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I’ve traveled the world in search of happiness costa rica This has always been a place that is at the top of my bucket list. I had read about the healing power of protected forests and reefs, the incredible biodiversity of the landscapes, and the alternative deprived lifestyle adopted by so many residents of the Central American sovereign state.
I decided to explore the country this year and visit as many points on the map as I could, including one of the world’s five Blue Zones – the Nicoya Peninsula – Where some of the longest-lived people on Earth thrive on simple food, community and a deep respect for nature.
The informal but widely used greeting, “Pura Vida” is the Costa Rican way of communicating the importance of these principles. It’s a phrase that my Costa Rican guide Edgar told me came from a Mexican film of the same name from the ’50s – a fact that surprised me because I expected a more far-fetched lineage. It has since become the entire philosophy of Costa Rica, blending gratitude, optimism and slow living into a single phrase that translates to “pure life.”
Naturally, it is the perfect place to go in search of health and healing. So if you’re planning to visit this incredible country, read on for my recommendations on where to stay, visit, eat, and experience the true heart of Costa Rica.
connecting with nature
rainforest hiking
If long walks under rainforest canopy, volcano climbing, jungle bathing and swimming in natural waters appeal to you, Costa Rica is the gift that keeps on giving. The weather remains warm between summer and rainy season, although depending on when you choose to visit, you may get caught in a brief storm. However, this is an impressive feat in itself.
Costa Rica offers a rare balance of beauty, biodiversity and eco-consciousness. Almost all of its energy comes from renewable sources, its forests and beaches are perfectly preserved and its landscapes look almost surreal. Rainforests, cloud forests, volcano-fed hot springs and endless expanses of wild coastline make it a natural sanctuary for restoration.
Walk into the jungle on a guided hike during the day or night to see sloths, ocelots, tree frogs, snakes and the many species of spider that live in Costa Rica’s forests. This is truly wild country so stay on track and always book an experienced guide. Forest bathing in the Monteverde cloud forest reconnects you with the slow pace of nature, while hikes in La Fortuna or Montezuma reward you with natural swimming pools.
Waterfalls and hot springs
Waterfalls are also abundant and are one of the most fascinating natural tourist attractions worth visiting. Rio Celeste, Nauyaca Waterfalls, La Paz Waterfall and La Fortuna Waterfall all offer different levels of access, depending on whether you prefer to hike on foot or simply go up to admire the waterfall’s water. Some you can swim in, others are safe and should only be inspected.
One of the most enjoyable experiences in Costa Rica is soaking in the natural hot springs. In Arenal, just outside the town of La Fortuna, water heated by the Arenal Volcano flows into a network of pools at places like the Tabacon Hot Springs and Ecotermales. The area is full of spa resorts, which range from two-star to five-star and the cost varies depending on the season.
The mineral-rich waters around the volcano are said to relax muscles and restore balance. For something more low-key, the Orosi Valley offers quiet, less-travelled thermal baths. Many eco-luxury spas are also based on volcanic landscapes, offering treatments using volcanic mud, coffee scrubs and tropical vegetation.
Water
Of course, if you find water therapeutic, there’s no shortage of lakes, beaches and waterfalls to swim in. From Hermosa Beach in Guanacaste, it is possible to see humpback whales surface and watch their tails flop and see turtles ducking their heads above the waves. A boat tour can take you to nearby peninsulas to experience sandy bays, rock pools and tropical weather and see whales and dolphins up close.
Boats, surfboards or paddleboards are in abundance but for me, the ultimate paddleboarding experience is in front of the Arenal Volcano on Lake Arenal. There are several rental businesses here and the views are spectacular. Paddleboarding or kayaking in the country’s bioluminescent bays also offers an unforgettable almost exotic experience.
animal life
Costa Rica is home to over 500,000 species of organisms in total, including plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms. This staggering number makes it a paradise for those who appreciate the natural world. Whether you board a boat, hike through the woods or relax on the beach, there will be animal life all around you. This can be particularly soothing for some people, and for others, it offers an opportunity to get closer to what Central Americans call Pachamama, or “Mother Earth.” Animal symbolism is very important to the natives of Costa Rica and here you’ll see things you’re unlikely to see anywhere else – like Olive Ridley turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs, toucans in the canopy above and families of monkeys hanging out at a safe distance.
mind, body and spirit
yoga and meditation
Costa Rica has become a global hub for yoga, and it’s not hard to see why. In Nosara, one of the country’s most famous wellness destinations, hotels offering yoga and meditation abound and there are many studios to choose from. Classes are often held in open-air sheds where you can hear howling monkeys and rustling palm trees as you walk.
On the Nicoya Peninsula, surfing is often combined with sunrise yoga sessions, while in Puerto Viejo, on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, jungle yoga classes are accompanied by the sounds of tropical birds and cicadas. It really depends on what you are looking for from a yoga class but I can guarantee you will find the perfect partner as the attendance here is huge.
You’ll find specialist yoga retreats, surf lodges with a specific focus on yoga and meditation, and classes that hone in on the experience of being outdoors, especially with jungle and volcano views. My personal favorite was a session at the Bosque de Tio Victor – a private jungle reserve near La Fortuna, which offers a short walk through the jungle to a private shala for yoga near the waterfall.
healing traditions
Costa Rica also embraces a rich tradition of indigenous and ceremonial healing practices. The cacao ceremony, designed to open the heart and invite connection, is a regular feature at retreats across the country. I recommend treating these types of ceremonies with respect and doing your research about the importance of cacao to the Costa Rican people and their ancestors. A cacao ceremony can be an incredible way to find a peaceful and contemplative moment on a busy trip, feel more connected with the people you are visiting, and experience the spiritual traditions of the place you are visiting.
Temazcal, or sweat lodge ceremonies, offer purification guided by experienced facilitators, while sound healing, meditation and breathwork are woven into retreats in Guanacaste, Nicoya, Nosara and beyond. There are almost too many to choose from so my advice is to be smart about the sustainability credentials, authenticity and insurance of those offering retreats and events. Support local businesses and local residents if possible and stay safe.
spa culture
Many spas in Costa Rica focus on volcanic hot springs and minerals originating from the volcano, but not all. The spa culture here is alive and well and you’ll find that it matches very well with the country’s commitment to ecotourism. From budget hostels to upscale hotels and private villas all are conscious about water and energy consumption and most use biodegradable and non-toxic products and pride themselves on running eco-efficient spas. The choice to choose between hyper-modern and longevity focused or classic and massage and hot tub focused is up to you.
Food and Hotel
Nutrition and Farm to Table
The food in Costa Rica is simple, vibrant, and highly nutritious. Farm-to-table dining is the norm, featuring abundant tropical fruits, fresh fish and organic vegetables. Influenced by Blue Zones traditions, Nicoya Peninsula cuisine focuses on beans, corn tortillas, squash, papaya and bananas – foods that are both nutrient-dense and deeply satisfying.
Superfoods like raw cacao, noni, soursop and fresh coconut water are available everywhere, and almost every beach town has a juice or smoothie bar where you can refresh between adventures. For grounding local food, try casado – a traditional plate of rice, beans, lettuce, plantain and your choice of protein. I looked forward to this perfectly balanced meal every day.
where to stay
Costa Rica is full of places to stay that honor its wellness spirit. In Arenal, Nayara Springs offers villas with private hot spring pools, while Kinkara in the San Isidro Valley blends glamping with intense nature. The Imiloa Institute near Dominica is known for its plant medicine programs and retreat offerings, while the Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort in Nosara and Pranamar Villas in Santa Teresa bring together yoga, surfing and slow-paced living.
For travelers on a budget, eco-lodges like Celina Nosara or Puerto Viejo offer a social, creative space, while Peace Lodge in La Paz offers rustic luxury near waterfalls and wildlife sanctuaries. The best time to visit depends on what you are looking for. The dry season, from December to April, offers long days of sunshine, while the green season, from May to November, brings lush landscapes and quieter, more intimate travel.
No matter where you stay in Costa Rica, hotels will put sustainability first. The tap water is potable, so you won’t find many plastic bottles or plastic bags. You will also be encouraged to reuse towels and be environmentally conscious wherever you go. Marine welfare and rainforest conservation are important to the people of Costa Rica so travel with caution and you will be warmly welcomed.
things to know
Costa Rica is ideal for digital detoxing, but if you need to stay connected, be aware that Wi-Fi can be slow in remote areas. Respecting the environment is part of a wellness trip here, so pack reef-safe sunscreen, a reusable water bottle and natural insect repellent. The ocean is beautiful but can also be unpredictable, be aware of the waves and always swim with awareness.
Costa Rica is not just a place you go to, it is a teacher. Its forests invite you to take a deep breath, its oceans remind you to surrender, and its people epitomize a lifestyle rooted in joy and simplicity. To travel here is to remember what it feels like to live in harmony with yourself, with others, and with the natural world – that is Pura Vida.
questions to ask
Costa Rica is located entirely in the tropical zone. The average temperature throughout the year remains in the mid 20s on the coastal plains and in the 20s in the highlands. There are marked distinct wet and dry seasons throughout the country.
The time zone in Costa Rica is Central Standard Time (GMT-6).
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