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Costa Rican Glossary

¡Upe!

OO-peh!
A common call to see if anyone is home or to get someone's attention at a house or small business. It's more polite than shouting 'hello?'

In a sentence: "He walked up to the pulpería and called out, '¡Upe!'"

¿Al chile?

al CHEE-lay?
A slang phrase meaning 'Really?', 'For real?', or 'Seriously?'. Used to express disbelief or to ask for confirmation.

In a sentence: "Q: 'I saw a jaguar on the trail.'
A: '¿Al chile?'"

Birra

BEE-rrah
Slang for 'beer.' Borrowed from the Italian word.

In a sentence: "It's hot today, I need a cold birra."

Bomba

BOHM-bah
Literally 'bomb.' In Costa Rica, this refers to a gas station.

In a sentence: "We need to stop at the next bomba to fill up the tank."

Brete

BREH-teh
Slang for 'work' or 'a job.'

In a sentence: "I have to go to brete early tomorrow morning."

Buena Nota

BWEH-nah NO-tah
Literally 'good note.' A phrase used to describe a person who is cool, kind, or has good vibes. It can also mean 'cool' or 'right on.'

In a sentence: "The surf instructor was really buena nota."

Cacique

kah-SEE-kay
Costa Rica's most popular brand of guaro, a clear liquor made from sugarcane. It's the go-to spirit for many local mixed drinks and shots.

In a sentence: "Can you make me a chili-guaro with Cacique?"

Casado

kah-SAH-doh
Literally 'married man.' It's the quintessential Costa Rican lunch plate, consisting of rice, black beans, a salad, fried plantains, and a choice of protein (fish, chicken, beef, or pork).

In a sentence: "I'm hungry, I'm going to order a casado with chicken."

Chepe

CHEH-peh
colloquial and affectionate nickname for the capital city, San José.

In a sentence: "We're heading to Chepe for the weekend to visit the museums."

Chunche

CHOON-cheh
A catch-all word for 'thing,' 'stuff,' or 'what-cha-ma-call-it.' Used when you can't 1remember the name of an object.

In a sentence: "Can you pass me that chunche from the table?"

Colones

co-LOH-nays
The Costa Rican Colón (₡), named after Christopher Columbus, is the official currency of Costa Rica, recognized for its vibrant banknotes that celebrate the nation's rich wildlife.

In a sentence: "Excuse me, how many colones is the casado con pollo?"

Empanada

em-pah-NAH-dah
A savory pastry, typically fried, filled with ingredients like cheese, beans, potatoes, or shredded meat. A popular and quick snack or breakfast item found in sodas and bakeries.

In a sentence: "I'll grab a cheese empanada and a coffee for breakfast."

Gallo

GAH-yo
Literally 'rooster.' In Costa Rican food culture, a 'gallo' is a small snack, similar to a soft taco. It's typically a corn tortilla topped with a small portion of a filling like shredded meat, potatoes, or picadillo.

In a sentence: "I'm not very hungry, I'll just have a gallo de papa (potato gallo)."

Gallo Pinto

GAH-yo PEEN-toh
The national breakfast dish of Costa Rica. It's a mix of rice and black beans, often cooked with onions, sweet peppers, and cilantro. Usually served with eggs and sour cream.

In a sentence: "I could eat gallo pinto for breakfast every day."

Guaro

GWAH-roh
The generic term for alcohol, but most often refers to Cacique, the national sugar-cane liquor of Costa Rica.

In a sentence: "Let's do some shots of guaro!"

Macho / Macha

MAH-cho / MAH-chah
Slang for a light-skinned or blonde person (macho for male, macha for female). It is not derogatory.

In a sentence: "My friend with the blonde hair is often called 'macha' by the locals."

Mae

my
The Costa Rican equivalent of 'dude' or 'bro.' Used informally and very frequently between friends, mostly by men.

In a sentence: "Mae, let's go grab a beer."

Pulpería

pool-peh-REE-ah
small neighborhood convenience store or corner shop that sells basic groceries, snacks, and drinks.

In a sentence: "I need to go to the pulpería to buy some eggs."

Pura Vida

POO-rah VEE-dah
Literally 'Pure Life.' The national motto of Costa Rica. It's a greeting, a farewell, and a way of life meaning everything's great, life is good, and you're thankful for what you have.

In a sentence: "Q: How are you? A: Pura Vida!"

Salado

sah-LAH-doh
Literally 'salty.' Used to describe someone who has bad luck or is in a tough situation. It means 'too bad' or 'you're out of luck.'

In a sentence: "You missed the last bus? ¡Qué salado!"

Soda

SOH-dah
A small, family-run, traditional Costa Rican restaurant. Sodas serve local dishes like 'casado' at very affordable prices. This is the best place for an authentic meal.

In a sentence: "We had lunch at a soda on the way to the beach."

Tico / Tica

TEE-ko / TEE-kah
A colloquial term for a native Costa Rican man (Tico) or woman (Tica). It comes from the local tendency to add '-ico' to the end of words to form a diminutive.

In a sentence: "The local Ticos are very friendly to tourists."

Tuanis

TWAH-nees
slang word meaning 'cool,' 'awesome,' or 'great.' Believed to be derived from spelling the English words 'too nice' in Spanish.

In a sentence: "That surf spot is tuanis!"

Explore the hidden
Costa Rica!

Car Rental

Go Anywhere, Anytime ♦ Flexible ♦ Groups/Families

Renting a car in Costa Rica gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and reach destinations that buses and shuttles don’t always cover. From hidden beaches to remote mountain towns, having your own wheels means you can stop whenever adventure calls. It’s the ultimate choice for flexibility and independence on your journey.

Ground Transportation
Taxis & Rideshares
Private Shuttles
Rental Cars
Local City Buses
City-to-City Buses

How the rental process works. A Step-by-Step Guide

Navigating the local bus is all about a simple five-step process.

Book Ahead of Time

Cars book up quickly, especially in high season (December–April). Reserving online is smart, but keep in mind that the super-low prices you see on websites often don’t include mandatory insurance. More on that in a minute.

Pro Tips
Refundable: Book your rental car with a refundable option—no one likes losing their deposit when plans take a detour.

City Bus Stop

Pick-Up at the Airport (Almost)

Whether you land in San José or Liberia, most agencies aren’t right inside the airport. Instead, you’ll catch a quick shuttle to their lot. It’s pretty painless, just don’t expect to walk straight from baggage claim to your car keys.
Local Tip:  Don’t just stand there! As the bus approaches, flag it down by sticking your arm out. This signals to the driver that you want to get on. If you don’t, they might just drive right by.

Bus Fare

The Insurance Surprise

This is where many travelers feel blindsided. Costa Rica requires liability insurance by law—it’s not optional. Agencies also push additional coverage that can double the cost of your rental. If your credit card offers collision insurance, you can sometimes decline their CDW, but be prepared for a hefty hold on your card.

Inspect Before You Drive

Before leaving the lot, walk around the car and take photos of every dent and scratch, no matter how small. Check the spare tire, jack, and lights. A few minutes of diligence here can save headaches later.

Returning the Car

Allow extra time at the end of your trip for drop-off and the shuttle back to the airport. Some agencies charge if the car comes back too muddy—so if you’ve been off exploring dirt roads, a quick rinse beforehand doesn’t hurt.

How the Rental Process Works

  • Book Ahead of Time
    Cars book up quickly, especially in high season (December–April). Reserving online is smart, but keep in mind that the super-low prices you see on websites often don’t include mandatory insurance. More on that in a minute.
  • Pick-Up at the Airport (Almost)
    Whether you land in San José or Liberia, most agencies aren’t right inside the airport. Instead, you’ll catch a quick shuttle to their lot. It’s pretty painless, just don’t expect to walk straight from baggage claim to your car keys.
  • The Insurance Surprise
    This is where many travelers feel blindsided. Costa Rica requires liability insurance by law—it’s not optional. Agencies also push additional coverage that can double the cost of your rental. If your credit card offers collision insurance, you can sometimes decline their CDW, but be prepared for a hefty hold on your card.
  • Inspect Before You Drive
    Before leaving the lot, walk around the car and take photos of every dent and scratch, no matter how small. Check the spare tire, jack, and lights. A few minutes of diligence here can save headaches later.
  • Returning the Car
    Allow extra time at the end of your trip for drop-off and the shuttle back to the airport. Some agencies charge if the car comes back too muddy—so if you’ve been off exploring dirt roads, a quick rinse beforehand doesn’t hurt.

Book your rental car with a refundable option—no one likes losing their deposit when plans take a detour.

The Pros of Renting a Car

  • Freedom to Explore
    Go where buses don’t, on your own schedule. Hidden beaches and off-the-map waterfalls? They’re yours.
  • Scenic Drives
    Rolling green hills, volcano views, coastal highways—you’ll be pulling over constantly for photos.
  • Great for Groups
    With friends or family, splitting the cost makes it affordable and convenient.
  • Off-the-Beaten-Path Access
    A car gets you to towns and natural spots that would take forever by bus or shuttle.s or shuttle.

The Cons of Renting a Car

  • Insurance Costs
    Sticker shock is real—the “$15/day” car can easily turn into $50+ with insurance.
  • Road Conditions
    Expect potholes, unpaved stretches, and the occasional river crossing (yes, really).
  • Driving Style
    San José traffic is chaotic, and signage in rural areas is… let’s say creative.
  • Parking Security
    Car break-ins do happen. Never leave valuables inside.
  • Rainy Season Surprises
    Roads can wash out or turn to mud fast—sometimes a 4×4 isn’t just nice, it’s essential.

Local Tips for a Great Driving Experience
Refundable: Book your rental car with a refundable option—no one likes losing their deposit when plans take a detour.
Pick the Right Car: A 4×4 is your best friend if you’re heading to mountains, remote beaches, or traveling in rainy season. If you are sticking to highways and cities? A sedan will do.
Download Waze: Google Maps works, but in Costa Rica, everyone relies on Waze. It’s more accurate with road closures, traffic, and those “shortcut” backroads locals love.
Daylight Driving Only:
Roads can be narrow, poorly lit, and winding. Add sudden rain or wildlife crossings, and you’ll be glad you scheduled drives while the sun’s out.

  • Refundable: Book your rental car with a refundable option—no one likes losing their deposit when plans take a detour.
  • Pick the Right Car: A 4×4 is your best friend if you’re heading to mountains, remote beaches, or traveling in rainy season.
    If you are sticking to highways and cities? A sedan will do.
  • Download Waze: Google Maps works, but in Costa Rica, everyone relies on Waze. It’s more accurate with road closures, traffic, and those “shortcut” backroads locals love.
  • Daylight Driving Only: Roads can be narrow, poorly lit, and winding. Add sudden rain or wildlife crossings, and you’ll be glad you scheduled drives while the sun’s out.
  • Fuel Up Smart: Gas stations are full-service, and attendants pump for you. They’re also scarce in remote areas—so top up when you can.
  • Follow the Rules: Speed traps are common, and fines are steep. Buckle up and keep it slow—it’s not a country to rush through anyway.
  • Park Securely: Always choose hotel lots or paid parking with attendants. Even at the beach, take your belongings with you.

Final Thoughts

Renting a car in Costa Rica is a bit more expensive and adventurous than you might expect, but for many travelers, it’s completely worth it. You’ll see corners of the country you could never reach by bus or shuttle, and the freedom to stop whenever the scenery calls (spoiler: it will, often) is priceless.

If you go in with realistic expectations, a good vehicle, and a sense of adventure, hitting the road in Costa Rica can turn into one of the highlights of your trip.

This article is part of our Costa Rica Transportation Series: Car Rental | Intercity Buses | Shuttles | Taxis & Rideshare | City Bus

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