The Philosophy of "Pura Vida": A Hymn to the Joy of Living
The concept of "Pura Vida" represents the beating heart of Costa Rican culture, an expression full of profound meanings that go far beyond its literal translation of "pure life" or "true life". Symbol of joy, optimism and hospitality, "Pura Vida" embodies a real lifestyle, an existential approach that invites you to fully enjoy existence, valuing every moment with positivity and gratitude.
Used daily by Costa Ricans, this phrase has become a universal greeting, used both to welcome and to say goodbye, always transmitting a message of benevolence and good omen. But "Pura Vida" is also a reminder, an invitation to slow down, to relax and to remember that, despite the difficulties, life should be lived with lightness and serenity.
This philosophy of life transcends geographical borders, touching the hearts of anyone who comes into contact with the culture of Costa Rica. Even Italians who visit or decide to live in this "happy country" find themselves adopting the expression "Pura Vida ", allowing yourself to be influenced by its profound meaning.
It thus becomes a mantra for those seeking to immerse themselves in the wonders of nature, the tranquility and harmony that this tropical paradise has to offer.
"Pure Life" it is, therefore, much more than a simple phrase: it is a philosophy of life that urges us to celebrate the beauty of existence, to share kindness and to find joy in the little things. It is a constant invitation to enjoy life, embracing with enthusiasm and gratitude all that it offers, from the magic of nature to the positive energy that surrounds us. In a frenetic and often complicated world, the philosophy of "Pura Vida" emerges as a beacon of hope and a call to simplicity, reminding us that, sometimes, happiness lies in knowing how to appreciate moments of pure simplicity and in authentic connections with others. others and with the environment that hosts us.
The Gastronomy of Costa Rica: A Journey through Authentic Flavors and Traditions
Costa Rican cuisine, an expression of a rich and generous land, stands out for its variety of flavors and the authenticity of its ingredients. Born from the meeting of different cultures, the pre-Columbian indigenous one, Spanish and North American Creole, this culinary tradition offers balanced dishes and moderate portions, with lunch as the highlight of the day. The fundamental ingredients that characterize the country's cuisine include rice (arroz) and black beans (frijoles), as well as a vast selection of meat (predominantly chicken, beef and pork), fish, seafood, shellfish and a rich variety of vegetables. The privileged geographical position and favorable climate of Costa Rica allow the cultivation of a wide range of tubers such as potatoes, cassava, arracache, onions, horseradish, sweet potatoes and carrots, as well as vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, pumpkin, beetroot , cabbage, lettuce, spinach, leeks, lentils and peas. Fruit plays a central role in the Costa Rican diet, thanks to the availability of numerous varieties such as banana, papaya, mango, pineapple, watermelon, melon, guava, passion fruit and avocado. The plantain, in particular, is highly appreciated and is consumed in different ways: fried in rounds (patacones), cooked in honey or added to soups. Lizano sauce, with its unique mix of water, sugar, salt, onions, carrots, cauliflower, cucumbers, pepper, mustard, turmeric and monosodium glutamate, is an essential condiment in Costa Rican cuisine. Among the cheeses, Queso Turrialba, with its protected designation of origin and its characteristic white or yellow colour, represents the country's dairy excellence.
Among the most representative and loved dishes, we find Gallo Pinto, Ceviche, Casado, Patacones, Arroz con Pollo, Arroz con Camarones, Arroz con Gambas and Empanadas, just to name a few. For a breakfast rich in energy and vitamins, a good bowl of exotic fruit is the ideal choice to start the day. In conclusion, Costa Rican cuisine is an invitation to discover and appreciate a gastronomy that celebrates the richness of its lands and cultural diversity, in a continuous balance between tradition and innovation.
Costa Rica, nestled in the heart of Central America, stands out for its spectacular coasts and a natural heritage of inestimable value. With 1,228 km of coastline, divided between the Pacific (1,016 km) and the Caribbean Sea (212 km), it is a land of contrasts and natural beauty, easily accessible both by car and by plane from the capital San José. This country boasts around 600 beaches along its coasts, each with unique characteristics, from vast sandy expanses nestled in the forest, to crystal clear waters that invite relaxation, sport and discovery, while ensuring an experience away from the crowds and oppression of crowded places. Below are some of the most enchanting beaches near our villages:
Discovering the Natural Wonders of Costa Rica
Costa Rica, a jewel of biodiversity, offers an infinite variety of outdoor activities for adventure and nature lovers. With its breathtaking landscapes, which include crystal-clear rivers, towering waterfalls, majestic volcanoes, dense rainforests, idyllic beaches and a crystal-clear sea, the country stands as an unmissable destination for anyone wishing to immerse themselves in unspoiled nature. Among the most sought after activities are trekking, snorkelling, horseback riding along wild beaches, explorations by motorbike or quad through the jungle, boat adventures, sport fishing, surfing, canopy or zip line, tubing in the streams, golf, thermal baths and much more. Here are some of the most emblematic places to live these experiences:
A Tropical Paradise All Year Round
Costa Rica stands out for its predominantly warm climate, which invites you to explore its wonders in every season. Characterized by a tropical environment in both the coastal areas and the plains, this country offers a climate variety that suits every type of traveler. The dry season, stretching from December to April, is famous for its pleasant temperatures, which range from 30 to 34 degrees Celsius, making it the ideal time to enjoy the endless beaches and outdoor activities. This season is followed by a wetter period, from May to November, with slightly cooler temperatures, between 27 and 30 degrees, inviting you to discover lush rainforests and hidden waterfalls.
The diversity of the Costa Rican climate is fully expressed in the province of Guanacaste, where the various microclimates offer unique scenarios and specific atmospheric conditions. The temperature of the sea water, constantly around 27 degrees, also contributes to making Costa Rica an ideal destination for lovers of the sea and water activities. Although the most recommended period to visit Costa Rica is from the end of November to April, the summer months, from May to August, also offer favorable conditions for travel, albeit with a greater probability of rain. However, it is best to avoid the months of September and October, when the rains intensify, limiting exploration opportunities. Fortunately, coastal areas along the Pacific and the province of Guanacaste are rarely affected by passing hurricanes, which tend to hit the northernmost regions of the Caribbean. This makes Costa Rica a safe and welcoming place for a holiday full of nature and adventure, at any time of the year.
The Wealth of Costa Rica
Costa Rica boasts a strong presidential democratic tradition spanning over one hundred years, enriched by more than fifty years without an army. The historic choice of 1949 to abolish the armed forces made it possible to reinvest financial resources in crucial areas to improve the quality of life of its citizens, promoting a culture of social peace that makes the country a privileged destination for visitors.
Spanish, the country's official language, is just one of the elements that contribute to placing Costa Rica among the most advanced nations for quality of life and environmental commitment. By 2021, the country aims to achieve complete carbon neutrality, a goal not far off considering that already in 2015, according to government data, 99% of the energy used came from renewable sources.
Dedication to peace and democracy is a pillar of Costa Rican cultural heritage, which stands out in a Latin American context often marked by past military dictatorships. This national pride is reflected in a culture influenced by racial diversity, with a predominant European heritage manifesting itself in language, religious and civil architecture, testifying to a deep historical connection.
Although the indigenous influence is less visible, it permeates significant aspects of Costa Rican culture, such as tortillas, an essential element of the local diet, and ceramic craftsmanship, a fixture in street markets. Costa Rica is characterized by a cultural richness that goes beyond the simple indigenous and European heritage, enriched by the contributions of African, Asian and other regions of the Americas. This intersection of cultures has created a unique social mosaic, making Costa Rica a place where diversity and inclusion come together in harmonious coexistence.
Safety, Education and Healthcare in Costa Rica: A Commitment to Excellence Costa Rica is a shining example in the Latin American landscape when it comes to literacy, with an impressive rate of 97.7%, among the highest in the region. This result is the result of constant commitment and recent reforms aimed at educational excellence, a tangible demonstration of the importance that the country attributes to education. As the nation with the most robust democracy in Central America, Costa Rica offers a diverse educational system that includes public schools, Catholic institutions and European-style private schools, which follow a school calendar from mid-February to the end of November. In contrast, schools attended by US students adopt the North American calendar, from mid-August to June, with a break for the Christmas holidays. Security and stability are key words in Costa Rica. The country has declared its commitment to global peace, enjoys a stable economy and has recorded constant gross domestic product growth at 3% per year for several years. Costa Rica stands out for its high social well-being, peace and longevity, not having to protect natural resources such as gold, diamonds or oil.
Despite the general climate of security, it is prudent to pay attention to petty crime, particularly in some less policed areas and in the suburbs of the capital, San José, taking standard precautions as everywhere else in the world. As regards the healthcare system, Costa Rica offers good quality services, with private hospitals representing recognized excellence, especially if you have international health insurance that covers medical, pharmaceutical and repatriation expenses. We strongly recommend taking out insurance before departure to ensure peace of mind during your stay and access to the best medical care available. In conclusion, Costa Rica represents a model of success in terms of education, safety and healthcare, reflecting the country's commitment to offering its citizens and visitors a high-quality living experience.