Home / News / Pura Vida: What It Really Means — and the Costa...

Pura Vida: What It Really Means — and the Costa Rica Sticker That Says It

July 5, 2026· 4 min read

Spend a few days in Costa Rica and you’ll hear it everywhere: pura vida. It’s the greeting at the door, the answer to “how are you?”, the sign-off at the end of a chat. By the time you fly home, it’s stuck in your head — and a little bit in your heart.

So what does it actually mean, and why does it make such a perfect sticker to carry with you? Let’s unpack it.

What does "pura vida" mean?

Literally, pura vida translates from Spanish as “pure life.” But in Costa Rica it means so much more than the words. It’s used as a hello and a goodbye, a “thank you” and a “you’re welcome,” a way to say “I’m doing great” or simply “it’s all good.”

It’s the unofficial motto of the whole country — a quick, warm phrase that locals (known as ticos) use dozens of times a day.

More than words — it's a way of life

Ask anyone who’s been, and they’ll tell you pura vida is really a mindset. It’s about slowing down, appreciating the simple things, and not sweating what you can’t control. It’s gratitude, optimism, and a relaxed pace rolled into two little words.

That’s exactly why it travels so well beyond Costa Rica. People bring the phrase home because they want to hold on to the feeling — and a Pura Vida sticker is a small, daily way to do just that.

Who this Costa Rica sticker is for

This isn’t just a souvenir — it’s a little reminder for a certain kind of person:

Travellers who just got back from Costa Rica and aren’t ready to let go
Surfers and beach lovers who live the laid-back life
Yoga, wellness, and good-vibes types who’ve adopted the pura vida mindset
Anyone planning their next trip and dreaming of the rainforest
Sticker collectors building a laptop or water bottle full of meaning

Where to put your Pura Vida sticker

Peel, stick, done. The strong adhesive holds tight, and when you want a change it lifts off cleanly with no sticky residue. Favourite spots include:

Laptops, tablets, and phone cases
Water bottles, thermoses, tumblers, and travel mugs
Cars, bumpers, and windows
Journals, planners, and scrapbooks
Surfboards, skateboards, luggage, and backpacks

Airport-quality, built to last

The best part? You don’t have to overpay at a gift shop to get something great. This 4-inch decal is made from premium waterproof vinyl with bold, fade-resistant colours and UV-stable inks — so it won’t crack, peel, or wash out on a water bottle, in the sun, or through the dishwasher. It’s a generous size that looks just as good on a laptop as it does on a thermos, and like every No Thorns Media design, it’s an original created in-house, never generic stock art.

Frequently asked questions

What does "pura vida" mean?

It literally means “pure life” in Spanish, but in Costa Rica it’s used as a greeting, a farewell, and a way of saying “all good” — and it reflects a relaxed, grateful way of living.