What Does Pura Vida Mean? The Spirit of Costa Rica Explained

If you spend any time in Costa Rica, you hear pura vida everywhere. People say it as a hello, a goodbye, or just to check in. It goes beyond words—it’s part of how Ticos live. This phrase captures the easygoing spirit that defines the country. In this post, we’ll break down what it means, where it came from, and why it remains a key piece of Costa Rican identity.

The Basic Translation and Everyday Use

“Pura vida” translates to pure life in English, but the meaning runs deeper. Ticos use it in all sorts of ways:

• Ask someone how they’re doing → they might reply “pura vida” to mean things are good.

• Thank a shopkeeper → they could respond with “pura vida” instead of “you’re welcome.”

• On the street → it works as a casual greeting or as a friendly farewell.

In daily life, it signals positivity. If plans change or something small goes wrong, “pura vida” shrugs it off and keeps things light. Visitors pick it up quickly because it fits the laid-back pace here.

This flexibility makes it unique. In other Spanish-speaking countries, the words exist but don’t carry the same cultural weight. In Costa Rica, it connects to the national outlook of taking life as it comes.

Origins of the Phrase in Costa Rica

The phrase started outside Costa Rica. In 1956, a Mexican film called ¡Pura vida! featured a character who used the expression in every situation, no matter how tough. The film eventually reached Costa Rica in the 1970s, and locals embraced the phrase.

By the 1980s, it spread nationwide. Media outlets used it, and the government promoted it in tourism campaigns. Today, you see “pura vida” on T-shirts, signs, and even license plates. It reflects resilience and optimism in a country where daily life can include earthquakes, heavy rains, and natural challenges.

How ‘Pura Vida’ Shapes Costa Rican Culture

Costa Ricans live by this idea. The country consistently ranks high on global happiness indexes, and part of that comes from this outlook. People prioritize family, nature, and simple joys.

At soccer games, family meals, or even business meetings, “pura vida” keeps interactions light and kind. In tourism, guides and hotels use it to welcome visitors, and travelers leave with the phrase etched in their memory.

On social media, #PuraVida captures sunsets, coffee breaks, and wildlife moments—showing the mindset in action.

Common Uses of ‘Pura Vida’

Usage	Example
Greeting	“¡Pura vida! ¿Cómo estás?”
Farewell	“Nos vemos, pura vida.”
Response to thanks	“Pura vida” instead of “de nada.”
Affirmation	“Todo pura vida.”
Expression of enjoyment	“¡Qué rico, pura vida!”

‘Pura Vida’ as a National Symbol

Over time, “pura vida” became more than a phrase—it turned into Costa Rica’s unofficial brand. The tourism board uses it worldwide to market the country as peaceful, eco-friendly, and welcoming.

It also reflects national values. Costa Rica abolished its army in 1948, investing instead in education and conservation. Today, over 25% of the country is protected land, with sloths, toucans, and monkeys as daily reminders of “life in its purest form.”

Expats and retirees often cite “pura vida” as a reason they settle here—it captures the slower rhythm and focus on balance.

Personal Stories and Modern Takes

Locals often share how the phrase shapes their outlook:

• A farmer in Monteverde used “pura vida” to stay positive during a bad harvest.

• A guide in Corcovado uses it to calm nervous hikers on muddy trails.

Younger Ticos mix it with modern culture—sharing TikToks, music, and murals that highlight the phrase. Businesses, including coffee roasters and apparel brands, use it to connect with customers.

Why It Resonates Worldwide

In a fast-paced world, people crave simplicity. “Pura vida” offers just that—whether through eco-tourism, wellness retreats, or everyday interactions. It’s tied to sustainability, happiness, and even longevity.

Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, one of the world’s Blue Zones, embodies the idea. Locals live longer, healthier lives, often crediting their lifestyle and positive outlook.

Wrapping It Up

“Pura vida” sums up Costa Rica’s heart. From its movie origins to its modern role as a national symbol, it captures joy in everyday life. Next time you hear it, take it as an invitation to slow down and live fully, one moment at a time.

Planning a trip? Visit towns like Puerto Viejo, Tamarindo, or the Central Valley to hear it firsthand. And if you’d like to carry the spirit with you, check out our Pura Vida T-Shirt Collection—a way to wear the phrase that defines Costa Rica.