Pura Vida in Costa Rica

Simply put, ‘Pura Vida’ means ‘simple life’ and it’s so easy to see why Costa Rica is named as one of the happiest places on earth, where time stands still, and your way of life becomes stress free.

Think lush greenery, meeting miles of beaches and lizards sunning themselves along the coastline. Costa Rica is quite possibly one of the most beautiful places to visit, but there is more than meets the eye. Once you’ve been, it will forever stay etched in your heart.

Quite possibly the ultimate relaxed haven, Tamarindo beach is lined with unique beach huts where cocktails are freshly served in coconuts, surfers line the waves in the distance and beach life is the only way of life. With the main attraction here being surfing and their eco-tourism; it is a true nature lovers paradise where sunsets are Instagram worthy. Although a small beach community, Tamarindo boasts a wide variety of services to make it a one-stop destination. From beach souvenirs and clothing to a great selection of fresh fruit and vegetable stands, there is always something to write home about. If you’re lucky enough to visit between October to May, you may be able to sneak a peek at nesting leatherback turtles. 

Head to Rincon de la Vieja National Park to take part in an action-packed day for those who want to chase that adrenaline buzz. After getting kitted out in your safety equipment, you head off to your first zip line – over white water rapids to the other side of the ravine. If the water below looks fast-paced now, just wait until you head off into your raft to face them yourself. Guaranteed to have you giggling with your friends and pinching your nose as you submerge underwater at every drop, you won’t be able to stop talking about it even when you’re home. To finish the day, you’ll get lathered up in thermal mud, float around in thermal pools and jump into the stream to cleanse your skin. 

Located in Guanacaste, Diamante’s Eco Animal sanctuary is one of the finest wildlife education centres in Costa Rica. Animals in their care are not fit for life in natural environments and are cared for by a large team of qualified and dedicated professionals. Known for its world-class habitats, this unique design allows guests to view and learn about the key aspects of biology, ecology and natural history of the animals.  Spend the morning learning all about the importance of wildlife, and follow up in the afternoon with the superman zipline aerial pass – featuring a near mile-long ocean view zip line! 

Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, and contains 5% of the world’s species. Not only that, but it is home to four World Heritage sites certified by UNESCO, highlighting further that it is one of the world’s most unique destinations. Costa Rica has a goal to be the first carbon-neutral country in the world by 2021, there are sustainable practises observed in every region, across all industries, adopted by all citizens and embraced by visitors. Not only that, but it produces nearly 93% of its electricity from renewable resources and 30% of its territory is protected natural land. 

Whether sunning yourself on miles of pristine beaches watching the world go by is your ideal trip, or if you prefer to hike, bike and kayak your way around, Costa Rica will welcome you with open arms.