Finding Pura Vida: How My Trip to Costa Rica Changed Everything

How seven days in Costa Rica made me fall in love with traveling and exploring the world.

Let’s rewind to my very first real adventure—my trip to Costa Rica. I was nervous, excited, and maybe too confident with my basic Spanish. Still, as soon as I arrived, everything I’d worried about was muted by the warm smiles and greetings of Pura Vida, the country’s favorite phrase and soon to be mine for the days to come.

The air felt different, and yet strangely familiar. Originally hailing from a tropical country, the lush greenery and the humid air weren’t all that foreign to me. However, the warm greetings of Pura Vida and the smell of rain and coffee brought something alive and welcoming to the experience—something uniquely Costa Rican.

Hitting many birds with one stone: Why I Chose Volunteering for My Trip to Costa Rica

My introduction to Costa Rica was through volunteering with Maximo Nivel, a well-known local organization. I signed up to volunteer as a nurse in a nursing home for the aged in San José, the country’s capital.

My intention was to hit as many birds with one stone:

1. satisfy my wanderlust
2. boost my resume with some volunteering experience
3. improve my Spanish skills, and
4. travel and explore a new country.

I was getting bored and frustrated with my job, so I was itching to do something different. At that time, I didn’t have a lot of vacation days, so I going too far wasn’t an option. Costa Rica was only a 4-hour flight away from Texas, so it became my top choice.

When I chose Costa Rica as my destination, I didn’t really put too much thought into it. All I knew was that I wanted a healthcare volunteer program with lots of support and in a country where I’d never been before. It was my first time making a decision purely on instinct. In hindsight, that spontaneity was exactly what I needed. Little did I know that this trip would change me forever.

Discovering Costa Rica and Living the Pura Vida Lifestyle

Before the trip, I would’ve been hard-pressed to point Costa Rica out on a map. All I knew was that it was somewhere in Latin America. Yet, as I would soon learn, this small Central American country would ignite in me a deep curiosity and appreciation for solo travel.

Day 1: My Crash Course in Pura Vida

My first day was my first real lesson in Pura Vida. The phrase literally translates to “pure life” in English, but it means much more than that. Pura Vida is a way of seeing things—of living slowly and soaking it all in. And as fate would have it, I got a crash course into Pura Vida when my host mom brought me dancing with her on my very first day—literally the same day I arrived, fresh from the airport!

I was filled with nervous energy that day. Fresh from the airport, my driver, who was very friendly and thoughtful, picked me up and gave me tips on where to go and what food to try. After handing me my welcome packet from Maximo Nivel, the local volunteer partner who oversaw my volunteer experience, he promptly dropped me off at my host family’s house. There I met Marlen, a very lovely and smart lady who would be my host mother for the entire week. She welcomed me with open arms into her wonderful home.

And yes, she took me dancing that same day!

Day 2: Slow Mornings and Warm Welcomes

The next morning, I remember waking up earlier than usual and feeling more refreshed than I was accustomed to. The birds were chirping, the trees were green and lush with the morning dew, the air cold and crisp– a welcome change from dusty, humid Texas.

After a simple breakfast of eggs, bread, sausage and coffee, Marlen and I picked fruits from her garden. Her backyard had a tree that bore cas— a Costa Rican fruit, similar to guava. The last time I had guava was back in the Philippines, so it was definitely a delight to try it again.

Everything felt new but oddly comforting. I was still bewildered by these new experiences but I welcomed them with open arms. It’s been a while since I had a slow morning, unburdened by patient charts.

It was Pura Vida indeed!

After breakfast, Marlen and I dropped by her parents house to share some of the fruits that we picked. It felt strange–but definitely heartwarming– to be introduced to her family when I literally just met Marlen yesterday. Despite being a stranger, they treated me as if they’ve known me forever: showing me pictures of their family, sharing their food, and asking me about my life in in the Philippines.

From that moment on, I immediately felt at home– even though I’ve only been in Costa Rica for barely a day. They treated me like a welcome friend, not a tourist just passing through.

Later that day, we went to a plaza and the celebration was in full swing! It was the last day of Día de los Muertos. The Mexican community had prepared food, crafts, and a lively parade with drums and lyres

_{^{Marlen and I posing with the lovely artists.}}

To top it all off, I also got to watch my very first luchador fight! It brought back childhood memories of watching WWE and cheering for John Cena, Triple H, and Rey Mysterio.

After a quick lunch of tacos, Marlen dropped me off at the Maximo Nivel Center to attend my orientation and Spanish test. I passed A2 level and got assigned to a nursing home for the elderly.

That evening, we went grocery shopping, where I recognized many fruits and vegetables from back home—it was comforting and nostalgic all at once.

Days 3-6: Finding Rhythm in Routine

Each morning followed a comforting rhythm.

In the mornings, I’d wake up, play with Panterita the cat, have a healthy breakfast, then go to my volunteer placement. I learned to ride public transportation and gained enough confidence to converse with the healthcare staff, the patients and the locals in Spanish.

At the nursing home, I assisted the staff with patient meals and medication administration. I practiced my Spanish with the patients and entertained the elderly with my strange accent. For some of them, it was their first time meeting a Filipina, and they had some curious questions about my home country that I was happy to answer. I also met a US army veteran who had settled in Costa Rica. He was glad to have someone to talk to in English.

As a volunteer, I was only allowed to work for 4 hours, so I had the afternoons free. I spent my afternoons studying Spanish in Maximo Nivel. My lessons were grammar-heavy, but I still enjoyed it nonetheless.

Tasting Costa Rica: The Flavors of My Trip

Of course, no trip is complete without food! Among my favorites in Costa Rica was the food! The very first local food I tried was Gallo Pinto, Costa Rica’s national dish. It’s made from a combination of beans and rice, stir-fried with onions, commonly served during breakfast.

Apart from Gallo Pinto, I also explored different kinds of empanadas. I found it fascinating how similar and yet different Costa Rican empanadas were to Filipino empanadas. In my country, the empanadas are smaller and rounder, unlike the Costa Rican version.

I also tried casado, a very yummy combination of carbs, protein, and vegetables.

I had a funny encounter related to casado. One time after my shift, I was looking for a place to have lunch when I chanced upon a small eatery. Without a second thought, I simply walked in, and in my broken Spanish boldly announced that it was my first trip to Costa Rica and what can they recommend me for lunch?

I know, very gutsy.

The waitress patiently smiled at my broken Spanish, smiled and said “casado”.

It quickly became my favorite!

For dinners, I ate at home with Marlen. I learned that Ticos (Costa Ricans) eat light dinners and reserve their biggest meal for lunch. This is different from the way us Pinoys (Filipinos) eat. For us, breakfast is a big meal, lunch is a lighter fare, and dinners are always a family event. The change is welcome, though, and I savored every meal that Marlen prepared.

I loved that we always had fruits with every meal!

Meals with Marlen weren’t just about food—they were about connection. Over cups of tea, we talked about culture, politics, and law. She was more than a good dancer; she was a lawyer and aesthetician. She shared stories of advocating for women’s rights and helping victims of abuse rebuild their lives.

Every night ended the same way: my stomach full, my mind enriched, and my heart overflowing with appreciation.

I lived Pura Vida in just a week, and I was not ready to say goodbye.

My Last Day in Costa Rica — But Not the Last Trip

Day 7:

And just like that, the week came to an end.

It was finally time to say Hasta Luego— “until later” in English, which is a more informal way to say goodbye. I prefer saying hasta luego to my one week in Costa Rica because even before the week ended, I already promised myself, Marlen, and most importantly the universe, that I will be back for my birthday. Spoiler alert: I did return to Costa Rica the following year.

It was a bittersweet end to such an amazing week. In seven days, I lived Pura Vida– taking in all experiences and going with the flow. Slowing down and enjoying the tide. Cherishing each experience and feeling it in your core.

On my last day, Marlen and I shared smiling goodbyes. I played with Panterita for the last time, Marlen prepared a yummy breakfast which I devoured, and I drank coffee prepared from a choreador– a Costa Rican influence that will live in me forever. Marlen and I shared one final chat about her work as a lawyer, and she gave me a parting gift: handicrafts made by one of her clients.

Moments later, the car honked—it was time to go. I hugged Marlen tight, thanking her for showing me Pura Vida. One last selfie, one last smile, and then I was on my way.

Pura Vida and the birth of Wonderlust

My one week trip to Costa Rica was not just amazing or beautiful—it was eye-opening. Looking back now, I realize that it sparked my desire to explore the world and share my experiences. Simply, it birthed this blog—Wonderlust.

What started as a spontaneous getaway became the beginning of something much bigger. Costa Rica opened my eyes to a region I had once overlooked—Latin America. Before this trip, my eyes were focused towards Europe– the grand castles, Renaissance, and rich history. I was blinded by the lingering nostalgia left behind by a memorable life in the UK. I failed to appreciate the unique beauty the American continent holds.

Costa Rica, and soon Latin America, rewired my brain is ways I still couldn’t understand. Its languages, warmth, and rhythm of life drew me in completely. I found myself wanting to learn more, not just about the places, but about the people, the culture, and the stories that make each country so vibrant.

In many ways, being in Costa Rica also reconnected me to my Filipino roots. The Ticos’ kindness, their easy laughter, their love for food, family, and simple joys—it all felt familiar. There was a shared sense of warmth and resilience, a way of finding happiness in community and everyday life. I realized that even halfway across the world, I could feel at home in a culture that mirrored the spirit I grew up with.

That first trip to Costa Rica taught me that travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about letting them change you. Costa Rica showed me how to slow down, to connect, and to see beauty in moments that don’t make it to postcards. It was the spark that turned curiosity into passion.

Who would’ve thought that a single journey would turn into a pursuit of adventure?

So here’s to where it all began– with a backpack, a curious heart, and a simple phrase that lives in me today: pura vida!

And as Wonderlust continues to grow, I’m reminded that not all who wonder are lost— some just start in Costa Rica!