Pura Vida: five lessons learned from Costa Rica

Since 2004, Linda has been to Costa Rica 11 times.  She’s not the first to be enchanted by the tropical paradise that brims with biodiversity, incredible landscapes, tranquil waters and incredible coffee.  For Linda, Costa Rica has become somewhere personal — and life-changing.

Why does Costa Rica stand out to Linda, and other travelers?

“Pura vida” translates as “pure life,” and encompasses the idea of living and appreciating every moment to its fullest, a philosophy that’s reflected by the country's population. Costa Ricans, who refer to themselves as Ticos (male) and Ticas (female), are brimming with an optimistic spirit of laid-back generosity. “The people of Costa Rica are incredibly warm and friendly,” says Linda. “And they take immense pride in their history and culture. Pura vida means a lifestyle that cherishes the simple things like the breathtaking nature around them and culinary, music and dance traditions. It also means embracing a less hurried pace of life.”

Coffee is deeply rooted in Costa Rica’s history and has had deep impacts on the country’s social, cultural and economic development. Costa Rica’s warm climate, volcanic-ash enriched soil, altitude and heavy rainfall make for the perfect growing conditions for Arabica coffee beans, and Costa Rica’s passion for the product is palpable. “They pick the berries by hand,” says Linda, “and more and more, the country is focusing on shade-grown coffee, which is better for the environment. Now, even when I'm at home, I find myself only buying Costa Rican coffee because it has such a rich, aromatic flavor.”

That’s not the only thing bursting with flavor.  Being situated only 10 degrees from the equator means visitors can experience a wide selection of exotic fruits. “The fruits in Costa Rica, like mangoes, pineapples and bananas taste so intense!” says Linda. “They're truly wonderful, and fresh fruits and veggies seem to be everywhere on menus.” Costa Rica takes its produce seriously, and locally grown food, such as rice and beans, are also staples.

In 2020, Costa Rica generated 99.8% of its energy from renewable resources. It has also established an extensive reforestation project, preserved 28 national parks and protected over a quarter of its land, resulting in one of the world’s most diverse and guarded ecosystems.

These sustainability initiatives inspired Linda’s first journey in 2004. Since then, her visits have heightened her awareness of the environment around her. “The diversity in Costa Rica is amazing,” she says. “Four kinds of monkeys, two kinds of adorable sloths and a world of birds — almost 900 species! There are 11 major biomes, including dry forests, cloud forests, two coasts and spectacular volcanoes…There is something incredible in every part of Costa Rica.”

“In Costa Rica there's so much to do. You can be active or take it easy, but you're always learning something new,” Linda says. Hiking, river-rafting, swimming, kayaking and dancing are only a few of the multi-sport adventures that Linda experienced. “I even overcame my fear of heights by whizzing through the forest canopy on a zip-line and walking on hanging bridges over 200 feet above the river. Being in a group of people, I thought, ‘If others can, I can too.’”

“I took my first solo journey to Costa Rica in 2004 and my first experience was wonderful,” Linda says. So deeply has the country affected her that she returned to university to learn Spanish in order to better converse on future trips. She says, “People who take the time to truly understand Costa Rica, its culture, its people and its environmental initiatives will perhaps contribute to a better world. There’s no place in the world I’d rather be than Costa Rica. I hope I get to see you there.”

Learn more:  Road Scholar’s Costa Rican Learning Adventures.