"Pura vida" is more than a greeting in Costa Rica - it is a way of life. And after spending a month working remotely from this Central American paradise with Steve, I understand why.
Why Costa Rica for Remote Work
Costa Rica checks all the boxes for digital nomads. Reliable wifi in most areas. A time zone that works for North American clients. Beautiful scenery that makes the daily grind feel less grindy. And a culture that genuinely values work-life balance.
The cost of living is higher than other Central American countries, but still reasonable compared to the US or Canada. Our Airbnb with high-speed internet, a pool, and jungle views cost less than a basic apartment in most North American cities.
Our Daily Routine
Mornings started early - not because we had to, but because the jungle wakes you up. Howler monkeys at dawn are better than any alarm clock. We would work through the morning, taking breaks to watch toucans from our balcony.
Afternoons were for adventure. One day we went go-karting, racing through tracks surrounded by rainforest. Steve is competitive about everything, so naturally he had to win. Another day we went searching for sloths, finding them hanging lazily in the trees, completely unbothered by our excited pointing.
The Wildlife
Costa Rica has 5% of the world's biodiversity. You see it everywhere - monkeys crossing the road, iguanas sunbathing on fences, colorful birds you have never seen before. Even our daily walks became wildlife safaris.
The sloths were my favorite. There is something deeply relatable about an animal whose entire lifestyle is about taking it easy. Maybe they are onto something.
Tips for Remote Work in Costa Rica
Choose Your Base Wisely
Beach towns like Tamarindo have great infrastructure. The Central Valley near San Jose is more affordable with reliable services. More remote areas have stunning nature but spottier wifi.
Have a Backup
Power outages and internet issues happen. We always had a mobile hotspot as backup and knew where the nearest coworking space was for important calls.
Embrace the Pace
Things move slower here. Service might take longer. Plans might change. That is the pura vida way. Fighting it only frustrates you - embracing it transforms your relationship with time.
Working Together
Working remotely with your spouse has its challenges. We learned to respect each other's work time, to take breaks together, to keep work from consuming every hour. Costa Rica helped - it is hard to stay stressed when monkeys are playing outside your window.
Would We Return?
Absolutely. Costa Rica showed us that work and life do not have to be separate things we balance against each other. They can blend in beautiful ways when you are in the right place with the right person.
Pura vida indeed.