (I use Interbus), so it’s nice to know you can look things up, share locations, or help your travel companions stay connected. On one press trip, I even used my Holafly connection to edit Google Docs between destinations—something that wouldn’t have been possible on Wi-Fi alone.

SEE ALSO: Driving In Costa Rica – Complete Guide

Relaxed, Connected, and Stress-Free

One of the best parts of having Holafly is knowing I can stay in touch with family back home no matter where we are. My parents and siblings always want to know how the trip is going and where we’ve landed, so I just send a quick WhatsApp message to let them know we’ve arrived safely.

Sometimes the Wi-Fi at hotels or Airbnbs in Costa Rica can be slow—especially if lots of guests are online—or it can go out completely during a storm. I’ve never had that problem with Holafly. Even when the local internet drops, I can still check messages, look up directions, or plan the next day’s adventures without skipping a beat.

Once we’re settled in, I usually open Google Maps and use the Nearby Restaurants feature to see what’s close by. It’s such an easy way to check reviews, hours, and directions all in one place. Most Costa Rican restaurants even list their WhatsApp numbers on Google, so we’ll message them to ask for a menu or confirm they’re open. It saves us from wandering around downtown trying to find a place that’s both open and family-friendly—especially after a long day of travel.

RELATED POST: 30+ Foods To Try In Costa Rica

A Full Day, Seamlessly Connected

At the end of the day, Holafly gives us exactly what every family wants on vacation—instant connection and total peace of mind. When things don’t go exactly as planned (and in Costa Rica, they rarely do!), I know we’ll still be connected and ready to adjust without stress.

It also lets us use all those everyday tools that make travel easier—finding hidden gems nearby on Google Maps, checking restaurant hours, booking tours, or messaging guides on WhatsApp. It’s the same convenience we rely on at home, just from a much prettier location.

And the best part? You can activate Holafly as soon as you land—no more standing in line at the airport or waiting half an hour for a local SIM to register. I love that I can install the eSIM from home, activate it right on the tarmac, and start my trip the second I step off the plane.

RELATED: Top Apps You Need In Costa Rica

So, is Holafly good? In this review, I’ll share my personal experiences using Holafly in Costa Rica for everything from family vacations to solo work trips, and give you my honest take on whether it’s worth it in 2025.

Related Post: Costa Rica 7-Day Itinerary, a done-for-you plan that takes the stress out of where to go and what to do.

Why I Decided to Try Holafly

For years, my go-to was buying a physical SIM card in Costa Rica. It was cheap, and it worked. But when I upgraded my iPhone, I found myself with no SIM card slot and no option but to try an eSIM. At the time, Costa Rican carriers didn’t even offer eSIMs, so I started researching international providers.

That’s when I found Holafly. The name itself caught my eye—I liked the “Hola” connection—and the unlimited data plan sealed the deal. I was tired of rationing data, chasing down WiFi, and juggling kids’ devices. I wanted to land, connect, and move on with my trip.

So I installed my Holafly eSIM before leaving the U.S. and activated it right on the tarmac when we landed. It worked instantly. To compare, my husband used a local SIM during that trip. The coverage and speed were basically the same, since Holafly runs on Costa Rica’s main network. The difference was that I had no lines, no Spanish paperwork, no juggling SIM cards.

The only hiccup I had was with my Costa Rican bank account. Because Holafly sometimes routes IP addresses through Asia, the bank flagged my login. A VPN solved the problem, and it hasn’t been an issue since. Overall, the setup was simple and the experience was seamless.

RELATED POST: How To Use Your Cell Phone in Costa Rica in 2025

What It’s Like to Use Holafly on the Ground

One of the biggest tests came in November 2024 when we had to make an emergency trip for my husband’s grandmother’s funeral. Normally, we arrive at night and drive the next morning, staying at Adventure Inn, which is a super low-stress first-night option I always recommend (and I have a discount for readers). But this time, we needed to drive straight from the airport to the visitation.

I had already installed my Holafly eSIM at home, so the moment we landed I flipped it on, picked up our car from Adobe Rental Car (again, huge discount for my readers and hands-down the easiest process in Costa Rica), and navigated directly to our destination. It was quick, easy, and stress-free—something we really needed that night.

Related Post: Costa Rica With Kids: The Complete Guide – Everything you need to know about family travel in Costa Rica, all in one place.

Another time, I traveled solo to La Fortuna to research a Lonely Planet chapter. As a woman traveling alone, having unlimited data gave me peace of mind. I could WhatsApp contacts to check in, call if I needed help, or even stay on the phone while driving at night. I compared Holafly side by side with a Costa Rican SIM and found the coverage to be nearly identical, except for a small area near the Nicaraguan border.

There are a couple of caveats. Your phone has to be unlocked, and some U.S. carriers make this process slow, so don’t wait until the last minute. And you don’t get a local Costa Rican phone number, which means no calling landlines directly. But in Costa Rica, everyone uses WhatsApp, so it’s rarely an issue. My iMessages and FaceTime worked as usual, and I could still receive SMS texts when I was on WiFi.

RELATED POST: 5 Travel Apps You NEED in Costa Rica

How Holafly Fits Different Types of Trips

I’ve used Holafly across all kinds of trips, and it’s worked in every situation.

When I travel with my kids, unlimited data is a lifesaver. We use Google to find restaurants on the road, double-check reviews, and navigate directly there. It saves us from bad meals and hungry meltdowns.

During family emergencies, Holafly has given us one less thing to worry about. I can set it up at home, activate it the second I land, and know I’ll have coverage from the moment we leave the airport.

For solo travel, the peace of mind is invaluable. I don’t worry about running out of data, so I can keep in touch, confirm schedules with tour operators, or call my husband when I’m on the road.

Even on longer stays, Holafly makes sense. It’s more expensive than a basic Costa Rican SIM, but it’s still cheaper than U.S. carrier daily fees. Plus, the unlimited plan lets me hotspot my laptop so I can work from the beach or help my kids stream a movie without stressing about finding WiFi.

Related Post: How to Plan a Trip to Costa Rica – Start-to-finish guidance on organizing the perfect vacation.

Is Holafly Worth It in 2025?

For me, the answer is yes. Holafly is best for families, longer trips, and anyone who wants a stress-free setup. If saving time and avoiding hassle is more important than chasing the absolute cheapest option, Holafly is worth it.

It’s not for everyone. If you’re traveling with an older phone or want someone to walk you through the process, buying a SIM card in Costa Rica might feel easier. And if you’re backpacking on a shoestring, a local SIM will be cheaper. But Holafly sits in the sweet spot—it saves money over U.S. carrier plans, offers unlimited data, and gets you connected the instant you land.

For me, that trade-off is more than worth it. I’d rather spend my first day in Costa Rica exploring than standing in line for a SIM card.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Holafly eSIMs. All opinions are my own.

Why Visit Puerto Viejo?

When most families plan a Costa Rica trip, the Pacific coast gets all the attention. But the Caribbean side offers something totally different—uncrowded beaches, Afro-Caribbean culture, reggae rhythms, and food you won’t find anywhere else. Puerto Viejo is vibrant, walkable, and wonderfully family-friendly. And right in the middle of town, just a short walk from the sand, you’ll find a jungle oasis called Café Rico.

Related post: Costa Rica With Kids

Getting to Puerto Viejo Made Easy

Driving from San José to Puerto Viejo can take anywhere from 3-5 hours, depending on the weather and traffic. For a faster, smoother option, hop a SANSA flight from San José to Limón—about 45 minutes in the air—and then take a short taxi to Puerto Viejo. Once you’re in town, you won’t need a car for a quick stay: bikes and tuk-tuks make getting around simple and fun for families. If you want to explore the area, you can also pick up your Adobe Rental Car at the Limón airport for more flexibility.

Related post: Costa Rica Transportation Guide

First Impressions: A Jungle Oasis Near the Beach

Step into Café Rico and you’ll smell the fresh roast before you reach the counter. The space is cozy and welcoming with strong Wi-Fi, a community book exchange, and handmade fired-clay mugs from artisans near San José. It’s a linger-as-long-as-you-like kind of place—writers have even finished books at these tables, fueled by great coffee and calm Caribbean vibes. Parents love the location: you can pop to the beach and back while refilling your bottomless coffee cup.

Related post: Puerto Viejo Travel Guide

Rooted in Costa Rica: Locally Sourced & Community First

Café Rico roasts 100% Costa Rican beans in-house and works directly with local producers (they’ve even helped an egg vendor expand by buying chickens to ensure a steady, local supply). Seasonal ingredients shine across the menu, and those signature clay mugs? They’re made by a Costa Rican family—yes, you can buy one as a souvenir. In a town affected by gentrification, Café Rico intentionally channels its spending into Costa Rican-owned and sourced goods.

Beyond the food and coffee, Café Rico also offers thoughtful services that make life easier for both travelers and locals. Their book exchange is a favorite for readers passing through town, while the on-site laundry service is a lifesaver for families staying in Puerto Viejo: just $4 a kilo for wash and dry, $5 if you’d like folding, and even $4 shoe washing. It’s one more way the café makes itself indispensable to the community it serves.

Ties to the Local & Expat Community

Café Rico is where locals, expats, and travelers genuinely mix. Weekly specials and community events have grown the local customer base dramatically, and the team supports neighborhood causes—like free laundry for the local cat rescue and hosting flea-market fundraisers after hours. The menu meets everyone where they are through weekly specials with seasonal ingredients, a vast sandwich menu for lunch, plus sporadic comfort-food treats (hi, homemade cinnamon rolls) that locals and expats crave. Oh, and don’t forget the afternoon cocktails!

Related post: Ultimate Costa Rica Packing Tips

The People Who Make It Shine

Owner Joshua Humphreys bought Café Rico almost by accident; his sister Lena, a hospitality pro, runs the day-to-day with a laser focus on quality and community. And then there’s “Cinnamon Dave.” Once a cruise-ship chef and later a beloved street vendor, Dave now helms the kitchen and is, frankly, a Puerto Viejo legend—his cinnamon rolls are a must.

Recognition Beyond Puerto Viejo

Café Rico has been highlighted by major travel publications, including Lonely Planet and USA Today’s Top 10 lists, and was even featured in Explore Costa Rica’s social media coverage. Most recently, it was chosen to represent Costa Rica in the upcoming book 150 Coffee Houses You Need To Visit, a testament to the café’s reputation far beyond Puerto Viejo. None of that would matter without heart—but the recognition follows because the experience delivers: great coffee, warm hospitality, and a true sense of place.

Planning Your Visit (+ Free Coffee!)

For fewer crowds and lots going on, aim for September–December or January–February for the best weather. (Many spots close around Christmas.) At Café Rico you’ll find strong Wi-Fi, take-out sandwiches for the beach, free coffee, and those one-of-a-kind clay mugs to bring home.

Pura Vida Moms perk: claim your free coffee when you stop in via our link below (password PURAVIDAMOMS).

Learn More from Café Rico

Want their story in their own words? Read Café Rico’s article: Why Café Rico Is a Must-Visit for Families in Puerto Viejo.

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Café Rico- all opinions are my own. All photos were provided by Cafe Rico.