Why do we love Guanacaste, Costa Rica?

Guanacaste is a tough, rugged, hot, potholed, music-filled, bull-riding, surfing, make the most with what you have optimistic province that teaches you how to squeeze every ounce of enjoyment out of life, and we love every bit of it.

Pura Vida House is located along the rugged northwest coast of Costa Rica, nestled between the Gold Coast beaches — varied from white sand lagoons to world class surfing spots, from small beach towns to near-private spots – and the dry tropical forest and plains of Costa Rica’s cowboy country lowlands, nearly a country all its own.

This isn’t an accident. We sought out this part of the country. We love this part of the country.

75% of Costa Rica’s population is in the Central Valley, in the very center of Costa Rica, and the rest of the county is fairly rural.

So here, the law of the land rules – cowboys with their herds of cattle can shut down a dirt road as they cross, and one must just accept that as part of the landscape. You might see kids getting pulled down the street in an ox cart, just as likely a family of four on one motorcycle whizzing past at top speed.

Surfers with long sun-bleached locks play pick up “futbol” games on the beach at low tide with tourists while local dogs have their own game of tag going near the shoreline.

Costa Ricans are generally the friendliest people I’ve ever met. They can meet you once and welcome you in as part of their family or new best friend, even if just for the week. People are very happy and optimistic, and ready to joke around, or dance, at any moment. No Guanacasteco (as they are called) has ever met a stranger.

Pura Vida House is located within Hacienda Pinilla, a luxury resort that boasts a JW Marriot, golf course, tennis courts, beach club, equestrian center and miles and miles of untouched shoreline. It is an oasis within the area, without removing you too far from the country you came to visit. It is the best of both the comforts you expect from home and the adventure and nature that makes Costa Rica a top travel destination year after year.

If Costa Rica’s national slogan is “pura vida,” which means pure life, life is good, enjoy life, everything is great; then Guanacaste’s is surely “pura vida, no worries.” People here don’t stress for anything, and we try to absorb that mentality as much as we can. Of course everyone has their problems, but if you keep a positive attitude it certainly can’t hurt anything.

Pura Vida, and see you soon at Pura Vida House.