Do you know what the expression Pura Vida means to the Ticos? We will tell you here

For Ticos, the term "Pura Vida" is an expression of happiness, optimism, and living life to the fullest.  It is impossible to visit Costa Rica without hearing this phrase continuously.

How about a quick "Pura Vida 101" lesson? 

As a question, it is equivalent to "how are you?" As a response, it means "very well."

Something like this:

_Pura Vida?
_ Pura Vida.

Curiously, the person does not necessarily have to be very well -- the greeting arises automatically because, deep down, its meaning is: “I’m glad to see you and that makes me happy”.

It is also used to say goodbye:

_ See you later.
_ Pura Vida.

AND as if that were not enough, it is the equivalent to saying "yes" to any question:

_ Do you want me to come with you?
_ Pura Vida.

It is also used to say “you’re welcome” or “it's nothing”.

_ Thank you so much for coming.
_ Pura Vida.

Regardless of the context, Pura Vida is always expressed with enthusiasm, sympathy, gratitude and motivation, because it emerges from the soul.

Pura Vida is an expression so embedded in the DNA of Costa Ricans that no one would suspect that it may have arisen from a 1956 Mexican movie with the same name.  The phrase is used by the protagonist throughout the film to refer to good people and beautiful things or situations.

Ticos adopted the term, morphing it to a distinct meaning yet with varied manifestations. It is now so ingrained that it is used by different generations and is part of Costa Rican mainstream culture and identity. More than just a term, it’s a lifestyle.