Exploring The HAPPIEST Country Of Latin America | Costa Rica 🇨🇷 |

Summary

In this engaging exploration of Costa Rica, the narrator shares their experiences with the vibrant local culture, unique currency featuring colorful designs and Braille, and the welcoming atmosphere of the people. They highlight delicious traditional foods like caldosa and tamal, emphasizing the rich flavors and affordability. The bustling markets and thoughtful city design for accessibility are also noted, along with a glimpse of the police response to a petty crime, underscoring the importance of safety. Overall, the video celebrates the warmth and hospitality of Costa Rica, inviting viewers to experience the pura vida lifestyle.

Takeaways

• 💰 The local currency in Costa Rica is colones, currently about 570 colones per dollar.
• 🌈 Costa Rican bills are colorful, made of plastic, and include Braille for accessibility.
• 😊 Costa Rica was ranked the happiest country in 2019 and remains the happiest in Latin America.
• ☕ The host recommends trying local coffee, which is among the best they’ve ever had.
• 🏙️ Avenita Central is a bustling area with shops and local food options, perfect for finding souvenirs.
• 🥙 At Mercado Central, you can find traditional dishes like caldosa, a bag of chips filled with ceviche and vegetables.
• 🌿 The tamal, a traditional dish, is wrapped in banana leaves and filled with meat and veggies, though it's very hot when served.
• 🚰 A convenient hand-wash station is available after eating, reflecting the focus on hygiene.
• 🎉 The phrase 'pura vida' embodies the friendly spirit of Costa Ricans and is commonly used in greetings.
• 🏛️ The city features beautiful architecture, but visitors should be cautious of petty crime.

Q & A

What is the local currency in Costa Rica?

The local currency is called the colón, with an exchange rate of approximately 570 colones per dollar.

What unique features do the banknotes in Costa Rica have?

Costa Rican banknotes are colorful and made of plastic, featuring Braille to assist visually impaired individuals in identifying the denominations.

Why is Costa Rica known as the happiest country?

Costa Rica was ranked the happiest country in the world in 2019 due to its friendly culture and overall positive atmosphere, although its ranking has since changed with Finland and others rising.

What are some recommended places to visit in San Jose, Costa Rica?

Avenida Central and Mercado Central are recommended for experiencing local culture, food, and shopping.

What is caldosa, and how is it served?

Caldosa is a local snack served in a bag of chips filled with ceviche, tomatoes, and onions, making it a flavorful and unique meal.

What does 'pura vida' mean, and how is it used?

'Pura vida' translates to 'pure life' and is a common phrase in Costa Rica, used to express a positive attitude in greetings and farewells.

What kind of food is tamal in Costa Rica?

Tamal is a dish wrapped in banana leaves, containing meat and vegetables, typically served hot.

What safety concerns did the narrator mention while in Costa Rica?

The narrator mentioned witnessing a police incident involving a petty crime, emphasizing the importance of staying aware of one's surroundings.

How do locals signal pedestrians in Costa Rica?

The sound of constant honking serves as a signal for pedestrians, indicating that it is safe to cross the street.

What was the narrator's overall impression of the culture in Costa Rica?

The narrator felt that the culture is very welcoming and friendly, with people generally smiling and greeting one another.