Pura Vida

Llanos de Cortez Waterfall, Bagaces

Pura Vida is far more than a tagline created by the tourism authority. In Costa Rica, Pura Vida embodies how Costa Ricans live a peaceful life inspired by the natural beauty surrounding them. This small country abolished its military and, as a result, is the most peaceful democracy in the region.

The Great Kapok Tree

Considering Costa Rica is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world, having more than a quarter of its land protected as designated national parks, conservation areas, and wildlife reserves, it is only natural that this Central American country is a pioneer in eco-tourism. The commitment to renewable energy, particularly wind power and hydroelectric power, and wind turbines are seen dotting the coast on approach from the air. Despite its small size, Costa Rica harbors 5% of the world's biodiversity while occupying just 0.03% of the Earth's surface.

Having visited the Guanacaste province in 2017, I had the opportunity to return for four nights recently. Guanacaste is an area in northwest Costa Rica and frustratingly close to the Nicaraguan border. I tried every way imaginable to cross the border and get a glimpse of Nicaragua; however, it wasn't meant to be.

Traveling a small segment of the Pan-American highway, a transportation route that extends from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska to Ushuaia, Argentina, I explored what felt like every inch of the

Spider monkeys are considered the among the most intelligent of monkeys

province. Driving through the small town of La Cruz towards Liberia, the province's capital, I floated down the Rio Cañas and deep in a mangrove on a simple pontoon boat. The dry forest and mangrove are teamed from each body of water with various species of monkeys,

Green iguanas are the largest lizards in Costa Rica

My new neighbor, a cheeky capuchin monkey

alligators, and birds. Sloths nestle in the high canopy as these nocturnal mammals slumber during the day. Temperatures soaring to 100 degrees, coupled with the end of the dry season, equated to a burnt landscape so dry and brittle it seemed it would ignite into an inferno at any moment. The smell of burning Earth was present, and as we looked across the horizon, it was possible to see various plumes of smoke from fires.

The vision of the green, lush landscape that Costa Rica is known for is not present in Guanacaste during the dry season. The plethora of volcanoes that snake through the country's center means the beaches have darker sand due to the volcanic activity.

Guanacaste Tree represents the universal equilibrium and the power of Mother Nature

Playa El Jobo

With that said, watching the sunset over the Pacific was the trip's highlight, and I find it fascinating that the same vantage point each night can yield such different and dramatic results.

Playa El Jobo

On the quest to 100, I don't anticipate returning to Costa Rica for quite some time or at all. However, as my travels continue, I will take Pura Vida with me. The beautiful spirit of Costa Ricans will be a part of me.