What is that phrase “Pura Vida” I keep hearing the Costa Ricans saying?

So you did it! Your dream vacation to Costa Rica is finally here!!  You finally have arrived and are walking around Costa Rica and you just can’t help but notice that everyone keeps saying PURA VIDA! Now if you were like us upon our first few days in Costa Rica, I believe that you would be saying to yourself, what the heck is Pura Vida?  Well no worries your about to get a crash course of what this slightly profound phrase means to Costa Ricans.

What is the Meaning of Pura Vida in Costa Rica?

The technical meaning of Pura Vida is ¨Pure Life¨, however it can be more literally translated as ¨full of life¨, ¨plenty of life¨ etc. Less literally translated you could say I would say it is “all good”, or “life is good”.  The uses have limitless possibilities. Many Costa Ricans, or Ticos, will use it as a greeting, a farewell, or even as an agreement or an answer to a question.

Now that we know the meaning of Pura Vida, where did it come from? It is said that in 1956 a Mexican film called Pura Vida came to Costa Rica. It is said that in the movie ¨Pura Vida¨ was used many times in unconventional ways, but overall as a symbol for eternal optimism. What a great phrase to use for a country known as one of the happiest countries on earth! The term “pura vida” began to pass from region to region in Costa Rica until 1970 where it was pretty much adapted nationwide.

How to find Pura Vida on your Costa Rica Vacation.

When tourists visit Costa Rica they may perceive a large amount of poverty, however wherever you look the people are smiling, why? Pura Vida! Ticos and Ticas (slang term for Costa Ricans) are living their lives to the fullest. They are not sitting about wondering about their problems when life is so beautiful. It doesn’t matter how hard you believe your life is, there is always someone else who is less fortunate than you. Basically, appreciate the fortune you were given. .  And hey, it cannot be all that tough to master this mantra when living in a tropical paradise, right?

So now you know what is the meaning of Pura Vida in Costa Rica, think about it. When a Costa Rican greets you with “Pura Vida” and a smile you will understand just how infectious that smile is as you most likely will be smiling back yourself.

Take Pura Vida Home With You.

Costa Rica is not Vegas folks, and what happens in Costa Rica does not necessarily need to stay in Costa Rica.  Once you have visited us in paradise and learned our secret to a happy and fulfilling life, we hope that the best souvenir you take back with you from your vacation in Costa Rica is the “Pura Vida” you found here.

Pura Vida!