Costa Rica is well-known for its landscapes and eco-friendly tourism, it’s a country which offers multiple experiences to make your adventure different and particular from other destinations; and some of local cultural facts could be also part of the whole package.
The Costa Rica address system is very unique in the world, and unlike many other countries, it does not use street names, building numbers or avenues, but rather uses landmarks, distances and clues. Even though this sounds fascinating, it might be a challenging matter for visitors. In this article we will try to explain how the address system works, why it was developed this way and share some tips to navigate the country.
Why Is the Address System Different?
The Costa Rican address system has its roots from its history, as the approach emerged from the country’s rural past, where formal street names were unnecessary in small towns and villages. People used to simply refer to well-known landmarks like churches, trees or public buildings, to explain where things were. This practice has persisted throughout the country’s development, cities have grown and modern infrastructure has been introduced, however this particularity has stayed as part of Costa Rica becoming part of the country’s charm.
How to Understand The Costa Rica Address System?
To find out how this system works, it’s essential to break them down into their core components: landmarks, distances, directions and former spots. This way, when you receive the direction, you will need to find out the core of it.
How Does a Typical Address look like in Costa Rica?
Often you can read something like this: “De la Iglesia Católica, 200 metros al norte, 50 metros al este, casa verde a mano derecha”; which translated to English would mean: “From the Catholic Church, 200 meters north, 50 meters east, the green house on the right”. This example describes landmarks, with directions tied to very often used cardinal points (north, south, east, west).
But how do we identify these key elements?
The Use Of Landmarks
These are the most important elements. They can include anything from a church, school, park, or government building to something as simple as a large or particular tree, a corner shop, or a famous local feature. But don’t worry, these landmarks are usually chosen because they are easily recognizable and have been there for many years. For example, in the heart of San José, you will hear addresses referencing the iconic National Theatre or the Central Park; in smaller towns, it’s gonna be more often the local church or supermarkets as central points of reference.
Directions and Distances
Costa Ricans often give directions using cardinal points:
- Norte (North)
- Sur (South)
- Este (East)
- Oeste (West)
But this does not require a strict use of a compass, every town in the country has a Catholic Church as central point reference. Take into consideration that almost all of them are facing West.
Additionally, with the cardinal points, people measure distances in meters. Even though Costa Rica uses the metric system, distances are mostly estimations in the form of “blocks” where each block roughly translates to 100 meters. For instance, “200 metros al norte” would mean “200 meters to the north”, which corresponds to two blocks.
Street Names and House Numbers
While major city centers like San José do have some streets and buildings with numbers and names, and these are somehow identified with street signs, these are rarely used in everyday life and most Costa Ricans are not familiar with them. In every scenario they would prefer to describe with landmarks and directions.
For example, instead of saying “Calle 5, Avenida Central” (Street 5, Central Avenue) they would prefer saying “De la esquina del Banco Nacional, 100 metros al sur” (From the corner of the National Bank, 100 meters to the south). These descriptions can be confusing for someone unfamiliar with the area or who expects a grid system with numbered streets and buildings, but with time it starts making certain sense (not always).
Main Challenges for Foreigners
The lack of street signs combined with the lack of common knowledge of Costa Ricans of those places which do have street signs, might be difficult to orient for tourists, especially when using standard GPS applications and/or address references requested to your destinations like hotels or restaurants, by asking them for an “international format” without knowing these particularities of Costa Rica. Some places do share the “international format” but once near the place, the challenge continues.
However, there’s another very confusing matter which might make things a little bit harder than expected.
Changing Landmarks Over Time
Another issue is that some landmarks can change or disappear over time. A famous tree might get cut down, or a local shop may close. Surprisingly despite this fact, the locals do not change the landmarks for references as they assume that everybody remembers where they used to be. This becomes very confusing for newcomers, so don’t be ashamed to ask why something is called a thing you don’t see on the spot.
How to Navigate Costa Rican Addresses as a Foreigner
It’s normal to be a little confused, even scared, after reading this article until this point. But don’t worry, we bring some essential tips for you to get the best out of this experience and even enjoy this particularity of the Costa Rican culture.
Use GPS and Navigation Apps
Though not perfect, apps like Google Maps and Waze are very useful tools to find your way in Costa Rica. Many businesses are listed on these apps, and major roads and highways are well-marked. Even if these apps are globally standardized, you’ll find that they have personalized their functionality in Costa Rica so you might even find the names of the landmarks or well-known establishments near your destination.
Learn the Landmarks
Try to familiarize yourself with the main landmarks in the area where you are staying, ask the locals about the nearest recognizable features and learn about them. Once you understand the nature and functionality of this system, you find it easier to apply it all around the country. Remember that practice makes perfect.
Ask for Directions
Costa Ricans are not only known for their friendliness and hospitality, but also their consciousness. They know their address system is particular and they’re usually more than happy to provide directions and be patient while doing so. We would recommend you to ask more than one person – especially if you are already on the way following your first instructions. Also be prepared for directions that use landmarks and approximate distances in meters or blocks, in some regions they can tell you’ll require 10 minutes driving, and could be anything from 5 to 60 minutes (or more). In these cases, don’t despair, and wait for the landmarks to come up on your way.
Conclusion
This system might seem unusual, but it’s part of the country’s rich culture and history. Once you learn how to navigate using landmarks and directions, you will have a deeper appreciation of Costa Rican life. With a little patience and local knowledge, you’ll quickly adapt to this unconventional way of finding your way around the country, and then – once you master it – you’ll notice that the Pura Vida slowly captures you as well.
