Are you considering a move to Costa Rica?

While embarking on a life-changing journey to Costa Rica, the land of Pura Vida, the place you’ve read about and maybe dreamed about, with lush rainforests and pristine beaches, is an exciting adventure that promises a life filled with natural beauty and tranquility, there is also a possibility that you won’t be happy.

One crucial aspect of ensuring a smooth transition to your new home is understanding that embracing the Costa Rican way of life means leaving North American sensibilities behind. There is no way to blend North American sensibilities with those of Costa Rica. They are vastly different.

Planning will make the difference between embracing and loving your new life in Costa Rica and feeling disappointed, frustrated, and wanting to leave.

Adopting the right mindset can help you enjoy your new life in Costa Rica without regret while respecting the vibrant local culture and Pura Vida philosophy.

Embrace Simplicity

North American culture strongly emphasizes material possessions and a fast-paced lifestyle. The Pura Vida way in Costa Rica encourages a simpler and more laid-back existence.

You won’t find the products or services you’re used to, and the new ones you find will be different. That’s OK. You can choose to embrace the difference and be curious or not. The choice is yours.

Relish the present moment's beauty, the slower pace's joy, and the company of friends and family—the Pura Vida way.

Cultivate Patience and Flexibility

The Pura Vida lifestyle is all about going with the flow.

Costa Ricans are renowned for their patience and flexibility. Expect that things may sometimes go differently than planned and embrace the unexpected. In these moments of spontaneity, you’ll often find the true magic of your Costa Rican experience.

This cultivation can take work for many of us 😉—especially those most comfortable in control and when we can anticipate an outcome.

In Costa Rica, where the narrative of life, how to live each day, and what is valued differs from North America, it takes a mindset of embracing patience, staying flexible during change, and going with the flow.

Connect with Nature Daily

In Costa Rica, the call of the jungle is impossible to ignore. It’s all around.

According to The American Psychological Association, “exposure to nature has been linked to many benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders, and even upticks in empathy and cooperation.”

Make nature part of your daily routine to connect with its beauty. Whether it's a morning stroll along the beach, a hike in the rainforest, or simply listening to the sounds of tropical birds and monkeys, immersing yourself in the natural world is an essential part of the Pura Vida spirit.

Build Meaningful Relationships

Take the time to build meaningful connections with both locals and fellow expats.

The sense of community in Costa Rica is strong, and these relationships can provide you with invaluable support, a deeper understanding of the culture, and a sense of belonging.

We’ve spent more time with new friends since moving to Costa Rica than we ever did in the U.S. There’s a camaraderie between ex-pats, an understanding that we all came here for some reason. While the reasons are different, the courage to make a change in life that took us to another country is something we share and respect in one another.

Wherever you land in Costa Rica, there will be friends to make, people to help, and memories to make. It’s truly a remarkable experience.

Appreciate the Slow Food Movement

North America prioritizes fast food convenience. With everyone so busy between work, families, shopping, and keeping up, it’s understandable.

Costa Rica is different. Costa Ricans revel in the pleasure of freshly prepared meals. They are never in a hurry to eat or to finish. Their time eating is usually time spent with friends and family.

What will this mean for you? When you visit a restaurant, they aren’t quickly turning tables to keep revenue or earn more tips. Costa Rica automatically adds a 10% service tax to a ticket. You will most likely find yourself waiting for a server to come to your table, waiting for the food to be prepared by cooks who aren’t rushing, and you’ll most likely have to ask for your bill. (“La cuenta por favor”)

So, savor the flavors of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and enjoy the slow pace because you’re not in a rush. Pura Vida!

Stay Open to Cultural Differences

The beauty of living in a new country is the opportunity to learn and grow from cultural exchanges.

Embrace the differences in language, customs, and traditions. Seek to understand the perspectives of Costa Ricans and fellow expats and remain open to new ideas and ways of life.

Your open-mindedness will serve you well. Our North American ways aren’t right; they’re different.

Live with Gratitude

The heart of Pura Vida lies in gratitude for life's simple pleasures, and gratitude is really good for you.

Take time each day to reflect on the beauty surrounding you, from the vibrant sunsets to a nighttime jungle walk to the sound of waves crashing on the shore. Living with gratitude will infuse your days with joy and contentment.

When life in Costa Rica isn’t meeting your expectations, breathe, find gratitude for your opportunity, and find the gift in your situation. There’s always a gift.

A Final Thought

Embracing the Pura Vida spirit in Costa Rica means leaving behind North American sensibilities and welcoming a life of simplicity, connection, and gratitude.

By cultivating gratitude, building meaningful relationships, and immersing yourself in the natural wonders of this remarkable country, you'll find that your decision to call Costa Rica home is filled with fulfillment and joy.

Pura Vida! 🌺