Pirates 8 Travel Tips for Costa Rica

For those love travel as backpackers trying to live with the basic, we thought it would be useful to share with you 8 Travel Tips inspired by Carlo & Lara Travel Pirates here in Costa Rica.

1. TRAVEL LIGHT

We came in Costa Rica with a backpack of 40l and a small backpack, a tent, sleeping bags and a yoga mattress for any eventuality (even if we have not yet used them)… the tent takes up a lot of space but only for the flight part then regains space hooking it to the backpack … If you think on taking it with you be careful to nightlife in Central America, it could become busy.. We recommend a backpack of this size, easy to carry, trolleys are often damaged in air transport and are uncomfortable on gravel and pebbles.

2. ALWAYS CROSS THE STREET!!!

This is a rule that we have learned at our expense! It’s really easy after a long journey between planes, airports, a night of recovery in a hostel, waking up early, 5 hours by bus and reached the location, to be abused by the first person just known.

They invite you home and then ….

We always advise you to cross the road as soon as you arrive a destination and see the world with your own eyes and not be influenced by others!!! After all, it’s your trip!!!!

 

 3. BRING THE RIGHT CLOTHES

I had never seen Carlo so happy about buying a pair of cotton underwear… In the tropics where there are always 30 degrees and 80% humidity constantly we suggest you to bring light and cotton clothes, life in flip-flops awaits you !!! and why not, bring hiking shoes, microfibre towels and if you really want a jumper if you decide to go hiking in the mountains. Remember to empty the backpacks once you settle down and hang the clothes otherwise they will start to moisten.

 

4. LIVE ON A DAILY BUDGET

   

 

 If you think about visiting Costa Rica on the cheap, keep in mind that it’s one of the most expensive countries in Central America. We suggest you live on a daily budget, buying only what you need and the essentials. You can live on the cheap, just make a smart shopping looking for offers and eating lots of fruit that is very tasty and cheap. Walk instead of taking a taxi or you can take public buses.

5. COOK INSTEAD OF GOING TO RESTAURANTS

We are Italian, we need little to cook a good plate of pasta or other…. We have experimented pasta with chicken, avocado and natilla (local product, sour cream type), not really an Italian dish, but what a delight!!!! Sometimes we eat in local Sodas, where you can eat typical dishes such as Gallo Pinto or Casado, rich dishes at a cheap price.

6. NEVER RUN OUT OF WATER

Better always carry one or two bottles of water, walking under this heat and humidity is very tiring, especially if you are not used to it. Also do not forget that you are in the tropical jungle, looking for shade is vital. We suggest you to drink coconut water and try the Ceviche, a fresh local dish based on raw fish in small pieces marinated in lemon juice and coriander, low in calories and very refreshing.

7. ENJOY THE LITTLE THINGS

If you are stressed and need to breathe clean air and live in the nature, Costa Rica can only be healthy choice for you. After a period of adaptation you will realize what it really means PURA VIDA, take the time to enjoy nature, breathe, you are in Costa Rica ..! You do not have to go far to see the world around you… butterflies, hummingbirds, parrots of all colors (the Lapas are my favorite even if they make a croaking verse), iguanas falling from the trees, capuchin and howler monkeys (very loud) that chase each other on the trees, toucans always in pairs, beaches untouched by man, incredible waterfalls and much more…

 

8. NOT ALL TREASURE IS SILVER AND GOLD

Whether you come on holiday or looking for another way of life, always pay attention because the cheats are just around the corner… It’s the pirate country, it’s not all gold that glitters! Try to catch the signs, take the time to explore, stay in touch with the local people, dedicate to yourself, ‘do your homework’…