Things To Do
in Buenos Aires

The everyday plate of rice, beans, salad, plantains and a choice of meat or fish — widely available at sodas and markets and a great way to taste local flavors.

Must-Try!

A breakfast staple of rice and beans cooked with onions, peppers and cilantro; commonly served with eggs, tortillas and sour cream at local cafés.

Fried green plantain patties served as a side or snack — crunchy, salty and ubiquitous at markets and roadside stands.

Fresh fish or seafood marinated in lime with onions and cilantro — best near the coast or at restaurants sourcing from local waters.

Small stalls sell fresh fruit (mango, pineapple, mamón), tortillas, home-cooked dishes and snacks; try fresh-squeezed juices and empanadas here.

Family-run sodas along the main roads offer authentic homestyle meals, often featuring casado and daily specials made from local produce.

Use the phrase 'pura vida' and be warm and patient; Costa Ricans value polite, relaxed interactions and a friendly demeanor.

Greet elders and community leaders respectfully; small-town networks are close-knit so courteous behavior goes a long way.

Ask permission before photographing people, houses or craft displays; respect requests not to be photographed, especially in indigenous communities.

Dress modestly when visiting churches or community events and remove hats in formal settings; avoid loud or disruptive behavior in quiet rural spaces.

Tipping is appreciated but not as obligatory as in some countries; in restaurants 10% service may be added to the bill, otherwise small cash tips for good service are welcome. Tip tour guides, drivers and porters directly in cash if you receive personal service.

Cash (Costa Rican colón and US dollars in some places) is widely used, especially in rural areas and markets. Credit cards are accepted at larger businesses and some cafes but expect limited card access in small towns; ATMs can be scarce—carry enough cash for remote excursions.

Protected lowland rainforest with trails for birdwatching and wildlife viewing; suitable for half- to full-day guided hikes and rich in biodiversity.

Series of short-to-moderate trails leading to scenic waterfalls and natural pools — best visited with a local guide for safety after rains.

Part of a transboundary park system offering cloud forest and mountain trails; access requires planning and often multi-day trekking with experienced guides.

If you drive toward the coast, mangrove and coastal trail systems provide opportunities for tide-line photography, birding and sunset walks.

Vegetarian options are generally available (rice, beans, plantains, salads and fruit); ask for dishes without meat or fish and specify no chicken stock. Many sodas will adapt a casado to be meat-free if requested.

Veganism is possible but more limited in rural areas; focus on fruits, rice and beans, and carry snacks if you need specific staples. Communicate clearly (in Spanish if possible) to avoid dairy in soups or sauces.

Traditional Costa Rican meals are often naturally gluten-free, but watch for fried foods coated with flour, soy sauces and processed items. Bring snacks if you need strict gluten-free options.

Inform hosts or cooks about allergies; small kitchens may have limited ingredient transparency, so it’s safer to avoid cross-contamination when necessary.