From the publisher’s rulebook
Who goes first in Costa Rica?
Mayfair Games 2016 English rules

Choose the first expedition leader: use the player who most recently visited a rainforest, with Costa Rica taking precedence, or randomly select someone using the explorers in one group.
Rule details
Both the rainforest criterion and the explorer draw are official ways to select the opening leader.
Source & edition
- Costa Rica: English rulesMayfair Games / Lookout Spiele · Setup · Checked 2026-09-23Printed page references: 1
Image: © Mayfair Games and credited artists · Noble Knight Games listing for Mayfair Games 2016 edition
If your rules call for a random choice, use the player picker.
If there’s a tie
The rulebook doesn’t say. If you need a tie-break, pick a player at random.
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