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FOR YOU, FOR FREE: 17 years' worth of firsthand Costa Rica trip planning and travel advice compiled into hundreds of articles, plus exclusive discounts. Created by a Costa Rican and a four-time published Costa Rica guidebook author. Welcome, amigos, and as we say in Costa Rica, pura vida!

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Costa Rica Glossary: English And Spanish Words And Phrases To Know When Planning Your Trip

Costa Rica Glossary: English And Spanish Words And Phrases To Know When Planning Your Trip

Last updated on April 17th, 2021 at 11:35 am GMT-6 (Costa Rica time)


Written by Nikki Solano

Nikki is the CEO of Pura Vida! eh? Inc. (Costa Rica Discounts), and the author of the guidebooks Moon Costa Rica (2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025 editions) and Moon Best of Costa Rica (2022 edition) from Moon Travel Guides. Together with her Costa Rican husband, Ricky, she operates the Costa Rica Travel Blog, created the online community DIY Costa Rica, built the Costa Rica Destination Tool, oversees the brand-new (summer 2023) Costa Rica Travel Shop, and designed the Costa Rica Trip Planning 101 E-Course. Also, Nikki wrote the Costa Rica cover feature for Wanderlust Magazine's sustainability-focused Travel Green List issue, showcased Costa Rica destinations and experiences on Rick Steves' Monday Night Travel show and podcast/radio show, and served as the Costa Rica Destination Editor for Essentialist, a luxury travel brand. Want to show your appreciation for her free article below? Thank Nikki here. ❤️️

Costa Rica Travel Consulting Nikki Solano


Need to know the meaning of a particular English or Spanish word that isn’t already included in our glossary below? Leave a comment for us at the bottom of the glossary and we’ll include it! 🙂

Costa Rica glossary: Popular Costa Rican words and phrases

All | A B C D G H J L P R S T U V W Z
There are currently 7 words or phrases in this directory beginning with the letter P.
Peak season
The period of time during each year when Costa Rica receives a surge of foreign visitors; represents the busiest part of the high season; typically the last two weeks of December to the first two weeks of January, as well as the week of Easter. Also called holiday season. More information: When To Go To Costa Rica According To Cost, Weather, Wildlife, And More!

Peligro
The Spanish word for "danger." Can be seen on signs anywhere in Costa Rica, including at beaches where rip currents are present, or around forested areas or estuaries where dangerous wildlife may be present.

Piratas
A Spanish nickname given to unlicensed taxi drivers. Also called unofficial taxi drivers. More information: Costa Rica Transportation: 12 Ways To Get Around Costa Rica.

Playa galardonada
The Spanish phrase for "Award-winning beach." Commonly seen on signs stationed at beaches that participate in Costa Rica's Programa Bandera Azul Ecológica. More information: Costa Rica’s Ecological Blue Flag Program: Safe and Sustainable Beaches.

Playa(s)
The Spanish word for "beach(es)." More information: 66 Costa Rica Beaches (In Photos) And Where To Find Them.

Private transfer service(s)
Private transportation (i.e., a transportation service that is not shared with occupants outside of your travel group) typically performed in an air conditioned microbus (for 5-12 people) or coaster (up to 28 people) with the flexibility to make custom rest stops. More information: Costa Rica Transportation: 12 Ways To Get Around Costa Rica and Private Transfer Services In Costa Rica.

Pura vida
Costa Rica's national mantra, which translates to "pure life." More information: 5 Ways Costa Rica's Mantra, Pura Vida, Can Help You Get Through The Covid-19 Pandemic and What Does Pura Vida Mean.


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