Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Tico Way of Life
Blessed with natural beauty and a peaceful, armyless society, it's no wonder
that Costa Rica has long been known as the Switzerland of Central America.
While nowadays the country is certainly challenged by its lofty ecoconscious
goals, modern intercontinental maladies such as drug trafficking and a dis-
parity in wealth between the haves and have-nots, the Tico attitude remains
sunny and family-centered.
Pura Vida
Pura vida
- pure life - is more than just a slogan that rolls off the tongues of Ticos (Costa
Ricans) and emblazons souvenirs; in the laid-back tone in which it is constantly uttered, the
phrase is a bona fide mantra for the Costa Rican way of life. Perhaps the essence of the pure
life is something better lived than explained, but hearing
'pura vida'
again and again while
traveling across this beautiful country - as a greeting, a stand-in for goodbye, 'cool', and an
acknowledgement of thanks - makes it evident that the concept lives deep within the DNA
of this country.
The living seems particularly pure when Costa Rica is compared with its Central Americ-
an neighbors such as Nicaragua and Honduras: there's little poverty, illiteracy or political
tumult, the country is crowded with ecological jewels and the standard of living is high.
What's more, Costa Rica has flourished without an army for the past 60 years. The sum of
the parts is a country that's an oasis of calm in a corner of the world that has been continu-
ously degraded by warfare. And though the Costa Rican people are justifiably proud hosts,
a compliment to the country is likely to be met simply with a warm smile and an enigmatic
two-word reply:
pura vida
.
The most comprehensive and complete book on Costa Rican history and culture is
The Ti-
cos: Culture and Social Change in Costa Rica
by Mavis, Richard and Karen Biesanz.
