What is the main meal in Costa Rica?

Traditional Costa Rican fare, for the most part, is comfort food, consisting largely of beans and rice, fried plantains and the occasional slab of chicken, fish or beef. Recently locals have started to experiment more with the country's fresh and plentiful produce. The results have been inspiring and delicious.



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It's easy to experience sticker shock when checking into eco-lodges and renting vehicles and booking tours in Costa Rica. Indeed, it is the most expensive country in Central America, thanks to a booming economy and well-developed tourist sector.

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In Costa Rica, you will find all basic cuts of meat for beef, pork and chicken. Only some stores have a seafood section. It can be difficult to find very specific cuts or certain meats like ground chicken, ground pork and turkey products in some supermarkets.

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Costa Rica's known for guaro, the nation's most popular liquor, made from sugar cane. Guaro is a clear liquor with a neutral flavor similar to vodka, and you'll see the famous brand of Cacique Guaro sold across the country.

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Tap water in Costa Rica is generally clean and safe to drink. In some areas of the country, though, mainly on the Caribbean side and in non-touristy pockets around the country, it's best to stick to bottled water.

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Guaro Sour. You may have heard of this one as it's considered by many to be the national drink of Costa Rica. Start with Cacique Guaro (as many Costa Rican cocktails do), a clear sugarcane liquor. Add club soda, lime juice, and a dash of sugar over ice, and it doesn't get more refreshing than this.

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Fresh fruits. Sold on Costa Rican streets from dawn until dusk, fresh mangos, avocadoes, pineapples and other seasonal treats can be had for around $1 or less a pound. For a quick bite, try green mango slices with salt and lime – this popular combo is typically sold for $0.50 along the roadside.

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Coconut flan Custard tarts are the most famous of all desserts in Latin America, with each country competing to be awarded the 'best of the best' prize. Well, no surprises here: Costa Rica's coconut flan is the bomb by which all others should be measured.

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Costa Rica Travel Costs: Food Food costs vary in the country. Touristic areas are no doubt more expensive than local or rural areas. The average price for a typical Costa Rican lunch in a soda (typical local restaurant) located in a touristic beach town can be around $10 USD including taxes and a drink.

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Like every other human being on the planet, locals here in Costa Rica consume three meals a day. Every meal is prepared from scratch, using fresh and organic ingredients. But the main elements of every dish served here are rice and beans.

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Meals and Mealtimes Normal dining hours in Costa Rica are noon to 3 and 6 to 9. Desayuno (breakfast) is served at most sodas and hotels.

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Rainy season in Costa Rica is generally beginning of May to end of November. Although there aren't the four seasons in Costa Rica, rainy season is considered Costa Rica's “winter.” The transition months from dry to rainy are April and May. The rainiest months in Costa Rica are September and October.

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