Insider Tips for Your Incentive Trip to Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts. It is also a perfect destination for corporate incentive trips, as it offers a variety of activities, attractions, and experiences that can motivate and reward your employees. Whether you want to explore the rainforest, relax on the beach, or enjoy the local cuisine, Costa Rica has something for everyone. How do you make the most of your incentive trip to Costa Rica?
Let’s share some insider tips by Costa Rica DMC, a leading destination management company in Costa Rica, that will help you plan and enjoy your incentive trip to this amazing country.
Tips for When to Visit Costa Rica
- Visit During “Little Summer”
During the latter part of July in Costa Rica, a unique weather occurrence takes place amid the wet season, offering predominantly dry and sunny conditions. This phenomenon is referred to as “Little Summer,” and it presents an ideal opportunity to visit as it falls within the less crowded tourist off-season. Scheduling your visit during this period makes for an exceptional experience.
- Don’t Let the Rainy Season Scare You
Costa Rica’s rainy season typically extends from May to November, but it doesn’t entail relentless, heavy downpours. Instead, it represents a period of increased precipitation. Consequently, the landscape becomes exceptionally verdant and vibrant, waterfalls gush with life, and you can anticipate a daily rain shower during your stay (so make sure to pack accordingly).
There is solace in the soothing rhythm of raindrops, and it may give your employees the opportunity to unwind. The term “rainy season” often dissuades tourists, resulting in lower prices and fewer crowds, making it a win-win situation.
Tips About Food in Costa Rica
- Casado is a Dish
“Casado” may translate to “married” in Spanish, but you’ll encounter this term being widely used, regardless of whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon. In Costa Rica, “Casado” denotes a standard lunch dish featuring rice, beans, plantains, salad, tortilla, and choice of meat. Evidently, it’s named after how married men are served at home, all thanks to their diligent wives.
- Gallo Pinto is a Common Breakfast Dish
Gallo Pinto, Costa Rica’s most delectable and omnipresent dish, can be found on virtually every menu. While at its essence, it’s a combination of rice and beans, it transcends mere simplicity. It’s like experiencing the pinnacle of rice and beans cuisine. On a culinary journey, all other rice and bean dishes are compared to the benchmark set by Gallo Pinto. Moreover, it boasts a charming name: “gallo pinto” translates to “spotted rooster,” a moniker derived from the resemblance of black beans scattered amidst white rice.
- ‘Soda’ is Not a Drink
The term “Soda” carries a distinct meaning in Costa Rica, unrelated to carbonated beverages. Instead, it refers to a locally owned eatery or cafe that specializes in serving authentic Tico cuisine, typically offered at quite affordable rates. To savor the flavors of traditional Costa Rican dishes, simply step into a Soda bustling with locals enjoying their midday meal. You’re likely to encounter a delightful culinary experience.
Tips for Communication in Costa Rica
- Pura Vida
“Pura Vida,” translating to “pure life” or “simple life,” embodies the essence of the Tico lifestyle—marked by happiness, minimal stress, a carefree attitude, and a profound sense of gratitude. It’s essentially the art of living in paradise, where sloths can be your neighbors.
In Costa Rica, “Pura Vida” serves as the universal response to virtually any question. You can employ it to say hello, bid farewell, express gratitude, or simply convey that you’re having a wonderful time (or, if necessary, to politely mask a less-than-ideal experience).
“Pura Vida” is also fitting in a wide array of situations. Whether you’re basking on the beach, experiencing an exhilarating moment, like cliff diving into the treetop canopy, or even when an encounter with a mischievous howler monkey involves unexpected encounters, “Pura Vida” fits the bill.
- Knowing Some Spanish is Helpful
Normally, traveling to destinations without speaking the local language pose challenges, but Costa Rica offers a relatively forgiving experience for non-Spanish speakers. Although knowing some Spanish can certainly enhance your trip, English is widely spoken, particularly by guides and within hotels.
To navigate smoothly, it’s beneficial to familiarize yourself with a few essential words, such as “please” and “thank you.” However, when in doubt or in need of a versatile phrase, you can always rely on the beloved “Pura Vida”!
Fun Facts About Costa Rica
- All 12 Political Parties Agree When It Comes to Environmental Conservation
Since 1948, Costa Rica has enjoyed a period of uninterrupted peace. This political stability has facilitated the pursuit of long-term national goals, ensuring that the country’s direction remain consistent, regardless of changes in leadership.
It’s remarkable when you consider the numerous political parties in Costa Rica, but their ability to accomplish tasks is rooted in a straightforward principle: consensus on critical issues, such as conservation and eco-tourism. Thus, Costa Rica has emerged as a global pioneer in sustainable tourism.
- The Majority of the Wildlife is Nocturnal
Leaving Costa Rica without encountering a profusion of wildlife is virtually impossible. It’s common to witness a myriad of creatures in action – from a mesmerizing blue morpho butterfly gracefully fluttering past a toucan, to a mischievous monkey attempting to pilfer your breakfast as you become engrossed in observing the butterfly and toucan.
Surprisingly, 60% of Costa Rica’s wildlife is nocturnal. This fact may be hard to fathom, but it holds true: if you limit your wildlife exploration to the daytime, you’re overlooking a significant portion of the experience!
- Costa Rica Leads Eco-Tourism
As conscientious travelers, it holds great significance for us to ensure that our spending as tourists and our endorsements as travel writers are in harmony with our ethical principles. In Costa Rica, we have the unique assurance that each tour we choose adheres unequivocally to responsible and ethical tourism standards. There will be no attempts by tour guides to lure or feed wild animals for proximity. Group members will not be permitted to approach animals excessively just for the sake of taking selfies.
Get in Touch with Our Destination Management Company Today!
Costa Rica DMC is your go-to destination management company if you’re planning a corporate incentive trip to Costa Rica. Learn more about our activities and excursions, including our corporate social responsibility activities. Contact us today!