11 Things Costa Rica is Known for...

Costa Rica is one of the top 5 medical tourism destinations in the world.
11 Top Things About Costa Rica
Costa Rica is known for many things, including its beautiful beaches, rich biodiversity, and friendly people. It is a popular tourist destination, with visitors coming from around the world to experience its natural beauty and vibrant culture. Costa Rica is also known for its eco-tourism industry, with many people visiting the country to participate in activities like hiking, bird watching, and surfing. Additionally, Costa Rica is known for its commitment to environmental conservation, with over 25% of the country’s land protected as national parks and reserves.
Medical tourism in Costa Rica increased by around 400 percent between 2014 and 2019, going from 3,941 health travels in 2014 to 19,769 visits for medical purposes in 2019.
Tourism
Costa Rica is a small country in Central America, located between Nicaragua and Panama. It is known for its beautiful beaches, national parks, and biodiversity. Costa Rica is a popular destination for tourists, who come to enjoy the country’s many outdoor activities, such as hiking, surfing, and birdwatching. The capital city of Costa Rica is San José, and the official language is Spanish. The population of Costa Rica is approximately 5 million people. The currency is the Costa Rican colón.
Costa Rica is the most visited country in Central America. Costa Rica is recognized for its environmental sustainability. The country’s main revenue source is tourism with 2 million tourists visiting annually.
Medical Tourism
Costa Rica is regarded as one of the top 5 leading medical tourist destinations in the world. It’s well known for dental, anti-aging, plastic surgery, and weight loss. Medical tourism has been growing substantially since 2014. It saw a sharp decline in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Now that global travel restrictions have been eased, medical tourism is returning and is expected to grow at record numbers.
Medical tourism is the practice of traveling to another country for medical treatment. Costa Rica is a popular destination for medical tourism, as it is known for offering high-quality healthcare at lower prices compared to many other countries. Many people travel to Costa Rica for a variety of medical procedures, including cosmetic surgery, dental work, and weight loss surgery.
There are several factors that contribute to the popularity of medical tourism in Costa Rica. One reason is the cost of medical care, which is generally lower in Costa Rica than in many other countries. In addition, Costa Rica has a well-developed healthcare system and is home to a number of highly trained doctors and other medical professionals. The country also has a number of modern hospitals and clinics that are equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
It is important to note that while medical tourism can be an attractive option due to the lower costs and high-quality care, there are also potential risks and drawbacks to consider. For example, it may be more difficult to follow up with care after returning home, and there may be language barriers or cultural differences that can make communication with medical professionals more difficult. These issues won’t be a concern with our medical center as our founding members and doctors are US Citizens. This makes the process of seeking medical treatment with us much easier – especially with follow-up in the States.
The Rain Forest
Costa Rica is home to a number of rainforests, which are characterized by high levels of rainfall and a diverse array of plant and animal life. The country’s rainforests are home to many unique species of animals and plants, including monkeys, sloths, toucans, and numerous types of colorful frogs and butterflies. Costa Rica’s rainforests are also home to a number of indigenous communities, who have lived in harmony with the forest for generations. These communities often depend on the forest for their livelihoods, and many work to protect the forest and its wildlife. Costa Rica’s rainforests are an important part of the country’s natural heritage, and efforts are underway to conserve and protect these important ecosystems.
The rainforests of Costa Rica are some of the most pristine and preserved on the planet. You definitely want to research the 5 best rainforests in Costa Rica and allot 1 day to trek through at least one.
Longevity - Blue Zone
Blue Zones are areas of the world where people tend to live longer and healthier lives. The term “Blue Zones” was coined by demographer Dan Buettner, who identified five such areas around the world: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece; and Loma Linda, California.
The Blue Zone on the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica is a region where people tend to live longer and healthier lives compared to other areas of the country. This region is known for its high levels of physical activity, a diet rich in beans and vegetables, and a strong sense of community and social support.
Some of the key characteristics of the Costa Rican Blue Zone include:
- Diet: The traditional diet in the Costa Rican Blue Zone is rich in beans, vegetables, and whole grains, and is low in processed foods and meat.
- Physical activity: Many people in the Costa Rican Blue Zone are physically active, whether through work or leisure activities.
- Strong social connections: The Costa Rican Blue Zone is known for its strong sense of community and social support, which may contribute to better physical and mental health.
- Low-stress levels: The Costa Rican Blue Zone is known for its low levels of stress, which may contribute to better overall health.
It is worth noting that the concept of Blue Zones is somewhat controversial in the scientific community, and some experts have questioned the validity of the claims made about these areas. However, the lifestyle factors that are associated with the Blue Zones, such as a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and strong social connections, are generally considered to be important for overall health and well-being.
There are only 5 such Blue Zones in the world. Costa Rica holds one of the highest life expectancies in the world. The average life expectancy in Costa Rica is 77 years.
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Coffee - Some of the World's Best!
Costa Rican coffee is known for its high quality and distinctive flavor. The country has a long history of coffee production, and its coffee beans are grown in the rich, volcanic soils of the Central Valley region. Costa Rican coffee is often described as having a balanced, smooth flavor, with notes of chocolate, nuts, and citrus. It is also known for its bright, fruity acidity, which gives it a crisp and refreshing taste. Many coffee enthusiasts consider Costa Rican coffee to be among the finest in the world, and it is often sought after by specialty coffee shops and roasters.
Costa Rica is known for its high-quality coffee, which is grown in the mountainous regions of the country. Costa Rican coffee is known for its smooth, rich flavor and is often described as having chocolate or nutty taste. The country is the world’s leading producer of high-quality Arabica coffee, which is a type of coffee bean that is prized for its flavor and aroma.
Coffee has been an important crop in Costa Rica for over 150 years, and the country is home to a number of small coffee farms, as well as larger, more industrial operations. Costa Rican coffee is grown at high elevations, between 1,100 and 1,800 meters above sea level, in areas with rich, well-draining soil and a tropical climate. The country’s coffee is generally grown using sustainable farming practices, and many farms are certified as organic.
Costa Rican coffee is typically sold as single-origin coffee, meaning that it is made from beans that come from a single specific geographic region. The country’s coffee is also often sold as shade-grown coffee, meaning that it is grown under a canopy of trees, which helps to protect the coffee plants from the sun and preserve the natural habitat.
Overall, Costa Rican coffee is known for its high quality and unique flavor profile, and it is enjoyed by coffee drinkers around the world.
Coffee was the largest industry in Costa Rica until tourism overtook it in 1991. COSTA RICA ranks 13th as the world’s largest coffee exporter.
Volcanos
There are 200 volcanic formations in Costa Rica. The volcanoes of Costa Rica are more than 65 million years old. Approximately five of these volcanoes are classified as active. The remaining volcanoes are dormant but could become active in the future. Arenal now is one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica and in the world.
In 1968 a huge eruption occurred at this volcano. Arenal’s last reported eruption was in 2010.
The Irazu volcano in Costa Rica is the tallest. It is 11,000 feet tall and can get very windy and chilly when visiting this location.
Costa Rica is Known for "Tico Time"
Tico Time is a colloquial term used in Costa Rica to refer to the local concept of time, which is typically more relaxed and informal than in other countries. This concept of time is often characterized by a more laid-back attitude towards punctuality and deadlines, and it is not uncommon for people in Costa Rica to be late for appointments or events. Tico Time is sometimes used as a way to explain why things may not happen exactly on time in Costa Rica, and it is a source of both pride and frustration for many people living in the country.
Beaches
Costa Rica has many beautiful beaches, with crystal-clear waters and white sandy shores. The country’s long coastline, which stretches along the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, is home to a diverse array of beaches, each with its own unique character and charm. Some of the most popular beaches in Costa Rica include Tamarindo Beach on the Pacific coast, which is known for its world-class surf breaks and vibrant nightlife, and Playa Conchal on the northern Pacific coast, which is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning sunsets.
On the Caribbean side, visitors can enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Puerto Viejo, with its relaxed vibe and beautiful beaches. Overall, Costa Rica’s beaches offer something for everyone, from adventure seekers to relaxation seekers.
To learn more about the top beach locations in Costa Rica, see our medical tourist map page. It can help you plan your trip when visiting Costa Rica.
Age Metrics Medical - Anti-Aging Costa Rica

Jeff Ugalde, M.D.
Medical Director

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Surfing
Costa Rica is a popular destination for surfing, with its long coastline and consistent waves. The country’s Pacific coast is particularly well-known for its surf breaks, with many world-class spots that attract surfers from around the world. Some of the most popular surf spots in Costa Rica include Playa Hermosa in the province of Puntarenas, which is known for its powerful waves and consistent breaks, and Pavones on the southern Pacific coast, which is considered one of the longest left-hand breaks in the world. In addition to its world-class surf spots, Costa Rica also offers a range of other surfing-related activities, such as surf camps, surf schools, and surf shops. Overall, Costa Rica is a great destination for surfers of all levels.
Costa Rica is a world-class surfing destination. Great surfing exists on both of Costa Rica’s coastlines. To learn more about Costa Rica surfing, review CostaRicanXperts.
Earthquakes
Earthquakes are common in Costa Rica. The country will experience tremors almost daily. A few times a year tremors become noticeable.
Major earthquakes occur in Costa Rica around once per decade. The last significant earthquake in Costa Rica was in 2017. The only deaths recorded were due to heart attacks.
No Military since 1949
In 1949, Costa Rica became the first country in the world to abolish the army.
Costa Rica has no standing army. The country redirects money it would otherwise spend on the military to improve education, health care, and a unique social safety net unrivaled in most of Central and Latin America. COSTA RICA has a 98% literacy rate.
Some of the Happiest People on the Planet
COSTA RICA is known to be the 12th happiest country on earth. The people of Costa Rica are known for their warmth and friendliness. The country has a diverse population, with many different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The majority of the population is of European descent, with significant numbers of people of African, indigenous, and mixed heritage. The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish, but many people also speak English, especially in the tourism industry. Costa Ricans are generally very proud of their country and its culture, and they are known for their strong sense of community and national pride. Overall, the people of Costa Rica are an important part of what makes the country such a unique and special place.
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