The “pure life”.....the “simple life”, that’s Pura Vida. More than just a saying, it’s the Costa Rican way of life.

 

 

Pura Vida (pronounced poo-ra veed-duh) is the way Costa Ricans (Ticos) live their lives. Named one of the happiest countries in the world, Costa Ricans believe in no fuss, no muss, no stress....they don’t focus on the negative and are thankful for everything they have.

 

 

Costa Rica, literally translated into “Rich Coast”, is the name given to this small country by the Spanish explorers who came looking for gold. After Spain turned her back on Costa Rica, the country was left in poverty and forgotten for centuries. Costa Rica is now one of the wealthiest and most developed countries in Central America. Focussing on peace and sustainability, Costa Rica is now the oldest and most stable democracy in Latin America.

 

 

 

Costa Rica is considered the forerunner in eco-tourism and has made it a strategic part of the country’s economic development. The benefits of eco-tourism in Costa Rica have, over time, become a way to preserve natural areas and sustain its rich biodiversity and plant and animal life. Known around the world as the “poster child” of eco-tourism, Cost Rica has taken advantage of the growing demand for eco-tourists, managing to diversify an economy which previously depended on coffee, bananas, meat and sugar for 65% of its exports. The interpretation of eco-tourism is “conservation”, and Cost Rica is doing just that.

 

 

Costa Rica has one of the most progressive attitudes on women’s rights and issues in Central America. As far back as 1974, the “family code” specified equal duties and rights for men and women, including the inheritance of property, the ability to draw up contracts and assume loans. In 1996, a landmark law against domestic violence was passed which was one of the most progressive in Latin America.

 

 

Costa Rica has seen some historic firsts….in 1998 both vice presidents were women (Costa Rica has two) and in 2010, a former female vice president became the first female president. The country has seen more and more women holding roles in political, legal, scientific and medical fields. Today, one of the current positions of vice president is a woman, Epsy Campbell.

 

 

A phrase, a greeting, a farewell, a slogan, a saying....to Ticos it has welcomed visitors from all over the world. Those who care about sustainability, the environment, as well as preserving the beauty and a maintaining a way of life, are all attracted to this tiny but mighty country who welcomes you with open arms.