{"id":2122,"date":"2020-10-25T14:23:58","date_gmt":"2020-10-25T14:23:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/viralvacationideas.com\/?p=2122"},"modified":"2022-05-21T16:39:40","modified_gmt":"2022-05-21T16:39:40","slug":"common-mistakes-tourists-make-in-costa-rica","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/viralvacationideas.com\/common-mistakes-tourists-make-in-costa-rica\/","title":{"rendered":"Common Mistakes Tourists Make in Costa Rica"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Costa
Beautiful mountains landscape in Costa Rica, Central America<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Costa Rica<\/a> brings pristine landscapes and charming local culture together with the comfort and convenience of a leading tourism destination. While increased foreign presence means that it won\u2019t be hard to spot a non-local in many of the places you go, traditional customs are still a strong force in the pace of life, and way people relate to each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While it is understandable for visitors to make an occasional faux pas, there is much confusion and embarrassment that can be avoided by briefly familiarizing yourself with the common mistakes that tourists make:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Name calling<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Costa Rica<\/a> and throughout the Spanish-speaking world, terms such as flaco (skinny), gordito (chubby) and negro (black) are commonly used, endearingly. They are not insults. Nevertheless, a vacationer to Costa Rica can often mistake these personalized modifiers as ill-intentioned, and become offended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, it is a bad move to refer to the locals as ricans. Just call them ticos, which is the locally accepted term for those of Costa Rican nationality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also important to remember is that ticos have a very formal way of addressing one another. Except for among very close friends, titles such as Se\u00f1or and Se\u00f1ora, and Don and Do\u00f1a, are used before the person\u2019s name. Also, if you speak Spanish<\/a>, remember to address most people with Usted, the formal version of \u201cyou\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Waterfall
Majestic waterfall in the rainforest jungle of Costa Rica. Tropical hike.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Learn Costa Rican Slang<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you visit any country that is not your native tongue, there are words that your professors in school did not teach you.  In school we are taught the choppy, grammatically pleasing, textbook style of the language.  Most likely we are not taught by someone who speaks the language as their second language, so we are missing out on a lot of the practical dialect that people use in the foreign countries.  For instance, the difference between words among English speaking countries is completely different.  In England<\/a>, people say mate whereas Americans might say dude instead and the list goes on.  Below is a list of words that you will definitely run into in Costa Rica that I guarantee where not taught in any class unless of course you were taught by a Tico. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

-Pura Vida:  (Poo-ra Vee-da) This is the unofficial motto of Costa Rica and is said all the time.  Literally it means Pure Life, but when used daily, is conveys a state of happiness, tranquility, and peace.  It can be used to greet someone, to say goodbye, or to show appreciation for a situation, object, or person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

-Tico or Tica: (Tee-ko, Tee-ka)  This refers to a Costa Rican man or woman.
-Tuanis:  (Twan-ees) Awesome, cool, or great.
-Mae: (My) dude, buddy
-Upe: (oo-pay) Can be used as excuse me, hello, anyone home
-Mala nota: (ma-la no-ta) Not good
-Salado: (Sah-la-do) Too bad
-Macho\/Macha: (Mah-cho\/a) blond North American
-Pulperia: (Pool-pa-ree-a) a mini mart
-Soda: (Soh-da) a small restaurant serving local food
-Chunche: (Choon-Chay) thing, stuff, or object
-Choza: (Choh-za) house
-Soque: (So-kay) hurry up<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Making that weird hand gesture<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another way to really offend the locals is by making a fist and sticking your thumb out between your index and middle finger. This gesture is called, \u201cthe fig\u201d. Not that you would do this, but just so you know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Being shocked too easily<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are various situations in which a man will touch a woman out of common courtesy, not as a sexual advance. (Of course, there is a line that some locals occasionally do try to cross, and this should not be tolerated). But if a lady is getting off a bus and a man takes hold of her elbow, don\u2019t make the mistake of overreacting to this, as typically the man\u2019s sole intention is to be a gentleman, or caballero. For all the chivalry, however, you are advised to keep a close eye and tight grip on your belongings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dressing too light<\/strong><\/p>

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