Pura Vida is one of the most common terms that you will hear when visiting or staying in Costa Rica, but its connotation is not relegated to one meaning.

How to use Pura Vida?

Pura Vida is used in a variety of situations. It can be a greeting, or it can be an answer to a question. ¿Como le va? (How are you?) Pura Vida! (Pure Life!) You can use the phrase to express a moment of elation like, “La sele acaba de ganar el Campeonato! Pura Vida!” (The National Costa Rican soccer team just won the championship. Pure Life!), or to show that life goes on even after something bad happens. “Hay que seguirla pulseando. Pura Vida.” (Keep on truckin’. Pure Life.)

The More Things Change; The More They Stay the Same

There is a long list of circumstances where the term can be used, and it is very likely to be the most widely used phrase in the country. It can fall out of favor and then return to popularity, but it remains a constant among the people in the cities, small towns and farms. It is at once a philosophical statement, and a simple turn of phrase. A pleasantry between friends, and a modus operandi or motto to live by.

What is Implied?

The implication of the term is that life is best when taken in stride. That your attitude is a reflection of the natural world that you are surrounded by, and that being a part of that world is the best and worst that you can hope for in life. The term is also just a simple connection shared between Costa Ricans, and it is like a little gift for any visitors that make their way to the rich coast.

The Ecology is a Reflection of Pura Vida

One of the largest claims to fame that Costa Rica makes again and again is its progressive environmental protection programs. The desire to protect the most valuable resource that this little country has can find roots in the outlook imparted by living the pure life, and seeing a lush environment where orchids bloom, sloths laze about, monkeys play and birds of paradise fly goes hand in hand with that outlook.

From Costa Rica to You: Wherever You Are…

Pura Vida!

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