Myth vs Fact

When visiting different countries, it may be hard to keep track of all the rules, regulations and guidelines. If you want to visit Costa Rica and want to know what you can and can't do, here are some common myths, and the truths!

Myth

When I travel to Costa Rica and see wildlife, I want to take selfies with the animals!

I can feed wildlife in Costa Rica

I can bring plant material in and out of Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, wild animals can be kept as pets

I can go hunting as a tourist in Costa Rica

Fact

Selfies with wild animals can actually hurt them and the ecosystem. People who allow selfies with wild animals take them from their natural habitat and exploit them. The #noslothselfies campaign has been running for over 10 years.

Costa Rica banned all feeding of wildlife in 2019. If people feed wild animals, it causes them to become dependent on humans for food. This will cause permanent behavioral damage. They cannot survive on their own in the wild after being “humanized”. Often, the food given to them isn't a part of their natural diet and can cause illness or death.

Bringing plant material or fresh animal products in or out of Costa Rica is banned because it can be harmful to the environment and may carry pests or diseases. The products will be confiscated, and you may have to pay a fine.

In 2012, Costa Rica banned keeping and trading wild animals. Including animals caught in the wild and bred in captivity. Wild animals that are trafficked often can’t be returned to the wild after being “domesticated”, and are not kept in proper conditions. For example, 80-90% of trafficked sloths die in captivity.

In 2018, Costa Rica was the first Latin American country to ban tourist sport hunting to protect endangered species. The fine for hunting is $3,000 U.S. dollars and possibly 4 months in prison.