Sidebar #41 - Gringolandia

Costa Rica is a fascinating country to serve in as a Peace Corps Volunteer, because unlike a lot of other Peace Corps countries, many Americans have familiarity with it. In fact, I’d imagine many of you who read my blog have even had the opportunity to visit. Its location and natural beauty make it a logical vacation from the United States. In 2025, Costa Rica has 2 large international airports - one in San Jose and another in Liberia in Guanacaste. Each boasts a bevy of flights from the US. Although the US never had as much of a political influence in Costa Rica compared to say Nicaragua and Panama, the United States still plays a large role in shaping modern Costa Rica through business, tourism, trade, and diplomacy. 

It’s commonplace in Latin America to hear the term “gringo”, which is used to refer to a non-Latin white person, but more often than not, is used to describe Americans specifically. Oftentimes it’s used playfully, but sometimes it can be perceived as derogatory, depending on how the person views the United States. By and large, Americans are very well-received in Costa Rica. The two countries maintain a tight economic and diplomatic relationship and Ticos embrace many aspects of American culture. Furthermore, Americans play a significant role in bolstering Costa Rica’s tourism-based economy. There are several tourist destinations where menus are in English and US Dollars are accepted despite colones being the national currency. In these oceanside towns, and even in the Valle Central near the capital, many expats and digital nomads have taken residence. However, the American influence has become so robust that some Ticos are beginning to sound the alarm. There was a special news program on the national news station a couple months ago that highlighted the strain that Americans are putting on Costa Rica’s culture and its natural resources. 

All of this is to say, an increased American influence in Costa Rica can be both good and bad - it’s not a black and white issue. However, if you come to Costa Rica, I’d encourage you to travel as responsibly and respectfully as possible as to not further damage America’s reputation here before Ticos feel even further ostracized. Maybe avoid the large all-inclusive resorts in Guanacaste in favor of a hotel or B&B in the mountains or near the beach. Perhaps try to use some basic Spanish, dine at a local soda, and pay in the national currency instead of sticking to the comfortable tourist hotspots that can feel more like the US than Costa Rica at times. The relationship between the US and Costa Rica will undoubtedly remain close and robust, but I think that as Americans we can all do our part to ensure that the country doesn’t wander too far into becoming Gringolandia.