While the literal English translated version of "Pura Vida" is "pure life", the most accurate and equivalent of this common Spanish phrase is nothing but life. This gives a peek in the spirit of lifestyle in Tamarindo Costa Rica as it is a commonly used phrase there. It describes perfectly the natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere that has long attracted tourists and retirees alike to this Latin hub. Tamarindo offers that small-town vibe where everybody knows your name despite an increase in population.

Located on the Nicoya Peninsula in the Guanacaste region, Tamarindo Costa Rica is reachable after less than an hour away from an airport by paved roads.

Tamarindo's Outdoor life

Living among nature is a perk of living in Tamarindo. Indoor dining is rarity here and at some restaurants, this is not even an option. Shelter from the rain is always available, but even the rainy months don't prevent Tamarindo residents from relishing the outdoor life. You will no longer dread exercising when everyday there is a range of physical activities to choose from: biking, surfing, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, and much more.

Tamarindo is definitely a haven for outdoor adventure aficionados and nature lovers. The town boasts its rich biodiversity, with many species of birds, monkeys, marine animals, and reptiles. It is also home to and Tamarindo National Wildlife Refuge. The latter is a 1,000-acres protected forest where mangroves and estuaries astound visitors. Canoe tours offer a close-up and personal observations of all sorts of fauna and flora life. Nearby Tamarindo are the Parque Nacional Barra Honda and the Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Ostional wildlife reserves.

Tamarindo's climate

Tamarindo has one of the warmest and driest climates in Costa Rica. The land is privileged to have direct sunlight nearly every day of the year. It has a wet and dry season. Tamarindo, however, receives much less rainfall than its Caribbean neighbors due to its location on the Pacific Coast. Even during the "rainy" season from May to October approximately, it is rare to spend a day without sunshine. Temperatures are consistent throughout the year, fluctuating between 80F and 95F. The humidity is higher during the dry season, lasting from November to April. Around February is usually a great time for sailing and windsurfing due to the high winds.

The wet season is a lot cooler, with the highest amount of rain falls in June, September, and October, with a more moderate period in between. Costa Rica's flora and fauna show their most gorgeous forms during this season. The wet season provides the most attractive conditions for surfers and while there might be some storms, hurricanes are not a peril. This is because of Tamarindo's location on the Pacific Coast.

Tamarindo's beaches

One of Tamarindo's greatest assets is its beaches. It was not until the 1970s when some curious surfers set foot in this undiscovered beach town and recognize the incredible surf break that exists just offshore.

There's Playa Tamarindo, which is centrally located and bordered by a mecca of beach-side restaurants and bars. This wide sandy beach is a great place for swimming and surfing. Heading North there is Playa Grande, a white sand beach that lies just across the Rio Matapalo. This river hosts a large mangrove forest where waterfowl and a rich diversity of animals call home. The beach is also the hub for some of the world's best surfing and the host city for several international surfing competitions.

Heading South there is Playa Langosta, which hosts another white sand beach. Even more mangroves and wildlife flourish there in the brackish waters where the Rio San Francisco meets the Pacific. These beaches and estuaries make up the Las Baulas National Park. This is the place where the world's biggest leatherback turtle comes ashore to lay its eggs.

Tamarindo's lifestyle

The stress-free lifestyle there has been made possible due to the traditions of the modern Nicoyans, who have strong roots to the indigenous Chorotega. Alas, it is the "pura vida" lifestyle people have been enjoying.

While city life provides you the sight of skyscrapers and heavy traffic jam, in Tamarindo, howler monkeys and the plethora of lizards are the daily sightings that never get old. Between the monkeys and a variety of tropical birds found here, high chances you will be walking to the tune of a different sort of alarm clock.

The comfort of getting anywhere in town within 10 to 15 minutes on foot is a major advantage enjoyed by the roughly 1,000 year-round residents. During peak times, the population jumps to 5,000 as tourists and part-time residents rush in. If you need a taxi in urgent cases, it will usually cost between $2 and $4 and the public bus fare that travels to surrounding cities is low. For instance, it costs around $1.30 to go to Santa Cruz (the area's municipality center) while a bus ride to Liberia (the capital of the Guanacaste province) will only be $2.50.

While the nearest hospital is in Liberia, there are multiple local clinics and pharmacies in town. There is a weekly feria (farmers' market) every Saturday, which is our personal favorite, among five accessible grocery stores. At the feria, you will be able to find locally grown products like cheeses, eggs, fresh fish, herbs and spices for a fraction of the normal price.

Each day is packed with an array of exciting action in Tamarindo, whether you want to learn to conquer that wave with your surfing board, have a dinner out at sea, log some hiking mileage, catch up on your reading by the beach, or lounge seaside in a hammock. The daily scenery is peaceful where surfers get one last session in, seaside cocktails enjoyed, people walk their dogs, and kids are making sand castles. It is relaxing as it can be at Tamarindo when at the end of the day, you know you have the extraordinary Pacific coast sunset to look forward to.

Tamarindo's exotic fruit

This is true across Costa Rica but Tamarindo certainly stands out as the haven of exotic food. American comers to Tamarindo are introduced to more exotic fruits in their time here than ever before. Walking down the street, mango trees drop juicy fruits in your lap that would normally cost up to $4 each at the local co-op back in the States. You can purchase or find fresh papaya, coconuts (pipas), pineapple, guava, , guanabana (known for its thick banana-coconut flavored juice), mamones (fruit you crack open with your teeth) or Tamarindo, which is not just the name of this lovely town, but also a sweet and sour fruit that has brown seed-like pods when cracked open.

Tamarindo's adventures

Tamarindo is Costa Rica's most popular surfing hotspot due to its central location which allows easy access. It also offers beach, river mouth, and reef breaks, making it an ideal destination for all skill levels.

Besides surfing, the sport fishing in Tamarindo is also a popular leisure activity. Anglers can hope to catch a plethora of fish, including sailfish, marlin, wahoo, and tuna. Fishing tours in the area offer reef and shoreline fishing along with deep sea excursions. You can ask the boatman or the tour facilitator to local restaurants that will gladly make a decent dish out of your fresh catch once you leave boat.

In addition to surfing and fishing, there are other channels of adventure and recreation. If you are into sailing, sign up for a sailboat tour is a great way to explore the aquatic world. You will get to see a sunset, find an ideal place to snorkel, and the best of all, to see dolphins and whales in vicinity.

Boat tours are another excellent aquatic adventure. This is the opportunity to explore the wildlife reserves where you will see all kinds of species, from capuchin monkeys over your head to crocodiles lurking in the water. Visitors can either roam free on their own in a kayak or be accompanied with a guide.

Both the beaches and jungles can be enjoyed on horseback or ATV. Eco-tours are offered on almost any vehicle. There are two world-class golf courses near Tamarindo and a professional tennis court.

Tamarindo's cost of living

On the bright side, many expats will find the cost of living in Tamarindo is lower than many coastal North American towns. However, it is crucial to have realistic expectations and be aware of the recent increased living cost here, due to an influx of both North American and European expats. The town is a mix of the old Central American charm and the modern amenities including upscale restaurants, upscale restaurants, and luxury condos.

A monthly budget in Tamarindo will vary by different lifestyles. It is possible to keep things low key and have a frugal lifestyle. However, if you plan to have a car and maintain a high-end lifestyle which involves frequent out dining and imported goods, a monthly budget could easily amount to $2,000 or $3,000.

Let's look at a sample of a couple's budget in Tamarindo. Most expats don't find the need to have a car, but the cost of a vehicle is included for reference.

Where to live in Tamarindo

There is a range of options when it comes to real estate purchase, included low-cost condos with ocean view and family homes in Tamarindo. An exclusive 3-bedroom condo five minutes driving from the beach can be had for under $200,000, 3-bedroom home with a private pool next to BBQ and terrace for $280,000. These items are great rental income opportunities for potential real estate investors in Costa Rica. Don't have the commitment to buy a property yet? There is also a plethora of vacation/residence rentals, ranging from two-bedroom condos to tropical contemporary house for around $1,000 a month. This is the opportunity to try out living in Tamarindo before making it a permanent home or to have a place to visit for a month or two.

Just like most places around the world, the closer you want to live to the beach and town center, the higher the housing would be. These locations, however, are often highly on top of the list of many house seekers, because generally, many people enjoy the ability to live in Tamarindo without a vehicle. To live in affordable housing, the locations are often further out of town, meaning you might need to buy some sort of transportation. Tamarindo is a very walkable town. No matter where you live, the town and the beach will only be in 10-15 minutes walking distance.

From its beautiful scenery to its options for adventures on a daily basis, it is the pura vida life with the right amount of modern conveniences. What more could one ask for? Also explore the nearby Flamingo beach area