Pura vida in Costa Rica: the art of easy living
As soon as you arrive in Costa Rica, two words seem to be part of every encounter: pura vida. Much more than a polite phrase, this expression embraced by everyone captures the soul of the country and its people. It’s a philosophy of life with a gentle, contagious energy.
Pura vida celebrates life in all its simplicity: a shared smile, a walk through the tropical rainforest, your feet in the warm sand of the Caribbean coast. Here’s where pura vida comes from, what it truly means, and where to experience it fully in Costa Rica, among lush vegetation, authentic villages, and howler monkeys.
La Pura vida, in a nutshell
- A 100% Costa Rican expression: pura vida is much more than a phrase. It’s a way to say hello, offer encouragement, and make everyday life feel a little lighter, a reflection of the soul of the Ticos.
- A way of life connected to nature: between tropical forests, hot springs, and the Pacific Ocean, pura vida is lived in rhythm with the elements.
- Places to experience it fully: head to the Nicoya Peninsula, Rincón de la Vieja, Manuel Antonio, or San José to get a taste of local pura vida.
- Travel differently, with awareness: responsible stays, meaningful encounters, wildlife viewing from a respectful distance, every choice matters.
Pura vida, a truly Costa Rican expression
What is the translation of pura vida in English?
The literal translation of pura vida is “pure life.” This Spanish expression combines the adjective “pura” (pure) and the noun “vida” (life). Beyond its word-for-word meaning, it’s close to expressions like “the good life” or “enjoy life.”
What does pura vida mean?
In Costa Rica, pura vida is on everyone’s lips. It can mean “hello”, “thank you”, or simply a state of mind. You’ll hear it in a handshake, as an answer to “How are you?”, or as a warm goodbye.
Its origin is said to trace back to “Pura Vida”, a Mexican film from the 1950s, but it was in Costa Rica that the phrase took root and became popular, eventually turning into a true cultural emblem. Adopted into everyday speech in the 1980s, pura vida quickly became more than just an expression. Today, it’s part of the country’s identity. Ticos, as Costa Ricans affectionately call themselves, see themselves in it completely.
Why do people say “pura vida” in Costa Rica?
Behind these two words lies a real way of seeing the world. Pura vida means living in the present moment without making it complicated. Accepting simplicity, and savoring it. It’s also the art of slowing down, grounding yourself in wild nature, and enjoying simple pleasures, like drinking coffee in the shade of a mango tree or watching the morning clouds lift over Monteverde.
People say pura vida in Costa Rica because these words bring people together and create a sense of warmth. What began as an everyday exchange has become a cultural wink shared by Costa Ricans. Behind the phrase, you’ll find a little bit of “all good”, “enjoy”, and “no worries.” It’s a way to offer warmth and a reminder that here, life moves with lightness, even when plans change. To say pura vida is to root yourself in the moment and share a collective way of being in the world.
Pura vida: a philosophy that became a national symbol
This philosophy behing the concept of Pura vida is anything but set in stone. It evolves with daily life and the seasons. It infuses hospitality, cooking, welcoming others, and traveling, too. On a trip to Costa Rica, you won’t just witness pura vida, you’ll be invited to live it fully. And you’ll likely bring a little of it home with you.
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What other typical expressions do Ticos use?
They’re called Ticos, an affectionate nickname for Costa Ricans. The term comes from their tendency to add the ending “-ico” to words, like chiquitico for “very small.” And much like the language itself, the way Costa Ricans speak is full of warmth and nuance.
While pura vida is the star expression, other local phrases are part of everyday life. To say everything is good, you’ll often hear “tuanis” or “¡Qué chiva!”, a local way to say “cool” or “great” with enthusiasm. “Mae” is used among friends, a bit like “dude.” These small phrases say a lot about the Costa Rican philosophy of life: simple, warm, and deeply open to others (check out our guide to essential vocabulary for a trip to Costa Rica).
A way of life in harmony with nature
Spectacular biodiversity, a pillar of pura vida
You can’t talk about pura vida without mentioning Costa Ricans’ deep connection to nature. Costa Rica is home to about 6% of the world’s biodiversity on less than 0.03% of the planet’s land surface. That extraordinary richness is reflected in its varied landscapes: primary rainforests, mangroves, coconut-lined beaches, active volcanoes, rivers, and beautiful waterfalls.
In Corcovado National Park or Manuel Antonio National Park, all you have to do is look up to spot toucans, sloths, or howler monkeys. When experienced with respect, this closeness to wildlife is a natural gateway into pura vida.
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Living in rhythm with the elements
Pura vida takes on its full meaning in contact with nature. On the Nicoya Peninsula, a little corner of paradise along the Pacific Ocean, days unfold with the tides. Surf culture is everywhere, from sunrise sessions in powerful waves to evenings with guitars on the beach.
Inland, you trade the surfboard for adventures in nature that can feel wonderfully untamed. Around the Arenal Volcano, hot springs and the sounds of the jungle invite you to step out of your everyday world.
Here, living the pura vida means following nature’s pace: the rhythm of the waves, the wind, the clouds drifting by. It means slowing down so you can feel more. A philosophy rooted in the present moment and connected to the living world.
Trekking in Costa Rica: on the trails of pura vida
For travelers who want to experience pura vida on foot, Costa Rica offers exceptional treks. In the cloud forests of the Monteverde Reserve, along the ridges of Cerro Chirripó, the country’s highest peak at 12,533 feet, or in the heart of Corcovado National Park, the trails immerse you in wild, abundant nature. More than a physical challenge, hiking Costa Rica’s trails is a quiet conversation with the forest and a return to what matters most... pura vida!
Where to experience pura vida in Costa Rica
The Nicoya Peninsula: longevity, surf, and simplicity
Located on the Pacific coast, the Nicoya Peninsula is often described as a little slice of paradise. Listed among the planet’s five “Blue Zones,” places where people tend to live better and longer, it fully embodies pura vida.
Nature takes center stage and invites travelers to appreciate what surrounds them: sunrises over the ocean, the atmosphere of fishing villages, canoe trips through the mangroves... Locals live close to the land, grow their vegetables, and cook black beans and gallo pinto, the country’s traditional rice-and-beans dish, often served with fried plantains. In Santa Teresa or Nosara, surf culture is almost sacred, and the waves carry the spirit of pura vida.
Rincón de la Vieja: the energy of the earth in the wild
In the northwest of the country, Rincón de la Vieja National Park offers a striking immersion into Costa Rica’s biodiversity. Active volcanoes, fumaroles, steaming waterfalls, mud baths, this is where you feel the raw force of nature.
It’s an ideal place for hikers and wellness lovers. After time on the trails, unwind in natural hot springs tucked into lush vegetation. It’s a way to live pura vida close to the elements, between adventure and letting go.
Manuel Antonio: jungle at the edge of the ocean
Manuel Antonio National Park, on the Pacific coast, brings together nature and wonder in a compact, unforgettable setting. It blends white-sand beaches, dense rainforest, and abundant wildlife, where sloths, iguanas, howler monkeys, colorful birds, and toucans all share the same habitat.
Here, pura vida takes a different form: waking to the sounds of animals, walking through the humid jungle, diving into turquoise water framed by postcard-worthy scenery. Beauty is everywhere, and you feel it deeply, in an atmosphere that is both gentle and wild.
San José: easing into Costa Rican culture
Before heading for Costa Rica’s tropical trails, take time to explore the capital, San José. Like a local, wander the aisles of the Mercado Central, sample chorreadas, local corn pancakes, explore the Gold Museum, and let yourself be carried by the lively atmosphere of popular neighborhoods.
Here, pura vida is human warmth, the simplicity of daily life, and the richness of a culture that is still too often overlooked. San José is a beautiful way to begin or end your trip to Costa Rica with real authenticity.
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Travel differently: tips for a responsible pura vida experience
Stay in responsible accommodations
In Costa Rica, living the pura vida also comes down to where you set down your bags. Skip the big resort complexes: family-run guesthouses, cabins tucked into the tropical jungle, and ecolodges by a river are all stays that support a more sustainable way of traveling.
Sleeping in a local finca or in accommodations run by Costa Ricans directly supports the local economy. It also gives you a more personal, more genuine immersion in local life.
Avoid mass tourism and choose local experiences
Pura vida is also an ode to the ease of living. It’s not about racing from one must-see to the next, but allowing yourself to enjoy simple moments away from the crowds. Instead of following everyone else, let one of our local experts guide you to the best trails, the liveliest markets, and the country’s lesser-known villages.
Want to walk through the forest at sunrise, visit a family-run coffee plantation, or learn how to make gallo pinto in a traditional cooking workshop? These experiences, shared with local communities, add a whole new dimension to your trip. And if you need organizing a slower and off-crowd trip, you can contact our local english-speaking agencies in Costa Rica.
Watch wildlife with respect
Costa Rica is a land of biodiversity, but this richness is fragile, and some species are threatened. That’s why it’s essential to plan your trip with strict respect for the environment and wildlife. No touching, no feeding: wildlife viewing should happen from a safe distance, with local guides who know the ecosystems.
Whether you spot a sloth in the canopy or a turtle near the ocean, remember that pura vida begins with respect for living things.
Choose lower-impact transportation
A car is still necessary to reach some of Costa Rica’s more remote regions, but other options exist. Traveling by bus between cities, exploring a reserve on foot, or reaching a beach by canoe are all ways to reduce your footprint.
Trust our local agencies to suggest itineraries that include train rides, bike routes, or even horseback journeys. It’s a way to travel more slowly, more deeply, and more sustainably.
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In Costa Rica, pura vida is a state of mind, a breath of fresh air, and a way of looking at the world with gratitude and gentleness. You’ll find it in everyday gestures, in the generosity of the people, and in the exuberant nature all around.
Traveling to Costa Rica means choosing to slow down, marvel, and open yourself to others. It means choosing tourism that is more authentic, more local, and more alive. With the help of one of Evaneos’ expert local partner agencies, every itinerary becomes an opportunity to explore the pura vida, far from the beaten path.
