Our People

The Ticos, as Costa Ricans are commonly known, are a mixing of races. Though most of the country’s 4 million inhabitants descend from Spanish immigrants, many families originated in other parts of Europe, Asia, Africa and, indeed, Central America.

The Ticos, are famous for their hospitality, and are quite happy to live up to their reputation.

They are well-educated and hard working people, who are quick with a handshake and a smile. They are well aware of the special land they have, and most likely they will help foreigners when they get lost, even explaining things that might seem strange to foreigners, and making their stay as enjoyable as possible.

You may be surprised by the number of fair-skinned people you’ll see in the country, especially in the Central Valley.
In the lowlands, more people are mestizos -that is mixture of European and Indigenous blood- whereas most along the Caribbean coast belong to an African lineage, and much of the Talamanca Mountain Range is inhabited by full-blooded Indians of various tribes.

People say the Ticos are their nation’s greatest asset, and once you’ve experienced their friendliness and spontaneity, you’ll have no doubt to that regard.