Pura Vida: What Does It Mean?

You’re sitting on the beach. The sun is shining, a refreshing ocean breeze is blowing, you can hear birds singing, and you’re sipping on a Cuba Libre. You have work to do, but nothing imminent. You can do it today, or tomorrow, or the next day. But you will do it, and you’ll do it well. You will be proud of your work, just like you are proud of your community, and it is proud of you. It is all pura vida.



Pura vida is a Costa Rican expression embraced by locals and expatriates alike. It literally translates as "pure life" but can be translated and used in numerous ways. It is a term used to encompass the best life has to offer. Some believe the term actually originated in Mexico due to the 1950s film "Pura Vida" which starred Mexican actor Antonion Espino who used the term numerous times in the film.



Many expatriates and visitors to Costa Rica take the term pura vida to mean an escape from responsibilities, a carefree life, or simple laziness. Those are all partially accurate, but they do not represent the whole pictures. Costa Ricans use the term to mean "all is good" or "a life lived to its fullest." So at times pura vida is an accurate representation of a lazy beach life, but is a life only spent tanning on the sand a full life? Most people would say no.



Pura vida is a phrase used to say hello, goodbye, wish good luck, and to express indifference, agreement, pleasure, and displeasure. Poverty is a reality in many parts of Costa Rica, and the pura vida mindset also encompasses the idea of taking life in stride, enjoying the small things, and making the most of what you’re given.



This may sound confusing, but pura vida!



You can chill out, relax, and enjoy life pura vida style anywhere, but a Costa Rica vacation may be the best way to fully understand the joy of living life slowly and fully.



This article about pura vida was written by a Costa Rica travel expert at Costa Rica For Less, a respected US company based in Latin America that specializes in customizable Costa Rica vacation packages.