Looking into Common Costa Rican Stereotypes

It’s 2024 and the world has come to judge, assume, and stereotype less . . .

. . . or at least that’s what many would like to believe.

It’s a fantasy born out of misguided idealism because no matter what year it is, people will always judge, assume, and stereotype. It’s just an easier way for many to categorize information, and thus, make better sense of the world they live in.

With that statement thrown out there, let’s turn our attention specifically towards Costa Rican stereotypes. No, we’re not here to judge harshly or to vindicate anyone’s assumptions.

Instead, let’s take this opportunity to see what the good folks in Costa Rica have to deal with and the reasons why.

Stereotype 1: Costa Ricans are Always Late

There’s this prevailing belief that there’s no such thing as a punctual tico. If anything, some would even claim that it’s disrespectful to be on time. However, this is one stereotype that’s actually real, to the point where there’s an actual term for it: Tico Time.

Stereotype 2: Costa Ricans are Indirect with Communication

The stereotype of conflict avoidance is another assumption that prevails because Costa Ricans tend to say one thing (to avoid being seen as rude) and do another. They want to be on everyone’s good side. This tends to be true, with their high-context culture requiring people to read between the lines rather than take responses at face value.

Stereotype 3: Costa Ricans and Pura Vida

The image of the happy, friendly, optimistic Costa Rican is as true as it gets. Their motto of Pura Vida or pure life sums up their shining attitude. Ticos just want to get along and let others know that things will be alright. All in all, this isn’t a bad stereotype to be known for.

Stereotype 4: Costa Ricans are Environmentally-Conscious

Considering their environment, this ought to be a given, right? Whether this truly applies to most individual Costa Ricans would be difficult to answer, but there’s enough motivation for most to at least care about their natural environment.

Stereotype 5: Costa Ricans Like Things Informal

Given how easy going and indirect people can be in Costa Rica, this is another generalization that makes a ton of sense. Basic level of courteousness can always get tourists by, and while there will always be a few uptight individuals out there, most in the country would prefer to have fun and just enjoy their time.

Whether you regard any of these as good, bad, or something in between, there’s no denying that a kernel of truth exists within each stereotype.

Costa Rican stereotypes may differ from stereotypes of other countries, but only on a superficial level. Human nature dictates that we’ll keep judging, assuming, and generalizing as long as we find good use for such behaviors.

What’s important is that we don’t blind ourselves to the fact that generalizations about a culture do not have to apply completely to any one individual. Should you befriend any ticos or ticas during your big Costa Rica trip, it goes without saying that you should get to know them personally rather than make judgments on sight.