Coming to Costa Rica is more than laying on the beach, getting some sunlight and maybe hitting a few waves on a surfboard, to truly experience what this tropical paradise has to offer, you should tune your frequency to the pura vida lifestyle.
Pura vida literally translates to pure life, and it contains and expresses the essence of Costa Rica’s culture at its finest. Normally used as a way of saying hello and goodbye, celebrating and encouraging someone, or shrugging away a minor setback, pura vida is all about embracing life as it is and finding joy in whatever it may bring.
With the beach as its homeland and perpetuator, there is no better province than Guanacaste to immerse in and experience this mindset that encourages you to turn your attention back to the simple things in life. The beach, the surf, the people, the nature, the food, and the adventure here, are a pure manifestation of the pura vida lifestyle. So slow down, let go, and enjoy the ride! We are going to detain ourselves on these aspects separately and browse some of our Guanacaste, Costa Rica vacation rentals while we are at it! Pura vida!
THE BEACH
Costa Rica is home to many world-class beaches, with Guanacaste being its main host. Stretching all the way from Samara in the south up to Playa Hermosa in the north, this Pacific coast province shelters an infinite number of pura vida beach communities, with Playa Flamingo being one of the most outstanding ones. Located in one of the liveliest and most developed areas, this exclusive beach town manages to preserve its laid-back atmosphere and its connection with nature while having good access to the comforts of an urbanized region, kind of like having the best of both worlds if you ask us. With white sand, warm turquoise water, lush vegetation and epic sunsets, the place is pura-vida-ready. Come stay at one of our Guanacaste, Costa Rica vacation rentals, and see for yourself!
These charming Guanacaste, Costa Rica Vacation Rentals offer 2-bed, 2-baths and are nestled in the serene Casa Blanca Complex in vibrant Surfside, Potrero, just a 10-minute drive away from Flamingo. Accommodating up to 4 to 5 guests, the delightful retreat is just steps away from one of the three most outstanding beaches in the zone – Potrero, Penca and Prieta – in an even quieter town close to all the action.
THE SURF
Surfing embodies the pura vida lifestyle like no other activity does and is inherent to Costa Rica’s appeal and philosophy. When staying at almost any of Guanacaste’s beach towns you’ll be able to practice the sport every day, for tides are usually even and steady, though there are particular spots more beginner-friendly than others that may be more pro-suited. Whatever your level, surfing is an invitation to align yourself with nature, go to bed at sundown and rise with the sunlight, eat healthily, check the tides to see at what time during the day it would be better for you to grab your surfboard, and share with the ocean, whose a great teacher! You’ll be riding through life like you ride waves in no time, and that my friend, is pura vida!
THE PEOPLE
Costarican people, locally referred to as Ticos, are not only warm and friendly as a basic human behavior, but they also value community greatly. Slow-paced and relaxed, they usually take their time to do stuff, which may frustrate any of us coming from a different culture at first, but may enlighten us afterward, if we manage to embrace the pura vida lifestyle. Empathic and helpful with close friends and complete strangers alike, Ticos are a fundamental part of what makes beach towns such as Flamingo and Potrero in Guanacaste the comfy and safe environments that they are.
One of our top Guanacaste Costa Rica vacation rentals! This exquisite 4-bedroom, 5-bathroom haven sprawls over 5,500 sq ft, offering unparalleled privacy and modern comforts for an unforgettable getaway. Marvel at the sweeping 360-degree vistas of the valley, mountains, and Pacific Ocean, including the captivating Flamingo Marina, creating an exclusive sanctuary for relaxation and entertainment.
THE NATURE
Let’s admit it, it is easier to appreciate life as it is when you rise with the sun to warm and embracing weather, chiming birds and exuberant green jungle surroundings. This is what staying at Playa Flamingo is like. And to top it off, you’ll get to move around a tranquil town, where nature’s the protagonist and you’re a mere visitor who gets to enjoy its generosity.
A luxurious 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom ocean-view sanctuary that offers unparalleled elegance and comfort, with modern amenities and breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean.
THE FOOD
This being-one-with-nature attitude wouldn’t be complete if it didn’t include food, naturally. Costarican dishes are simple yet rich in nutrients and natural ingredients. A quintessential example is the “Casado,” a traditional dish that can include options like grilled fish (often tilapia or sea bass), chicken, or steak. The dish typically features rice, black beans, plantains, a salad, and a tortilla. For those looking to elevate their meal, local sodas (small family-run restaurants) offer various enhancements like sweet plantains, homemade salads, grilled vegetables, and different types of picadillo (a flavorful hash made with vegetables or meat). If you are looking for something more international, both Potrero and Flamingo offer a wide array of culinary experiences, from high-end restaurants like Casa Chameleon to beachfront restaurants or boutique breweries run typically by expats that are now a permanent part of the community.
THE ADVENTURE
As if all mentioned wasn’t enough, Costa Rica’s natural scenery does not limit to beautiful beaches, you’ll also find jungle, rainforests, mountains, volcanoes and savannas! Together with an unlimited number of activities to develop in every single one of them. From trekking, trail running, ATV tours, horseback riding and biking, to sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, sportfishing, rafting, ziplining and – should we keep going? Playa Flamingo particularly, courtesy of its Marina, is one of the hottest places in all of Guanacaste for all ocean-related activities. Not only will you be surrounded by some of the most stunning landscapes you’ve ever seen, but you’ll also get to interact with them in the safest yet most thrilling and respectful ways.
Coming to Guanacaste Costa Rica is the perfect opportunity to disconnect and reconnect. The pura vida lifestyle will find you wherever you go and whatever you do, our advice: let it in! Embrace the moment and let it carry you to places and states you wouldn’t have imagined. You’ll be getting the best out of every seemingly uneventful episode and return home fully refreshed and grateful. In Costa Rica, life is how it is supposed to be, and it is perfect!