Spend a day in Costa Rica and you’ll hear it everywhere: Pura Vida. It’s a hello, a goodbye, a thank-you and a “no worries,” all in two words. Literally it means “pure life,” but it’s really a philosophy: slow down, appreciate what you have and don’t sweat the small stuff.
What Pura Vida looks like in daily life
You’ll feel it in the pace. Things run a little slower, people take time to talk, and there’s more focus on family, nature and enjoying the moment than on rushing to the next thing. For visitors coming from busy lives at home, it’s one of the most refreshing parts of the trip, and it’s a big reason a week in Nosara feels like a real reset.
Meet the Ticos
Costa Ricans call themselves Ticos and Ticas, and they’re known for being warm and welcoming. Spanish is the national language. English is common in Nosara, but a few words go a long way:
- Pura vida: hello, thanks, all good
- Buenos días / buenas tardes: good morning / good afternoon
- Con mucho gusto: with pleasure, the local way to say “you’re welcome”
- Tuanis: cool, awesome
A country that chose peace and nature
Costa Rica abolished its army in 1948, and it’s famous for protecting its environment, with roughly a quarter of its land set aside in national parks and reserves. That commitment to nature is everywhere in Nosara, from the jungle around Jungle’s Edge to the protected wildlife refuge up the coast at Ostional.
Guanacaste’s cowboy roots
Nosara is in Guanacaste, a province with a proud sabanero (cowboy) tradition of cattle ranching, rodeos, folk music and dance. Guanacaste Day on July 25 celebrates the province joining Costa Rica with parades, music and local festivities.
Taste the culture
Try the classics: gallo pinto (rice and beans, usually at breakfast), a casado plate at lunch with rice, beans, salad, plantains and a protein, fresh tropical fruit, and of course Costa Rican coffee. Local sodas, small family-run restaurants, are the best place to find them, and you can read about eating fresh and local at Jungle’s Edge too.
Train hard, live simply, and let Pura Vida do the rest.
Pura Vida on the mats
The martial arts community fits right in. Leave your ego at home, take care of your training partners, and enjoy the process. That’s Pura Vida too. Ready to experience it? Read our Nosara guide or explore upcoming retreats.
