Growing Up in Costa Rica: A Life of Nature, Culture, and Pura Vida

Growing up in Costa Rica has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. As a kid, I didn’t fully understand why my parents chose to raise us here. My dad is from a small town in Costa Rica, and my mom is from Illinois; somehow, the two of them decided that this little tropical country was the perfect place to build a family. Looking back now, I can honestly say they were right.

I’m forever grateful they made that choice. I got to grow up as a true jungle kid—barefoot most of the time, climbing trees, chasing waves, swimming in warm water, and running around outside until the sun melted into the ocean. It was the kind of childhood where days were spent outdoors, always finding something to do and somewhere to explore. Even the rainy season thunderstorms became part of the adventure; loud, sudden, and impossible to ignore.

Costa Rica has a way of grounding you. Maybe it’s the constant presence of nature, the sound of birds in the morning, or the fact that you’re never too far from the ocean, mountains, or rainforest. Or maybe it’s simply because I’ve spent most of my life barefoot. This country holds around 5% of the world’s biodiversity despite being tiny on the map, which still amazes me.

And then there are the people. Costa Ricans, or Ticos, are known for their warmth, humor, and laid-back spirit. We’re not perfect, of course, but there is a genuine friendliness here that people notice right away. Life moves differently. There’s less obsession with rushing and more appreciation for the moment. “Pura Vida” may be our national phrase, but it’s also a mindset: finding joy in the everyday, being resilient, and not taking life too seriously.

I was lucky enough to attend a bilingual school where I got to strengthen both my Spanish and English. Spanish is my first language, but my English improved quickly; not just because of school, but because of the many expats and international families around me. Growing up in that kind of environment gave me the best of both worlds: strong roots in Costa Rican culture while also being exposed to different perspectives and people from all over.

People sometimes assume a smaller country can feel limiting, especially for kids, but that was never my experience. I was constantly busy. I danced, did theater, played sports, and always had somewhere to be or something to try. Costa Rica gave me space to be active, creative, and curious. Even now as an adult, that lifestyle continues. When I’m not working at the law firm, I still fill my days with movement and fun—surfing, volleyball, pickleball, Pilates, and whatever else I can squeeze in.

The food deserves some praise. Fresh fruit that tastes like heaven on a hot summer day after the best surf session with friends, coffee that ruins all other coffee—biased but valid opinion; Gallo Pinto that somehow never gets old, preferably Abuela Felicia’s, casados that hit every spot, and roadside empanadas to top it all off.

What makes Costa Rica truly special, though, is that it teaches you to live differently. Not because of the power outages—you get used to those—but because It asks you to slow down, adapt, and appreciate what matters. If you come here trying to force speed, excess, or nonstop hustle, you’ll probably get frustrated. But if you meet the country halfway, it will give back.

I would choose this place over and over again. It shaped me, humbled me, entertained me, and gave me a childhood full of sunshine and adventure. No matter where life takes me, Costa Rica will always be home.