10 Life Lessons Costa Rica Can Teach You About True Happiness

Costa Rica might not give that flawless vibe at first, but it gets the things right when it comes to quality of life. For anyone chasing relaxation, purity, nature, and eventually, a good life, Costa Rica ranks at the top of the Happy Planet Index, which weighs well-being, life expectancy, and ecological footprint. Folks here live long lives, on average roughly 80 years, and it’s not uncommon to meet elders who are robust, active, and socially connected well into their 90s and 100s. 

This tiny but beautiful Central American country also boasts the Nicoya Peninsula, one of the globe’s few Blue Zones. There, inhabitants live longer due to everyday natural movement, bean- and vegetable-laden diets, close-knit social connections, and a profound sense of direction. But this joy isn’t contained to Nicoya. You will notice the same ingredients throughout Costa Rica: families who share time, neighbors who know and care for one another, and a genuine connection with nature. 

Costa Rica also made bold decisions decades ago. It disbanded its army in 1949 and channeled money into health, education, and social services. Today, more than 25% of its land is saved, forests are being restored, and most of its electricity is generated from renewable sources. Everything contributes to creating a feeling of security, equilibrium, and pride that you can sense when spending time here. 

Everyday Costa Rican Lessons on Happiness 

Lesson	Core Idea	Takeaway
Pura Vida Is a Mindset	Embrace gratitude and positivity daily	Let gratitude light up your day
Time Moves Slower Here	Prioritize presence over punctuality	Take a deep breath and savor the moment
Nature Is Part of Daily Life	Regularly connect with the natural world	Fresh air and green views can do wonders
Family First, Always	Nurture close family bonds	Share laughs and love with those who matter most
There’s Joy in Simplicity	Find happiness in everyday moments	Happiness hides in the little things—look for it
Community Over Competition	Support and celebrate others	Good vibes grow when we lift each other up
Celebrate the Little Things	Enjoy small pleasures and daily rituals	Notice small joys—they add up to big smiles
Movement Feels Natural	Make joyful movement part of life	Dance, stretch, walk—just move because it feels good
Laughter Is Everyday Medicine	Use humor to connect and de-stress	A good laugh is the easiest way to feel better
Wisdom Comes with Age	Respect and learn from elders	Stories from older friends bring fresh insight and smiles

So, what exactly makes Costa Ricans some of the happiest people on Earth? Here are 10 simple, yet powerful lessons you can learn from their everyday way of life. 
 

1. Pura Vida Is A Mindset, Not A Motto 

Everyone in Costa Rica says “Pura Vida.” It’s what you greet with, what you say to leave, and how you answer, “How are you?” But it’s not merely a phrase. It’s an attitude—a way of life for Ticos. Pura Vida means deciding to believe that life is good, regardless of what is going on. It’s about appreciating little blessings, smiling during difficulties, and being grateful for what you have rather than worrying about what you don’t. 

• When your bus is late, Pura Vida.  

• When the unexpected rain drenches your clothes, Pura Vida.  

• When a neighbor gives you fresh fruit from their tree, Pura Vida.  

Gratitude and hope become a part of your daily routine. That simple decision makes all the difference. 

Takeaway: Let gratitude shine brightly in your day. 

2. Time Moves Slower Here 

Costa Ricans have a totally different attitude toward time. Life’s not hurried in this beautiful tropical country. Life is enjoyed and lived here. Appointments are late, buses don’t always run to the timetable, and no one frets about it. People laugh, talk, and live in the moment instead. 

The slower lifestyle isn’t laziness. It’s being present. It’s appreciating people more than the clock. Coffee isn’t taken on the run. It’s also enjoyed with friends and family. Meals aren’t hurried. They’re also the events to live and celebrate with loved ones. Work, too, is tackled with equilibrium, not exhaustion. 

Slowing down this way is a stress-reliever and allows you to appreciate the beauty in your day you’d otherwise overlook. 

Takeaway: Take a deep breath and enjoy every moment in Costa Rica. 

3. Nature Is Part of Daily Life 

Costa Rica is green with opportunity. Rainforests, mountains, waterfalls, beaches… nature is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. In many other countries, nature is something you “get away” from, but in Costa Rica, nature is an integral part of everyday life. 

They wake up to the song of birds, encounter monkeys on the way, and spend weekends in the mountains or on the seashores. Children grow up outside, not in front of screens. Fruit trees, herbs, or flowers have small gardens in many homes. This perpetual exposure to nature reduces stress, promotes health, and keeps life in harmony with the seasons. 

Takeaway: Fresh air and green vistas can work magic. 

4. Family First, Always 

Costa Ricans value family above everything else. Homes are often multigenerational, with grandparents, parents, and children under one roof or living nearby. Families eat together, celebrate together, and support one another through ups and downs. 

This proximity offers a solid safety net. You never feel alone because you always have others to rely on. That feeling of belonging develops resilience. In Nicoya, one of the reasons people live so long is that elders stay connected in family life and are respected and cherished rather than cast aside. 

Takeaway: Laugh and love with those who are important. 

5. There’s Joy in Simplicity 

The people of Costa Rica do not pursue luxury for joy. They find it in the little things: a great cup of coffee first thing in the morning, sitting on a porch, watching the rain fall, children playing soccer in the street, or breaking bread at a meal of rice, beans, and plantains. 

This attitude keeps things simple. Less focus on things equals more attention to experiences, relationships, and calm minds. It’s the reverse of the never-ending stress to purchase more, possess more, and accomplish more. 

Takeaway: Pleasure is concealed in the small things—seek it out.  

6. Community Over Competition 

Community matters in Costa Rica and to Costa Ricans. Neighbors assist each other, whether it’s borrowing tools, exchanging vegetables, or contributing to any festival or event. Celebrations are shared here. When one does something great, it’s a victory for all. This is nothing magical, but this is how Ticos live. It’s woven in their roots. Just simple like that.  

This supportive culture generates security and belonging. Rather than feeling like you’re competing against everyone in the area, you feel you belong to a team. That minimizes stress and promotes stronger relationships. 

Takeaway: Good energy spreads when we support one another. 

7. Celebrate the Little Things 

Life in Costa Rica is all about the little things. People find time for coffee breaks with friends, sunset gazing, or porch chats at the end of the day. They celebrate birthdays, regional festivals, and every big and small celebration. The only aim is to bring communities together via celebration and togetherness.  

This emphasis on little pleasures creates a daily cadence of happiness. You don’t save it up for the grand vacation or celebration to say hi to your family members and friends. It’s every day when you celebrate togetherness in small amounts. 

Takeaway: Pay attention to little joys that add to giant grins. 

8. Movement Feels Natural 

Costa Rican people do not necessarily hit the gym or fetishize fitness trackers, but are always on the move. They walk, garden, surf, kick a soccer ball around, and ride bikes. Movement is part of their daily life. In Nicoya, the elderly move by gardening, walking hills, and doing housework well into old age. Isn’t it incredible?  

Movement here isn’t compelled. It’s happy and part of the rhythm of the day, and that’s a huge reason folks remain healthy and content for such a long time.  

Takeaway: Dance, stretch, walk…Just move a little everyday because it feels nice. 

9. Laughter Is Everyday Medicine 

Spend a day or two in Costa Rica and observe people laughing. They joke, they tease, and they laugh at the simplest things in life. Laughter doesn’t wait until it’s time to watch a comedy show or until there’s a special occasion. But, unfortunately, it’s a daily medication in Costa Rica. And, it is also your biggest happiness lesson you can make a note of.  

This playfulness assists in releasing tension, reinforcing connections, and maintaining high morale. It’s not unusual to see people laugh even under difficult circumstances. It’s resilience in action through the power of humor.  

Takeaway: Laughing is the simplest means to lift one’s spirits. 

10. Wisdom with Age 

In most of the world, aging is declining. But here, age is valued. Older people are revered as educators, historians, and mentors. Their wisdom and insights are appreciated, and they continue to be valuable parts of family and community life. 

It provides older people with meaning and dignity, and benefits younger people with their experience. It’s a cycle of care that enriches all. 

Takeaway: Tales from older friends provide a new perspective on life. 

Travel the Pura Vida Way… 

You don’t need to move to Costa Rica to learn these lessons. You can go and allow them to take root in your heart. But the catch is to travel slowly and deliberately. Remain in one area for more than just a day or two instead of dashing around. Take the time to speak with natives, not simply guides. And ask them what brings them happiness. Observe how others live, rather than where they go. 

Watch the sunset every evening. Eat local food, sip Costa Rican coffee slowly, and walk through markets instead of malls. Travel this way, and you’ll bring home more than memories—you’ll bring pieces of the Pura Vida way of life. 

We Understand the Importance of Happiness at Villa Firenze…  

At Villa Firenze, joy is more than a fleeting emotion — it’s intricately woven into every aspect of your retreat. This exclusive luxury villa was crafted to embody the essence of Costa Rica’s Pura Vida, where life happens more slowly, more purposefully, and infinitely more happily. 

Wake up to the sound of birdsong and the warmth of sunlight spilling over lush gardens. Wander through private trails surrounded by tropical greenery that feels like your very own rainforest. Share unhurried breakfasts by the pool, linger over conversations in breezy open-air lounges, and let the natural beauty around you set the pace of your day. 

Here, there are no schedules to chase, no noise, no distractions. Just space to reconnect — with yourself, with your loved ones, and with the kind of peace that often feels out of reach in everyday life.  

The villa’s design blends elegance with ease, so whether you’re reading in the shade, toasting the sunset, or stargazing late into the night, every moment feels effortless and special. 

Villa Firenze is not just a vacation home. It’s an invitation to experience Costa Rica’s lessons in happiness: relish simplicity, feast on togetherness, and allow joy to permeate the small things. Here, you’ll discover what you never realized you were missing, and take that feeling with you when you leave. 

Stay with us, and relive the joy of slowing down. Let Villa Firenze be your portal to Costa Rica’s most authentic happiness — Pura Vida, lived deeply and honestly. 

You Don’t Have to Relocate to Costa Rica to Live like a Tico  

Costa Rica’s happiness lies not in resorts or pursuing the next hot destination. It’s in the early morning greetings on the street between neighbors, in the children kicking a ball in the road, in the stories of a grandmother told over a plate of rice and beans, in sunsets that no one ever takes for granted. It’s in simplicity, appreciation, and relatedness — principles which shape everyday life here. 

The things Costa Rica has to teach us are elegantly uncomplicated but profoundly significant. Move slower. Go outside. Love your people fiercely. Laugh daily. Honor those who’ve come before. Rejoice in even the smallest joys. Use your body because it’s a joy, not because it’s on your checklist. And most of all, make Pura Vida more than just a motto — make it the way you live. 

You don’t have to pack up and move to Costa Rica to adopt this. You can bring these things into your own life wherever you are.  

• Make your coffee and sip it slowly.  

• Call your parents or grandparents.  

• Take a walk without looking at the clock.  

• Smile at someone you don’t know.  

• Watch the sunset and do nothing else.  

These are tiny things, but they add up over the years to a healthier, happier life. 

Costa Rica has proven to the world that happiness need not be complicated. It is a decision to live simply, love passionately, and remain connected. And that decision is within your grasp, right now, here. 

So, let Pura Vida lead you, not only when you travel to Costa Rica, but each day of your life.  

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