Costa Rica Wellness | TRE Blog

Written by Jorge Carmona – Tamarindo Real Estate

Without a doubt, Costa Rica is a rich and varied country, it is world-known for having a Blue Zone (Nicoya), which means that inhabitants live more than the average.

This territory has been hailed as one of the happiest and most sustainable countries in the world and much has to do with this, for example: natural medicine, friendly ecological practices, wellness mindset, healthy recipes, places to meditate or enjoy nature, etc.

Costa Rica is also recognized for its commitment to conservation and environmental sustainability: 25% of its territory is protected in national parks and nature reserves, which has made it possible to preserve an incredible biodiversity. The connection with nature is inherent in the daily life of Costa Ricans, who enjoy parks, beaches, and mountains as part of their daily routines. This close relationship with nature has proven to be a key factor in reducing stress and improving the general well-being of the population.

The local recipes contribute a lot to this since the tico (colloquial term used to refer to a person from Costa Rica) is faithful to its roots and despite also finding a lot of processed food, the consumption of local natural foods is very high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish, in addition to the traditional way of agricultural life that has been preserved, has allowed the population to have access to local and sustainably grown food.

The emphasis on physical activity is also evident here, where cycling, walking, and outdoor sports are common. This regular combination has contributed to Costa Rica having one of the highest life expectancies in Latin America, which is almost 81 years old, a figure that coincides with the OECD average. (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development)

MTB trails, Hacienda Pinilla

Peace of mind is essential in Costa Rica lifestyle, relaxation and emotional balance are valued here. The pura vida mentality is a commonly used motto that represents the positive and calm attitude with which they face life.

The practice of meditation, yoga, and other mindfulness techniques have also gained popularity in the country and are no strangers to Ticos who already stand out for being warm towards others and their mutual support. This helps create an environment conducive to collective well-being, where each individual is valued and respected.

Likewise, the country has a health system provided by the state for all its inhabitants through social security that promotes maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The Costa Rican Social Security (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social -CCSS-) plays a fundamental role in the country’s welfare system and over time has contributed to the following services, which contribute to the general well-being of the population:

• It has guaranteed access to healthcare for all citizens through a network of hospitals, clinics, and health centers throughout the country. It offers comprehensive health coverage that includes primary and specialized medical care, hospital services, dental care, maternity services, mental health, and prevention and health promotion programs.
• Implement vaccination programs to prevent infectious diseases and carry out disease prevention campaigns. Administers the pension and retirement system of Costa Rica, providing social security to workers during their working life and upon retirement.
• It provides prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care services, as well as care and child care programs to promote maternal and child health. It also offers rehabilitation services for people with physical disabilities and care programs for patients with chronic diseases.
• The CCSS has also special programs to meet the needs of the elderly population, including geriatric care and home care services.

In addition, it is involved in medical and scientific research activities to improve the quality of care and the efficiency of health services and is in charge of training health professionals through its network of hospitals and educational centers. In case of emergency or disaster situations, the CCSS deploys medical teams and health services to provide care and support.

Where does all this well-being come from?

Las Catalinas Costa Rica lifestyle

A large population of the country still lives in natural places that contribute to a healthy daily life, such as the province of Guanacaste, where traditional local recipes, mainly fruits, are lived and practiced.

That is why wellness destinations in Costa Rica are very popular among tourists, mainly places like places where volcanic hot springs run; the beaches, where you live a much more relaxed life; and the mountains where the lifestyle is simpler and more contemplative.

With time and the knowledge of what integral well-being means, practices such as yoga retreats, meditation centers, natural spas, construction of trails for walking in nature, and the creation of national parks have emerged, which, although they are more for nature protection in general, locals and tourists benefit from generating physical and mental-emotional well-being by coming into contact with nature.

Costa Rica wellness stands as an inspiring model of how a nation can prioritize the well-being of its citizens while maintaining harmony with the natural environment.

In summary, the quality of Costa Rican lifestyle is due to:

Practice of sustainable activities

They promote the conservation of the environment and the protection of biodiversity.

Healthy Gastronomy

Recipes for typical Costa Rican dishes that are healthy and use local and fresh ingredients.
Likewise, in the Nicoya peninsula, we find one of the Blue Zones in the world, where we find the longest-lived people in the country due to the well-being practices, they practice every day.

Natural Therapies

Traditional wellness therapies and practices used in Costa Rica, such as aromatherapy, phytotherapy, and indigenous medicine.

Ecotourism and adventure

Outdoor activities that encourage connection with nature, such as hiking, kayaking, bird watching, and excursions to national parks.

Mindfulness and meditation

Many people in Costa Rica practice meditation and mindfulness individually, whether at home, in natural spaces, or anywhere they feel comfortable and focused, however Costa Rica offers a variety of meditation retreats and centers in natural environments such as jungles and beaches, offered to local and tourists as well. These places provide a tranquil setting for practitioners to immerse themselves in meditation and mindfulness for several days or weeks.

In urban areas, you can find classes and workshops offered in yoga studios, wellness centers, or community spaces. Just like in other parts of the world, people in Costa Rica also use online resources and apps for guided meditation and mindfulness exercises to support their daily practice.

Well-being in daily life

Provides tips and habits to lead a balanced lifestyle, from healthy eating to organizing time and managing stress.

Healing Nature

Therapeutic benefits of nature and how spending time outdoors can improve physical and mental health.

Wildlife and well-being

The importance of wildlife conservation and how responsibly interacting with local wildlife can contribute to overall well-being.

Wellness Events and Festivals

Wellness-related events and festivals are held in different parts of the country that promote social life.

Well-being at work

Addresses issues related to the balance between work and personal life, as well as the initiatives that some companies are taking to promote the well-being of their employees. This practice is relatively new in this country, where regulations and laws are changing for the better. For example, mothers with newborns up to 3 months old can breastfeed their babies even at work, every 3 hours. This will promote a better relationship between mother and baby, and eventually a life of wellness for both.

Always Pura Vida

Horseback riding – Hacienda Pinilla, Playa Avellans

The phrase Pura Vida in Costa Rica is much more than just an expression; represents a philosophy of life rooted in Costa Rican culture and is closely related to the well-being of the Costa Rican. This expression, which is translated as “pure life” or “full life”, includes a positive attitude, joy, and tranquility.

In the context of well-being, the Pura Vida mentality is very important and is fundamental to the happiness and emotional health of the Costa Rican. This attitude helps to reduce stress and anxiety, which in turn contributes to better mental health.

In addition, the focus on the well-being of the community is another important aspect related to the phrase “Pura Vida”. Costa Ricans value social harmony, mutual support, and solidarity, which creates a sense of belonging and connection with others. This sense of community and the importance of social relationships have a significant impact on overall well-being, as strong social ties and a social support network help reduce isolation and foster a sense of security and belonging.

In addition, the hospitable and welcoming nature of the Costa Rican promotes a friendly environment conducive to well-being. This attitude towards life and others creates an environment in which individuals feel valued and respected, which in turn contributes to greater self-esteem and personal satisfaction.

The natural environment plays an important role in well-being. Access to natural spaces and outdoor activities, such as hiking, bird watching and eco-tourism, have been shown to have significant benefits for physical and mental health.

In other words, the phrase Pura Vida in Costa Rica wellness is intrinsically linked to the fulfillment of the ticos. It represents a positive attitude towards life, an optimistic and resilient mindset, a tight-knit community, and a natural environment conducive to health and happiness. All this together contributes to a full and satisfying life for the inhabitants of this beautiful Central American country.