Our first full day in La Fortuna included hanging bridges, kayaking, sugar cane, and lots of rain. While it was all incredibly fun, I can see how a country dependent on tourism might struggle during its rainy seasons. However, I believe there are different ways to manage this challenge. There are large amounts of people who aren’t chasing the beach experience, but rather trying to see as many places as possible. Costa Rica can focus their tourism on the culture and the true experience rather than the sunshine. Without even considering the prompt, I was shocked earlier at how I was free I felt. I usually am very concerned about my hair and only enjoy experiencing rain from the indoors, but in the rainforest I found myself giggling and grinning from ear to ear in a downpour. All I was thinking about was that I had experienced rain in a rainforest, and that that was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Overall, I think Costa Rica can overcome the “issue” that’s is their rainy season with diversification in the way they’re set up. I’ve noticed that most places we’ve been, from outdoor restaurants to outdoor tours, have had shelter from the rain. Investing in infrastructure that allows for tourism without major rain disturbances allows people to experience culture. The restaurants we’ve been to have all had roofs that allowed for the peaceful sound of rain without any disturbance in the eating. Especially in a country largely dependent on tourism, companies and farms would do well to invest in this. For further cultural diversification, the emphasis on the true pura vida lifestyle helps. Taking things slow and not worrying about the way rain affects the day and its activities makes time in Costa Rica feel more immersive. While it may be slower with rain, I think with investment and a cultural emphasis to the right audience, tourist places will still do well.