Why Coming to Costa Rica is Like Going Home

By Valerie

​They say that you can never go home again, but I think that saying must only apply to places outside of Costa Rica. 

If you have spent any extended amount of time in this country, you will understand that beyond the obvious, glaring, sensational beauty of the natural landscape there lies a warmth and welcoming, friendly nature in the people that immediately makes you feel as if you are among friends. Ticos are considered the happiest people on the planet according to the Happy Planet Index, winning and ranking extremely high many times through the survey's years. Perhaps it is this happiness, mixed with kindness, a very real intent to enjoy the moment (Pura Vida) and the desire to avoid conflict ( a great reason to have abolished their army 67 years ago), that makes it such a welcoming place.

For a country of its size, Costa Rica has an incredibly varied natural landscape, boasting a Caribbean coast with a real Rasta vibe, a Pacific coast with numerous world class spots for wave chasing surfers, majestic volcanos, waterfalls, stunnning national parks covering over 25% of its land surface, and an abundance of incredibly colorful wildlife. There is never a lack of things to do and see. Every trip within Costa Rica feels like you are visiting a totally new location.

I have travelled extensively through Latin America, from the islands of the Caribbean to southern Argentina, Mexico to Panama, and no matter where I am, I always find it lacking. Sure every country has some amazing feature that makes them stand out in memory, from architecture to history to the indigenous peoples. But they just aren't 'home'.

​Going back to Costa Rica never feels that way. After a few days away or even many months, coming back to Costa Rica is always like coming back to a good friend.