Costa Rica, as the name implies, rich in all at once: the two oceans — Pacific and Atlantic, Chernorechye exotic beaches, wildlife, volcanoes and mountains.
Costa Rica is a unique country, where no army and 25% of the territory is occupied by national parks.
Here, crocodiles and hummingbirds, dolphins and whales, mangroves and papaya, sandy beaches and the rivers flowing in the opposite direction.
1. Offended by the nickname “gringo”
Residents of Costa Rica call themselves “tick” (“woman”) and “tico” (“man”). For all foreigners, regardless of nationality, they have versatile word “gringo”. You should not be offended, it’s a local cultural item. Very soon you will be calling the Costa Ricans “Tiki”. Coffee “cafecito”. Yes! All the words here have a diminutive form. For Breakfast you will drink of coffeecake in the sky will fly the birds, and in the fields to graze cows (because Costa Rica is not only a jungle but a green meadow). Another feature in Costa Rica in response to “thank you” hardly talked about “not at all”, as in other countries of Latin America, instead, use the phrase, “with great pleasure!”.
2. Swim in the craters of volcanoes
Costa Rica is also a country of volcanoes (today they number 150). In their craters, it is often possible to see the inviting blue lagoon. Swimming in them is not advised: water ice, also may contain heavy metals. The shores and bottom of such lagoon is a marshy swamp. In trying to come closer to a thick sticky mud begins to suck his feet so hard and fast that you have to call for help.
3. Casually put on shoes
You never know who is in there? In addition to the Scorpions in Costa Rica live a lot of poisonous snakes — for example, alcohology adder. It is considered one of the most dangerous snakes in the world, its venom can kill within minutes a big cow. Squeeze tarantulas of shoes is a routine procedure, especially for those who live near the forest. Before taking a shower, it is possible that you will have to first take a broom and swept from the cabin boa, though harmless, but still a snake.
4. To put that monkey — adorable cuties
Costa Rica is a country of monkeys. Tailed relatives of the people here climb trees, shout loudly and carry food from the table. Some of the most common — the Howler monkeys. Not aggressive, but very well audible, especially at sunrise and sunset, and then they welcome the call bottled in the air for hundreds of meters. However, tourists are most touches cariblanco — Capuchin monkeys. Pretty face, long tail… And how funny they know how to beg for food! Here an ambush: you should get out of the car with a packet of biscuits or a bunch of bananas, as already more than a dozen primates will surround you, begin to clamor, to pull the arms and pants, showing his big teeth. According to the Costa Ricans, Capuchins can even be dangerous — especially for women, which they are not afraid. To discourage them can only be male. One conclusion: don’t leave the car, if you have a hand food, but no man is around with a stick.
5. Swim in unknown rivers
First, a river filled with crocodiles. It would seem that much as it was possible to sew leather bags and boots, but no! Reptiles are protected by law and therefore have flooded all the rivers. Farmers complain that their cows are unable to safely approach the water, but tourists get the authentic Costa Rica.
In addition, there are rivers that are several times a day change their course. Near the OSA Peninsula there’s a few. Imagine you strapped the boat to the boulders in the middle of the river, dived into the river and relaxed, and the current can take and change — will deploy the boat will hit either on the rocks or you. But if you haven’t tied your boat, the water simply swept away.
6. Refer to the local flora and fauna did not
Costa Rica banned the import and export of fruit, vegetables, flowers, any plants and wildlife. Pets can be brought into the country only in the presence of the veterinary certificate of the international sample, since the wild life of this country is carefully guarded. In the world there are cases when imported from another continent animals destroyed local bioecosystem as, for example, rabbits in Australia.
To kill animals, even crocodiles and poisonous snakes are prohibited, but only under the direct threat of death.
And of course, diving in the ocean, do not touch the local fish — many of them are poisonous. So similar to the stone fish with the appropriately named “fish stone” (she’s borodavchenko) has on the back of sharp thorns with poison and deadly to humans. Lionfish-Zebra is no less dangerous. Shot her a poisonous thorn cause cramping, heart rhythm disturbances, and in the site of the bite sometimes and gangrene. As for sharks, they are not so dangerous as people think. Most importantly, do not swim in deep water at dawn, dusk, or night, and never to cross a deep river in places where they are connected to the Pacific ocean.
7. To believe the words of Costa Ricans
Costa Ricans are the owners of hot Latin temperament: at the meeting, they habitually embrace, kiss you on the cheek and called “my love” (even if I see you first). This is normal. Do not take seriously. Just as, in fact, do not believe them a word. Like many Latins, they can speak eloquently and promise the good earth, but things are not always comes. Do not expect them to and punctuality — all Hispanics are notorious for not attach importance to time. And do not be offended, just be easier. Because the question “how are you?” it is always possible to hear only one answer: “Pura Vida!”, that is, “Life is beautiful!”
