COSTA RICA
FROM RAINFOREST TRAILS
TO PACIFIC WAVES
RECONNECT IN
THE LAND OF PURA VIDA
Cradled between the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, and blessed with unparalleled natural beauty, Costa Rica invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and live life to its fullest potential.
This is a place where wellness and adventure live side by side, where vibrant biodiversity thrives just beyond your doorstep, and where every moment, from sunrise to sunset, feels like an invitation to savor the day and the moments that unfold. Whether you’re seeking a fresh start, a place to retire, or a sound real estate investment, Costa Rica is more than a destination – it’s a way of life. Welcome to the pura vida.
OVERVIEW
COSTA RICA
AT A GLANCE
Costa Rica is consistently ranked among the top countries for expats, thanks to its political stability, health-conscious lifestyle, and welcoming communities. With year-round warm weather, a strong healthcare system, and a focus on renewable energy and conservation, this Central American nation offers a compelling balance of natural beauty and modern convenience.
For those exploring the idea of relocating, this moving to Costa Rica guide can help you take the first step toward a slower, more intentional life. Whether you’re interested in retiring in Costa Rica, drawn by the Nicoya Peninsula’s Blue Zone lifestyle, or looking into Costa Rica real estate investing, the country’s appeal goes far beyond our blue skies, tropical landscapes, and postcard-perfect beaches.
Here, life is about the harmony between people, the land, and the future.
ECO PARADISE
NATURE
& BIODIVERSITY
Though Costa Rica occupies just 0.03% of the world’s land, it’s home to over 5% of the world’s biodiversity – a staggering number for a country smaller than West Virginia. Cloud forests, active volcanoes, tropical dry forest, mangrove estuaries, rainforests, mountain ranges, and coral reefs all coexist within a well-protected ecological framework that has made Costa Rica a global model for conservation.
Incredibly, more than 25% of the country’s land is preserved through national parks, wildlife refuges, and nature reserves. So, go ahead – enjoy year-round access to these protected spaces, where howler monkeys call from treetops, scarlet macaws fly in pairs overhead, and sea turtles return to the ancestral beaches of their own hatching. Whether you’re hiking through dry forest or paddleboarding out to a barrier island, nature isn’t a backdrop here – it’s a central part of your everyday life.
HERITAGE
CULTURE
& COMMUNITY
Costa Rica’s rich cultural tapestry blends millennia of Indigenous roots, paired with more recent Spanish heritage and Afro-Caribbean influences. The country’s true wealth, however, lies in the warmth of its people. Known as Ticos and Ticas, Costa Ricans believe in enjoying the moment and giving thanks for what we do have – living by the phrase pura vida, a kind of “hakuna matata” mindset that values simplicity, connection, and appreciation for life’s everyday gifts.
Strong community ties, a commitment to peace, and an emphasis on family, friendships, and education have helped shape a society that feels both progressive and grounded. Whether you’re joining a local farmers market or a beachfront yoga class, enjoying a long meal or drinks with your neighbors, you’ll quickly discover that in Costa Rica, strangers don’t stay strangers for very long.
FUN FACTS
DID YOU KNOW?
SECURE ENVIRONMENT
POLITICAL STABILITY & SAFETY
Costa Rica is recognized worldwide for its stable democratic government, social programs, and peaceful policies. The country abolished its army in 1948 and redirected those funds toward healthcare, education, and environmental conservation – foundations that support a safe and welcoming society. As a result, Costa Rica enjoys some of the greatest stability in Latin America and continues to rank high on global peace indexes.
For families, retirees, and investors alike, this foundation of peace and good governance creates a reliable and reassuring backdrop for living, raising a family, and long-term planning.
MEDICAL SERVICES
HEALTHCARE
Costa Rica offers high-quality medical care at a fraction of the cost compared to North America and Europe. Both public and private healthcare systems are well-regarded, with modern hospitals, English-speaking doctors (mostly in private healthcare), and a strong emphasis on preventative medicine.
Both social security (the public healthcare system) and health insurance, as well as medical discount programs, are accessible and affordable, and many expats choose Costa Rica for its excellent care and ease of access throughout life and during retirement. From wellness clinics to specialized services, the country’s healthcare system is a major draw for those considering a permanent move.
HEALTHY LIVING
WELLNESS
Wellness isn’t a trend in Costa Rica – it’s a lifestyle. Outdoor activity is a part of daily life, from beach walks to market runs to waterfall hikes. The climate supports year-round movement and fresh, local food is easy to come by – much of it grown just down the road.
Wellness has also lent itself to small business here. From spa retreats to surf schools, from community yoga classes to traditional healing practices, Costa Rica offers countless ways to nourish your body and soul. This is a country where your health and happiness matter.
VITALITY
BLUE ZONE
LONGEVITY
Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula is one of the world’s five Blue Zones – regions where people routinely live well into their 90s and beyond. The reasons? It’s complicated, but experts confirm that it has a lot to do with our natural diet, strong social networks, regular physical activity, and a deep sense of purpose.
Inspired by these principles, many who move to Costa Rica find themselves adopting a more mindful, more fulfilling rhythm of life. Because the Costa Rica Blue Zone lifestyle isn’t just for locals – it’s something anyone can embrace, and it’s part of what makes retiring in Costa Rica so uniquely rewarding.
TRAVEL HUB
NATIONAL
TRAVEL ACCESS
Despite its remote beauty, Costa Rica is well connected to major cities across the Americas. International airports in San José (SJO) and Liberia (LIR) make arrival easy, with frequent connected and direct flights from the U.S., Canada, and beyond. Domestic travel is equally convenient, with scenic roadways and regional flights linking the more tranquil corners of the country.
From the capital to the coast, Costa Rica is easy to explore and even easier to love – especially if you’re considering real estate investing or simply planning your next great escape.