Spanish is the primary language in Costa Rica, spoken by about 95 percent of the population. There are a few other indigenous languages spoken in certain areas of the country including Cabécar, Bribri, and Maleku. In the region of Guatuso, Maleku is spoken by a few hundred people, with Spanish being their second language.
The currency of Costa Rica is called a colón. It ranges from denominations of ₡1,000, ₡2,000, ₡5,000, ₡10,000, ₡20,000, to ₡50,000. There are also coins ranging from ₡5, ₡10, ₡20, ₡50, ₡100, and ₡500. Colónes are colorful bills that feature several historical political figures, along with aspects of the wildlife Costa Rica is famous for.
A standard bottle of water costs about ₡500 to ₡750. I don’t typically buy water bottles because I prefer to use my reusable bottle and fill it from the tap. Many towns have regulated aqueducts that provide potable water that is safe to drink.
