Learn about Costa Rica | Amigos de las Americas Help Center

History of AMIGOS in Costa Rica

In 2026, AMIGOS marks 44 years of work in Costa Rica. Over time, our focus has shifted from public health and government partnerships to developing youth leadership, fostering cultural exchange, and promoting environmental conservation and civic engagement.

AMIGOS has worked in Pérez Zeledón since 2003 on conservation-oriented projects. From 2003–2011, we collaborated with local communities and offered youth leadership workshops. In 2012, the program evolved to combine homestays, community service, and volunteer work in national parks, where youth from Costa Rica and AMIGOS volunteers completed trail maintenance and engaged in conservation education. In 2018, we launched the Palmares summer project, blending community service with weekend leadership camps.

In 2021, we introduced our first gap program in Pérez Zeledón and expanded with three new summer projects in the central and Caribbean regions. In 2022, we continued group travel models, added a new program in the southern region, and reintroduced homestays in one Caribbean project. In 2023, we offered a mix of projects with and without homestays. In 2024, three projects visited Pérez Zeledón and we opened a six-week homestay program in Los Santos. In 2025, we operated four projects across Pérez Zeledón, Uvita, Buenos Aires, Turrialba, and the Caribbean, launched the first “Explore” project in the south, and began partnering with a youth organization on the Pacific coast.

AMIGOS continues strengthening partnerships across the country. In 2026, our programs remain active in the Brunca region, Southern Pacific Coast, Turrialba, and the Caribbean, integrating homestays, environmental service, and leadership development to ensure meaningful cross-cultural experiences.

AMIGOS Project Regions

La Brunca Region

The Brunca Region, situated in southern Costa Rica, encompasses parts of the Puntarenas and San José provinces, including cantons such as Buenos Aires and Pérez Zeledón., is about six to seven hours from the capital and the main international airport. The area is known for its remarkable biodiversity, extensive tropical forests, and strong agricultural traditions, including large monoculture pineapple plantations primarily operated by private companies. It also stands out for its rich cultural heritage, including longstanding artisanal practices. This blend of nature, rural production, and culture makes it one of the country’s most diverse regions.

Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fVY4BL6tdKFzBQy26

Projects that visit this region: La Brunca

Perez Zeledón Region

The Pérez Zeledón region, located in the province of San José in southern Costa Rica, lies about 3–4 hours from the capital and the main international airport. It is known for its mountainous landscapes and strong agricultural production, especially coffee and other rural crops. The area is also distinguished by its numerous cooperatives, which foster a culture of associativity, entrepreneurship, and strong community ties. Combined with its natural beauty and access to protected areas, this spirit of collaboration and rural innovation helps define the region’s identity.

Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RbknKFHjoCaXEpcw9

Projects that visit this region: Montañas y Mar, La Pezeta and La Brunca

Barú Region

The Barú region, located in the province of Puntarenas on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast, is about 3.5–4 hours from the capital and the main international airport. It is best known for its stunning coastal landscapes, abundant marine wildlife, and strong focus on eco-tourism. The area features lush tropical forests, beaches, and marine conservation efforts that shape its identity. A growing culture of entrepreneurship and community-driven initiatives also contributes to its dynamic and welcoming character.

Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VdPJ3EqGYRBSEqno8

Projects that visit this region: Montañas y Mar

Turrialba Region

The Turrialba region, located in the province of Cartago in eastern Costa Rica, is about 1.5–2 hours from the capital and the main international airport. It is known for its lush volcanic landscapes, fertile soils, and strong agricultural production, especially coffee, sugarcane, and dairy. The area also stands out for its rich cultural and archaeological heritage, shaped by its Indigenous history and rural traditions. Its mix of natural beauty, farming culture, and vibrant local communities defines the region’s character.

Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AWgM6PW2uNX3FB558

Projects that visit this region: Olas y Cerros

Caribbean Region

The Northern Caribbean region, located in the province of Limón on Costa Rica’s northeastern coast, is roughly 3.5–4.5 hours from the capital and the main international airport. It is known for its extensive tropical lowland forests, rich wetland ecosystems, and strong ties to agriculture and fishing. The area is also recognized for its Afro-Caribbean and Indigenous cultural influences, which shape its traditions, food, and music. Its blend of biodiversity, water-based landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage defines the region’s identity.

Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7qxAEtZKFkBzMXDg6

Projects that visit this region: Olas y Cerros

COUNTRY OVERVIEW

Pre-Colonial, Colonial & Post-Colonial History

The Pre-Columbian Times:

Costa Rica’s history begins with tribes migrating from North America between 13,000 and 17,000 years ago, with the earliest human evidence dating to around 10,000 BCE, including 12,000-year-old settlements found near the Reventazón River in 2016—the oldest in Central America. Before European arrival in the 15th century, at least 25 Indigenous groups lived in the region with distinct cultures, and by around 800 CE, sedentary life and agriculture had developed alongside hunting, fishing, and gathering, with settlements featuring aqueducts, roads, bridges, houses, and temples.

The Arrival of the Spanish and the Colonial Era:

In the early 1500s, about 400,000 Indigenous people lived in Costa Rica, though many died or fled due to smallpox brought by Spaniards, who later imported enslaved Africans. Spanish control expanded after 1570, mainly in the central highlands and Pacific, while the Atlantic remained resistant. As a poor and isolated province of the Captaincy General of Guatemala, Costa Rica relied on agriculture. In the 19th century, coffee exports became central to economic growth and global integration.

Independence and the Beginning of Democratic Life:

Costa Rica became independent on September 15, 1821, joined the Central American Federation, and became a republic in 1848. In 1856, it fought against American filibuster William Walker, with Juan Santamaría becoming a national hero. Education was prioritized early, with free and compulsory schooling established in 1869. Coffee expansion and the creation of universal suffrage in 1889 strengthened social and democratic development.

The Birth of the Second Republic and the Abolition of the Army:

The new constitution was reformed during the Calderón Guardia presidency (1940-1944). This gave rise to what is called the Second Republic, which we still into this day. The new constitution created an independent electoral power (the Tribunal Supremo Electoral or Supreme Electoral Tribunal) responsible for ensuring the transparency of future elections. During this time, President José Figueres decided to abolish the army, given that it incurred unnecessary expenses and not guarantee stability.

The Commitment to Peace:

Without an army for more than 60 years, Costa Rica relies on international law to resolve conflicts and directs resources to education, health, and essential services. Since 1949, elections occur every four years, reinforcing democratic values. The country declared permanent non-armed neutrality in 1983. In 1987, President Oscar Arias received the Nobel Peace Prize for helping end Central America’s armed conflicts.

Government

Costa Rica is a democratic, free, and independent republic. Its government is popular, representative, alternative, and responsible, exercised by three supreme powers which are distinct and independent of each other: Executive Power, Legislative Power and Judicial Power.

The Costa Rican State also has a Supreme Elections Tribunal with the same independence as the other powers. This body is in charge exclusively of organizing, directing and supervising all acts concerning suffrage.

The Executive Power is composed by the President of the Republic, two Vice Presidents, and a Cabinet of Government chosen by the President. The President of the Republic is, simultaneously, Head of Government and Head of State. The President and Vice Presidents are elected every four years by direct vote of all citizens over 18 years. There have been uninterrupted elections since the current Constitution in 1949. The current President is Mr. Rodrigo Chaves Robles, who took office on May 8th, 2022. His presidency period is from 2022 to 2026.

Administratively, Costa Rica is divided into seven provinces which are subdivided into 83 cantons and these, in turn, into 463 districts. The cantons are ruled, with limited capabilities, by a Mayor and a Municipal Council; both the Mayor and the Council are popularly elected.

Economy

Costa Rica is widely seen as a development success story, with steady economic growth over the past 25 years driven by foreign investment and trade liberalization. It is also a global environmental leader, known for its Payments for Environmental Services program, which helped reverse deforestation and strengthened its “Green Trademark.” Political stability and sustained growth have contributed to one of the lowest poverty rates in Latin America, decreasing from 15.6% to 13.7% between 2010 and 2019.

The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the economy, causing a 4.1% GDP contraction in 2020—the largest in forty years—sharp drops in investment and consumption, and unemployment reaching 20%. Incomes for the bottom 40% fell by 15%, adding 124,000 people to poverty and raising the poverty rate to 13%. Fiscal consolidation efforts were disrupted as the deficit reached 8.5% of GDP and public debt rose to 67.4%.

In 2021, strong economic performance and disciplined spending supported a faster-than-expected recovery, with GDP rebounding 7.8%, driven by manufacturing—especially medical devices—and recovering services and agriculture. Poverty fell to 14.3% in 2021, but external pressures like rising global food and energy prices and tighter financial conditions are beginning to slow economic activity again.

Costa Rica continued its economic recovery in 2023, with GDP growing by 4.2% in 2025. By 2025, poverty had declined to 15.2% of households, marking a significant improvement compared to previous years. The debt-to-GDP ratio also improved, falling to below 60 percent by 2024–2025 as fiscal consolidation efforts took hold. To ensure long-term stability, Costa Rica remains focused on strengthening revenue collection, improving spending efficiency, and advancing policies that promote inclusive growth and climate resilience.

Geography

Costa Rica is a stable, prosperous nation and a global leader in environmental protection, containing nearly 6% of the world’s biodiversity despite accounting for only 0.03% of Earth’s surface. Its biological richness is due to its position between North and South America, its extensive Caribbean (255 km) and Pacific (1103 km) coastlines, and diverse mountain microclimates.

The country protects 25.6% of its land through national parks and reserves, covering 1,342 hectares and including rainforests, islands, volcanoes, rivers, and waterfalls. These ecosystems provide valuable resources such as wood, plants, and medicinal species, as well as critical environmental services like erosion control, water and soil protection, carbon storage, and biodiversity conservation.

Costa Rica is among the most progressive countries in addressing climate change and launched its National Decarbonization Plan in 2019, aiming for a fully green economy by 2050 across transportation, energy, construction, agriculture, and land use.

Today, Costa Rica generates over 98% of its energy from renewable sources, has restored forest cover to more than 53%, and maintains roughly a quarter of its territory as protected land—solidifying its global reputation for environmental leadership.

Food

Costa Rican cuisine is hearty, comforting, and rooted in simple, satisfying flavors—more like a warm meal from a grandmother’s kitchen than spicy or grilled Latin American styles. Meals feature generous portions, fresh coffee, and colorful local fruits. Costa Ricans buy fresh bread daily and visit weekly farmers’ markets for seasonal produce, meat, and cheese.

If two words describe Costa Rican food, they are rice and beans, which appear in nearly every traditional meal. These are often served with sweet plantains, eggs, avocado, meat or fish, cilantro, tomatoes, and fresh local fruits. Most dishes are well-rounded and made from scratch with fresh ingredients.

The section below introduces key dishes. Volunteers are encouraged to appreciate the food offered, recognizing that many people worldwide have fewer options, and AMIGOS expects participants to immerse themselves in the local diet and lifestyle as much as possible.

Gallo pinto: Black beans and rice with cilantro, onions, garlic, salt, and Salsa Lizano ( traditional seasoning sauce); common for breakfast and dinner

Platano frito: Fried plantains (sweet ones are called maduros and savory, smashed ones are called patacones)

Casados: A one-plate meal that includes black beans, rice, a meat, fried plantains, and one or more side dishes.

Picadillo: Diced cooked vegetables such as potatoes, green beans, carrots, zucchini, with or without meat.

Fruta: Fruit (such as pineapple, papaya, watermelon, bananas).

Sopa: Soup

Arroz con pollo/camarones: Rice with chicken or shrimp.

Ceviche: Pular seafood dish with fish or shrimp that is tossed with lime and lemon juice.

Trucha: trout, often served with yucca and vegetables.

Arroz con leche: Rice pudding.

COUNTRY SPECIFICS

Traditions

Costa Rica is a very diverse country with a rich mix of traditions and customs. The following are some examples:

Soccer, Mejenga or bola, in Costa Rica, is the most beloved national pastime. Today, six leagues currently form the Costa Rican Soccer Federation. First division soccer is the country’s most popular and hosts 12 teams. Many Ticos from Pérez root for either La Liga (Alajuela) or Saprissa (from San José).

When you enter someone’s home, it may be a good idea to take your shoes off to be polite. When visiting people’s house, you should remove your shoes and wear flip-flops inside the house instead of going barefoot. It is considered rude to place your feet on the furniture.

Costa Ricans generally take pride in their appearance and dress well.

When greeting one another, a side cheek kiss is common (right cheek touching right cheek). Women kiss women, and women kiss men, but men generaly do not kiss men. Instead, they either shake hands or give each other a one-armed hug. In formal or business settings, a firm handshake is the typical greeting. However, this practice has changed since the beginning of COVID-19 and people now greet each other from far or with an “elbow shake”.

Tico time or “la hora tica” is generally observed by many Ticos. Ticos can sometimes arrive late (often by 30 minutes or more) to meals, appointments, and get-togethers. Many Ticos don’t view late arrivals as rude, and their tardiness is not meant to offend.

Many Ticos in communities where you will live grow coffee, caña (sugar cane), or other crops. They refer to their farmland as “la finca.” Definitely ask community members about what they grow, how they process it, and where they sell or export to learn as much as you can about their work.

Costa Ricans celebrate civic holidays with parades that involve school bands and local folklore group parades.

As a volunteer, you will be a guest in someone else's community, which represents a unique opportunity to experience and learn about Costa Rican culture. As a guest, please try to reflect a sincere appreciation for everything that your host community has to offer and let them know that you are thankful for their support.

Slang

Local Word	Meaning in English
Tico	Slang for Costa Rican (costarricense)
Mae	Slang for dude
Buenas	Hello/good morning/good afternoon (usually used when entering a place or home)
¿Qué me dice?	How’s it going?
Vos*	“You,” singular (informal), not vosotros, explanation link below.
Tuanis	Cool, nice, awesome
A cachete	Very good/it’s all good
Pura vida	Great, hello, you’re welcome, life is good, cool, take care… ETC!
Por dicha/ Qué dicha	Fortunately / how fortunate
Upe	Knock, knock (people say this when standing outside someone’s home, rather than knocking on the door)
Mejenga	Friendly/casual soccer match
Jugar bola	To play soccer
Una soda	Small restaurant to get typical, generally cheap, food
Pulpería	Small corner store
Con gusto	You’re welcome
Chunche	Thing

*Usted and Vos – For “you,” many Costa Ricans use either usted or vos. Usted is generally more widely used outside the Central Valley, vos is mostly only used in the capital. Costa Ricans also mix using usted, vos and tú within a relationship, which is itself a sign of closeness. For example, an abuela might sometimes refer to a baby as usted, or usted can be used between novios.

Look at the following for conjugations of vos.

More vocabulary practice: http://www.languageguide.org/spanish/vocabulary/ or https://www.duolingo.com/course/es/en/Learn-Spanish-Online

RESOURCES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Books

Culture and Social Change in Costa Rica by Richard Biesanz: This sociological study examines Costa Rica’s evolving institutions and values, exploring themes of modernization, democracy, and cultural identity.
A Traveler’s Literary Companion edited by Barba Ras: This anthology presents short stories and essays by Costa Rican authors, offering travelers insight into the nation’s landscapes, traditions, and voices.
Green Phoenix: Restoring the Tropical Forests of Guanacaste, Costa Rica by William Allen and Samantha Burton: This nonfiction work documents the ecological restoration of Guanacaste’s forests, highlighting themes of conservation, resilience, and community action.
The Quetzal and the Macaw: The Story of Costa Rica’s National Parks by David Rains Wallace: This historical account narrates the creation of Costa Rica’s national parks, exploring themes of environmental activism, biodiversity, and cultural pride.
Mamita Yunai by Carlos Luis Fallas: This realist novel portrays the struggles of banana plantation workers, addressing themes of exploitation, solidarity, and social justice.
Única Mirando al Mar by Fernando Contreras: This contemporary novel depicts life around a garbage dump in Costa Rica, exploring themes of marginalization, resilience, and human dignity.
Costa Rica, Cocina y Tradición by Isabel Campabadal: This culinary book celebrates Costa Rican gastronomy, highlighting traditional recipes and the cultural heritage of food.
Nosotros los Hombres by Jorge Debravo: This poetry collection reflects on human existence, love, and social responsibility, emphasizing themes of equality and compassion.
La isla de los hombres solos by José León Sánchez: This realist novel portrays the harsh life of prisoners on San Lucas Island, exploring themes of injustice, survival, and human dignity.

Music

Toledo: A contemporary Costa Rican singer-songwriter blending indie pop and folk influences, known for introspective lyrics and melodic storytelling.
Cocofunka: A fusion band mixing funk, reggae, and Latin rhythms; their energetic performances highlight social themes and tropical grooves.
Malpaís: One of Costa Rica’s most iconic groups, combining folk, rock, and Latin American traditions to evoke landscapes, memory, and cultural identity.
Kendal Peña: A rising artist in Costa Rica’s urban and pop scene, recognized for fresh sounds and youthful energy.
Eva Canina: An alternative rock band with experimental tones, blending powerful vocals and eclectic instrumentation to explore contemporary themes.
Debi Nova: A Grammy-nominated Costa Rican singer-songwriter who fuses pop and Latin music with jazz and soul influences, celebrated for her international reach.
Claroscuro: A Costa Rican all female rock band known for poetic lyrics and dynamic arrangements, exploring themes of identity, emotion, and social reflection

Check out what’s currently on Spotify’s Costa Rica Top 50 chart!

Movies

El Regreso by Hernán Jiménez (2011): This drama follows a young Costa Rican returning home after years abroad, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and rediscovery.
Caribe (2004): This political drama portrays the struggles of a banana plantation owner on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, highlighting themes of corruption, power, and environmental conflict.
Clara Sola (2021): This acclaimed film tells the story of a woman in rural Costa Rica breaking free from repression, exploring themes of sexuality, spirituality, and liberation.
First Lady of the Revolution: The Henrietta Boggs Story (2016): This documentary recounts the life of Henrietta Boggs, an American woman who became Costa Rica’s First Lady, reflecting on themes of revolution, democracy, and personal courage.
OSA: The Jewel of Costa Rica (2015): This documentary showcases the Osa Peninsula’s extraordinary biodiversity, emphasizing themes of conservation, natural heritage, and ecological wonder.
A Bold Peace (2016): This documentary examines Costa Rica’s decision to abolish its military, exploring themes of peace, democracy, and social progress.

Sources for this information:

“Culture Of Costa Rica.” Centralamerica, www.centralamerica.com/costa-rica/culture/.

Firestone, Matthew; Miranda, Carolina A; Soriano, César G (2010). Costa Rica. Footscray, Vic.: Lonely Planet. pp. 49–52

Mead, Rowland (2005). Costa Rica. New Holland: London. pp. 28–31.

Van Velzer, Ryan. “Costa Rican Cuisine.” Costa Rica, www.costarica.com/culture/costa-rican-cuisine

Costa Rica: Environmental Issues, Policies and Clean Technology in https://www.azocleantech.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=554

Plan Nacional de Descarbonización - Dirección de Cambio Climático (cambioclimatico.go.cr)

World Bank. “The World Bank in Costa Rica.” World Bank, https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/costarica/overview#1.

Molina Jiménez, Iván; Palmer, Steven. History Of Costa Rica: Brief, Updated and Illustrated. San Jose, Office of The University of Costa Rica, 1997.

“History of Costa Rica.” Centralamerica, www.centralamerica.com/costa-rica/history/.

The Costa Rican Embassy to Belgium. “Government: Costa Rica Embassy.” Government Structure | Costa Rica Embassy, https://cr.usembassy.gov/