There are many reasons to NOT visit Costa Rica, a vibrant and peaceful country located in the heart of Central America. It’s best not to visit if you’re skeptical about venturing out into nature-filled landscapes. Also, those afraid of visions of paradise should just stay home. Basically,  if you want a boring vacation like the one you took last year, you probably shouldn’t come. Moreover, if you don’t want lifelong memories from taking life-affirming tours and activities in Costa Rica, this post is right up your alley.

Why Would You Want to NOT Visit Costa Rica?

First of all, it’s not like Costa Rica is full of incredible sights and otherworldly flora and fauna. Or that you can be driven from Dreams Las Mareas resort on an off-road vehicle to get the most complete nature tour in Costa Rica with the Tico X Adventure. Or that you can get a full dose of adrenaline at a place with dynamic natural views, like Diamante Eco Adventure Park.

Not to mention, the friendly people who make visitors feel completely at home. Even more, it’s not like Costa Rica is Central America’s Garden of Eden or anything like that, right? So without further ado, here are our 10 reasons not to visit Costa Rica.

10. You’d Never Walk on Hanging Bridges Surrounded by Forest

First of all, the idea of a bridge in the middle of a cloud forest is so “Avatar.” Rather than going on some made-up guided tours on forest reserves in Central America, you prefer to view them in 3D movies.

Also, if you do walk on a hanging bridge, you will not want the chance to enjoy breathtaking views anyway. So what’s the point of coming to visit Costa Rica to try it for real at the Arenal Volcano and Rainforest Walk?

9. You Find Active Volcanoes Boring

Additionally, volcanoes are the site of ancient rituals and only bring bad luck and fireballs. Boring… While there might be six active volcanoes to visit in Costa Rica, what kind of fun can you have anyway? So something like the aforementioned Arenal Volcano tour is best left to watch on video, if at all:

8. You Think Oxcarts Shouldn’t Be Painted

Furthermore, oxcarts are a large part of Costa Rican history and considered a national symbol. They are practical vehicles and traditionally have no need for fancy paint. In Costa Rica, local artists spend their time decorating “Las Carretas” oxcarts.

Painting and decorating oxcarts began in the early 20th century. Later, the entire wheels were painted and decorated to create a distinct look for each family. Many times, these designs would show the social status of the families. But you don’t care about all this history and culture in Costa Rica, right?

7. Thermal Baths Give You Wrinkles

Everything they say about the health benefits of thermal baths is a plain and simple lie. You don’t believe the hype, and for the life of you, you wouldn’t sink down into one at the Culture and Adventure Mega Combo.

6. You Suspect the ‘Eco’ in ‘Eco-Adventure’ Is Just a Marketing Gimmick

Words like “eco-friendly,” “eco-tourism” and “eco-adventures” are fine and dandy — just as long as they don’t really have anything to do with nature and the environment. Better to avoid a gimmick than expose yourself to nature.

5. You Prefer to Experience Wildlife on TV or at the Zoo

Why would anyone go to a place like Palo Verde National Park if all the wildlife is right in front of you? Who needs to take a boat ride to see crocodiles, capuchin monkeys and amazing birds when you can see them at a zoo? Plus, aren’t those peaceful creatures scary lookin’ in the wild?

Also, it’s not like Costa Rica has so many animals that need to be seen in person to be believed. And why even bother leaving home when everything you’d ever want to see is on YouTube anyway:

https://youtu.be/X5UpeCKmVSw

4. You Hate Green, Especially in a Forest

Forests aren’t meant to be green. Golf courses maybe, but not rainforests. And if they are, well, don’t let anyone count on you setting a foot into such a mean and dangerous place like Mother Nature.

So why even bother taking a life-changing excursion to a rainforest-like Sensoria, the Land of Senses? After all, who needs to be surrounded by so much pure greenery and thermal waters? Yup, that’s for chumps.

3. Gorgeous Sunsets Fill You with Emotions You Can’t Comprehend

Boooo. Hissssss. Sunsets are despicable and should never exist. Frankly, they make you mean. Agrrrr. At least people shouldn’t be able to watch them, especially when horse riding in Costa Rica. Not even when coming with a VIP group for their private meeting or event at a secluded mountain lodge to get sunset views like this one:

Similarly, you probably prefer watching sunsets on YouTube or Vimeo. So check out “Sunsets of Costa Rica” from The Film Poets to feel those strange emotions you might or might not seek:

2. The Easygoing ‘Pura Vida’ Spirit Ain’t Your Thing

You hate it when people go with the flow and simply enjoy life. Nothing should be uncomplicated in life, which should be suffered, not enjoyed. Especially at a place tucked away in beautiful mountains like the Rio Perdido lodge, where you can relax in thermal rivers and cleanse away your worries. Starting from the moment you arrive and are greeted with a warm smile and a welcome drink.

This laid back nature of Costan Ricans and their Pura Vida lifestyle should be prohibited. Who can be so friendly and sincere, being a perfect host to their amazing country? Who needs a vacation full of smiles and friendship when they visit Costa Rica anyway?

1. Nature? It’s Just for the Birds

Mehhh. All this nature stuff is probably painted anyway and doesn’t even look like that. Plus, nature is exclusively for the birds. Not like we can see a collection of beautiful feathered friends at an aviary like the one in the Diamante Eco Adventure Park.

Surely these types of sights are easily available back home, so no need to get out there and explore so much beauty.

Are You Convinced You Shouldn’t Visit Costa Rica?

Neither are we! We know you’ll have a most amazing time when you vacation in this paradise. So check out the most popular things to do in Guanacaste and Costa Rica while traveling to Central America.

And remember, Amstar DMC is your local destination expert for Costa Rica’s top destinations: Guanacaste, San Jose, Puntarenas, Arenal and Monteverde. We’re online and in destination to make sure to create inspiring travel experiences for you. We’ll be happy to pre-book your transfer from Liberia Airport to your resort. While you visit Costa Rica’s destinations, we hope you say it loudly: Pura Vida!

—This is an update of the original May 2015 post.