As the sun rose, the forest was so quiet that you could hear a single leaf falling to the ground. I stopped to close my eyes and let peace envelop me. I felt relaxed just listening to my own breathing. Halfway to base camp we stopped at a small store to pure water (a hot drink made with cane sugar) and a cheese tortilla. As we rested, capuchin monkeys played in the trees, throwing bromeliad plants at us.
Arriving at base camp, I met Merlin, a local guide who lives nearby in the countryside. After we shared our concerns about the weather, I asked his opinion on the saying. “Pura vida is the essence of life. For me, it really defines our culture, our feelings and our lifestyle,” he said. “We live in a peaceful country, without wars or armies. I think we have a happy culture, always smiling, friendly and trying to be of service to others.”
Of course he was generalizing, but I understood his point of view. As we talked, the sky darkened and it began to rain. He said it was a shame because on a clear day you can see both the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean from the summit.
I was still hoping that by the time we reached the top the weather would clear up, but it didn’t. The wind was strong and cold and I could barely see a meter in front of me. Frustrated, we left. Lunch was calm, the air heavy with disappointment.
Later in the afternoon we decided to hike in a different direction, to another landmark called Crestones, a striking rock formation. When we reached the top, the sun appeared and with it the most beautiful and complete rainbow. As I stood there in awe, I realized that life is not what we imagine or plan. Life isn’t perfect, it just is, and there can be beauty in that. I finally remembered that pura vida is about being happy with where you are right now and approaching the world with an attitude of unwavering gratitude.
In the end, I didn’t need to look for pura vida because it was everywhere during my trip: by the ocean at a friend’s wedding, sitting in the garden with my family, shopping at the farmers market and even at the highest peak. on a cloudy day. As Sánchez said, “Pura vida is a way of living life.”
—
Join over three million BBC Travel fans by liking us on Facebookor follow us on Twitter And Instagram.
If you liked this story, sign up for The Essential List newsletter – a hand-picked selection of can’t-miss features, videos and news, delivered to your inbox every Friday.