Costa Rica

Interesting Cities to Visit in Costa Rica

LIBERIA

This is one of the most popular cities for all visitors into Costa Rica because of its proximity to the beaches and resorts on the Pacific Ocean, including Playas del Coco, Tamarindo, and Playa Gulf. It’s also a hotspot for water sports and fishing. If you’re looking for a tropical paradise, with white sands, calm waters, and clear skies, then Liberia is a place you won’t want to miss.

SAN JOSE

Costa Rica’s capital and largest city has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for history, nature, art or a party scene, with popular landmarks that include the Children's Museum, Culture Square, and Okayama Park.

Given that this is the capital, you can expect a thriving LGBTQ+ scene here, with bars, clubs, stores, hotels, and even two community centers. For gay men, there are even a couple of resorts and saunas that cater exclusively to them. Bars to visit include lesbian bar La Avispa, as well as Club El Teatro and Puchos, which cater to all LGBTQ+ people.

SAN ISIDRO DE EL GENERAL

This tiny town is home to several traditional Costa Rican festivals that are unique to the country, including Fiesta Civica, celebrating the saint San Isidro, which features bullfighting and live music.

It’s also a great spot for those looking to do some bird watching, as it’s filled with rare and exotic birds, including the resplendent quetzal.

MANUEL ANTONIO

This oceanside village, famed for its national park, is the go-to destination for nature buffs looking to soak in the biodiversity and beachgoers looking to soak in the sun and the surf.

Located on the Pacific Coast, this is said to be the LGBTQ+ hotspot of the country, but you should bear in mind that it caters more to gay men than women or trans and nonbinary people. Its LGBTQ+ scene encompasses the only LGBTQ+ bar outside San Jose, an exclusively LGBTQ+ hotel, and a large section of beach where there are many parties during the dry season.

Interesting Attractions to Visit in Costa Rica

TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK

This park on the Caribbean coast is only accessible by boat or plane and, as such, remains fairly cut off from the modern world. Here you can hike, look for wildlife, or even watch the hatching of turtle eggs. It’s the perfect spot for those wanting to embrace the natural paradise of Costa Rica.

CENTRAL VALLEY COFFEE PLANTATIONS

If you can’t start the day without your caffeine fix or own a slogan tee that says “Instant Human: Just Add Coffee,” then you should definitely take a look at the beautiful plantations where your coffee is grown. You’ll learn a bit about the process, see the traditional towns that surround the area, and even grab a recently roasted cup of joe. You can also stay overnight in a boutique hotel on the plantation grounds.

RIO CELESTE WATERFALL

Legend tells us that the majestic turquoise water that flows here is the result of God washing out his paintbrushes after painting the sky, while science suggests that it’s the result of a chemical reaction between the minerals in the nearby Tenorio Volcano and the surrounding rainforest. No matter the story you prefer, this waterfall is the perfect place to reflect on the world around you or find inner peace through meditation.

CATALINAS ISLANDS

These islands, accessible from Playa Flamingo, Tamarindo, Conchal, and Papagayo, are the best location in the country for scuba diving. The depth is between 18ft/5.4m and 75ft/23m, with an impressive amount of wildlife to spot, including tropical fish, pilot whales, sea turtles, sharks, and even whale sharks. The best part is that you can dive here year-round, as there are no rivers delivering sludge during the rainy season. Pro tip: Take an underwater camera.

Travel Guide to Experiencing Costa Rican Food

As with many countries, food is an important part of Costa Rican culture, with most gatherings, celebrations, and holidays centered on meals. Costa Rican food is fairly mild in terms of spice and features plenty of fresh local fruit and vegetables, with a hearty helping of rice and black beans.

One of the most important foods in their cuisine are tamales, made from cornmeal, lard, and spices, which are eaten at celebratory meals; but there are plenty of other dishes that shouldn’t be missed.

The national dish of Costa Rica is Gallo Pinto (meaning “spotted rooster”), which is a combination of stir-fried rice and beans that can be served with eggs and cheese. Ceviche is a raw seafood dish, which can contain octopus, shrimp, dolphin fish or seabass soaked in lemon juice and mixed with coriander and other seasonings.

Common drinks in Costa Rica include coffee (of course) and the agua dulce, which is raw cane sugar dissolved in hot water. For those of you looking for something alcoholic, try Michelada, a beer drink infused with fresh lime and with salt around the rim of the glass, or Coyol wine, made from the sweet sap of a native plant.
 

Safety Considerations for LGBTQ+ visitors to Costa Rica

Costa Rica has many laws in place to protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination and even ensures some rights to a family life, with equal marriage and adoption by same-sex couples due to be enacted into law by May 2020, and has one of the best records for LGBTQ+ rights in the region.

The country also attracts a fair number of LGBTQ+ tourists and travelers, especially to its several LGBTQ+ friendly areas, most of whom are treated with tolerance and respect by locals who have adopted a “live and let live” attitude.

However, acceptance of LGBTQ+ people is not universal and some locals may react badly, so it’s always wise to keep your personal safety in mind, especially outside of LGBTQ+ friendly areas or hotspots for Western tourists. This might mean not holding hands with your same-sex partner, accepting twin beds in a hotel room, or even altering your clothing choices.
 

LGBTQ+ Travel Tips for Costa Rica

COSTA RICA PRIDE

Costa Rica Pride is a massive event that takes place every year on Pride Beach in San Jose and includes a large Pride march through the streets called the March of Diversity.

ELLA INTERNATIONAL LESBIAN FESTIVAL

This festival, designed for the modern lesbian, features a program of art, culture, entertainment, and sports for women who love women.

Some top tips for LGBTQ+ travelers:

  • Use Uber or taxi services to get around after you’ve been drinking or late at night
  • If you receive unwelcome attention, it’s best to ignore it, move to a safe place, and, if you feel it necessary, report it to the authorities
  • Take precautions when arranging to meet other LGBTQ+ people, i.e. going with a friend
  • Look up other experiences of LGBTQ+ travelers before going
     

Biography

Meg Cale is an LGBTQ+ travel advocate and community educator. Meg and her wife Lindsay run the number one lesbian travel blog, DopesontheRoad.com. Meg’s LGBTQ subject matter expertise has been featured in The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, Cosmopolitan, Go magazine, Out Traveler, Gay Star News, Buzzfeed, Matador Network, Elite Daily, Korea Observer, and India's The Quint. Her passion lives at the intersection of travel, queer culture, and new media. Follow her on Instagram or Twitter @MegCale 

Featured image by @adventuringwithher via Instagram