Learn TICO spanish!

Every country has its own language, words that means something unique only for the locals and in Costa Rica we have many funny words.

Do you want to learn to speak like us?? Here is a list of some of the most popular words in the costarrican language.

Mae = Dude, pal, friend, guy, friendly way to refer to someone.
Tico/Tica = Costarrican.
Tuanis = Nice! cool, thanks, awesome basically anything.
Pura Vida = The most Costarrican saying ever, it can be the answer to anything that is positive.
Birra / Imperial = Beer/ most popular brand.
Casado = A plate with rice, beans, meat, and some vegetables it is a typical lunch and it is usually what you order at a “soda”.
Soda = small, local restaurant that offers cheap traditional food.
Gallo Pinto = typical breakfast food composed of… you guessed it rice and beans.
Chiliguaro= alcoholic shot composed of tomato juice, chili, lemon, salt and “Guaro”.
Un rojo = translates to “a red” , means 1000 Costarrican Colones, aprox.1.6 euros.
Pulperia = small shop in faraway towns where you can buy ANYTHING; literately.
Vino de coyol = a very strong liquor obtained from a tree.
Chunche = it could be anything, is it use to describe anything.
La vara = the thing, the situation.
La monchis = hungry.

Things to look out for:

Pick pockets: in public transport, beaches, town streets, national parks and bars.
Rip currents: Manuel Antonio and some beaches on the north pacific have strong rip currents in certain areas, please don’t go too out into the ocean if you are by yourself or if you can’t swim very well.
Taxis over charging you: If you need transport, just order the taxi from your hotel reception or from your restaurant, sometimes taxi drivers try to abuse tourists by over charging them for services.
Uber is available: and it works out a lot cheaper.
Dollars: Although most establishments do accept dollars, many will give you an extremely bad exchange rate, it is better to carry Colones when paying at local establishments like sodas and supermarkets.
Dangerous fauna: monkeys and racoons are cute but relentless, do not let them abuse you and please DO NOT FEED THEM.

(Things like deodorant, sunscreen, bug repellant is moe expensive in Costa Rica so if possible, bring your own)

Ronny’s Place: $$ Best view ever, no really, it’s amazing, go for sunset, great fish and steak and cocktails.
El Avion: $$$, This is a restaurant with an airplane in the middle, the food is very international but locally sourced, the view is great and Selina (hostel bar) is right in front for some after dinner Chiliguaros.
Emilio’s Café: $$$ great place for some curry or steak, their desserts are to die for.
La santa plancha: $ owned by a dutch-tico guy, best burgers in town, great for a quick lunch.
Sancho’s: $ Mexican restaurant, really nice for lunch.
El chante del parque: $ right next to the Park and the Hotel, really cheap and local.
Escondido: $$ Close to the hotel, nice local food, great drinks, best seafood in town.

Café Mono congo: $$ Nice for sweet things like pastries and cake/ coffee.
El pescado Loco: $ Fish, local, cheap, nice environment.
Pangas Beach club: $$$, fancy place (its owned by a French guy kind of fancy) but the food is really amazing, the fish and meat is all fresh and you get to enjoy the beach club too.
El mercadito: $$ New kind of dining experience where you have many options in one (Like food hallen just with sand), great atmosphere.
Lola’s: $$ in Playa Avellanas, the restaurant is on the beach, great food and lots of fun, nice if you go spend the day at Avellanas beach.
Shrimp hole: $ cheap, seafood, small place but nice, serves more than just shrimp.