Being Vegan in Costa Rica: The Ultimate Guide for Plant-Based Travelers
- Esteban Acedo
- 6 days ago
- 9 min read
Are you a vegan or vegetarian planning a trip to Costa Rica? You might be wondering:
Is Costa Rica vegan-friendly? Will I be able to find plant-based meals while exploring waterfalls, jungles, and beaches? All the answers and information you may need are in this article!
At Pura Vida Traveling, we aim to help plant-based travelers discover the best vegan eats, eco-conscious accommodations, and local experiences.
We’ll share a complete guide to thriving as a vegan in Costa Rica:
what to eat, from traditional dishes to vegan restaurants and grocery store tips;
where to go, such as the most vegan-friendly cities and accommodation advice;
what to pack, to be prepared for the smoothest experience;
how to communicate your dietary needs with ease in Spanish.
Let's dive in!
Is Costa Rica Vegan-Friendly?
First things first — yes! While traditional Costa Rican cuisine leans heavily on rice, beans, and fresh produce — naturally vegan-friendly staples — the vegan scene has grown significantly in recent years thanks to the country's deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and living in harmony with nature, which naturally lends itself to fresh, healthy, and plant-based foods.
In popular destinations, you’ll find everything from fully vegan restaurants to veggie-friendly menus with gluten-free, raw, and organic options. And don't worry — if you’re heading off the beaten path, we’ll share the best tips to help you stay happy, healthy, and well-fed.
One thing to remember: you don’t necessarily have to splurge on fancy restaurants or complicated dishes to experience the vegan side of Costa Rica. Sometimes the best way to connect with Pura Vida’s spirit is by enjoying simple, fresh, and local ingredients, like the vibrant tropical fruits and vegetables that are part of daily life here.
Bonus tip: Costa Ricans, also known as "Ticos," are incredibly warm and accommodating. Don’t hesitate to ask for a modification—most places will happily accommodate a swap of meat or eggs for extra veggies or beans.
How to spot vegan options in Costa Rica:
what to look for on menus
Even in traditional "sodas" (local eateries), you'll find dishes that are naturally vegan or easy to veganize. Here's a breakdown by meal to help you know what typical Costa Rican food to order.
At the end of the guide, you'll find a detailed Spanish glossary to help you order all your favorite vegan dishes.
For Breakfast, look for:
Gallo Pinto (rice and beans) – usually vegan by default. Ask to skip the eggs or cream if included.
Fried plantains (maduros or patacones) – sweet or savory, a delicious addition.
Fresh fruit – papaya, pineapple, mango, watermelon, and bananas are abundant.
Toast or local bread with jam, peanut butter, or avocado.
Coffee – usually served black. Ask for plant-based milk if needed (almond milk is the most common).
Imagine sipping your morning cafecito in a jungle-view hotel, a bowl of fruit and a plate of gallo pinto in front of you, with birds singing all around. You are happy and you know it... Pure bliss.
At Lunch and Dinner, you can opt for:
Casado – a typical plate with rice, beans, salad, and plantains. You may need to ask for it without meat, eggs, or cheese.
Vegetable soups or lentil stews – often naturally vegan.
Tacos or burritos – go for beans, avocado, veggies, and salsa.
Arroz con vegetales – rice with veggies, often stir-fried.
Ceviche de banano verde or mango – a fun local twist on traditional ceviche.
After a magical day wandering through lush rainforest trails, spotting sloths, monkeys, and toucans, you arrive at a cozy, open-air soda and settle at a wooden table. A fresh, colorful vegan casado is served. You sip on a cold coconut water, smiling as you replay the wonders you just witnessed.
Pure, simple joy — this is the true Costa Rica vibe.
As Snacks and Appetizers, don't miss:
Patacones with guacamole or black bean dip (ask for no cheese if needed).
Yuca frita or cassava chips.
Tostadas with beans and veggies.
Tropical juices like tamarindo, maracuya, pineapple, or hibiscus iced tea.
Coconut water straight from the palm tree, cracked open and served fresh.
Imperial beer – a local favorite, even better in the light version!
For the perfect happy hour, choose a nice beachfront bar, order an ice-cold Imperial (or a fresh juice), a plate of patacones with black bean dip, and enjoy the breathtaking sunset by the ocean. Time slows, and life feels beautifully complete: welcome to Pura Vida.
How to stay Vegan while traveling around Costa Rica?
Where to Shop for Vegan Groceries?
Whether you’re staying at a place equipped with a kitchen or just need snacks for the road, you’ll find plenty of plant-based options in national grocery chains and local health food stores.
National Supermarket Chains
AutoMercado: One of the best options for vegans. Offers a wide variety of plant-based milks (almond, soy, oat), tofu, legumes, grains, vegan snacks, and even imported vegan products.
Más x Menos: A more basic selection of fresh produce, beans, rice, and pantry staples. Convenient and widely available.
Maxi Pali and SuperCompro: Budget-friendly markets that focus on Costa Rican staples like beans, rice, tortillas, and seasonal vegetables.
Health Food Stores and Organic Markets
Organika (San José and popular beach towns): A well-known health food store with a wide range of organic, vegan, and gluten-free products.
Verdeza (San José): A great spot for vegan cheeses, nutritional yeast, seitan, coconut yogurt, and other specialty ingredients.
Organico Market (Uvita): Focuses on healthy and organic items, including many vegan products.
Supermercado Saretto (Nosara): A high-end grocery store with a curated selection of imported vegan brands and fresh organic produce.
La Feria Verde (San José): A weekly organic farmers market offering fresh fruit and vegetables, artisanal bread, baked goods, kombucha, and handmade vegan treats.
Farmers Markets
Most towns in Costa Rica host a feria (farmer's market), usually on weekends. These are the best places to stock up on:
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Herbs and greens
Tropical ingredients like yuca, malanga, mangoes, pineapples, and avocados
Shopping local also supports small-scale farmers and gives you access to seasonal produce at lower prices.
Bonus tip: Chinese or Asian grocery stores can also be great for finding tofu and soy-based products.
The Best Vegan Restaurants in Costa Rica
Suppose you're willing to treat yourself to something more creative or comforting than an adapted traditional plate with rice, beans, and vegetables. Craving an indulgent dessert, a nourishing bowl packed with superfoods, or simply wanting to support businesses specifically dedicated to conscious and respectful eating. Even in that case, Costa Rica’s growing vegan scene offers plenty of amazing spots to explore.
Destinations like San José or beach towns like Nosara, Tamarindo, and Santa Teresa stand out with a wide range of vegan and plant-based restaurants, making them the top hotspots for plant-based foodies seeking variety, creativity, and flavor.
Check out our full guide to the Best Vegan Restaurants in Costa Rica for a curated list with all the info.
What to know about food restrictions in National Parks?
Some national parks in Costa Rica, such as Manuel Antonio and Poás Volcano, do not allow outside food to protect wildlife. But there are still ways to enjoy your day without going hungry.
Here’s what you can do:
Have a full meal before entering the park to fuel up for your adventure.
Take advantage of on-site cafes, which often offer vegan-friendly options. For example, the café inside Manuel Antonio National Park sells vegan meals.
Dine nearby after your hike—places like Falafel Bar and Varuna near Manuel Antonio are popular vegan-friendly choices.
Always check park rules before you go, as some parks allow small snacks while others are more restrictive.
What to Pack as a Vegan Traveler in Costa Rica
A bit of planning can make your vegan journey through Costa Rica much smoother—and tastier!
Here are some essentials to pack:
Non-perishable vegan snacks: Bring your go-to items, such as granola bars, trail mix, nut butters, dried fruit, or energy bites. These will come in handy during long bus rides, day tours, or in places with limited vegan options.
Reusable food containers and utensils: Perfect for packing meals on the go, storing leftovers, or saying no to single-use plastics—something Costa Rica’s eco-conscious culture truly appreciates.
The HappyCow app: This must-have app (or website) helps you locate vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants, markets, and cafes throughout Costa Rica, including even smaller towns.
Accommodation Tips for Vegan Travelers
Where you stay can make a big difference in how easy it is to stick to your vegan lifestyle while traveling.
Here are a few tips:
Book eco-lodges, wellness retreats, or yoga centers—many offer vegetarian or fully vegan meal plans.
Choose an accommodation with a kitchen to prepare your meals using local ingredients from nearby markets.
If you're staying at a hotel or guesthouse, contact your host in advance to ask if vegan meals can be arranged. Most will be happy to accommodate if given a heads-up.
Choose to stay in cities with more vegan options, like San José, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on the Caribbean side, and Tamarindo or Santa Teresa in the Nicoya Peninsula.
Vegan-Friendly Retreats and Experiences in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the world’s top destinations for wellness and eco-conscious travel, making it a dream destination for vegan travelers. Across the country, especially in wellness hotspots like Nosara, Uvita, Santa Teresa, Montezuma, and the Nicoya Peninsula, you’ll find yoga and meditation retreats that warmly welcome plant-based lifestyles.
These retreats often feature:
100% plant-based or vegetarian menus that are both nourishing and delicious
Locally sourced, organic ingredients that reflect Costa Rica’s deep connection to nature
Holistic programs focused on mindfulness, sustainability, and overall well-being
Looking for the perfect retreat? Check out our Complete Guide to Vegan Resorts in Costa Rica for handpicked recommendations.
Useful Spanish Guide: 15 Key Phrases for Vegan Travelers
Speaking the local language—even just a few words—is a simple yet powerful way to show respect for the people preparing your food. Making the effort shows that you care, and it often leads to warmer interactions, better service, and yes, delicious vegan meals made with love.
We'll explore the key Spanish phrases every vegan traveler should know. These will help you read menus, explain what you do and don’t eat, ask about ingredients, communicate your preferences clearly, and politely request plant-based options. Let's start!
Soy vegana/Soy vegano – I’m vegan
Hay algo vegano? – Is there anything vegan?
No como carne – I don’t eat meat
No como pescado/mariscos – I don’t eat fish/seafood
No como huevos – I don’t eat eggs
No como lácteos – I don’t eat dairy
No como miel – I don’t eat honey
Esto lleva queso/leche/huevos? – Does this contain cheese/milk/eggs?
Sin queso, por favor – Without cheese, please
Sin crema/mantequilla, por favor – Without cream/butter, please
Sin carne, por favor – Without meat, please
Sin huevos, por favor – Without eggs, please
Puede hacerlo sin huevos, por favor? – Can you make it without eggs, please?
Puede poner más vegetables/frijoles/plátanos, por favor? – Can you put more vegetables/ beans/ plantains, please?
Tienen leche vegetal? – Do you have plant-based milk?
(Leche de almendra, soya, coco, avena – almond, soy, coconut, oat milk)
Final thoughts
Being vegan in Costa Rica is easier than ever before. From colorful tropical breakfasts to flavorful casados and creative vegan-friendly restaurants or fully plant-based cafes and retreats, you won’t miss anything.
Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just trying to eat more plant-based on vacation, hiking through cloud forests, relaxing on Pacific beaches, or joining a yoga retreat in the jungle, Costa Rica offers plenty of delicious vegan options to keep you nourished and inspired.
Ready to plan your vegan-friendly journey? Contact us or explore our curated tours and experiences today.
Pura vida!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you be vegan in Costa Rica?
Yes, absolutely! While traditional Costa Rican cuisine includes meat and dairy, there are plenty of naturally vegan dishes like gallo pinto, patacones, yuca, and tropical fruits. More and more restaurants—especially in touristy areas—offer vegan-friendly options.
Is Costa Rica vegan-friendly?
Does Costa Rica have plant-based milk?
Are there vegan options at typical Costa Rican restaurants (sodas)?
Are there vegan-friendly supermarkets in Costa Rica?
Are fruits and vegetables easy to find in Costa Rica?
Do Costa Rican locals understand what “vegan” means?
Can I find vegan desserts in Costa Rica?
Definitely! Many cafes and bakeries now offer vegan sweets like coconut flan, banana bread, chocolate cake, and raw treats made with cacao, dates, and nuts. Look for signs like “sin lácteos” (dairy-free) or ask, “¿Tienen postres veganos?”
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