Over the last four or five years since Covid, the tourism in Costa Rica has literally exploded. Whilst it had been one of the safer places to travel in Central America before, Costa Rica really flourished during Covid, and even between visiting three years ago, and this year, I saw an incredible difference in the environment, infrastructure, the number of gringos and, of course, the prices.
If you have just moved or are planning to move to Costa Rica as an expat or digital nomad, I understand you. If you’re just passing through, then this guide is made for you, too! Thanks to the growing number of expats, digital nomads and travellers in Costa Rica, it’s probably one of the easiest places to make friends with both other travellers, as there are so many of them, and with locals, as their boom in tourism is increasing use of English throughout the country.
Costa Rica is a country and culture where relationships and community are deeply valued. Locals, known as ticos, are warm, approachable, and happy to share their culture with foreigners. The expat communities in areas like Tamarindo and Nosara are equally welcoming, offering a mix of retirees, remote workers, surfers, entrepreneurs and travellers. This combination makes Costa Rica’s social scene vibrant and dynamic, and I can tell you that for a fact – I made some incredible friends when I was in Costa Rica this year, and I’m still in touch with many of them.
Contents
- Choose Your Base in Costa Rica Wisely
- Take Advantage of Costa Rica’s Social Customs
- Join Local Activities and Clubs
- Attend Festivals and Community Events
- Tips for Building a Social Circle in Costa Rica
- FAQs About Making Friends in Costa Rica
Choose Your Base in Costa Rica Wisely
Costa Rica’s expat hubs each have a unique social scene tailored to different lifestyles. Choosing the right base can make a big difference in how easily you build your social circle.
San José and the Central Valley
San José and the surrounding Central Valley are popular with professionals, families, and retirees, thanks to their modern amenities and central location.
Join Networking Events: The capital is a hub for professional networking events and workshops, often hosted in coworking spaces like Selina or Impact Hub.
Frequent Popular Cafés: San José has a growing coffee shop culture. Spots like Café del Barista and Franco are ideal for meeting expats and locals alike.
Explore Cultural Attractions: Attend concerts, art exhibitions, and performances at venues like the National Theatre or the GAM Cultural Centre to connect with culturally minded individuals.
Participate in Sports Clubs: Join a football league or a tennis club, or take yoga and fitness classes at gyms across the Central Valley. These activities are popular with both locals and expats.
🇨🇷 Read more: A Guide to Eating and Street Food in Costa Rica
Tamarindo
Tamarindo, known for its stunning beaches and surf culture, attracts a mix of surfers, remote workers, and retirees.
Take Surf Lessons: Tamarindo’s surf schools are a fantastic way to meet others. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned surfer, joining group lessons or local surf meetups helps you connect with like-minded people.
Visit Expats’ Hangouts: Popular spots like Nogui’s Sunset Café and Patagonia del Mar are perfect for casual conversations and meeting new people.
Attend Community Events: Tamarindo regularly hosts events such as beach cleanups, yoga retreats, and live music nights, creating opportunities to meet expats and locals.
Nosara
Nosara is a haven for wellness enthusiasts and surfers, offering a laid-back atmosphere and strong community spirit.
Join Yoga Retreats: Nosara is famous for its yoga scene, with world-class studios like Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort offering classes and workshops. These attract a mix of expats, locals, and travellers.
Participate in Beach Activities: Beach volleyball, group surf sessions, and environmental initiatives like turtle conservation projects are popular and great ways to meet others.
Connect at Farmers’ Markets: Nosara’s weekly organic markets are a social hub for locals and expats, providing a relaxed space to mingle.
🇨🇷 Read more: Travelling to Costa Rica in February: A Guide
Take Advantage of Costa Rica’s Social Customs
Understanding Costa Rica’s social customs and values can help you build stronger relationships with locals.
Learn Basic Spanish: While many expats and locals in tourist areas speak English, learning Spanish shows respect and fosters deeper connections. Language classes are also another great way to meet new people.
Embrace Costa Rican Hospitality: Ticos are known for their friendliness and politeness. A smile, a greeting like pura vida (a common Costa Rican phrase meaning “pure life”), or a small act of kindness can go a long way in forming bonds.
Share Meals: Costa Rican culture values family and social gatherings, often centred around food. Inviting someone to share a meal of gallo pinto or casado, or joining a local food festival, is a great way to connect.
Join Local Activities and Clubs
Participating in hobbies or joining clubs is one of the easiest ways to meet people with shared interests.
Outdoor Adventures: Costa Rica’s natural beauty lends itself to outdoor activities. Join hiking groups exploring volcanoes like Arenal or Poás, or sign up for eco-tourism excursions in national parks.
Fitness and Wellness: Fitness classes, yoga sessions, and beach workouts are widely available, particularly in areas like Nosara and Tamarindo.
Cooking Classes: Learning to make traditional Costa Rican dishes like tamales or ceviche is not only fun but also an excellent way to meet others interested in local culture.
Sports Clubs: Football is a national passion, and joining a local team or attending games is a great way to bond with locals. Surfing and paddleboarding clubs are also popular in coastal areas.
Attend Festivals and Community Events
Costa Rica’s calendar is filled with festivals and events that bring people together.
Fiestas Patronales: Each town has its own patron saint festival, featuring parades, music, food, and traditional dancing. These events are fantastic opportunities to mingle with locals.
Envision Festival in Uvita: This internationally renowned festival combines music, art, and wellness, attracting a mix of expats, travellers, and locals.
Farmers’ Markets: Weekly markets in towns like Tamarindo, Nosara, and Escazú are lively social hubs where you can meet locals and expats while supporting small businesses.
Tips for Building a Social Circle in Costa Rica
Join Facebook and WhatsApp Groups: Social media platforms are popular in Costa Rica for organising events, meetups, and activities. Search for groups like “Expats in Costa Rica” or city-specific groups for the latest updates.
Find Your Favourite Spot: Becoming a regular at a local café, bar, or gym helps you build relationships with staff and other patrons.
Take Group Classes: Whether it’s surfing, yoga, or Spanish lessons, group activities provide structured opportunities to meet others.
Volunteer Locally: Environmental and social causes, such as turtle conservation or community development projects, are popular among expats and locals, providing a meaningful way to connect.
FAQs About Making Friends as an Expat in Costa Rica
Why is Costa Rica a good place for expats to make friends?
Costa Rica’s warm, welcoming culture and active expat communities create abundant opportunities for meaningful social connections. Locals and expats alike value relationships and community.
Where are the best places in Costa Rica to meet other expats?
Expat-friendly areas include San José, Tamarindo, Nosara, and Escazú, which offer vibrant social scenes with cafes, events, and expat hangouts.
How can I meet locals in Costa Rica?
Learn basic Spanish, join local clubs or activities, and participate in community events like farmers’ markets, festivals, or sports clubs to connect with locals.
What are some activities that help expats meet people in Costa Rica?
Activities like surfing lessons, yoga retreats, hiking groups, and cooking classes are excellent ways to meet both locals and fellow expats with similar interests.
Are there online platforms for connecting with expats in Costa Rica?
Facebook and WhatsApp groups, such as “Expats in Costa Rica” or city-specific groups, are popular for organising events, sharing advice, and connecting with others.
How can I participate in cultural events to make friends in Costa Rica?
Attend local festivals like Fiestas Patronales or the Envision Festival, which are great for mingling with locals and expats in a festive, social setting.
Is it easy to make friends in Costa Rica as a non-Spanish speaker?
While many locals in tourist areas speak English, learning basic Spanish helps deepen connections and shows respect for the culture, making it easier to form friendships.
Conclusion on Making Friends in Costa Rica
Making friends as an expat in Costa Rica is an enriching experience that enhances your time in this beautiful country. Whether you’re attending community events in San José, surfing with a group in Tamarindo, or practising yoga in Nosara, the opportunities to connect are abundant. By embracing local customs, exploring shared interests, and staying open to new experiences, you’ll build a social circle that makes Costa Rica feel like home.