Things To Do
in Santo Domingo

Classic shots of daily life, street vendors and colonial-style architecture framed by mountains on clear days.

Rows of coffee plants, drying patios and working scenes provide vivid rural and cultural imagery—especially during harvest and processing seasons.

Lookouts on nearby hills offer sweeping views across Heredia and San José, particularly photogenic at sunrise or when clouds settle in the valley.

Short hikes lead to waterfalls and river pools—long exposures make attractive images after rains when flow is stronger.

A staple breakfast of rice and beans mixed with onions, cilantro and salsa Lizano—easily found at virtually any soda or café.

Must-Try!

A typical lunch plate of rice, beans, salad, plantains and a protein (chicken, beef or fish); abundant at local sodas and mid-range restaurants.

Hearty beef and vegetable stew popular on cooler mornings and often available at traditional eateries or family kitchens.

Fried green plantains (patacones) or sweet ripe plantains (maduros) served as sides or snacks at markets and sodas.

Small weekly markets and roadside stalls sell fresh fruit, pastries, empanadas and cooked snacks—perfect for sampling local flavors and produce.

Seasonal tropical fruits (mango, papaya, pineapple) and freshly pressed juices are widely available from vendors near main roads and local parks.

Costa Ricans are polite—greet with a friendly 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes' and a handshake for first meetings. Use 'usted' with elders or in formal situations until invited to be familiar.

Social events are relaxed about strict punctuality, but business meetings tend to run on time—clarify expectations when arranging appointments.

Locals value the environment—follow trails, take your trash, and avoid disturbing wildlife or private farmland without permission.

Casual dress is fine around town; wear appropriate attire when visiting churches or formal establishments.

Tipping is appreciated but modest—10% is customary in restaurants if service charge is not already included. For taxis, round up the fare or add small change; tipping guides, drivers and porters a few dollars depending on service is common.

Cash (Costa Rican colóns and US dollars in some places) is handy for small purchases and markets; most cafés and restaurants accept cards in town but smaller sodas may be cash-only. ATMs are available in larger towns; notify your bank before traveling and carry some cash for remote areas.

Extensive protected forest with trails for varying skill levels, spectacular biodiversity and cloud forest environments—choose guided options if unfamiliar with terrain.

Trails around Barva Volcano in the Central Volcanic Range offer cooler, misty hikes with native forest, crater lakes in some areas and excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Short, family-friendly walks on coffee farms that combine cultural learning with light hiking—great for close-up photography and learning about agroecology.

Numerous short hikes lead to scenic waterfalls and rivers in the surrounding hills—best after light rain when flows are attractive, but be mindful of trail conditions.

Vegetarian options are straightforward—rice, beans, plantains, salads and egg dishes are common. Ask for dishes 'sin carne' (without meat) at sodas and look for vegetable-based casados.

Vegan choices exist but are more limited in small sodas; rely on fruit, rice and beans, plantains and salads, and communicate restrictions clearly (use 'soy vegano/a' and 'sin productos lácteos').

Many traditional dishes are naturally gluten-free (rice, beans, meats, fruit), but check about sauces and fried items which can contain flour; speak plainly and ask if items are 'sin gluten'.

Bring translations of allergies when possible and notify restaurants; smaller kitchens may have limited cross-contamination controls.